Parents' Handbook Kimbolton School
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Kimbolton School Parents’ Handbook
Mission Statement
Kimbolton School creates a caring, challenging environment
in which all pupils are encouraged to fulfil their potential and
are given opportunities to flourish in a wide variety of
curricular and extra-curricular interests. We provide a close family
environment where young people are educated to be tolerant,
socially responsible and independent of mind, equipping them
for our changing world.
..
We are a community that challenges pupils to discover their
talents, develop socially and excel.
Cover picture courtesy of David Pickett
2 Edition 7, June 2018
Contents Mission Statement.............................................................................................................................................. 2 Contents.............................................................................................................................................................3 Values and Safeguarding................................................................................................................................... 4 Welcome.............................................................................................................................................................5 Explanation of Terms plus Weekend Commitments........................................................................................... 6 About this Handbook.......................................................................................................................................... 7 Map of the Senior School................................................................................................................................... 8 Map of the Kimbolton School Estate.................................................................................................................. 9 Joining the Senior School................................................................................................................................. 10 The House System and Tutors......................................................................................................................... 11 House Staff.......................................................................................................................................................12 Senior Leadership Team................................................................................................................................... 14 Teaching Staff...................................................................................................................................................15 The School Day................................................................................................................................................16 Bus Service......................................................................................................................................................17 The Academic Curriculum................................................................................................................................ 18 Our Digital School ........................................................................................................................................... 19 Homework .......................................................................................................................................................20 Feedback to Parents........................................................................................................................................ 21 Academic Assessments................................................................................................................................... 22 Rewards and Sanctions................................................................................................................................... 23 Music at Kimbolton........................................................................................................................................... 24 Sport at Kimbolton – PE and Games............................................................................................................... 27 Sport at Kimbolton – Representative Sport...................................................................................................... 29 Drama at Kimbolton.......................................................................................................................................... 31 Extra-Curricular Activities and Holiday Sport.................................................................................................... 32 Boarding at Kimbolton...................................................................................................................................... 33 Absence, Late Arrivals and Leaving Early ....................................................................................................... 34 Medical Matters................................................................................................................................................35 Lost Property....................................................................................................................................................36 Uniform Purchase and the School Shop.......................................................................................................... 37 Communications...............................................................................................................................................38 Kimbolton School Parents’ Association............................................................................................................ 40 Miscellaneous Matters...................................................................................................................................... 41 For Your Notes.................................................................................................................................................42 Useful Contacts................................................................................................................................................43 Edition 7, June 2018 3
Values and Safeguarding
Kimbolton School Values
Safeguarding
4 Edition 7, June 2018
Welcome
A warm welcome to our Kimbolton School Parents’
Handbook. Your son/daughter receives his/her own
‘New Pupil Handbook’, full of information covering
most eventualities. We presume that parents have
always sneaked a look at this too, however, this Parents’
Handbook offers a more comprehensive and detailed
view of life at our school.
This book is primarily designed to help you, and your
child, prepare for their first Kimbolton term and ease
your navigation through the months, and years, which
follow. Some of the advice has been contributed by
current parents who recently followed the same path as
you are now taking.
We know that the move to Senior School, any senior school, marks an important
milestone in a child’s life. We value each individual and want Kimbolton pupils to
develop into confident, caring, interesting and interested young men and women. Self-
esteem is so important in this process and an important component of that has to be
increasing independence. You will notice the theme which runs through this handbook
– whilst School and parents provide the support, the pupils must learn to do it for
themselves.
Your son/daughter’s tutor will invariably be your first point of contact with the School.
Thereafter the Housemaster/mistress (Hm) oversees the pastoral concerns of his/her
House.
Our pastoral care system is robust (don’t just take my word for it, the latest Inspection
report says the same). We have a dedicated nursing team in the School Health
Centre (including independent school counsellors), a Chaplain and the Assistant Head
(Designated Safeguarding Lead).
You are holding the seventh edition of the Parents’ Handbook in your hands. We look
to refine and improve each year. Please feel free to pass on your suggestions for the
2018 version – including any pertinent ‘Parent-to-Parent’ tips.
I look forward to working with you over the next few years.
Jonathan Belbin
Headmaster
Contact Us
Phone: Fax:
01480 860505 01480 861763
Email: Website:
headmaster@kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk
Edition 7, June 2018 5
Explanation of Terms plus Weekend Commitments
We acknowledge and value the diversity of backgrounds of our pupils and their families. In recognition of this,
within this Handbook, we have not assumed prior knowledge of either Kimbolton School or of the England and
Wales education system. Below is an explanation of some terms that we use:
• The National Curriculum is the framework set by the Government outlining the most important
knowledge and skills that every child has a right to learn and at what stage. Independent schools are not
obliged to follow the National Curriculum but at Kimbolton School we aim to cover and add to it. Further
information on our curriculum is at page 16.
