Year 7 Parent Handbook 26-27

Sports teams

Head Girl Team

A level grades A*, A or B

Welcome from Mrs Wilshaw

I am delighted to welcome you and your daughter to the Watford Grammar School for Girls community. This marks the beginning of what we hope will be a sevenyear journey of learning and personal development, during which your daughter will grow into a wellrounded, confident and academically successful young adult, ready to take her next steps into further study or the world of work

Our students demonstrate an outstanding work ethic and exemplary behaviour, shaped by the high expectations shared by parents and carers, staff and the students themselves This enables students to focus their energy on their learning and development, leading to the exceptional academic progress they achieve each year

I hope that your daughter is excited about joining Watford Grammar School for Girls. Her time here will be filled with opportunities to discover new interests, develop talents, build lifelong friendships and shape her character through her teenage years While this is an exciting stage, we also know that joining a new school can bring moments of uncertainty Please be reassured that our pastoral team are skilled, experienced and compassionate professionals who will support your child throughout her transition. Our unofficial school motto “I can do it, and I will do it,” reflects our belief that with determination and resilience every student can meet challenges with confidence – and we look forward to working with you to help your daughter do exactly that.

This parent guide provides important information on school expectations, procedures and dayto-day matters. Please take the time to read through it so that you know who to contact with any further questions relating to your child. Most importantly, I hope that your daughter thrives as a Watford Girl, and I am excited to see her journey as she becomes a young woman, with the skills, confidence and ambition to step through the many doors that will open for her beyond school.

Mrs C Wilshaw Headmistress

Parent dashboard Expectations

How to report an absence

School policies

Pastoral care & wellbeing

School aims, ethos, vision & values

School uniform & PE kit

Sustainable uniform order form

Term dates & school diary

School Information

School address: Watford Grammar School for Girls Lady’s Close Watford Hertfordshire WD18 0AE

School telephone number: 01923 223403

School absence line number: 01923 442788

School absence email: absence@watfordgirls herts sch uk

School website:

School email address: admin@watfordgirls.herts.sch.uk watfordgrammarschoolforgirls org uk

Ofsted Inspection Results - We are Outstanding!

“Pupils are rightly proud to attend this remarkable school”

We are delighted to share with you the results of our most recent Ofsted inspection. Following a two day visit over 5th-6th March 2024, the Ofsted inspectors looked at five areas of the school and we are pleased to report we received ‘Outstanding’ in all of these areas.

This is a huge achievement for the school and everyone who is a part of the WGGS community In particular, the Ofsted inspectors had high praise for the behaviours and attitudes of our students. To quote the Ofsted report:

“Students come from a diverse range of backgrounds. They appreciate how well the school helps them to understand diversity in their school community and the wider world. One student expressed what many felt, ‘We’re not just tolerant of difference. The school helps us to celebrate it’. This is promoted through the curriculum, visiting speakers and work in the local community.”

Admissions

Admission to the school is taken to mean that a student's parents/carers will co-operate with the school in carrying out the rules and regulations in force.

Your acceptance of a place indicates that you undertake the responsibility that your child will:

Attend school regularly and punctually

Not miss school for additional or extended holidays (consideration will be given for Religious Festivals)

Wear the correct school uniform every day

Abide by the School Rules and any Regulations set down by the school

If you wish to withdraw your child permanently from the school, please notify us in writing and give us as much notice as possible We will forward her records to another school when she takes up a place there. It is no longer necessary to have a place at another school before asking us to remove your child’s name from the school roll

The School Daily Timetable

Students are dismissed at 3pm on Tuesday and Friday

On Tuesdays, weekly staff meetings are scheduled at the end of the school day.

Punctuality

The school gates open at 8:00am, and by 8.30am all students should be in their Form rooms for registration Arrival after this time constitutes missed registration and any student must report to the main School Office to sign in.

Mobile Phones

Currently students in Year 7 – 11 are not allowed to use their mobile phones in school for any reason A mobile phone may be brought into school, but this must not be seen or heard during the school day, (for Year 7 kept in a locker) Staff will confiscate all mobile phones if they are found in school and the Headteacher will keep the device for 1 week including a weekend If your child loses her phone or it is stolen, the school will not follow up in any way.

Smartwatches are not permitted in school

We are currently in consultation regarding whether WGGS will implement a smartphone-free policy starting in September 2026; therefore, the current policy is subject to change.

Absence & Appointments

Please contact the school as soon as possible and before 8:30am on the first morning of any absence.

