Shrewsbury House School - Parent Handbook

Parent & Pupil Handbook 2025/26

Visiting the School

We look forward to welcoming you to the School for many events throughout the year and have the following procedures in place to keep our community safe:

Visiting the Main School Site/Entering the School Buildings

When visiting the main School Site during the school day, all visitors are expected to sign in at our Reception desk on arrival and sign out on departure if they are entering the School Buildings. If you are attending a match, a staff member will welcome you on the gate, but there will be no requirement to sign in.

Parking when visiting the School

Unless you have reserved a car parking space in advance e.g. you have an appointment with the Executive Head and this has been arranged by her Personal Assistant, parking is not available on the School Site during normal working hours.

Please always park legally and with consideration to our neighbours. It is not acceptable to in any way block someone’s driveway and their access to their own house. We request that you do not park on Ditton Road as this can cause traffic congestion.

Please do pay respect to the signs highlighting parking restrictions which apply at certain times. Traffic wardens do patrol the area adjacent to the School.

Use of Mobile Phones

We recognise that parents will want to capture memories of special events. We ask that parents refrain from posting photographs or videos of other people on their social media, unless they have the explicit permission of everyone involved.

Mobile Phones cannot be used in the Younger Years Building or in the areas immediately adjacent to the building.

Dogs on site at SHS and SHSG

For those parents that wish to bring their dogs to fixtures, they are welcome at both SHS and our Sports Ground (SHSG). We do ask however, that owners ensure dogs remain on their leads at all times and are not left unattended. When at School, dogs may not enter the AllWeather Surface (AWS) or buildings.

The Governors and the Executive Head fully recognise the School’s responsibilities for safeguarding and child protection, in particular the role we can fulfil as part of a wider system of safeguarding, including early help with a child’s welfare and best interests as our priority.

We strongly believe that Shrewsbury House School should provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual child and we are prepared to intervene at an early stage to prevent a concern from escalating. We work closely with parents to ensure that each pupil receives the care he needs at each stage of his development.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Mr Tom Eaves, (teaves@shstrust.net) and the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads are Mr Jon Albert (jalbert@shstrust.net), Mrs Joanna Hubbard, (jhubbard@shstrust.net) and Ms Anna Wells (awells@shstrust.net). They are contactable via email or telephone (020 8399 3066).

Outside school hours and during school holidays, any Safeguarding concerns should be reported to the relevant local authority for the child’s home address. Further helpful details are available on the School Website on the safeguarding page.

Pastoral Care

Shrewsbury House provides outstanding pastoral care. The wellbeing and care of our pupils is fundamentally important and absolutely central to all that we do. We want your son(s) to be happy and to thrive at Shrewsbury House and understanding them as individuals is central to this.

Our focus is on the whole child, as we are very aware that all aspects of school life contribute significantly to the wellbeing of an individual child. We aim to provide a nurturing environment for all pupils during their time with us.

Throughout his time at SHS, each pupil will have individual care and support. The pastoral structure

of the School allows support to operate on several different levels. Younger Years pupils will have a dedicated Class Teacher, whilst pupils in Years 3-8 will have a dedicated Tutor who oversee the boys’ general well-being and progress. The Class Teacher/Tutor acts as a guide and mentor and a conduit between School and the pupil’s family. In Years 3-8 the Head of Year maintains an overview on all pupils in a year group. The Head of Younger Years and DDSL, Ms Anna Wells and the Deputy Head – Pastoral and DSL, Mr Tom Eaves oversee the pastoral system for Younger Years and Years 3-8 respectively.

Absences from School

All pupils are expected to attend SHS between the core school hours detailed below and at such other times designated for a School activity, (e.g. for Years 3-8 Saturday matches, after-school concerts, plays etc.). In the Younger Years, such events typically take place during the school day.

Core School hours for Younger Years are: 08.20-15.15 and for Years 3-8 from 08.20-16.00.

A pupil may be marked late if he arrives after 08.30 in the morning.

Requests for planned absences i.e. medical appointments, external exams, school visits, etc. must be made via the Parent Portal, ideally giving 14 days’ notice, wherever possible, as these require authorisation by the Executive Head. You will receive a notification of either Authorised, or Declined. If an absence is declined, this will show as an unauthorised absence on your son’s attendance record should he not attend school on that date.

An absence is “authorised” if:

O A child is unwell – the School asks that you let us know by phone or by email before 08:15 for each day your son is absent. The School Office is manned from 08:00; there is an answerphone before that time so that parents can leave a message about an absence; alternatively, parents should email the School Office and their son’s Class Teacher/Tutor in good time: shsoffice@shstrust.net

O Please do not use the parent portal to notify us of your child being unwell.

O A pupil is absent on a day exclusively set aside for religious observances. Please request this absence in advance, via the Parent Portal.

O Permission has been sought, and gained from the Executive Head in writing, e.g. for a medical appointment (except in the case of last-minute appointments, such permission should be requested, via the Parent Portal, ideally 14 days in advance).

O The School fully agrees with the Department for Education and Employment guidance which says that schools should be “sparing in the exercise of their discretion to grant leave of absence”.

O If pupils are absent from School due to illness or injury, the following arrangements apply for academic work:

O Illness – for less than 3 days: if a pupil is absent due to illness for less than three days, it is important that he has time to rest and recover. Staff members are not required to provide work but should continue to post assignments on SeeSaw (for Younger Years)/Google Classroom (for Years 3-8) which would support the catch-up work once the pupil recovers.

O For Years 3-8, on the pupil’s return, he should speak to his teachers at the next available opportunity to enquire what work needs catching up, if any.

O Longer Illness – more than 3 days: if a pupil is absent due to illness for more than three days, staff members should liaise, via the Class Teacher/ Tutor with the parents to establish the plan for catch up work, either online or on the pupil’s return to School.

Adjustments

If a boy has sustained a significant injury e.g. a fracture, the School may need to put an Adjustment Plan in place. This would normally be organised by the Class Teacher/Tutor in conjunction with the School Matron and possibly with advice from the Learning Enrichment Coordinator. An Adjustment Plan may include such things as additional access to the use

of a laptop/iPad, a buddy to help with bags/lunch tray, being allowed to leave a lesson a few minutes early to ease the movement to another class, where applicable etc. If the injury results in significant mobility challenges, the location of a pupil’s lessons or of the Class Teacher/Tutor group may need to be reviewed.

Medical/Dental Appointments

If pupils need to be absent from School, or leave early for medical/dental appointments, parents should inform the School Office and their son’s Class Teacher/Tutor via the Parent Portal in advance. Parents are asked to avoid arranging such appointments during school hours, if at all possible, so that their son does not miss academic lessons.

Holidays

The School always publishes term dates well in advance. Parents are asked to avoid removing their son from School for a holiday during term time, as such an absence undoubtedly impacts upon his learning. If unavoidable due to exceptional family circumstances, permission for holiday in school time must be sought from the Executive Head. Please also note that only in exceptional circumstances will the Executive Head give permission for boys to be granted leave during term time, or to leave school early on the last day of term.

Appearance and Personal Possessions

Appearance

We have high standards for our uniform and the overall appearance of pupils and ask that parents support their son in meeting these expectations:

O On arrival and departure from School, pupils must wear full school uniform (except when staff have given permission for pupils to go home in their tracksuit and blazer and for pupils in Younger Years who will arrive in their sports kit for PE and Games days).

O If a member of staff feels it would be more appropriate for pupils not to wear uniform (e.g. on an outing, with the Executive Head’s agreement, dress may be smart casual with the following stipulations: no large logos on shirts, sweaters or jackets, shirts to be tucked in, no caps or hats (except for sun protection) and no torn or ripped clothing.