• We use traditional names for our year groups. These are (with the entry ages and National Curriculum
equivalents):
• First Form (age 11+ – Year 7)
• Second Form (age 12+ – Year 8)
• Third Form (age 13+ – Year 9)
• Fourth Form (age 14+ – Year 10)
• Fifth Form (age 15+ – Year 11)
• Lower Sixth Form (age 16+ – Year 12)
• Upper Sixth Form (age 17+ – Year 13)
• We often refer to sections of the Senior School as Ingrams, Middles and Seniors. These are:
• Ingrams – First and Second Forms
• Middles – Third and Fourth Forms
• Seniors – Fifth Form, Lower and Upper Sixth Forms
Weekend Commitments
• We play sports fixtures against other schools on Match Saturdays. There are eight Match Saturdays
in each of the Autumn and Spring Terms and seven in the Summer Term. Certain annual events, CCF
competitions, departmental trips, outdoor pursuits, and music or drama rehearsals take place on Non-
Match Saturdays.
• Remembrance Sunday in November is a key date in the CCF calendar. All members of the CCF (Fourth
to Upper Sixth Forms) are expected to attend.
• Speech Day takes place on Saturday morning at the end of the first half of the Summer term, and usually
falls on the Bank Holiday weekend. All pupils are expected to attend.
6 Edition 7, June 2018
About this Handbook
This Handbook contains advice and essential information for parents of pupils joining our Senior School.
Where relevant, we have included contact information and direct links to our website where further or up-to-
date information is available.
In the interest of clarity and brevity, we have omitted the website address from the front of all links so, for
example, /TermDates indicates that the website link is www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk/TermDates.
Similarly, email addresses are listed without the School’s domain name so headmaster@ indicates that the
email address is headmaster@kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk.
Tips and comments from those who have been in your shoes: ‘Parent-to-Parent’
Parent-to-Parent
‘Our fears that he would find it difficult to settle in proved unfounded. There were plenty of other
boys and girls who were the only ones joining from their schools and he quickly made friends with
children from the Prep School and elsewhere.’
‘Things get much easier after the first few weeks.’
‘The School campus is much smaller than it appears at first. My daughter knew her way around within
the first couple of weeks and had plenty of help in locating rooms from staff and older children.’
Edition 7, June 2018 7
Map of the Senior School
8
The William Brown Lecture Theatre
(WBLT) is on the ground floor of
Edition 7, June 2018
the Queen Katharine Building.
To assist the flow of traffic through the village, we operate a one-way
traffic system in the Castle Grounds during peak school hours.
Please enter the Castle Grounds through the Iron Gates (on the
B645) and exit through the Gatehouse during the following hours:
Edition 7, June 2018
Monday to Friday: 0830 to 0915 and 1545 to 1630
Outside these hours, the Gatehouse may be used for both entry and
exit. Please note that the speed limit in the School grounds is 5 mph.
9
This map includes the
locations of our sports pitches.
The weekly fixture information
on our website lists the pitches
being used for home matches.
Map of the Kimbolton School Estate
Joining the Senior School
Pupils join the First Form from many schools. They are assigned to one of
five forms: 1B, 1D, 1K, 1L or 1P and remain with that form and its tutor for How long do children in a
two years. Our aim is to have an even mix of abilities, talents and interests form stay together?
across the academic and extra-curricular spheres in each class.
Two years
Although many of the First Form come from the Prep School, having been (First and Second Forms)
shuffled regularly between classes they are skilled and experienced at
welcoming and absorbing new children into the year group. Regardless of then
their previous schools, we encourage the creation of new friendships and
help all children to settle into Senior School life together.
One year (Third Form)
On moving into the Third Form, pupils are again reorganised into new class
then
groups. They are also allocated to a senior house and a tutor group (see
page 9). New pupils are provided with a guide who will show them around
and accompany them during the first few weeks until they settle in and form Individual Timetables
more friendships. (Fourth to Upper Sixth Form)
Pupils who join at other times are also allocated a guide to ensure that they
settle in quickly.
The Role of the Tutor
Pupils are allocated to tutors for two-year periods (one year in the Fifth Form). The tutor plays a key role in the
life of his/her tutees through:
• Taking the formal register at the start of each day and checking their personal presentation (dress, hair,
footwear).
• Monitoring their academic progress, discussing assessment grades and reports and being the first point of
reference for parents or other staff if academic problems arise.
• Befriending them, taking an interest in their broader development, supporting their extra-curricular interests
and being the first point of contact if pastoral problems arise.