We have a dedicated absence reporting email and phone line so that you can inform us when your child is not able to attend school Please email or call and leave a voicemail EVERY DAY of your child’s absence until she returns to school to ensure we can fulfil our safeguarding obligation to you

Please Do Not Call The Main Office Number to report absence

If your child is in school but not going to be in registration (am or pm) e.g. because of a sporting event/club, music lesson, meeting with a teacher etc, she must inform her Form Tutor and the Attendance officer

Doctor or hospital appointments should, where possible, be arranged out of school hours Routine dental and opticians appointments must be made outside of school hours and will not be authorised. If this is impossible, proof of appointment must be sent to the Attendance officer beforehand on absence@watfordgirls herts sch uk

Students in Years 7-9 must be collected by an authorised adult from reception in such cases. We do not permit students in Years 7-9 to leave the school premises alone and appointments will be missed if no one arrives at school to collect the student.

If a student needs to miss school for any occasion other than illness or an emergency, permission must be sought, in writing, from the Headteacher in advance using the absence email address.

Parents/carers may not take their child on holiday during term time as this is very disruptive to their education and staff cannot be made available to cover work which is missed in this way

Health & Welfare

The medical team provide health and welfare assistance via our Medical room, you can contact them on medical@watfordgirls herts sch uk should you wish to discuss any health issues or concerns regarding your child.

Asthma

Students who suffer from asthma must ensure they carry a (named) inhaler with them at all times Any students who is listed as asthmatic will not be allowed to go on school trips or to attend sport fixtures if she does not have her inhaler with her. It is important that the medical team are kept up to date with any change in her condition

Anaphylaxis

It is vital that the medical team are made aware of any student who suffers from allergies that may result in anaphylactic shock. If a student has been prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors, she must carry two with her Students who have been prescribed auto-injectors will not be able to go on school trips or attend sports fixtures if they do not have two in-date auto-injectors with them.

Medication at School

Medication should only be brought to school when absolutely essential Parents/carers should ask their doctor to prescribe medication in dose frequencies which enable it to be taken outside school hours.

Any medication that has to be taken during the school day is the responsibility of the student If it has to be kept in the fridge it must be in a recognised clearly named container with the name of the drug and dosage and have a pharmaceutical label with dispensing instructions and expiry date.

The responsibility for delivery and collection of medication rests with the parent/carer and students are responsible for attending the medical room at the designated time to take their medicine.

The medical team cannot give students any medication that has not been provided by a parent/carer in the original packaging, accompanied by a consent form (available from the Medical Room or the School Office).

Health & Welfare

School trips

School trips include any activity or sports fixture organised by the school taking place away from the school site which is supervised by a member of school staff. For residential trips parents/carers will be given a form to disclose any medical information and which medications, if any, might be required while your child is on the trip. This can then be discussed with the trip organiser.

Vaccinations

The HPV vaccination and booster will be offered in Year 8 Year 9 students are offered the 3-in-1 teenage booster (diphtheria, tetanus and polio) and the vaccination for meningitis strains A, C, W and Y.Further information about vaccinations can be found on the NHS website: www nhs uk/vaccinations

Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

There is a dedicated page on the school website: Pastoral Care and WellbeingWatford Grammar School for Girls

Students are encouraged to talk to a member of pastoral staff or visit the wellbeing page if they are concerned about their own welfare or that of a friend

Transport

The school aims to promote safe, independent travel to and from school and greater use of public transport Where cars are used, we encourage parents/carers to make car share arrangements with others travelling to school from the same area.

If you wish your child to cycle to school, you must take complete responsibility for her safety and the security of the bicycle Please apply for permission by emailing admin@watfordgirls herts sch uk Please note that, as with all personal property, a bicycle is not covered by the school’s insurance and must therefore be included on parents’/carers home and contents insurance

Many of our students walk to school or use public transport, easing both their journey and congestion in Lady's Close.

Parent Communication

MyChildAtSchool (MCAS) App

We are delighted to introduce you to the Bromcom MyChildAtSchool (MCAS) app. MCAS is a web portal and an app enabling parents to view their child’s academic and pastoral record in real-time This facility allows exclusive access to your child’s data whenever you wish. Some of the key benefits of this fantastic real-time tool, designed to keep you up to date with your child’s WGGS journey include:

Instant access to assessment, behaviour, and attendance records.

Access to school reports

Ability to view your child’s timetables and subjects.

Important WGGS announcements.

Ability to manage yours and your child’s personal information and request changes

Easily manage parental consents.