O If a pupil mislays his school shoes, every effort should be made to find them as soon as possible rather than arriving in trainers for more days than are strictly necessary.

Hair and Jewellery

Pupils are expected to have moderate hairstyles, avoiding extremes which are not the norm within our community. Hair should be kept neat at all times and tied back if it obstructs vision. Hair dye is not permitted. Pupils may not wear jewellery, except for religious purposes.

Equipment and Possessions

Personal Possessions

In addition to clothing items, all personal possessions, such as watches, pens and musical instruments must be clearly named. It is also advised that parents regularly check inside boots and shoes, as these markings do tend to become illegible through wear. It is the responsibility of pupils to look after their own possessions.

Money

Pupils should not bring money to School unless under specific instructions from their Class Teacher/Tutor or other teacher e.g. for a charity event. Money should be handed into the School Office or handed to a member of staff immediately on arrival at School.

Mobile Phones, Kindles and iPads

If registered on the Mobile Phone Register pupils may bring mobile phones into School, but they MUST be handed in to the Senior Deputy Head’s Office immediately on arrival and only collected immediately before departure from School. Pupils travelling to School on the School Transport Service must hand their phones to the bus drivers when getting on to the buses. Pupils going to matches in the afternoon may collect their phones from the Senior Deputy Head’s Office before departing for their match and hand them to the driver of their bus.

Mobile phones may only be used under the supervision of a member of staff to make telephone calls to parents or carers regarding travelling home arrangements. Under NO circumstances may phones be used within the Nathan Ross Building and surrounding areas. Internet access is NOT permitted from pupil smart watches or phones. The device camera cannot be used for games and apps played on the phones or smart watches. Pupils may not have such devices on any School outing, trip or activity unless the Executive Head has given permission.

Generally, the ONLY electronic device allowed in School is a Kindle but these must not be internetenabled and games must not be played or apps used. They must only be used to access reading material. Other devices with electronic reading apps built-in, such as iPads, are NOT allowed. The use of these devices also applies when travelling on School transport. If these conditions are abused, the respective device/s will be confiscated and returned to parents at the School’s discretion, and the pupil will no longer be allowed to bring devices to School.

Stationery

Younger Years

All stationery is provided for Younger Years pupils.

For Years 3-8

Please see a list of key equipment your son will require below:

1x fountain pen (please include royal blue ink cartridges only) from the end of Year 4

2 x blue handwriting pens – Year 3 (STABILO EASY pens recommended)

Friction pens are not allowed, in line with Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) examination guidelines

2 x HB pencils

1 x set of colouring pencils

1 x pencil case

1 x 30cm ruler (marked in cm and mm – not steel, not flexible)

1 x A4 zip-up document folder for homework

1 x pencil sharpener

1 x rubber

1 x Glue stick

1 x Casio scientific calculator (e.g. fx-83, from Year 7)

1 x children’s scissors

1 x pack of highlighters

1 x 180° protractor from Year 4

No tippex or other eraser fluids are permitted.

Parents should ensure that items are clearly labelled with their son’s name.

Communications

Contacting Staff

Once your son is enrolled in the School, please be aware of the following communication channels:

Class Teacher/Tutor

Your son’s Class Teacher/Tutor should be the first point of contact should you wish to discuss any important matters or the wellbeing of your son.

School Office

The School Office should be the first point of contact for day-to-day enquiries. (shsoffice@shstrust.net).

The School Office is open from 08.00-18.00 MondayThursday and 08.00 to 17.00 on a Friday. Outside these hours, you may leave a message on the answer phone which is checked when staff return to the Office.

Email

If you wish to email staff, you will find a list of their addresses on the Parent Portal (document: Staff List with Email addresses). As staff teach during the day, they are not able to reply immediately to every email that is sent to them. You should however expect an acknowledgement within 24 hours and a full response within a timely manner, depending on the complexity of your enquiry and whether third parties need to be contacted for relevant information.

It is not expected of staff that they should be available to reply to an email during their holidays or weekends.

If you are emailing the Executive Head directly, please ensure you copy your email to her Personal Assistant, Mrs Barker (lbarker@shstrust.net).

The School’s Newsletter

Every Friday a link to Shrewsbury House News is emailed to parents and is also published on the School Website. This is the main communication containing details of events and news which parents are expected to read to keep them well informed of School matters.

Parent Contact Information via the Parent Portal

Parents are responsible for ensuring their contact information is kept up to date on the Parent Portal: home address, telephone numbers, email addresses, emergency contact details and if applicable, carer’s details. Please ensure there are two contacts in place for your son.

Parent Concerns and Complaints

Shrewsbury House School has long prided itself on the quality of the teaching and pastoral care provided to its pupils. However, if parents do have a concern or a complaint, relating to a pupil in our care, they can expect it to be treated by the School in accordance with the School’s Complaint Procedure which is published on the ‘About Us’ section of the School Website, within the Policy and Privacy Notices section.

‘SchoolBase’ and the Parent Portal

The School communicates with parents (email/text) via the ‘SchoolBase’ system and important documents are uploaded to the Parent Portal, including useful links such as Breakfast Club booking/permission to walk home. School reports are accessed on the Portal. It is also critical that you ensure that your son’s medical details are up to date via the Parent Portal. This information is relied upon for all School risk assessments.

School Closure

This is a rare event, but when it is required, the procedure for notifying closure of the School if this becomes necessary, for example, because of heavy snow is as follows:

O The School Website will be updated with any relevant information as soon as a decision to close the School has been taken.

O A decision to close will be notified to parents via text ideally by 07.15 or earlier if possible. Please do not try to contact coach/minibus drivers via mobile phones, or other staff members by mobile phone, the decision will be made by the Executive Head and communicated to all parents at the same time.

If you have not received a SchoolBase message, please assume that the School is open. Even if the School is open and you personally feel that it is not safe to travel, due to any particularly local difficulties, please notify the School Office by email: shsoffice@shstrust.net

School Calendar and Term Dates

The Calendar is available on the School Website. Please do refer to this regularly for upcoming events.

The term dates are also published in the School Calendar and are available on the School Website in the ‘School Life’ section: Click Here. Term dates are published well in advance to allow the planning of holidays.

Transport Service

The School partners with Vectare, a specialist school transport software company. You will have an individual log on that will allow you to make and amend bookings. Instructions on how to use Vectare are sent to parents separately. One of the key benefits of Vectare is that you will receive alerts when your child has boarded the bus to reassure you that he is safely on his way to his destination. You will be able to track the bus yourself through the dedicated transport portal. Vectare also allows you to view seat availability in real time and make a booking accordingly.

FAQs

Q: Do I have to register my son’s place on the school bus for the new academic school year?

A: Yes, you will need to sign up afresh for a new academic year and select the routes and journeys at that point.

Q: Do I have to let the School Office know about bus changes if I sign my son up to a club?

A: No, you will need to make the necessary transport adjustments on the Vectare App.

Q: Do I have to let the School Office know my son’s travel arrangements when my son is in a late fixture?

A: No, you will need to make the necessary transport adjustments on the Vectare App

Q: Will the School Office change my son’s travel arrangements for me when my son’s in a late fixture?

A: No, you will need to make the necessary transport adjustments on the Vectare App. Your son will be looked after at school until the late bus departs.

Q: Can I add my son to a bus route for a one-off journey?

A: Yes, you can make additional bookings through the Vectare App, provided there is space available.

Q: How will I be billed for taking the transport service?

A: Bookings must now be paid for via the Vectare online portal when you confirm your place on a bus route.