• Advising them, giving them support, and encouraging them to develop positive attitudes and self-esteem.
• Advising them on the selection of academic options (Third Form Creatives, GCSE, A Level).
• Acknowledging particularly good behaviour or worthy deeds.
• Dealing with any complaints about their poor behaviour.
• Liaising with parents and other staff as appropriate.
Thus, your child’s tutor is at the centre of our support system and is your first point of contact for all academic,
pastoral and behavioural issues. Where appropriate, we would ask that you encourage your child to be the
first to raise issues with his/her tutor, rather than relying on your intervention. This helps foster trust and
understanding between tutor and tutee and develops the child’s confidence and self-reliance.
Making Contact
Please use email in the first instance to contact tutors. Most staff have extensive teaching commitments that
preclude them from being easily reached by telephone; they can, however, pick up an email fairly quickly and will
then call you when they are next free to discuss any issues.
Please do not enter your child’s form room in the mornings as this is not a good time or place to raise
concerns.
Ingrams parents may attend the weekly Ingrams Surgery, which is run on a non-appointment basis by the
Ingrams Housemistress or Assistant, each Monday from 1630 to 1700, in the F&N Office in the Donaldson.
10 Edition 7, June 2018The House System and Tutors
The House system is a key part of our pastoral care. We have five Houses:
William Ingram Ingrams, Balyes, Dawsons, Gibbards and Owens, which are named after
(HM, 1913-47) a founding father (FF) of the School, a long-serving Headmaster (HM) or
Housemaster (Hm).
Henry Balye
(FF) A Housemaster or Housemistress leads the group of tutors allocated to
each House and oversees the overall running of the House and the weekly
William Dawson House assembly. The tutor is the first point of contact for parents for all
(FF) academic and pastoral matters. All pupils are expected to contribute to
the daily life of their Houses. Those who make a significant contribution
Cyril Gibbard are awarded ‘House Colours’ in the form of a lapel badge or tie as an
(Hm, 1911-53) acknowledgement of their efforts.
Kyffin Owen Ingrams is our junior house. Our First and Second Formers all belong to
(Hm, 1920-63) Ingrams which provides a comfortable ‘stepping-stone’ between the Prep
School, or their primary schools, and membership of one of the four senior
houses. As well as taking part in some whole school events, Ingrams has
its own assemblies, house competition and reward system. Ingrams has a tutor period on Friday mornings.
In Ingrams, form tutors look after the pupils in their classes and are the key link between school and home.
Ingrams Prefects are Upper Sixth Formers who are allocated to Ingrams forms and assist the tutors in organising
events and administrative tasks such as checking homework diaries. They also befriend the pupils, provide
general advice and support, and are an excellent link between tutor and tutees.
The Ingrams House Competition comprises around 40 events throughout the academic year. Classes compete in
myriad events including all of the major sports, minor sports (such as swimming, equestrianism and badminton),
general knowledge and other quizzes, plus chess, debating, public reading, a Bake Off and a talent competition.
There is plenty of opportunity for all pupils to get involved. Major events in the Ingrams year such as the House
Music Competition in May and the Sports Day in June count towards the overall prize of the Ingrams House
Trophy, as do the total number of Merits awarded to each form’s members.
From the Third Form onwards, pupils join one of our senior houses: Balyes, Dawsons, Gibbards and Owens.
Siblings always represent the same House and, where known and possible, we place them in the same House
as any OK relations. Pupils are taught in classes comprising children from all of the Houses but are placed in
smaller tutor groups of around 12 to 16 pupils with others from their House for registration and pastoral care.
In the Third and Fourth Forms, the tutor groups span both year groups with roughly half of the tutees from each
cohort; this allows tutor and tutee to work together for two years and encourages pupils to look beyond their
immediate year group. These Middles tutors are supported by Lower Sixth Mentors who provide advice to the
tutees and assist in the running of House events.
In the Fifth Form, with the focus on GCSEs, pupils are placed in yet smaller tutor groups that are exclusive to this
year group. Sixth Formers are allocated to mixed Lower/Upper Sixth groups, again remaining with their tutor for
both years.
This way, the academic progress and personal development of each of our pupils is overseen by a tutor who has
responsibility for just a handful of tutees. Tutors meet their tutees on at least a daily basis as well as for House
Assembly and House Chapel each week. This fosters and augments a close pastoral system and ensures that
each tutee is well-known and understood.
Housemasters/mistresses are assisted in the running of their Houses by Upper Sixth Heads of House.
Inter-House competitions are held throughout the school year and include the major sports as well as a wide
range of minor sports and other events such as cross-country, music, chess, general knowledge, badminton,
Sports Days, Scrabble, shooting, debating, sailing and swimming. These all contribute to the award of the House
Shield, a fiercely fought-over prize which is presented in the final Assembly of the year.
