MOVING INTO YEAR 6 Parent information meeting 06 May 2013

1. MOVING INTO YEAR 6Parent information meeting06 May 2013

2. Curriculum continuity: English National Curriculum • The same subjects, except that: • Humanities splits into History and Geography • non-Arabs and non-Muslims take D&T or German • The school’s commitment to the most effective teaching methods and resources is unchanged • Chess Club, D&T Club, Science Club and others • About the same amount of homework (one hour) What will stay the same?

3. Secondary Head Teacher: Mr Andrew Moulden • Middle Department Coordinator: Ms Estelle Jones • Taught by specialist subject teachers • French, Arabic, Islam and PE may be taught in sets • Year 6 has a more grown-up style of uniform • Students bring their own laptops to lessons • Year 6/7 rooftop playground and canteen • Students usea locker to avoid carrying too much What will be different?

4. There will be six Year 6 tutor groups • We will try not to mix the current classes – but please re-register as soon as possible • Year 6 students have AM and PM Tutor Time • Class Tutors teach PSHE and either English or Mathematics to their tutor group • Class Tutors provide ‘front-line’ pastoral care • Most lessons are taught in tutor groups Year 6 Tutor Groups

5. • Middle Department students must bring a netbook or laptop computer to school every day • We recommend small, lightweight computers • Students bring their computers to every lesson • Batteries should be fully charged each night • Students should also bring their charger • Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition Laptop Computers

6. Year 6 students are given priority over Year 7+ • Letter issued on first day of the academic year • All Year 6 students are advised to rent a locker • Students either buy a padlock or use their own • Students may not share lockers • Lockers are located close to tutor rooms • Year 6 students may access lockers during Registration and any time during breaks. Lockers

7. Similar to the Junior Department planner • Clear home-school communication • Students should cover their planner, avoid losing it, keep it neat and use it properly • The student planner remains school property • Parents should check and sign the planner weekly. In Year 6, we recommend daily checks. • The Class Tutor also checks and signs weekly Student Planner

8. Students should arrive by 07.30 sharp • Attendance is registered each AM and PM • Absence notes are required on the first day back • Lateness is unacceptable and is recorded • Bus students leave PM Tutor Time at 14.30 • Non-bus students should be collected at 14.35 • Students should not leave school early Attendance & Punctuality

9. Year 6 students receive a homework timetable • Homework is set according to this timetable • All homework must be recorded in the planner • Students receive 3 or 4 homeworks daily • Each homework should take about 20 minutes • Requirements: internet and an A4 printer • Full procedures: www.bsk.edu.kw/homework Homework

10. BSK short-sleeved blouse with logo • BSK lilac striped skirt • BSK white ankle socks • with purple stripes • Black low-heeled leather shoes • Plain black or purple hair accessories • Optional: BSK grey hijab with purple edging and long-sleeved blouse • Full details: www.bsk.edu.kw/MDuniform Girls’ Summer Uniform

11. BSK short-sleeved shirt with logo • BSK grey trousers • BSK striped tie • BSK grey socks with purple stripes • Formal black leather shoes • Note: All items marked ‘BSK’ on this and the previous slide must be purchased from the Royal Scot • Full details: www.bsk.edu.kw/MDuniform Boys’ Summer Uniform

12. Tidy hair. Not too long or short. Not spiked. • No gel, mousse, cream or oil • Girls with long hair should tie it back • Girls may use black or purple hair accessories • No jewellery – except small, plain metal earrings • No make-up, nail varnish, coloured lip balm etc • Shoes must be formal black leather (not sporty) • BSK photographic identity badges must be worn • Full details: www.bsk.edu.kw/uniform Standards of Appearance

13. Two housepoints (HPs) are given in every lesson: one for achievement and one for attitude • Students also receive HPs for serving the school, winning competitions and for other achievements. • Club Zero: perfect behaviour over a whole term • Students who work and behave sufficiently well will be invited to special MD events and trips • Subject Prizes and Excellence Awards • Full details: www.bsk.edu.kw/rewards Rewards System

14. Every incident of misbehaviour is recorded • Each offence loses students housepoints • Minor offences: -1 point (uniform, chatty etc) • More serious: -2 points and break detention • Serious incidents: -3 or-5 points • Afterschool detention: -3 point offences • Suspension from school: -5 point offences • Full details: www.bsk.edu.kw/sanctions Sanctions System

15. Film and Pizza evenings: September • Awards evening: October • Entertainment City: November and March • Games evenings: February • Tenpin bowling: February • Sports Day: March • Middle Department Production: April Events and Trips

16. Buddy system for students who are new to BSK • Two week ‘period of grace’ if students get lost • Year 6 have priority to rent lockers • Each Year 6 tutor also teaches the tutor group, so as to develop an understanding of both their academic and pastoral needs • At most one formal assessment per day Special Arrangements

17. THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF KUWAIT Ms Estelle Jones Middle Department Coordinator Tel: 2562 1701 x121 Email: esj@bsk.edu.kw www.bsk.edu.kw/5into6