With the MyChildAtSchool app, you can access all the information you need about your child’s school life anytime, anywhere. This level of convenience can save you time and effort We encourage you to download the MyChildAtSchool app and take advantage of its features to stay connected and informed about your child’s education. Please either go to www mychildatschool com or download the MyChildAtSchool app from your mobile phone’s App Store.

Registering for MyChildAtSchool (MCAS) App

To set up your account for the first time via www.mychildatschool.com website, click on the ‘Sign Up’ option If you are using the MCAS App you will have to click on ‘Activate’ option (which looks greyed out). For both methods you do not need to enter your email or password at this stage. Once you have either clicked either ‘sign up’ or ‘activate’ then enter the school’s postcode (WD18 0AE) to select our school You will then be asked to input your email address (this needs to be the same email address we have for you on your child’s record) You will then be emailed an activation code Once you have entered this activation code and clicked ‘Verify’, you will be prompted to create your password. Once this has been confirmed you can go back to the Login page and login with your details

PLEASE NOTE: THE EMAIL ADDRESS YOU USE TO ‘SIGN UP or ACTIVATE’ MUST BE THE SAME EMAIL ADDRESS WE HAVE FOR YOU UNDER YOUR CHILDS RECORD.

PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY THE SCHOOL, AS THE SCHOOL RECORD NEEDS TO BE CREATED FOR YOUR CHILD BEFORE THIS WILL WORK

Parent Communication

ParentPay

ParentPay is our online payment service which allows you to pay for school trips, school meals and other items such as printer credits

On 9th July 2026 you will pick up a ParentPay activation letter when collecting your child at the end of the transition day. This will contain your activation username and password to enable you to set up your ParentPay account at: www parentpay com

During the activation process you will be guided through changing your username and password to something more memorable; if you have more than one child at the school, you can also combine them onto a single account, with one login for all your children

Once your account is activated, you will be able to pay the school resource fee.

Parents’/Carers’ Consultation Evenings

Parents/carers are invited to discuss their child's progress with staff at an annual Consultation Evening for each Year Group. This will take place on School Cloud. In addition, as Year 7 parents/carers, you will be invited to a meeting in October to hear how the students are settling in.

Concerns & Complaints

Concerns from parents/carers about their child or other aspects are taken seriously by the school and are always investigated promptly. If you wish to raise a concern about any aspect of the school, please contact the school either informally by telephone, or formally in writing using the admin@watfordgirls herts sch uk email address

We will look into the problem and contact you again within four school days If the concern cannot be resolved, then please refer the Complaints Policy, which is on the school website. https://www.watfordgrammarschoolforgirls.org.uk/about-us/policies/

Parent/Carer Communication

Communication between School & Home

We encourage parents/carers to contact us whenever you have a problem or an enquiry. Please write or email your child's Form Tutor in the first instance If you telephone the school or email admin@watfordgirls.herts.sch.uk the School Office will pass on a message to the person you wish to speak with; someone will then contact you within three days unless it is a Safeguarding issue Our procedure for contacting the school and members of staff can be found on the website page - Policies- Communication Policy and Guidance for parents

Your child should not be contacting you within the school day, however if you are contacted by your child please do not come to school. Whatever problem she has encountered, we have people to manage and help. Your child will know to whom she should speak in any difficulty. If she does contact you, tell her to go to the Medical room or to the School Office.

If you are genuinely concerned, please telephone the school, but please be assured that we will always contact you promptly should a real need to do so arise.

Emergency Contacts

Parents/carers must provide at least two emergency contacts for their child If you change your address / email / home telephone number / mobile telephone numbers please ensure that you notify us in writing immediately using the email admin@watfordgirls herts sch uk It is the parent/carer’s responsibility to ensure we have the correct information.

School Meals

Innovate catering company provide a full meals service for the school. A range of hot and cold food is available every day at very reasonable prices The standard of the food is very high, and the school lunch service is very popular. We have 2 venues where food is served:

The Stables (this is based on the North site and is mainly used by Year 7 and 8 students)

The Food Factory (based on the South site).

A light breakfast service is offered in The Food Factory from 8.00 am. Drinks, sandwiches and snacks are available at recess and lunch time from both venues If your child brings a packed lunch, she should eat it in her form room and be responsible for the careful disposal of her own litter

If your child receives free school meals at her primary school, there is no need to reapply or to inform County that she will be at Watford Grammar School for Girls This will be done by County automatically.