School Policies

Important School policies can be found on the School Website in the About Us Section, Policies and Privacy Notices. These include the following policies: Admissions, Anti-bullying, Behaviour Management, Complaints, Curriculum, First Aid, Health & Safety, Relationships & Sex Education, Safeguarding & Child Protection, as well as Parent, Younger and Older Pupil Privacy Notices and information on how to access other School policies.

We frequently review our policies and create new policies when needed. If you feel you want to know more about a particular policy, or cannot find a policy you would like to receive information about please email the School Office.

Daily Routines

Arrival in the Morning

O Boys arriving by car, bicycle or on foot should enter School via the main entrance. Younger Years pupils will be met by a staff member and escorted to their Class Room. Boys in Years 3-8 arriving on School transport walk around the back of the School and remain on the Triangle Playground.

O For Younger Years, any homework is handed into the Class Teacher.

O For Years 3-8 Prep is collected in their tutor rooms and brought down to the prep trays by Form Captains, Vice Captains and Form Representatives.

O For Younger Years, any sports bags or musical instruments remain with the children in their classroom.

O For Years 3-8 upon arrival at School, musical instruments (if applicable) and sports bags (if applicable) should be stored in the appropriate storage facilities.

O At the start of Tutor time each morning, pupils in Years 3-8 should empty their school bags into their lockers. Boys are encouraged to be independent throughout the day, managing their books for the next lessons as required. Boys in Years 7 & 8 are to leave their bags in their lockers all day and only carry their books and pencil case to lessons, whereas younger boys are permitted to use their school bags throughout the day. Boys in Years 3-6 are expected to make sensible use of their locker and NOT carry all their belongings in their bag each day.

Start of the School Day

Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club runs from 07:30 – 08:00 each day. Termly bookings are available or ad hoc bookings can be made at least 48 hours prior to the space being required. The boys then join the rest of the School when it opens at 08:00. To book a space at Breakfast Club please refer to the School Website.

Registration

The School opens at 08:00. Younger Years will be welcomed by their staff and escorted to their playground and classroom areas. Years 3-8 should remain in the Triangle Playground until the bell rings. Once the bell has rung boys can go to their Tutor Rooms and put their school bag/coat away, ready for registration.

Late Arrivals

The School asks that parents do their utmost to ensure their child (ren) arrives/arrive on time and no later than 08:15 to provide a sufficient period for pupils to be settled in for the day ahead. Pupils who do not arrive in time for registration (08:20 – 08:25), must go straight to the School Office to register. Boys arriving in their Tutor/Class Teacher Rooms after 08:30 may be registered as late.

End of the School Day

For Younger Years

The formal School day ends at 15.15, children remaining for the Co-curricular Programme will join their activity until 16.00. At 16.00 they will either

O Be collected by a parent/carer

O Travel home on School Transport

O Join Wraparound Care

Siblings who are Younger Years pupils who are not attending Co-curricular activities are able to remain in their classroom under supervision for the 16.00 collection/School Transport departure. Staff will escort children to the Transport Service departure point or to the front of School for collection.

Years 3-8

The formal School day ends at 16:00. The Co-curricular Programme is available Mondays-Thursdays (16:15 and 17:15) in which a range of activities can be undertaken. There are no Co-curricular activities on Fridays, so dismissal is at 16:00 for the whole School unless Wrap-around Care has been booked (see below for more details).

At the end of the School day, pupils not attending Co-curricular activities and not using SHS transport should be collected by 16:15 from the paved area in front of the main entrance. To assist in the smooth process of collection, we respectfully ask that no parent arrives on site by car before 16:00, to avoid long queues on Ditton Road. During these busy periods, to ensure the smooth entrance into the School, we also kindly ask you to turn left into the school from Ditton Road, therefore joining a queue where necessary rather than turning right and potentially blocking the flow of traffic. If you have arrived towards the front of the queue and your son has not arrived outside for collection, you may be asked to move on and join the back of the queue until your son arrives for collection. If your son is travelling by School transport, he will leave School from the bus collection point. For boys attending Co-curricular activities, collection by car is 17:15. Boys attending Co-curricular activities and being picked up on foot by parents should be collected from the paved area in front of the School. The School transport service is available at 17:15.

During your son’s first few days of school, staff will be available to support him to know where to go.

The safeguarding of your son is paramount, therefore, if for any reason there is a change to your usual collection arrangements e.g. a different adult is

collecting your son, please notify the School Office to inform them at the earliest opportunity. If there is noone present to collect your son from their usual bus stop and he does not have authority to walk home when using the school-to-home service he will be brought back to School by the bus driver for collection from School.

Wrap around care

Wrap around care is available after school every day, using our wrap around care provider – Après School.

Three sessions will be available for parents to book:

O 3.15 to 4 pm

O 4 pm to 5.10 pm

O 5.10 pm to 6 pm

Parents are able to book sessions directly with Après School, having set up an account. Details about the service and how to set up the account are sent to parents separately.

Walking home procedures

If you wish for your son(s) to walk home, either from School or from the bus stop, please email the School Office shsoffice@shstrust.net to inform them of this and they will update our register of pupils with this permission. You will also be asked to complete the relevant form giving your authority which is available for you on the Parent Portal. If your son is going home with someone who normally has permission to walk home, you will need to give your permission for your son to walk home with the other pupil also.

Drop-off and Collection Arrangements

Parents/collectors are asked to ensure they adhere to the School’s collection and drop off arrangements below. The aim is to provide a system which is both safe and keeps queuing to a minimum, respecting our residential neighbours.

Younger Years pupils will be accompanied by a member of staff to either the front of the School for collection by their parent/carer, or to the correct bus. It is anticipated that parents collecting Younger Years pupils would prefer to park off site and collect on foot. If however, you would like to use drop-off and collection by car, please follow the guidance below.

Car Signs: At the start of the year pupils in Years 3-8 will return home with a sign for your car windscreen. Each evening different members of staff may be on duty in the driveway; reading your son’s name and year group on this sign significantly assists the flow of the driveway. Thank you in advance for ensuring whoever is collecting your son places this sign in the front of their windscreens.

Dropping off from a car: wherever possible please pull up to the furthest most point along the driveway (outside the Foyer/Main School entrance) with the pavement on your left-hand side. During busy periods, you may be asked to form a second queue on the right-hand side of the driveway, where a member of staff will escort your son to your car. To assist the flow of the driveway, please ensure your son is ready to exit, ideally independently and without the need to use the boot where possible. Members of staff will be there to welcome your son and assist if required.

Collecting by car: as with the drop off arrangements, cars should pull up to the furthermost point of the drop off/collection zone (outside the Main Entrance/ Foyer) to collect boys. Boys will wait on the path alongside the zone and will only be able to enter cars in the zone under the supervision of staff on duty. Wherever possible, please pull up adjacent to the path, although you may be asked to form a second line to ease the traffic on the Ditton Road, where your son will be escorted to you by a member of staff. During collection, please remain in your car and wherever possible boys will be encouraged to get in with their bags and avoid the use of the car boot. By arriving for collection at the times above, your son should be ready with their possessions, however, if you are at the front of the queue and your son(s) is/ are not ready, you may be asked to loop around and join the back of the queue to assist with the flow.

Co-curricular Activities

Parents receive information regarding choices of Co-curricular activities for the next term, in good

time before the end of each term. The bookings and payment for clubs is done through myEVOLVE. Parents are contacted separately with details of how to set up an account using myEVOLVE.

Assemblies and Tutor/Class Teacher Group Meetings

Assemblies

Assemblies contribute to a sense of unity and community for the whole School. They promote spiritual, cultural and moral development, as well as Fundamental British Values.

