EASING TRANSITIONIXWORTH FREE SCHOOL

I am delighted your child has taken the decision to become a member of our community at Ixworth Free School. This is the first step in a long term partnership between you, your child and the school over the next few years; one in which we take great pride.

We believe that Ixworth Free School is a school to which parents and carers may entrust their child, safe in the knowledge that they are being cared for by a staff committed to achieving the very best for those given to their care.

As a learning community, we seek to provide an education that is exciting, challenging and prepares each child for life and learning beyond school; a broad based education in which achievement is celebrated and children succeed. We provide an education that stretches students of all abilities and values each child as an individual in their own right.

In order to achieve our aims, we seek to provide a disciplined and purposeful environment, where the traditional values of mutual care and consideration flourish.

Our entire team is looking forward to working with you to ensure the best education for your child. I look forward to welcoming you in person at the school in the near future.

Yours faithfully

Miss N King

WELCOME FROM THE HEADTEACHER

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The school’s focus on learning is at the centre of everything we do, helping to develop the students’ skills of originality, creativity and communication. The school is also completely networked and interactive whiteboards are present in all classrooms.

We completely embrace technology; as such all of our students receive a Chrome Book on which to research, complete work and access homework.

OUR SCHOOL

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If you need to contact the school to discuss your child’s progress and well being, or to forward some information to the school, you should speak or write to your child’s Tutor or relevant subject teacher in the first instance.

If you consider the matter requires further attention you should contact Mr Ward, Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for student welfare.

The School Day:

08.00-08.30 Breakfast Club

08.30-08.40 Line up and registration

08.40-09.35 Lesson 1

09.35-10.35 Lesson 2

10.35-10.55 Break

10.55-11.50 Lesson 3

11.50-12.50 Lesson 4

12.50-13.55 Lunch

13.55-14.55 Lesson 5

14.55-15.55 Lesson 6

16.00-17.00 Lesson 7 optional extra-curricular activities

Assemblies: All students attend an assembly on Monday morning. This takes place in the Main Hall.

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Wearing uniform is obligatory; all students must comply with the school’s uniform code. Not only does the uniform and smartness of our students add to the school’s image and prestige in the wider community, but it contributes to a business-like atmosphere conducive to achievement.

A high standard of appearance is required at all times and is integral to all students time at Ixworth Free School.

UNIFORM

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Please note aerosol deodorants / antiperspirants are not allowed in our school or changing rooms for health and safety reasons.

Our current uniform supplier is Aubyn Davies/Coes and items can be purchased by visiting their shops in either Bury St. Edmunds or Ipswich.

For further information on uniform expectations please check the school website at http://www.ixworthfreeschool.org.uk/life-school/uniform/

At Ixworth Free School we will expect uniform to be worn smartly and with pride!

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Boys GirlsPlain black blazer with school logo Plain black blazer with school logo

Plain white shirt with collar Plain white shirt with collar

School tie (to be worn at all times) School tie (to be worn at all times)

Plain charcoal grey trousersSchool skirt (with school logo) or plain charcoal grey trousers

Plain black socks Plain black socks (no tights)

Sensible plain black leather shoes Sensible plain black leather shoes

Coats should be plain black or navy Coats should be plain black or navy

P.E P.ESchool hoodie (with logo/school name) School hoodie (with logo/school name)

White polo shirt with school logo White polo shirt with school logo

Green/black rugby shirt with school logo Green/black rugby shirt with school logo

School black shorts School black ‘skort’

School football socks/white ankle socks Black hockey socks/white ankle socks

Trainers with non-marking soles Trainers with non-marking soles

Studded football boots Studded football boots

Shin pads Shin pads

A towel A towel

Unbranded black tracksuit with single white stripe (optional)

Unbranded black tracksuit with single white stripe (optional)

At Ixworth Free School your child will have to walk from one lesson to the next. They will therefore need to carry all of their books and items with them for each lesson.

It would be useful for them to get in the habit of packing their bag the night before with all of the things they need for the next day. This will help them ensure they are organised and take ownership for their self-management.

WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED?

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Essential Items:• School bag (This should be hardwearing and large enough to hold all of your child’s

equipment and books.)• Pencil case• Black and blue pens• Pencil• Ruler• Pencil sharpener• Eraser • Calculator• Coloured pencils• Pocket English dictionary• PE kit• Angle measure / protractor• Compass

SAFETY Please ensure your child leaves all valuables at home.

If your child is cycling to school they will need a bike lock to secure it in the school grounds.

Mobile phones, MP3 Players, ear phones etc. are not allowed in school. If they are seen they will be confiscated and it is the parents/carers’ responsibility to collect the items from the school office for them to be returned.

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If your child is to gain benefit from a good education and maximise their potential, they need to attend school every day.

Holidays are not authorised in school time, as we recognise that if your child misses time off school they fall behind their peers and are likely to leave with qualifications and grades that are below what they could have achieved.

It is best to get your child into a routine from the first day of secondary school that they must attend every day. If you are in doubt as to whether they are fit for school, please send them in and we will contact you if they are unable to manage in lessons.

ATTENDANCE

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At Ixworth Free School we place a strong emphasis on students participating in activities beyond their regular timetable.

These activities develop students’ social skills, as well as their particular talents and interests. Involvement in such activities also creates a more rounded individual that future employers and colleges look out for. As such we actively encourage students to take part in a range of these weekly activities.

ENRICHMENT ELECTIVES

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Enrichment activities include:• Golf • Cross Country• Street Dance • Programming• Chess • Music Theory• Chelsea FC • Dodgeball• Choir • Languages• Conservation and Wildlife • First Lego League• Art History • Duke of Edinburgh• Horticulture • Martial Arts• Theatre productions • Debating• Table Tennis

Our curriculum is developed to encourage personal growth within all learners.

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ParentPay® is the unique web based service that enables parents to make secure online payments by credit and debit card to schools and other service providers, for example caterers. This unique solution enables secure online collection of payments for anything from school meals and trips, to uniform and music lessons. ParentPay reduces the time spent on administration, minimises the quantity of cash held on the school premises and makes the whole income collection process safer and more convenient for schools, families and students.

If you have any queries/questions regarding ParentPay please contact Mrs Brackley in the Front Office.

PARENT PAY

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