Getting Settled
Will my child be in a tutor group with their friends from primary school?
If your child is coming to us with other children from the same primary school, then we always look at whether it is possible to pair them up with someone they know but would never limit them to being only with children from their previous school – and if they are the only one joining us from their primary, that’s no problem at all as there are plenty of activities in the first weeks to help everyone make new friends.
When will my child know their tutor group and form tutor?
Your child will find out which House and which tutor group they are in during their initial first days with us.
When will I first meet my child’s Form Tutor?
You would normally meet your child’s Form Tutor on Transition Day and all parents have an opportunity to meet their child’s tutor for a review meeting before the end of the first term.
Do you operate a setting or banding system?
At KS3, we have five mixed attainment groups in each year group. Your child will be placed in one of these groups and will remain in this group for all their curriculum lessons. currently, students are taught in mixed-ability classes. Thereafter, setting will be decided based on a combination of data from primaries and baseline assessments. We will update you if this changes closer to the time.
Will my child have to sit tests when they start in year 7?
Your child will complete NGRT (New Group Reading Test) during the transition days and will then be set assessed tasks in their subjects during the first term. We anticipate that they will complete Cognitive Abilities Tests (CATs) during the first half term.
My child has additional needs, what will be in place to give them the extra help they need?
The Suthers School has a team of Teaching Assistants led by a SENDCo who will make sure that the needs of all children are being met. This includes support in developing emotional literacy as well as addressing any other specific learning needs. Our SENDCo will be in touch as part of the transition process to make sure we fully understand your child’s needs before they start in September.
What equipment do I need to provide for my child?
You’ll find a full list of the equipment your child needs in the Transition handbook issued to students during the transition days. This includes essential stationery items, a mini dictionary & thesaurus, and a reading book. You can also view a copy of our uniform and essential equipment list by clicking here
How will my child know their way around the school building?
All new starters will be provided with a map and with plenty of opportunities to get to know their way around as part of our transition programme and during the first weeks of term. Staff and other students will always be on hand to help point your child in the right direction.
When will my child receive their timetable?
Your child will be issued with their timetable during the first week of term. They will spend time with their Form Tutor getting to know this and understanding how it will work day-to-day.
What are the term dates?
Our term dates match those of other Nova Education Trust schools. Please note that this will not necessarily be the same as Nottinghamshire County Council. To view these term dates, please click here or visit the Information for Parents section of our website.
Will my child be in a tutor group with their friends?
Students have been allocated a tutor group based on the primary school they have attended. Although every effort has been made to ensure that students are not in a tutor group on their own, or without someone from their primary school, we are aware of how fluid friendships can be. If there are any concerns about the tutor group allocation we can review these in September when they start.
When will my child receive their bus pass and how will they know where to catch it from and at what time?
A complete guide to transport, including how to apply for a bus pass, bus routes, and drop-off/pick-up times is available on our website. Please click here for information.
Is there anything I can do to prepare my child for starting secondary school?
Encourage them to complete the transition challenges we publish and read something from our recommended reading list.
What’s the food in the canteen like? Can my child bring a packed lunch?
We are excited about the food that will be on offer to our students. It’s fine to bring a packed lunch, all our meals will be provided by Aspens – a specialist catering company that works with all schools in the Nova Education Trust. You can take a look at a sample Aspens menu here and find out more about the company by visiting their website.
How do I get in touch if I need to speak to someone about my child?
If you have any questions or need further advice, please don’t hesitate to email us at contact@suthersschool.co.uk or call 01636 957690. Once your child has started school, the first point of contact would normally be their Form Tutor.
Routines
How do I report my child’s absence if they are unwell?
On the rare occasion that your child is too unwell to attend school, please make contact with us by 8am on the day of absence. You will need to call 01636 957690 and choose the ‘report a student absence’ option to speak to a member of our reception team or leave a message.
How and when will homework be set?
Homework (Practice Learning) is set regularly by each of your child’s subject teachers. All students are issued with a planner at the start of the year and use this to record their homework and when it is due.
What will a typical school day look like?
The school day starts with Form Time. You can view a copy of our school day summary by clicking here.
Where do I order my child’s uniform?
Our uniform is available to order from Academy Uniform Supplies. To find out more, including the starter pack which contains all the essentials, click here.
Rules and Expectations
What behaviour systems are used and how will my child know how to follow them?
Our ‘work hard, be kind’ philosophy is underpinned by a clear, stepped approach to behaviour management. At all times, we seek to ensure that students maintain the highest standards of conduct and will always work to support them in making the right choices. The stepped consequence system provides a graduated approach that seeks to reinforce the five key character strengths (tenacity, optimism, respect, curiosity, and hard work).
What is the uniform policy?
We take great pride in the high standards of uniform established since first opening and our students wear their uniform with pride as well.
Will my child be allowed a mobile phone?
In the interests of safety, students will be allowed to bring a mobile phone to school. However, students are not permitted to use a mobile phone at any point during the school day or within the school site at any point unless directed by a member of staff. Mobile phones should be switched off or put on silent and placed in their bags before entering the school. Smart Watches are strictly prohibited.
Opportunities
What makes The Suthers School different?
As a school, we all work to develop 5 key character strengths: tenacity, optimism, respect, curiosity, and hard work. Your teachers help you develop these every day and it’s a big part of what it means to be a student at The Suthers School and there is a strong emphasis on personal development.
What extra clubs and activities will my child be able to get involved in?
Whether it’s something at lunchtime, or during or after school, every child will have the opportunity to participate in a range of enrichment / co-curricular programmes. A full list of enrichment / co-curricular activities will be published at the start of the academic year.