For the Younger Years, Assemblies are held three times a week and provide children and staff with an opportunity for singing, collective worship and discussion of PSHE-related themes.

On Fridays, a whole-school ‘Celebration Assembly’ takes place, offering the chance to celebrate children’s efforts and achievements from the previous week, including outside of school. House point totals and awards are also shared during these times.

If your child learns a musical instrument in school, they may have an opportunity to showcase their skills during an assembly.

For Years 3-8 Assemblies generally take place on Mondays and Wednesdays. These include a hymn, a reflection and either a talk by the Executive Head or a presentation. Sometimes there is a ‘special theme’, or a guest may be invited, e.g. a local charity or dignitary. Assemblies often end with a celebration of boys’ achievements and/or whole school information relevant to the School community. The boys often contribute to Assembly through musical performances or presentations and they are encouraged to put themselves forward for such opportunities.

Class Teacher/Tutor Group Meetings

In the Younger Years, on most days, informal and/or formal circle times take place within the classroom setting. These provide the children and teachers with opportunities to discuss topics that are covered in our PSHE/RSHE Curriculum. They also provide an opportunity for the children to share their successes, thoughts and concerns.

For Years 3-8 Tuesdays and Thursdays there are Tutor sessions. Thursdays are dedicated to Personal, Health and Social Education (PSHE). Friday Tutor sessions may be used for Year group meetings, House meetings, Hymn practice and/or rehearsals for School events.

Food and Drink

Allergies and Special Diets

If parents wish to discuss their son’s specific dietary requirements, ahead of him joining, we would ask you to contact the School’s Registrar. All parents are required to complete a detailed medical summary ahead of their son joining, which allows parents to outline their son’s allergies/special diet requirements. Parents should update their son’s medical information/dietary requirements on the Parent Portal to ensure we hold the correct information on our system should any details change at any point throughout his time at SHS.

Morning Break and Snacks

All boys are offered fruit and milk at morning break.

Boys are also permitted to bring in a healthy snack of their choice to supplement what the School supplies at morning break and/or to eat ahead of Co-curricular activities.

O Snacks must not include junk food: crisps, chocolate, sweets, fizzy drinks, or contain nuts. Popcorn is not permitted in Younger Years due to it being a choking hazard. Parents must therefore check the packaging of snacks/ health bars carefully before sending them into School. Allergen risks are highlighted in bold on the packaging of any manufactured products. Pupils should not share their snack from home with others.

Lunch

Our catering company provides nutritious, well-balanced meals for pupils. The teachers and boys eat together, sampling a delicious daily menu. Parents can help their son with choices, by chatting through the weekly menus, which are published on the School Website: Click Here

Birthday Treats

Younger Years

Celebrating birthdays is an important part of life. Rather than bringing in edible treats to share, we invite parents to celebrate the occasion by helping their child choose a book to donate to their classroom library. This book can then be read and enjoyed by all the boys in the class and hopefully for years to come.

Years 3-8

Pupils in Years 3-8 are often keen to share a birthday treat with their friends.We welcome pupils celebrating their birthdays, and pupils may bring in birthday treats for the whole Tutor group. However, we require parents to follow this guidance.

Examples of what would be appropriate treats include:

O Small bags of chocolates or sweets

Your son will be able to hand these out during his Tutor period at the start of the day. Birthday Treats should not be taken to the School Office. Once handed out, the treats must remain in your son’s school bag until such time as he is back in your care and you can then decide whether and when your son may have his treat.

O All treats must be in individually sealed bags.

O Birthday treats must be taken home and not be consumed in School.

O Treats for any friends outside the Class Teacher/ Tutor group should be enjoyed/shared outside of School.

O If a boy has a specific food allergy or intolerance, parents can provide their son’s Tutor with an alternative treat that he can enjoy at home when birthday treats are being distributed to the group.

If the packaging of treats sent in make any reference to known high risk allergies within the group, the School will not be able to distribute the treats and they will be returned to the parents.

To ensure the safety of others, if treats arrive other than in sealed bags from home they will also be returned to parents and not distributed by the Tutor

Water Bottles

There are many water fountains around the School site, from which the boys can drink. Additionally, boys can bring in a named water bottle (sports cap) to help them remain hydrated. The bottles can be refilled from the fountains. Water is also available on the tables at lunch time.

House System, School Council, Eco Committee, Charitable Support and Local Community

House System

Each boy at Shrewsbury House belongs to one of the four ‘Houses’:

In the Younger Years, the Houses are the following colours: blue, green, red and yellow house. The House system provides opportunities for the children to meet and get to know different year groups. Inter-House events take place throughout the year, including House Challenge Morning which takes place each term, where children are encouraged to come to school wearing their House T-Shirt for such events. House points are awarded for work as well as good behaviour. House Captains (Year 2 children) are elected at the start of the year.

In Years 3-8, the Houses are:

Blue (Nelson)

Green (Grenville)

Red (Drake)

Yellow (Raleigh)

Boys are immensely proud of their House, and have various opportunities, throughout the year, to represent their Houses in competitions. These include: quizzes, music, writing, swimming, football, rugby, cricket, STEAM day activities, poetry and athletics.

The House Plus and Minus Competition is keenly contested throughout the year, with all boys gaining rewards which contribute to their overall House score, and the coveted House Trophy.

School Council

Younger Years Children, from Reception to Year 2, have the opportunity to be a member of the School Council. At the start of each academic year, children are given an opportunity to explain why they would like to be appointed and an election is held.

For Years 3-8, The School Council includes the Head and Deputy Head boys and three boys from each year group. Boys in Years 4-8 are elected by their peers at the start of the Autumn term and after the October half term in Year 3.

The School Council meets each half of term to discuss matters raised by the boys and makes recommendations to the Head of Younger Years and Executive Head respectively regarding various School matters.

Charitable Support

The School prides itself on its support for local and national charities. Details of recent charitable

fundraising initiatives are published in our weekly newsletter, Shrewsbury House News. This includes details of charities that have benefited from the annual sponsored run and smaller events and activities organised by the boys individually.

Any charitable initiatives suggested by pupils should be referred to the Head of Younger Years or the Senior Deputy Head and the Deputy Head – Pastoral who will recommend the boys’ suggestions to the Executive Head.

Local Community

Shrewsbury House is proud to be an active member of the local community. This includes offering our facilities to support local organisations for meetings/clubs. The swimming pool is used by local state schools for their weekly lessons and the Sports Department supports the Primary School Sports Partnership.

Information Technology

Younger Years

All children from Reception to Year 2 have access to iPads, Chromebooks and the classroom Interactive Whiteboard to support their learning with age appropriate resources. Responsible online practices are developed from Reception, focusing in particular on e-safety.

Seesaw is used to share key moments between home and School. Current logins held by Younger Years pupils for Seesaw will continue to be fully accessible for their parents enabling full continuity in the use of any current resources.

Years 3-8

Google Workspace for Education Plus

For Years 3-8 the School will provide your son with a Google Workspace for Education Plus email address. This will be used for the following educational reasons:

O So your son can log into school Chromebooks;

O So your son has access to Google Drive to save work. This will make it much easier for him to transfer work between school and home;

O To access Google Classroom.

Please note the following:

The email address will only allow your son to log into a Chromebook in School and access Google Drive and Google Classroom. It will not allow him to use the account to email other boys or anyone else. The account will be controlled by the School and will be deleted as soon as your son leaves the School.