Edition 7, June 2018 11House Staff
INGRAMS
Post/Form Name Email Academic Subject(s) Other Responsibilities
Housemistress Mrs C E Bennett ceb@ Food & Nutrition Head of Food & Nutrition
Assistant Hm Mrs S E Poole sep@ English; Drama Second in English Department
(1st Form) / 1K Philosophy for Children (P4C)
Assistant Hm Mr O R Hall orh@ French; Spanish CCF (Head of RAF Section)
(2nd Form) / 2P
1B Mrs A C Fearing acf@ Art; Design Technology Ingrams e-Safety Officer
Engineering; Digital Learning
1P Mr N H Holden nhh@ History
1D Mrs L A Leakey lal@ English; English as an
Additional Language; Art
1L Mr B M Mills bmm@ History; Politics Hockey Coach
2K Mrs P M Neale pmn@ French; Spanish; English
2L Mrs L Stone ls@ Religious Studies, English Head of Religious Studies
2D Mrs K Wilkes kw@ Mathematics, Digital Learning
BALYES
Post/Tutor Group Name Email Academic Subject(s) Other Responsibilities
Housemistress / Mrs E L R Lawless elrl@ Physical Education Head of Girls’ Games
Middles
Assistant Hm/Sixth Mr A S Jessup asj@ Mathematics Head of Mathematics
Middles Miss M L Cox mlc@ Chemistry; Physics
Middles Mrs K G Dunn kgd@ English CCF Contingent Commander
Fifth Mr D Cole dc@ Biology; Chemistry University Adviser
Fifth Mr A Gray ag@ All Sciences Director of Science
Sixth Mr M S Gilbert msg@ Physical Education; Director of Sport
Mathematics
Sixth Mr T L Pithers tlp@ English
DAWSONS
Post/Tutor Group Name Email Academic Subject(s) Other Responsibilities
Housemaster/Sixth Mr S Wilson sw@ Geography Head of Geography
Assistant Hm/Fifth Mrs A V Darlow avd@ French; Mathematics
Middles Mr J C Gomez jcg@ Spanish Head of Spanish
Middles Mr C M Holmes cmh@ Physics Head of Physics
Middles Mr D P Conerney dpc@ Mathematics
Fifth Mr D H Brattle dhb@ Physics
Sixth Mr N G Ellis nge@ Design Technology
Engineering
Sixth Mrs G A Jackson gaj@ Chemistry University Adviser
12 Edition 7, June 2018House Staff
GIBBARDS
Post/Tutor Group Name Email Academic Subject(s) Other Responsibilities
Housemistress/ Mrs L V King lvk@ Food & Nutrition e-Safety Officer
Middles
Assistant Hm/Middles Mr A B Hutchinson abh@ Physics
Middles Mrs S C Lace scl@ Drama; English Acting Head of Drama
Fifth Mr K Spencer ks@ Design Technology Head of Design Technology
Engineering Engineering (DTE)
Fifth Mrs L D Bamford ldb@ Art Head of Art
Sixth Mrs C C Elliott cce@ Business; Economics CSU and Charities Coordinator
Sixth Mrs C E Firby cef@ Biology University Adviser
Exams Assistant
Sixth Mr J R Saunders jrs@ Business; Economics Head of Economics & Business
University Adviser
Young Enterprise Lead Teacher
OWENS
Post/Tutor Group Name Email Academic Subject(s) Other Responsibilities
Housemaster/Sixth Mr M Bennett mb@ Art
Assistant Hm/Middles Miss H M Morrell hmm@ Mathematics Second in Mathematics Department
Middles Miss E M Wilson emw@ Music Assistant Director of Music
Middles Miss T M Lloyd tml@ Physical Education CCF (Head of Army Section)
Fifth Mrs J M Brown jmb@ Geography
Fifth Mr A Wilkinson aw@ Mathematics
Sixth Mr T Leadbetter tl@ Politics Head of Politics
Sixth Mr N J Whiteley njw@ Geography CCF (Head of RN Section)
Edition 7, June 2018 13Senior Leadership Team
Academic
Post/Tutor Group Name Email Other Responsibilities
Subject(s)
Headmaster Mr J Belbin headmaster@ History
Senior Deputy Head Mr M J Eddon mje@ Mathematics
Deputy Head (Academic) Mr C J A Bates cjab@ Politics Philosophy Society
Assistant Head (Extension Scholars’ Programme
Mr J C Newsam jcn@ History
and Enrichment) Debating and Public Speaking
Design
Assistant Head (Designated
Mrs C A Stokes cas@ Technology e-Safety
Safeguarding Lead)
Engineering
White House Houseparent (Girls
Assistant Head (Staff) Mrs L A Hadden lah@ Geography
Boarding)
Director of Activities Mr R E Knell rek@ French Head of French
Head of Sixth Form Mr A J Bamford ajb@ History Head of History