Anyone wishing to make a new application for free school meals should do so at: www.hertsdirect.org/freeschoolmeals or telephone 0300 123 4048

Cashless Catering

We operate a cashless payment system in the Food Factory and Stables. Biometric data will be collected from students at the beginning of term This will then allow access to funds which parents/carers have prepaid via ParentPay.

School Library

The library is a key component in the success of our students and Library Skills lessons are given during Year 7 The aim is to provide each student with confident research capabilities, enjoyment in reading, and a full understanding of what is available to her in the Library. Our objective is to underpin students’ academic progress throughout their careers at the school and to provide a supportive, friendly, learning environment A list of some suitable suggestions of material to read over the summer holidays will be available on the school website

The library provides fiction and non-fiction books, about 40 journal titles which reflect the full curriculum, DVDs, photocopying and computing facilities

Books are usually issued for one or three weeks, and overdue charges are incurred when books are returned late. Students may reserve items which are currently on loan, and the library always welcomes suggestions from students for the purchase of new titles

The library can be accessed before registration, at lunchtime and for study club, after school

Equipment

Lost Property

Please ensure all equipment is named

Students are responsible for looking after their own possessions including files, exercise books and textbooks. If a student loses her textbook or returns it in an unsatisfactory or damaged condition, the Head of Department may ask parents/carers to pay towards the cost of a replacement.

If an item of property is lost, the student should retrace their steps and check the lost property area, located by the food factory or in the PE changing areas to see whether it has been handed in Once every half term, all unclaimed items of school uniform will be disposed of.

All items of uniform, P.E. Kit (including trainers) and personal property must be clearly named, not just initialled or noted with 'nickname' Purses/wallets especially should be of a sensible design and be easily identifiable, with the owner's name clearly visible. Please stress to your child that she must always look after her purse/wallet and never leave it anywhere.

The school cannot accept responsibility for the loss of money or personal property on the school premises School insurance does not cover the loss, damage or theft of personal property of students or their parents/carers, nor does it provide personal accident cover for students. Parents/carers are strongly advised to ensure adequate cover is provided on their own insurance policies

Musical Instruments

Smaller musical instruments should be kept in the student’s own locker. For any larger instruments, a locker may be rented from the Music Department Instruments should be clearly named. Parents/carers are strongly advised to include their child's musical instrument on their own all risks insurance policy, as it will not be covered by any of the school's insurance arrangements

Equipment

Lockers

It is recommended that every student in the school has her own locker in which to keep, safely and securely, her school equipment and personal possessions. There is a charge to parents/carers for your child’s locker, which she will remain with her from Years 7 -11 This sum is included in the Resource Fee Students should provide their own padlocks for their lockers. If it is necessary to forcefully remove the padlock the student will need to replace it at her own expense A spare key should always be kept at home. We cannot guarantee that a locker will be available in September if you elect not to have a locker at this stage. Lockers will be allocated in September.

Security

Students are responsible for the security and privacy of their lockers, and for taking proper care of the keys or combination. However, it is sometimes necessary for members of staff to open a locker If this becomes necessary, it would usually be opened in the presence of the students concerned If this arrangement were not possible, two members of staff would be present whenever a locker is opened in the absence of the students using it

School Equipment

Mathematics The calculator is included in the Resource Fee. This calculator is suitable for use from Years 7 to 11 and possibly Sixth Form If all students have the same model of calculator, it will greatly help when they are being taught calculator skills

Design & Technology All student should have an A3 portfolio which can be used to store A3 project work.

General Purses A suitable, safe and strong school bag, a pencil case, with your child's name visibly on it, containing a pen, pencil, rubber, coloured pencils/felt pens, pencil sharpener, compasses, protractor and small ruler, glue stick

Safe provision for purses/wallet is essential Money should be kept in a purse/ wallet with the student's name clearly visible and small enough to go into a pocket.

Padlock A padlock is required for lockers.

Recommended electronic device

Your child will require an electronic device (not a mobile phone) for use in school

The school will introduce the managed device scheme during the 1st meeting in April

The school device scheme is mandatory and alternative devices will not be permitted

School Bag Please, for her own convenience and her future health, make sure your child has a school bag which is strong, and which enables her to carry the weight evenly in front or on her back, with the load balanced

PE Uniform - All Years

All students are to wear correct kit for Physical Education lessons and sports clubs, practices and matches in school

Garments for PE activities should carry the school crest. All items are to be clearly marked with the student’s name.