Online Resources

A number of online resources are used by the School. Some examples include:

O Accelerated Reader – helps hone pupil reading skills

O Appshed – creating apps for Computing syllabus

O Atom Learning – maths, English, science & verbal reasoning learning platform

O Century AI Learning – utilises artificial intelligence (AI), learning science, and neuroscience to deliver a personalised learning experience

O Duolingo – assist with the learning of French

O GL Assessment – assessment platform

O Google Workspace for Education Plus – secure collaboration and productivity apps for education

O Lexia – platform to improve pupil literacy

O Microsoft Micro:bit Makecode

O Sparx Maths

O Wordwall

O TWIG Science – science curriculum resources

Passwords and Logins

Boys will receive these at the beginning of the School year, or on the first day he joins the School.

Computer Rules for Boys

In adhering to the Shrewsbury House Way boys should:

O Keep passwords safe and secure;

O Respect school IT equipment at all times;

O Only use computers when in the presence of a staff member;

O Remember the Acceptable Use Policy they have signed;

O Seek teacher’s permission for:

O Playing any online games;

O Accessing Youtube or emails;

O Downloading videos;

O Using a memory stick.

Remember:

O The internet, school devices and accounts are monitored and filtered 24/7;

O If an unsuitable ‘Popup’ appears on screen whilst working on the computer, immediately seek advice from the supervising member of staff;

O No social network sites may be accessed (Snapchat, Facebook, Tik-Tok, LinkedIn, Instagram etc);

O We want you to keep yourself safe, your data secure and use technology sensibly so your future self will thank you.

Laptops, Chromebooks and iPads

All boys have access to Chromebooks and iPads for use during lessons. Boys should not bring in their own devices for use in the classroom.

Medical

It is very important that the School holds up-to-date information about pupils’ medical circumstances, in case of emergency. All parents are required to complete contact details and medical information ahead of their son joining via the Parent Portal. Parents are asked to check and update this information as required.

Medicines in School

Pupils are not usually permitted to keep medicines on their person when in School, however some boys carry an inhaler and/or an epipen with them. All prescribed medication, including throat lozenges and homoeopathic medication must be handed into the School Office on arrival at School. For Younger Years emergency medication is kept in the pupil’s classroom.

Administration of Prescribed Medicine

The following advice is provided to parents to ensure there are no misunderstandings in relation to the administration of prescribed medicine:

O If a parent requests that the School arranges for someone in the School to oversee the administration of medicine, the School will support this, providing it is reasonable to do so. If particular expertise is required which no-one on the staff possesses wherever appropriate, the Matron or relevant members of staff may be trained to fulfil this requirement

O A parent accepts that it is a pupil’s responsibility to go to the Matron, or if she is not present, to the School Office, to receive medicine. Wherever possible, this will be self-administered under adult supervision in the School Office

O The Matron will endeavour to contact a boy to remind him that medication needs to be taken

O Medicine should ideally be administered at school during break times or, if/when emergency medication is necessary

O The medicine, in the smallest practicable amount, should be brought to School by the parent and delivered personally to one of the staff members in the School Office. A note/email should be sent by the Parent to the Matron/School Office with details.

O If your son travels to School by bus and he is in Years 3-8, then he may bring in any medication himself to the School Office, you do not need to bring this in personally. Younger Years pupils will be asked to hand in any medication to their bus driver who will pass this to the staff member who collects them from their transport.

O Medicines must be clearly labelled with contents, the owner’s name and dosage. They will be kept in a locked cupboard or, if refrigeration is required, in a fridge in the School Office

O The administration of any medicine will be recorded on the School medical database. This will include: date medication is administered; time it is administered; dosage; confirmation that medication has been administered with time/date it was administered

Vomiting and Diarrhoea

Pupils who have been sick or have experienced diarrhoea are asked not to return to school until they are 48 hours ‘clear’ of the last episode.

Contagious Diseases

Boys should not be sent into School without consulting the School first, if they have been in contact with a contagious disease.

Music

Class Lessons

All boys in all year groups have a timetabled class music lesson. These lessons teach pupils how to perform and create music, providing them with the opportunity to explore a wide range of musical styles. Class music lessons are designed to involve all children, regardless of ability, in enjoyable and stimulating musical activities through traditional means and the use of technology.

Visiting Music Teachers

In addition to their timetabled class music lessons, pupils in all year groups have the opportunity of undertaking private 1:1 instrument or singing lessons from our team of visiting music teachers. These lessons take place during the School day, on a rotating timetable, this means that lessons take place at a different time each week and, whenever possible, boys should not miss the same lesson more than once in every half term. Please be aware pupils in Years 3-8 will be expected to catch up any missed class work.

If you would like your son to learn an instrument, or have singing lessons, at SHS, please contact the Director of Music, Mr Batten at mbatten@shstrust.net

The full list of VMTs is available under the Curriculum section of our website. The range of instruments boys can be taught includes Violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, cornet, trumpet, trombone, French horn, classical and electric guitar, drum kit, orchestral percussion, piano, harp and singing. If there is an instrument not listed that your son would like to learn, please contact the Director of Music.

Music Groups

The many music ensembles and activities, run by highly talented and experienced professional musicians, play a vital role in the music life of the School. They form a high point of music-making to which all pupils in their individual instrumental and singing lessons should aspire. All pupils taking instrumental or singing lessons in or out of school are encouraged to avail themselves of membership to one or more of the ensembles on offer.

Groups available for Years 1-2 currently include violin club and a ukulele club.

Groups available for boys in Years 3-8 currently include: Concert Wind Band, Brass Ensemble Woodwind Ensemble, String Sinfonia, String Ensemble, Year 3 Choir, Training Voices. SHS Voices, along with various rock band groups. There are also classes covering the requirements for the ABRSM Music Theory exams.

If your son is interested in joining a music ensemble please contact the Director of Music, who can advise on the most appropriate group for your son’s interest and ability. It is expected that boys attend all rehearsals and performances.

Homework/Prep

Evidence shows that sharing stories and poetry with young children has a positive impact on their acquisition of literacy skills. As such, children from Reception to Year 2 will bring home books to share with you. Such shared sessions also help set the pattern for future more ‘formalised’ homework. It is important that these home sessions are enjoyable and that quality time is set aside for them. Children will also have acces to our well-stocked Library and be able to borrow books to enjoy at home.

All Younger Years children have weekly homework set on Seesaw. As your child progresses through the School, they will be required to carry out homework that is slightly more demanding and focused. Details of the homework set will be provided by your son’s Class Teacher during the course of the academic year. Should you have any questions regarding homework, please contact your Class Teacher directly.

For Years 3-8, subject teachers set one or two preps per week, based on the boy’s timetable. The nature, and length of the Prep will vary between year groups, classes and topics of study. For Years 3 – 5, preps should take 20-30 minutes and for Years 6 – 8, preps should take 35/40 minutes.

No Prep is set on Wednesdays.

Prep Club – Years 3-8

Details of Prep Club are included in the termly Co-curricular Programme. Boys should take a reading book to Prep Club in case they complete their Prep early.

Prep

Prep should be seen as a way of supplementing or complementing preceding class work. It is valuable for the following reasons:

O It can help pupils to make more rapid progress in learning

O It can allow pupils to develop the practice of working on their own without the constant presence of the teacher or other boys

O It can allow valuable practice of skills learned in the classroom

O It can involve parents and others in the son’ s work for their mutual benefit – although it must be emphasised that parents should not do the Prep

O It gives pupils valuable experience of working to deadlines

O It teaches pupils both responsibility and initiative

O It forms a link with the methods of study crucial to success at senior school.

Reading

Throughout the School, we encourage all pupils to read as much as possible and aspire to create an enthusiasm for reading that will stay with the boys forever.