Head of Prep School Mr J P Foley prep@
Deputy Head of Prep School Mr O Stokes prep@
Bursar Mr E F P Valletta bursar@
14 Edition 7, June 2018Teaching Staff
Name Email Academic Subject(s) Other Responsibilities
Mrs A E Bantin aeb@ History Co-PSHE Coordinator
Mrs A Bates ab@ Politics Head of Careers
Debating and Public Speaking
University Adviser
Mr M C Cave mcc@ Design Technology Engineering
Miss D E Collins dec@ English
Mr P J Crawford pjc@ Biology School Chaplain
Mr E C Drysdale ecd@ Chemistry Head of Chemistry
Mrs L A Ellison lae@ Mathematics
Academic Support
Mrs H F Garland hfg@ Biology Boarders’ Activities
Co-PSHE Coordinator
Mr J R K Garland jrkg@ History
Mr D C Gibbs dcg@ Music Director of Music
Mrs K M Gilbert kmg@ Physical Education
Mr P M Gillam pmg@ Biology Head of Biology
Mrs N F Hassall nfh@ French; Spanish
Mrs S M Jarrett smj@ Spanish; Food & Nutrition
Miss R A Jobling raj@ Drama
Mrs S J Kerridge sjk@ English
Mrs M C Kfoury mck@ French
Mr B J Lamper bjl@ Chemistry; Physics
Mr A S Lawless asl@ Physical Education; Design Kimbolton House Houseparent (Boys Boarding);
Technology Engineering Head of Boys Games
Mr J O Middleton jom@ Physical Education Head of Hockey
Mrs A E O’Donnell aeo@ English Head of English
Miss A L Oxley alo@ Religious Studies
Ms A L Parker alp@ Mathematics
Mr M Reed mr@ Digital Learning Head of Digital Learning
Mrs A J Ritchie ajr@ Physical Education
Mrs S E Rowden ser@ Biology
Mrs A M Rushton amr@ Spanish
Mrs E Simons es@ Textiles Textiles Club
Mrs R Stewart rs2@ Head of Academic Support
Mr R A Walker raw@ Art
Mrs J C Webber jcw@ Drama Head of Drama (maternity leave)
Mrs L K Whiteside lkw@ Mathematics
Mr T L Wigington tlw@ Physics
Mrs C J Wilson jjw@ Geography
Academic Support
Dr S P Yallup spy@ Mathematics
Mrs E Maenpaa Ingrams Prep Room
Edition 7, June 2018 15The School Day
Arrival and Registration 0840-0845 Registration with Tutor
The school day (see box, right) starts at 0840 with registration in tutor 0850-0945 Period 1
rooms. Pupils arriving before this time may take breakfast with the 0945-1040 Period 2
boarders between 0800-0815 (subject to prior booking and a small 1040-1100 House Assemblies or Chapels
charge – see page 17) but otherwise are not supervised until registration. 1100-1120 Break
At peak times we operate a one-way system through the Castle Grounds 1120-1215 Period 3
(see page 9). Please enter the School via the Iron Gates on the B645 1215-1310 Period 4
and exit via the Gatehouse. The Iron Gates are then locked for the
1310-1410 Lunch
school day, during which entry and exit is via the Gatehouse.
1415-1420 Registration in Lesson
The road near to the Queen Katharine Building, the Donaldson 1420-1520 Period 5
Laboratories and the swimming pool is used by the school buses. Please
1520-1620 Period 6
do not enter or exit this area, or drop-off your child by the nearby gates
(the ‘Donaldson Gates’), as this will cause traffic jams. 1630 Buses Leave
1630-1730 Activities or Supervised Prep
Late arrivals for registration are recorded and pupils with multiple ‘lates’
in a half term accrue a Friday detention. Pupils who arrive between 0845 and 0915 register with the Regimental
Sergeant Major (RSM) in Lost Property, and with the School Secretary in the School Office thereafter. Pupils
found in school without registering are given a Friday detention.
Registration is conducted swiftly so that tutors have time to address minor issues and give out notices. Please
do not enter your child’s tutor room or approach their tutor at this time as it will delay the start of the day. You are
welcome, however, to email your child’s tutor at any time to raise any concerns or to make an appointment.
Once a pupil is in School, they are not permitted to leave the grounds, including to visit the High Street (unless
they are a Sixth Former or a boarder).