The following items of PE Kit are compulsory and can be purchased at any Sports stockist:

White Sports Socks

Sports trainers (these must be trainers and not plimsolls or daps)

Football boots (these must be studs or blades)

Gum shield

Shin pads

Black/Navy Blue Swimsuit

Swimming hat (white WGGS ones are available from Beat School Uniform)

Towel

There are a number of outdoor activities through the winter and it is strongly advised that students have a hoodie/track top for these and leggings or tracksuit trousers. Only the WGGS leggings and base layers will be permitted in lessons, no other version will be accepted. Leggings can be worn under shorts, they can be worn separately for dance, gymnastics and athletics.

Students must wear clean, correct PE kit for every lesson even if they are ill or injured so they can still take an active part in the lesson This will enable students to fully partake in the activity when they return to full health, it prevents their school uniform from getting damaged whilst standing on muddy pitches and in cases of illness it prevents conditions from worsening as students still have their dry uniform to get changed into if it is raining during the lesson. There are occasions when this would not be possible, and this is at the schools discretion i e severe injury or illness but as physical education is compulsory in school only in exceptional circumstances will alternative arrangements be made for students when they are unable to take part physically. Otherwise, they will remain with their teaching groups and participate in the role of coach or official for the activity. Should a student not have their PE kit for lesson, even if they are unable to take part physically they will be issued with a kit mark. Should a student receive 3 kit marks they will also be placed in lunchtime detention

Following a student’s lunchtime detention every subsequent detention will be an afterschool detention

If you need to report an injury for your child, please email penotes@watfordgirls.herts.sch.uk with the details of the injury at least 24 hours in advance of your child’s next PE lesson if possible. Providing supporting documentation from a GP or hospital would also be helpful for the PE staff and medical team, so we can ensure appropriate provisions are in place for your child

PE Uniform - All Years

Adjustments for Religious Reasons

PE Kit: Students who are unable to wear shorts or t-shirts for religious and cultural reasons will be allowed to wear tracksuit bottoms or hoodie/track jacket over their normal PE kit, or they may wish to purchase the school leggings and base layers which can be worn under shorts and t-shirts to provide full coverage.

For swimming appropriate adaptations can be made in discussion with the subject teacher. Students may wish to purchase an appropriate religious swimming costume.

Headscarves: Where worn these should be tight and secured in a safe manner, particularly at the side of the face, and unlikely to obscure vision or catch on anything that may put the wearer or other students at risk. Students can also consider obtaining a sports version of the hijab, for improved suitability (AfPE 2016)

Jewellery and personal effects including cultural or religious adornments

Jewellery and personal effects are not allowed under any circumstances and must be removed for all lessons. Students who have newly pierced ears must cover them with tape for the first 6 weeks, and then they must then be removed It is the student's responsibility to provide tape, if they do not, they will be asked to remove the earrings. The PE Department will not be responsible for any injuries caused during these six weeks Refusal to do so will be dealt with in accordance with the school's behaviour policy. No additional body piercings (apart from ears) are allowed.

Longer hair must be tied back to ensure that it does not obstruct the vision of the student. Students must provide their own hair bands and clips for this.

Should students require the use of an inhaler or carry an EpiPen they must have it on their person for the lesson

Valuables in the Changing Rooms

The PE department takes no responsibility for valuables left in the changing room Small lockers are provided in the changing rooms for the student to lock anything away. We strongly recommend that valuables are not brought into school or are left securely in the student’s personal locker.

Curriculum

Our school curriculum is in line with the requirements of the National Curriculum and current Department of Education guidelines Students in Year 7 follow a course which consists of:

English, Mathematics, Science, Technology History, Geography, Religious Studies, Art, Music, Modern Foreign Language (French, German or Spanish), Physical Education, Classics/Drama and Personal and Citizenship Education

In Year 8, most students have the option of choosing a second Modern Foreign Language or Latin From Year 9, careers guidance is included in PACE lessons as students consider the subjects they will study for GCSE.

A full range of courses is offered at GCSE leve Students take ten or eleven subjects in Years 1 and 11, including Mathematics, Combined Science or Triple Science, English and English Literature, a Modern Language, and a free cho of three further subjects. There is also a

Reports

Each student will receive three reports per academic year. These reports are intended to initiate and support conversations between teaching staff, students and parents/carers regarding progress. The final report of each year will also summarise other aspects of school life for each student Reports will be sent home to parents/carers by via electronic communication

Personal & Citizenship Education (PACE)

Every student in WGGS has one lesson each week with her Form Tutor as part of the national Personal and Citizenship Education (PACE) programme The structure of PACE is generally that the class spends some time on a topic before moving on to a different subject Among topics covered are study skills at various stages, the importance of healthy and active lifestyles, changing relationships, careers education and guidance and a range of social problems - often allied to the Form's charity fund raising. Additionally some content will be delivered through external specialist provision for each cohort. During the year, teaching and assessment of Citizenship will be carried out in PACE

RSE (Relationships and sex education) is taught within the Personal and Citizenship Education (PACE) curriculum Biological aspects of RSE are taught within the science curriculum, and other aspects are included in Religious Studies (R.S) and Computing.