In addition to the daily reading in Younger Years, in Years 3 and 4, there is an expectation that all pupils will read with an adult for at least 10 minutes every day. Pupils have regular access to our well-stocked Library and through the use of the Accelerated Reader Programme they are encouraged to select books from a variety of genres, broadening their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Reporting to Parents

Reporting to parents has three forms:

O Verbally on an informal basis

O Verbally at Parents’ Evenings

O In written form

Informal Reporting

This occurs at the request of either the parent or a member of staff and takes place at a time convenient to all parties.

Parent Consultations

Parents are kindly requested not to use any recording devices without requesting prior consent from the Executive Head.

For the Younger Years, Parent Consultations are held in the Autumn and Spring Terms.

Parents are encouraged to make use of this opportunity to have formal discussions with Class Teachers about their child’s progress. These meetings take place in your child’s classroom and his work will be available for you to look through prior to the appointment. These events are not suitable for your child, or other siblings, to attend.

For Years 3-8 these take place online at various times throughout the year depending on your son’s year group. Booking information will be emailed to you ahead of these meetings, although dates can be located within the School Calendar. These are principally to discuss the academic and social

progress of each individual boy. Boys in Year 7 and 8 are expected to attend these meetings.

Written Reports and Reporting Schedule

For the Younger Years, written reports are sent to parents twice a year.

All year groups from 3-8 will receive:

O Three Progress Cards (including Behaviour for Learning and Attainment Grades)

O One Progress Report (including Behaviour for Learning, Attainment Grades and Next Step Targets)

O End of Year Full Academic Report (Year 8 will receive a Valedictory Report instead)

O These reports can be accessed via the Parent Portal

O The reports contain details of the behaviour for learning standards and the attainment grades – explanations of these are provided within the reports.

Behaviour for Learning (BFL Bandings for Years 3-8)

This grade mainly encompasses: work ethic, behaviour in class, effort and punctuality. The key aspects of which are outlined in each grade band below. Housepoints are also awarded to the boys if they achieve: Good, Very Good or Outstanding for their BFL.

BFL Level Explanation

1 Outstanding

O Always organised and ready to learn.

O Always having the correct equipment.

O Always punctual to lessons, lining up in a focused and sensible manner.

O Always listening carefully and attentively to teachers and other pupils.

O Always committed to learning and making excellent and regular contributions to group work and class discussions.

O Always acting on feedback and taking full ownership of set targets.

O Always displaying exemplary behaviour throughout the lesson.

O Always completing prep to an excellent level.

2 Very Good

O Most of the time being organised and ready to learn.

O Most of the time having the correct equipment.

O Most of the time being punctual to lessons, lining up in a focused and sensible manner.

O Most of the time listening carefully and attentively to teachers and other pupils.

O Most of the time being committed to learning and making excellent and regular contributions to group work and class discussions.

O Most of the time acting on feedback and taking full ownership of set targets.

O Most of the time displaying exemplary behaviour throughout the lesson.

O Most of the time completing prep to an excellent level.

3 Good

O Frequently organised and ready to learn.

O Frequently having the correct equipment.

O Frequently punctual to lessons, lining up in a focused and sensible manner.

O Frequently listening carefully and attentively to teachers and other pupils.

O Frequently committed to learning and making excellent and regular contributions to group work and class discussions.

O Frequently acting on feedback and taking full ownership of set targets.

O Frequently displaying exemplary behaviour throughout the lesson.

O Frequently completing prep to an excellent level.

4 Inconsistent

O Sometimes organised and ready to learn.

O Sometimes having the correct equipment.

O Sometimes punctual to lessons, lining up in a focused and sensible manner.

O Sometimes listening carefully and attentively to teachers and other pupils.

O Sometimes committed to learning and making excellent and regular contributions to group work and class discussions.

O Sometimes acting on feedback and taking full ownership of set targets.

O Sometimes displaying exemplary behaviour throughout the lesson.

2

1

5 Unsatisfactory

O Sometimes completing prep to an excellent level. –

O Rarely organised and ready to learn.

O Rarely having the correct equipment.

O Rarely punctual to lessons, lining up in a focused and sensible manner.

O Rarely listening carefully and attentively to teachers and other pupils.

O Rarely committed to learning and making excellent and regular contributions to group work and class discussions.

O Rarely acting on feedback and taking full ownership of set targets.

O Rarely displaying exemplary behaviour throughout the lesson.

O Rarely completing prep to an excellent level. –

Attainment (ATG bandings for Years 3-8)

The Attainment Grade (ATG) mainly represents performance in three specific academic areas: assessment, independence and challenge.

O Assessment – performance in standardised testing, school exams and topic tests in class.

O Independence – the degree to which a pupil can assert control and ownership of their learning.

O Challenge – the degree to which a pupil applies resilience to challenges set by the curriculum.

Attainment Score Sub level Explanation

Producing high quality work at this stage in relation to all SHS formative and summative assessments.

O Skill, knowledge or understanding is demonstrated and applied naturally and in context without any prompting or modelling.

O Embraces academic challenge and displays a deep understanding of topics covered.

Producing work above the expected level at this stage in relation to all SHS formative and summative assessments.

O When a skill or objective is modelled/ taught the pupil fulfils all aspects of the criteria within their work, and is then able to apply the concepts independently and consistently.

O Ready to deepen understanding with further academic challenges.

Producing work in line with expectations at this stage in relation to all SHS formative and summative assessments. When a skill is modelled, the pupil can employ the skill.

O They are not yet fully independent at this stage and require continued practice to apply the skill which may be through the form of scaffolding or further modelling.

O Responds appropriately to the academic challenge posed by staff and the curriculum.

Exceeding O Producing work that is not consistently in line with expectations at this stage in relation to all SHS formative and summative assessments.

O The skills, concept or body of knowledge taught is rarely shown or applied consistently or appropriately, without direct adult support.

O Responds inconsistently to the academic challenge posed by staff and the curiculum.

Exceeding O Producing work that is regularly below the set expectations in relation to SHS formative and summative assessments and expectations.

O Significant support is required for the pupil to access the curriculum.

O Struggles to commit to the academic challenge posed by staff and the curriculum.

Rewards and Sanctions

Reward Structure – Younger Years

House Points

All pupils in the Younger Years are in a House Team. When a pupil demonstrates excellent behaviour, good manners or achieves well they can be awarded a House Point by any member of school staff. These are collected in tubes in the Younger Years Building and are counted weekly by House Captains. The totals are shared in the weekly Celebration Assembly.

Values Awards

In the Younger Years, Values Certificates are presented each half of term, celebrating those boys who have demonstrated all or some of the School Values.

Positions of Responsibility

In the Younger Years, positions of responsibility are given to Year 2 pupils. Pupils receive a badge to wear on their blazer. As well as carrying out willingly and effectively any duties expected of them by members of staff they will also act as representatives of the School on public occasions.

The School has various initiatives and reward schemes to help encourage and reward positive behaviour. These include:

O Value Awards and Certificates

O House Points – the children collect individual house points which are collated each week and put towards the overall house totals. Weekly house winners are announced, as well as a termly house competition that every child contributes to

O House events

O Stickers

O Head of Younger Years Award

O Verbal praise

O Positions of Responsibility

Younger Years’ School Support Structure

(Responding to more challenging behaviour)

We aim to address all behavioural challenges in a positive, open way, involving the children in conversations and helping them to understand where unhelpful choices have been made and how they may make different choices in future.

Children need to recognise that there are consequences to their choices and actions which will vary depending on the severity of their behaviour.