Break
Break lasts 20 minutes. The Tuck Shop within the School Shop is open for the purchase of a wide range of hot
and cold snacks and drinks plus stationery and minor uniform items. The queue is supervised by a member of
staff and Sixth Formers. As an alternative, Ingrams pupils may go to the Dining Hall for a more limited choice of
drinks and biscuits (provided free of charge) in a quieter location and supervised by prefects and staff.
Lunch
Lunch is between 1310 and 1410. The termly calendar includes the rota for lunch by year groups. Two or three
hot options (including vegetarian) plus a salad bar, soup, bread, hot and cold desserts, fresh fruit and water are
on offer daily and are freshly cooked on the premises by our own catering staff. Pupils are expected to take lunch
in the Dining Hall unless they are away on trips or sports fixtures, when a packed lunch will be provided.
After-School
The school day ends at 1620 and the buses depart at 1630. Drinks and snacks are available in the Dining Hall at
1620 for those participating in after-school activities or attending a homework session.
The after-school session starts at 1630 and runs for one hour, although a few activities last longer than this.
Each morning, Ingrams pupils confirm to their prefect their intention to stay behind for activities or homework;
while this is not required for Middles or Seniors, all day pupils remaining on the School campus after 1630 are
expected to attend an activity or a homework session and should not be ‘hanging around’ at school.
Day pupils may stay for boarders’ tea at 1800 (subject to prior booking and a small charge) but will not be
supervised after tea finishes at 1830 unless previously arranged with the boarding staff.
Parent-to-
Parent
‘Tuck Shop money is useful for the first few weeks, but the novelty wears off so don’t worry!’
16 Edition 7, June 2018The School Day
Supervised Homework Sessions
All First to Fourth Form pupils remaining at school after 1630 and not in an activity are expected to attend a
supervised homework session. The homework sessions are held in the rooms published in the termly calendar.
Unless absolutely necessary, please do not collect your son or daughter until the last 10 minutes of the session
as frequent interruptions are not conducive to quality homework. If collecting them before the end of the session,
your child will need to sign out on the attendance sheet in the room and then meet you at your car or in the School
Shop. The Shop is out of bounds to all unaccompanied First to Fourth Form pupils between 1630 and 1730.
Fifth and Sixth Formers may use the Vanbrugh Library or other quiet areas for study after school. Please note that
the Library closes at 1745 and the School Shop closes at 1800. Unless attending an evening event or staying for
boarders’ tea or in one of the boarding houses overnight, all day pupils should have left the School site by 1800.
Collecting Your Child by Car
Occasional Meals Requests
Please enter the School grounds via the Iron Gates and leave via the
Gatehouse. As in the morning, please do not use or park near the
Donaldson Gates or park in the area used by the buses. Reception:
Mrs Alison Wright (am)
Occasional Meals at School Mrs Hazel Soley (pm)
01480 860505
Day pupils may take breakfast (0800-0815) and/or tea (1800-1830) with the reception@
boarders on a regular or occasional basis and for a small charge on your
termly bill. Each day there are a handful of ‘short notice’ places for which Website Info:
only 24 hours notice is required; to guarantee a place please call Reception
/AdminForms
or fill in the form on the website at least seven days ahead.
Bus Service
We offer a number of bus routes for the transportation of pupils to and from
School. These run from Monday to Friday with a reduced ‘hub’ service after All Bussing Queries
activities. Our buses are provided by Robinson’s of Kimbolton and are used
exclusively by Kimbolton School pupils; over 25% of our pupils of all ages use School Services Manager:
this service. School rules apply while travelling on our buses and we expect Mr S M Richardson
all pupils to maintain the highest standards of behaviour while travelling to 01480 862233
School. smr@
Second and subsequent siblings attract a small discount on the cost of bus Reception:
travel. Where space permits, one way only tickets are available, as are tickets 01480 860505
for single trips (eg. for a friend coming home for tea). Please email or call reception@
Reception to arrange a temporary bus pass.
Website Info:
Full details, including routes, costs and booking forms are available on our /BusService
website. In addition, we send information about the buses to all parents in
July. Please contact the School Services Manager if you wish to discuss any Robinson’s:
aspect of the bus service. 01480 860581
Edition 7, June 2018 17The Academic Curriculum
First to Third Forms
Website Info:
/SeniorCurriculum Pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum in the First to Third Forms
/SeniorDepartments comprising:
English French Digital Learning Art
Mathematics Spanish Personal, Social and Design Technology
Health Education* Engineering (DTE)
Biology History Physical Education Food and Nutrition
Chemistry Geography Games Textiles
Physics Religious Education
Music Drama
*including careers and GCSE guidance in the Third Form
Creative Subjects
The four creative subjects (in italics in the list above) are timetabled in a ‘carousel’ for the First and Second
Forms. Each class is split in half with one half studying two of the creatives concurrent with the other half
studying the remaining two. The two halves swap over after eight week sessions so that they have an equal
experience of each subject before they make their Third Form options.