Further information related to RSE can be found within our policies section on the website.

https://www watfordgrammarschoolforgirls org uk/about-us/policies-statutory-reports/

Homework

Students entering a large secondary school sometimes have no more than a vague idea of how to organise themselves to do homework Home study skills will therefore occupy a large part of the Personal and Citizenship Education (PACE) programme. The aim initially will be to help students understand why homework is so important to the learning process, to establish good study habits and the principle of good presentation As students' progress through the school the PACE programme will guide them through effective time management and more sophisticated thinking, study and revision skills towards becoming efficient independent learners.

Homework Policy - A Guide for Parents/Carers

Below you will find a summary of the school's policy on homework. We do value parental support in this matter and hope the summary will be of use to you

1) The main purposes of homework and independent study are: the encouragement of a self-disciplined and self-motivating attitude to study; the consolidation and completion of work begun in class; the development of good working habits and independent study skills in students, which will stay with them as they become adult life-long learners; the extension of work begun in class to develop and challenge the student.

2) Students are expected to be responsible for the organisation of their own work and for the time spent on it In particular, all students should make a special effort to get work done on time and to develop the skill of keeping to deadlines.

3) A weekly email is sent to parents/carers informing them of the homework set and whether it has been submitted. Once your child has been set up on Microsoft Teams, we will provide training for parents/carers as to how you can further support your child

Homework

4) Homework will take a variety of forms:

Learning

Fact-finding

Independent enquiry, research, reading

Essays and course work or project work

Preparing for a talk or discussion

Preparing for a practical lesson

Word processing exercises

Writing programs

Drawing diagrams.

5) General guidance on time allocated:

Year 7: Up to 30 minutes per subject per week.

Year 8/9: 30 minutes per subject per week 1 hour for core subjects

Year 10 and Year 11: At least two hours per week for all subjects.

6) How parents/carers can help by giving encouragement and support by checking presentation, spelling and handwriting by listening to your child read by asking your child to explain what she has been studying by monitoring the amount of time spent on home study by checking homework has been submitted by ensuring students have a quiet place to study at home

Please encourage your child to read widely and daily. Reading for personal enjoyment is a habit which brings lasting benefits and must be encouraged Reading a book of her own choosing for at least 30 minutes should be part of your child's homework every evening

If your child experiences difficulties, your child's form tutor should be notified to provide help and support Please do not correct homework or do homework yourself for your child to copy as this disguises any difficulties she may be having.

Detentions

Detentions are occasionally given for serious misbehaviour or failure to work adequately, when all other approaches have been unsuccessful Once your child has been given a detention, she must attend.

Parents/carers will always be informed at least 24 hours in advance when a detention will last longer than 15 minutes. This will explain why the detention has been given and when it will take place

Late detentions may take place on different days and for varying lengths of time

Pupils may be detained by a teacher for up to 15 minutes at the end of school without prior warning.

For longer formal detentions, 24 hours notice will be given.

Other Information

E-Safety

Keeping your child safe in a digital world

Your child will be using a range of media to learn while at school which she is probably already using to communicate with her friends. We will make sure that she learns the basics of how to keep herself safe through IT lessons and in PACE However, the more support she receives at home the more likely it is she will be to make the right decisions

We strongly advise you to read our e-safety policy. Specific guidance will be shared with parents/carers at the informal parents’ evening in the Autumn term

Smoking, Vaping & Chewing Gum

Smoking/vaping is not allowed in school, or at any time when student is in uniform or in the vicinity of the school. If a student does smoke/vape in these circumstances, she can be excluded This rule applies equally to bogus or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or personal vaporisers.

Chewing gum is often discarded without thought for anyone else. Such behaviour is inconsiderate, unpleasant and unsightly therefore it is not permitted in school. Further details can be found in the behaviour policy : Behaviour-Policy-2026

Some of our former Year 7s have prepared a video for you about what it’s like to be a Watford Girl.