Posters are displayed throughout the School highlighting the school policy, clearly showing the process in place and potential levels of response:

O Conversation with the teacher involved – a reminder will be given about positive choices and appropriate behaviour.

O Time out will be used if necessary (including break time/during activities)

O The child will be taken to see another teacher

O The child will see the Head of Younger Years

In all dealings with more challenging behaviour, a positive approach will be adopted, while clear expectations will be established and explained.

The aim in all sanctions is a positive outcome where the pupil learns from their wrong choices and understands why what they have done is wrong and how it may impact other people, as well as themselves.

Each case is treated individually. Where a child has been identified with special educational needs or disabilities, reasonable adjustments will be made.

Parents are kept informed of their child’s behaviour via informal and more formal means. Where more serious behavioural issues occur, parents will be asked to come in to meet with the staff concerned, including, where appropriate, the Head of Younger Years and/or the Executive Head.

Serious Issues of Misbehaviour

The School keeps a register of sanctions imposed for serious misbehaviour.

Major breaches of discipline include bullying (see Anti-

Bullying Policy), physical assault, deliberate damage to property, stealing, verbal abuse, refusal to work and disruptive behaviour in class. This type of behaviour is generally rare and it is the responsibility of the Head of Younger Years/Senior Deputy Head/ Executive Head to deal with it.

Reward Structure – Years 3-8

Boys are given pluses for achievement, attitude and performance both inside and outside the classroom; these are awarded for academic success, behaviour for learning, displaying strong citizenship and following the SHS Way. The awarding of pluses when deserved is very much encouraged and contributes to a thriving and competitive house system. Pluses are also awarded at each Progress Card/Report for strong Behaviour for Learning (BFL) grades which will contribute to their overall House Point totals throughout the year. When boys reach the milestones below they are awarded a specific Merit Badge. Upon reaching 50 pluses, boys will be awarded their first ‘Black/Standard’ Merit Badge and this will be presented in School and their name published in the newsletter. From there, with every increment of 50 pluses, a boy will progress through to the next stages of Bronze, Silver and finally Gold Merit Badge. At the end of the year, Merit Badges are returned (with the exception of Year 8 boys who may keep their final badge) and the cycle starts again in the new academic year. A final certificate is awarded as a record of their achievement over the year.

Values Awards

Value Awards are presented across the School approximately every 5/6 weeks. These awards celebrate those boys who have demonstrated all or some of the School Values through the accumulation of associated pluses. These are House Awards that reward those boys who have either accumulated the highest number of pluses within the set time frame, and/or those who have made the most significant progress since a previous data capture or received notable achievement in a specific School Value. After each announcement, the data is captured and all boys can start afresh to compete for the next coveted Values Award. In this way, the School Values are celebrated and recognised, guiding behaviour in a positive and meaningful way.

Head of Year Commendation

Boys can be given commendations for academic work or a contribution over and above that expected of a pupil or for some other achievement in school life worthy of recognition. The member of staff awarding the commendation will notify the Head of Year who will present the boy with a certificate. His Tutor/Class Teacher/Class Teacher will inform his parents and the boy will be awarded +4.

Executive Head’s Commendation

An Executive Head’s Commendation can be awarded for achievements and performances that are deemed exceptional. The pupil will be presented with a certificate by the Executive Head in assembly and awarded 6 House points or +6. This is a particularly prestigious award and open to all pupils from Reception to Year 8.

Colours – Year 8

Colours are awarded to boys in Year 8 for excellence, application and achievement in academic work, Music, Art, DT, Drama and Sport. A Colours tie and specific badge is awarded to the boys.

Positions of Responsibility – Year 8

Prefects: Year 8 boys, who have shown responsibility, act as a role model and have demonstrated

leadership qualities may apply to take on a Prefect role. They are expected to mentor, guide and help those younger than themselves and be an example to all members of the School in their general conduct and appearance. The Prefects liaise with the member of staff who oversees each House. As well as carrying out willingly and effectively any duties expected of them by members of staff they will also act as representatives of the School on public occasions. Prefects are given a Prefect’s tie to wear in school.

Sanctions – Years 3-8

Boys are made aware of expectations of the SHS Way at the start of the year and frequently reminded of their responsibilities as part of a community through assemblies, PSHE etc. They understand they are responsible for their own actions and that when these expectations or rules are broken, this will lead to appropriate sanctions and importantly an opportunity for reflection.

Parents are encouraged to uphold the values and expectations of the School and be supportive of us in our aim in guiding children through any sanctions applied in line with the Behaviour Management Policy.

Please see the Behaviour Management Policy for further details: Click Here

The Shrewsbury House Way was designed in conjunction with the boys through the School Council to develop a culture of kindness and respect that all our community work within.

THE SHREWSBURY HOUSE WAY

KIND, RESPECTFUL AND CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS

School Events

School Events

Parents, carers and extended family are welcome to attend a number of school events throughout the year. Full details are available in the School Calendar.

Carol Service – Year 3-8

The School’s annual Carol Service is an evening event towards the end of the Autumn term and all boys must attend in full School uniform. Parents receive two tickets per family.

Pupils in the Younger Years will have performance opportunities in line with their age group.

Educational Visits and Trips

Pupils in all year groups from Reception to Year 8 will experience a rich choice of educational visits, residential trips and tours during their time at Shrewsbury House. These are published in the School Calendar.

Regular day trips are organised to support the curriculum across a number of subject areas. Pupils in Years 3-8 will also participate in a number of events organised by Senior Schools such as subject days, music events, Prep School competitions and quizzes.

Years 4 – 8 experience residential trips during Activity Week in the penultimate week of the Summer term. In Year 4, the boys enjoy a short residential trip. From Year 5 upwards, boys enjoy a week’s residential stay. Parental consent is sought for pupils to join these trips ahead of the end of the Autumn Term and full details of any terms and conditions applicable to the reservation are shared with parents at that time via Evolve.

Prize Giving

Details of the arrangements for Younger Years pupils will be published later.

For pupils in Years 3-8, Prize Giving takes place on the last Friday of the academic year. All boys are expected to attend.

Plays and Concerts

In the Younger Years, Concerts and short performances are presented by each year group from Reception to Year 2. The dates are communicated in good time in advance via the School Calendar, so that parents may attend these.

It is the aim of Shrewsbury House to instill confidence in boys by giving them the opportunity to perform in public. Every pupil from Years 3-8 performs in a year group concert and play. Year 8 pupils enjoy a celebration evening and performance. Some rehearsals for any of these events for Years 3-8 may take place after the School day, rehearsal times will be communicated to parents by the Director of Music and the Head of Drama.

All pupils in the year group are involved and are expected to attend these performances; parents should look out for the dates in the School Calendar.

Photography Policy at School Events

Please note that whilst recording a performance is permitted, it is the School’s policy that if another child or adult is in a photograph or video, you do not share the photograph or video on personal social media without the explicit permission of the adult or parents of the other child(ren) in the photograph or video.

Due to copyright, any recording of a concert/play must be for non-commercial purposes only.

School Community Talks

From time to time, the School arranges evening talks, often for the Trust as a whole and the wider local community. Please see the School Calendar for more details.

School Uniform

School Uniform Supplier

The School uniform supplier is ‘AlleyCatz’. The following link will take you to their website and directly to the School uniform page: Click Here. This page, below the School logos, also provides a detailed uniform list and information page for all pupils.

Second Hand Uniform

Second hand uniform sales are organised by the Shrewsbury House Association (SHA) on a termly basis. Parents will receive plenty of notice of these events via the School’s newsletter and the School Calendar For any queries, please contact shrewsburyhouseassociation@gmail.com.