Textiles finishes after two years. Halfway through the Second Form, pupils opt which two of the remaining three
creative subjects they wish to study in the Third Form. All first choices are guaranteed but numbers may prevent
us from granting all pupils’ second choices.
Fourth and Fifth Forms
The same approach of a broad and balanced curriculum continues in the Fourth and Fifth Forms. GCSE options
are made in the Spring of the Third Form. All pupils take GCSEs in English Language, English Literature,
Mathematics, at least one foreign language, at least one humanity (Geography, History, RS), either Core and
Additional Science or all three sciences, plus choices from a creative/technical subject menu. In total pupils take
nine GCSEs with some studying for ten, and all continue with PE (Fourth Form only), PSHE and Games, plus the
Combined Cadet Force (CCF) or the Community Service Unit (CSU).
Sixth Form
Lower Sixth options are made in the Spring Term of the Fifth Form. Students choose three subjects to study for
two years at A Level from a total of 21 on offer. All Sixth Form students participate in a weekly Games Afternoon
and opt for CCF, CSU or an extension course. Lower and Upper Sixth Formers undertake our ‘Preparing for
Citizenship’ course.
The ‘Fifth into Sixth Form’ Evening for Fifth Form pupils and their parents in the Autumn Term includes a
detailed briefing and booklet on A Level options and Sixth Form life, and the opportunity to discuss subjects with
departmental staff.
‘Don’t buy a coat until necessary, the blazer is enough. Buy a blazer a bit bigger than needed.’
Parent-to-
Parent
‘Most pupils start the Autumn Term in winter uniform so don’t buy short-sleeved shirts until necessary.
Even then, many prefer to roll-up long sleeves rather than wear short-sleeves shirts in the Summer which is
perfectly acceptable.’
18 Edition 7, June 2018Our Digital School
Kimbolton is a digital school. This means that pupils are prepared for life using
digital communication and technology, alongside our more traditional methods iPad Queries
of teaching and learning. iPads@
iPads are fully integrated into our teaching and are used by every pupil and Website Info:
teacher. We use them as an organisational and learning tool to inspire pupils /iPads
and to encourage creative and collaborative learning. /eSafety
They are also part of our ‘Digital Mix’, which also includes high-speed internet, e-Safety
Kimbolton iTunes U courses, and Digital Learning lessons in the First to Third Mrs Lucy King
Forms covering programming, robotics and digital media. All of our classrooms lvk@
have Apple TVs and/or interactive whiteboards. iPads have not replaced
handwriting and paper though; pupils still need to hand write examination e-Safety (Ingrams House)
answers and they routinely use pen and paper in class as well. Mrs Abigail Fearing
acf@
Digital learning is integral to every pupil’s Kimbolton experience, giving
them the skills and knowledge needed for further study and for the 21st century
workplace.
Purchase of iPads
All pupils need iPads in school from the start of the Autumn Term. We have teamed up with an iPad
company to provide an all-inclusive lease-buy option for parents. There is also a ‘Bring Your Own Device’
option for families who already have an iPad for their child to use, or who wish to buy their own outright. We
provide a comprehensive introduction pack about the iPad scheme for new parents in June which includes
details of our minimum specification. This information, plus frequently asked questions, a glossary of terms
and step-by-step instructions on how to set-up your child’s iPad ready for use at school, is also available on
the School website and via the Parent Message Centre.
Setting Up Your Child’s iPad
Before your child brings their iPad to school you will need to set it up. This includes obtaining an Apple ID
for your child which, once the term starts, must be linked to their school, not personal, email address. This
is vital for safety and communication purposes. We will provide apps (iPad software) that pupils need for
general iPad usage in school plus any apps for specific subjects. Our ICT Department is open for contact
and appointments to help parents in the two weeks prior to the start of the Autumn Term. Please contact
them via iPads@.
e-Safety, Technical Support and iPad Storage
On joining the School, all pupils are required to sign up to a safe ICT and iPad usage agreement (which is
also countersigned by parents), and are educated in e-safety. The agreement must be completed before your
child’s iPad is registered on the school network and added to our Mobile Device Management system (which
allows us to supervise usage, add/manage apps and apply internet safety rules centrally).
Each year a group of selected pupils are given responsibility to help other pupils (and sometimes teachers!)
with any technical iPad issues. These are known as iTechs and wear badges to help pupils identify them.
We have iPad lockers for pupils to store their devices in securely. Padlocks are available from the Shop.
‘I don’t consider myself technically minded and was quite daunted by the whole process of obtaining
and setting up an iPad. In fact, it has been far cheaper and less hassle than I expected and the
Parent-to-
Parent
instructions provided were really easy to follow.’
