Transition from Primary

Key Information

It is important that you are prepared for your lessons. The following list of stationery is what you will need when you start in September.

• Pencil case
• Blue or Black pens (minimum of 2)
• Green pens (minimum of 2)
• Pencils
• Ruler, Rubber, Sharpener
• Scientific calculator
• Geometry maths set (including compass and protractor)

Who do I talk to if I have a problem?

The form tutor should be the first point of contact for students or parents with any worries.  If a concern persists, you could contact the Head of Key Stage.  For concerns about a particular subject, contact the Head of Faculty for that subject.  There is a wonderful pastoral support area led by Mrs Wade, who provide support to students on a daily basis.  We also have a fantastic nurturing team in study and support; this is mainly aimed at students who have a special educational need or disability.

What to do at Break time

There will be range of healthy snacks, sandwiches, hot meals and drinks available for students from the school canteen at both break and lunch.  The cost of a hot meal is approx. £2.80.  Alternatively, your child may prefer to bring a packed lunch.  Food may only be eaten in the lunch hall or the covered canopy area adjacent to the hall.   Break & lunch is a time to catch up with friends, get some fresh air and recharge your batteries.  Students have access to a variety of outdoor social areas.  If your child is eligible for free school meals, you can either apply online at www.info.westberks.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals  or phone (01635) 42400.

Independent Learning

Independent Learning (Homework) is a vital part of learning. It allows students to build up their self-reliance and organisation skills. Our vision is that John O’Gaunt School will be an outstanding learning school.  We also aim to produce independent, lifelong learners.

Independent Learning tasks are published electronically on ClassCharts and all students will have access to this when they start in September.  At that point, parents will also be emailed details on how to access ClassCharts.  Parents can monitor what is being set and completed via the downloadable app.

Please contact the class teacher with any query regarding your child’s independent learning before it is due to be handed in.  For information , here is a link to our Independent Learning Policy.

Communication

We use Weduc for all communication with parents and carers.  It is important that the school has up-to-date contact details for this purpose, as well as in case of emergency.  Here are links to information about the Weduc app.

Payments for cashless catering, school trips, and resources are also made through ParentPay.

ClassCharts is used to communicate messages regarding independent learning, as well as any positive or negative sanction points awarded.  You will be emailed a link to access the ClassCharts app once your child has started in September.

Houses

When starting at John O’Gaunt School, your child will be placed into a house – Attenborough, Turing and Seacole.  This house will be the one they are assigned to for the remainder of their time at the school and will form part of the competitive environment in which many of our students thrive.

There will be a range of competitions throughout the year, across all subject faculties and in the summer term we have our end of year Sports Day. If your child already has a sibling at the school, they will be placed into the same house.

Pupil Premium and Free School Meals

If your child is currently in receipt of free school meals or is on their school’s Pupil Premium register, the information should be forwarded to us automatically. However, if you wish to discuss this further or are in need of support, please contact the school office.

Lockers

We use a company called ILS for provision of our student lockers.  If your child would like a locker, please follow the link for the  information letter and details of how to apply to the Locker Company – JOG Lockers.

Behaviour

John O’Gaunt School has a simple behaviour for learning system and this can be see in our Behaviour for Learning Policy.

ClassCharts is an online system where staff record both praise and sanction points. Parents/carers and students can download the app which informs them of when these are awarded and the reason.

Praise – points are given for a variety of reasons, e.g. completing good work in class, excellent homework, making a good contribution to class discussion, being ready to learn.  Reward activities are organised for students at regular points throughout the year depending on the number of praise points earned.

Sanctions – John O’Gaunt School operates a 3 warnings system whereby students who do not follow instructions and rules in place, are sanctioned for poor behaviour choices.  There are a range of sanctions ranging from ‘Break Detention’ to ‘Reflection Room’ and ‘Suspension’.  Suspensions are rare and considered a serious sanction; these would be determined by the Principal.