Streaming and Setting

There is no setting in Younger Years or Year 3; adaptive teaching takes place in each lesson to meet the developing needs to learners across the curriculum. Within Years 4-8, pupils are placed either in ‘sets’ or ‘mixed groups’ for select subjects. This is determined by the Head of Department for that specific subject. Setting and grouping are used to ensure that every pupil is working at the correct pace to support their personal progress. When there are four sets/groups in a year group, they will be organised and referred to as ‘colours’. The colours, and what they represent, are as follows:

Set or Group 1 – Blue

Set or Group 2 – Purple

Set of Group 3 – Orange

Set or Group 4 – Yellow

In Year 7&8, there are also scholarship groups that are known as 7S and 8S respectively. They will follow the scholarship programme. Boys not in scholarship will be following the Common Entrance programme and are set according to the colours mentioned previously.

Further information on year groups, subjects and how they are set can be found below. Please note that setting is subject to change throughout the year if staff feel strongly that a move will be beneficial to the specific individual.

Year 7&8

Explanation

Boys are set for English:

7S (Year 7 Scholarship Set) and 8S (Year 8 Scholarship set)

Blue, Purple (Common Entrance sets)

Boys are set for Maths:

7S (Year 7 Scholarship Set) and 8S (Year 8 Scholarship set)

Blue, Purple (Common Entrance sets)

Boys are set for French:

7S (Year 7 Scholarship Set) and 8S (Year 8 Scholarship set)

Blue, Purple (Common Entrance sets)

Year 6

Year 5

Year 4

The remaining subject areas for the Common Entrance stream are not set and boys will be taught in their teaching groups which are mainly based on the predicted Common Entrance pathway for Latin. The teaching groups are:

In Year 8 : 8S, 8H, 8J

In Year 7 : 7S, 7H, 7J

Boys are set for English:

Blue, Purple, Orange, Yellow (Blue and Purple are top and second set respectively, while Orange and Yellow are mixed groups)

Boys are set for Maths:

Blue, Purple, Orange, Yellow

Boys are set for French:

Blue, Purple, Orange, Yellow

The remaining subject areas do not set and boys will therefore be taught in their tutor groups

Boys are set for English:

Blue, Purple, Orange (Blue is the top set while Purple and Orange are mixed groups)

Boys are set for Maths:

Blue, Purple, Orange

The remaining subject areas do not set and boys will therefore be taught in their tutor groups

Boys are grouped for English:

Blue, Purple, Orange (All are mixed groups)

The remaining subject areas do not set and boys will therefore be taught in their tutor groups

Sport

Sport at Shrewsbury House School is an integral and vital part of School life. We provide a programme based on inclusivity, enjoyment and performance. Although we are proud of our success in Regional and National competition, the focus is on providing as broad an opportunity as possible for all boys.

Younger Years’ Sport

We are thrilled to be welcoming the Younger Years pupils onto the main site, and to supporting the start of their sporting adventure! The pupils will enjoy sport (Games lessons), PE and swimming under expert care from specialist sports teachers. The boys should come into school in their SHS sports kit on the days they have sport (Games) and PE. On days that they have swimming, they should come to school in uniform and will change at School for their lesson. Children will be introduced to a range of sports, developing fundamental gross motor skills as well coordination, balance and teamwork. There will be the opportunity to participate in team sports as well as enjoying use of our onsite swimming pool.

Core Sports

The core sports are:

Autumn term: football

Spring term: rugby

Summer term: cricket and athletics

Boys are offered the opportunity of a much broader programme through the timetable and Co-curricular Programme which is updated termly.

Swimming

Swimming forms an integral part of School life, as we have our own swimming pool on the School site. Aside from the competitive elements to the yearround programme, we recognise what an important life skill swimming is, therefore swimming lessons are incorporated into the School timetable.

Facilities

The boys enjoy wonderful facilities based at the main School site on Ditton Road, and at our dedicated sports ground. These facilities include: an indoor/ outdoor covered swimming pool, three senior grass pitches, a state-of-the-art World Rugby certified All-Weather Surface, an indoor Sports Hall, a hard-

standing play area, indoor and outdoor cricket nets and a dedicated athletics jump area.

Sports Hall

The Sports Hall is used for Games, PE lessons and Co-curricular activities.

Only indoor trainers and clean school shoes may be worn inside the Sports Hall.

All Weather Surface

This facility is used for Games and PE lessons and matches, but can also be used during break times. Food must not be consumed on the All-Weather surface, but players are allowed to take water in bottles onto the pitch. Spectators are asked not to chew gum, eat food or drink or take glass items onto the pitch.

Clean sports shoes and boots must be worn. No metal tipped studs, metals blades or spikes must be worn on this surface; Astro trainers are a good choice of outside trainer.

Sports Matches and Fixtures

All boys at Shrewsbury House are expected to attend matches during the School day and at other times, if selected, as the School designates, e.g. matches on Saturdays or weekend tournaments.

Boys must conduct themselves appropriately both on and off the field when representing the School. Boys are expected to thank the referee and be present until the opposition leaves the premises. Boys should remain on their best behaviour when waiting for matches and between matches at tournaments.

Boys must be dressed in the correct kit for the sport they are playing and where applicable socks must be pulled up and shirts tucked in. Footwear, pads etc, should be clean.

Fixtures

All sports fixtures, team sheets, away match directions etc, can be found on the School website or alternatively via our direct sport Website (sometimes abbreviated to SOCS): http://www.shrewsburyhousesport.co.uk/

To access a particular team sheet once your son starts, you will need to click on the sporting match and then use a password to access the team sheet. This password is: altapeto2025

For boys, team sheets are published on the large TV screens located outside the School Office and in the Sports Hall foyer.

Timings for matches and anticipated return times are published on SOCS. Please check on the day to ensure you have the latest information.

Mobile Web App

When visiting the sports website (SOCS) on a mobile phone you will be taken to the Mobile Web App. You can save the Mobile Web App as an icon to your mobile device’s home screen for ease.

Cancellation and Changes to Fixtures

If a match is cancelled or the location or the timing is changed, this is updated on the School Calendar on the School Website. Short notice changes (less than 24 hours) will also be notified to parents via a ‘SchoolBase’ text or email.

Off Games and/or off Swimming

If a boy is well enough to be in School, he is considered well enough to take part in games/ swimming. However, we realise there can be medical/ other exceptions. If a parent wishes their son to be ‘off games/and or off swimming’, the request should be put in writing, outlining the reason why, via email to the School Matron matron@shstrust.net copying in the School Office shsoffice@shstrust.net. Boys on the ‘off games’ register must remain in School and are supervised by a member of staff. Please also notify the above staff when your son is fit to return to sport.

Sport Bags and Sportswear

For Years 3-8 sport bags should be brought into School on Monday morning and stored in the boys’ allocated storage space for the week. If boys are playing in away fixtures, and do not return to School after the match, they should bring their sports bag back into School the following day. Sports clothing should only go home in the week if it needs washing for the next day. All sports kits should be taken home each Friday.

Boys must ensure they pack their sportswear away in their bags after each games/PE session to reduce the chance of lost items.

Sports bags, and all sports kit must be clearly named.

Parents’ Code of Conduct

We actively encourage parents to come and support their son(s) at matches, but request you support our “Great Sport Parent” Code of Conduct.

9 Steps to Becoming a Great Sport Parent

1

Don’t Shout or Yell criticisms at players

2

Remain in the spectator area

3

Don’t interfere with the coach

6

Keep your composure

5

Control your emotions

4

Let the referee do their job

7

Do not instruct players in the games

8

Do not argue with opposition parents or players

9

Be a good role model