‘My son isn’t on his iPad as much as I expected. He still does plenty of written tasks but we find that it
has really helped with his organisation. For example, he no longer loses recipes for Food and Nutrition
because he’s stored them on his iPad and can locate them quickly.’
‘My daughter quickly got into the routine of charging it and placing it into her bag with her textbooks.’
Edition 7, June 2018 19Homework
We set homework for all year groups throughout the school year and it is an understandable concern of most
parents. The points below should answer the most common questions. Please contact your child’s tutor if you
need further clarification.
What is the purpose of homework?
Homework serves a number of purposes:
• It encourages pupils to develop the habit of working on their own and to learn perseverance and self-
discipline.
• It gives pupils the chance to practise the skills that they have learned in the classroom. This enables
classwork to concentrate on new things and thus more ground to be covered.
• It allows pupils to be academically stretched in ways that are appropriate to their individual rate of progress.
• It provides teachers with an indication of pupil performance and progress.
How much homework will my child receive?
Time allocated for homework varies between year groups. The expectation is that pupils should spend a
reasonable amount of time on homework each evening and at weekends.
• First and Second Form 60 mins per night (between 3 subjects), ie. 5 hours per week
• Third Form 1 – 1½ hours (between 3 subjects), ie. 5 – 7½ hours per week
• Fourth and Fifth Form 1½ – 2 hours (between 3 subjects), ie. 7½ – 10 hours per week
• Lower Sixth Form 3½ hours per subject per week
• Upper Sixth Form 5 hours per subject per week
The Sixth Form necessitates a greater degree of flexibility and Sixth Formers must develop an extensive and
rigorous programme of study outside lesson time using a blend of private study and home time. This is essential
preparation for work in tertiary education reflecting the greater substance of tasks set and the greater need for
independent studying.
How does the School help pupils to organise their homework?
Each pupil is given a homework diary at the beginning of the year which includes a homework timetable at
the front. This states which subjects are set for each evening and, due to exigencies of the timetable, may
sometimes include homework that is set on one day for completion on a different evening. Subjects and teachers
will also put homework on iTunesU courses. This arrives on pupils’ iPads automatically.
Each day, your child should record the details of homework set against the evening that it is allocated to plus the
date that it is due to be handed in. Digital homeworks can be recorded as ‘iTunesU HW’ in the homework diary.
Ingrams parents are asked to sign the diary each week; Middles and Seniors tutors will request this if necessary.
How should I assist my child?
You have a positive role to play in homework in terms of encouraging, supporting and stimulating your child’s
academic development. There are a number of ways that you can assist:
• Help your child check for homework set on iTunesU (iPad app) by teachers
• Check that your child’s homework diary is filled in clearly and regularly.
• Agree a timeframe for homework and work within it. Ensure that things are not left until the last minute
– especially at weekends and during holidays – but remember that some homework is set on one day for
completion on another so need not be tackled before the timetabled day.
• Before starting check that your child is clear about the task and has the relevant materials and resources.
• Provide suitable working conditions: a quiet place with lighting and furniture suitable for good working and
away from the television and their mobile phone! Negotiate an appropriate time and place.
• Take a positive and active interest in your child’s work at home rather than just insisting that it is done.
• If your child finds a task difficult resist the temptation to do the work yourself! It is important that you only
provide background information and support and do not take ownership of the work away from your child.
• Aim to gradually take a declining role in the supervision of homework so that your child acquires the skills
of self-organisation and time management that are vital for public examination success.
• Let us know if there are problems with homework that you cannot resolve. If your child cannot complete
the work, stop the homework session after the allotted time (give or take a few minutes), encourage
your child to raise it with their subject teacher and, if necessary, make a note about the problem in their
homework diary or email their tutor yourself.
20 Edition 7, June 2018Homework
•
My child missed a lesson. What happens about the homework set for that night?
If your child is absent from school or misses lessons due to, for example, a music lesson or sports tournament, it
is his/her responsibility to catch up any work missed, including homework. Late homework must be handed in to
the subject teacher, not their tutor.
Parent-to-
‘Make sure that they have at least one friend that they can contact with homework queries.’
Parent
‘Make sure they do homework every night and that they then put loose sheets in a folder in their bag,
ready to be handed in.’
Feedback to Parents
The table below provides an overview of when you can expect feedback from us
in the form of assessment sheets, reports and parents’ evenings. It also highlights Website Info:
where examinations and options deadlines fall in the school year. This does change /SeniorFeedback
from year-to-year so please refer to the website for the most up-to-date table. The /SchoolCalendar
exact dates of events and assessment sheets may be found in the termly calendar.
Note that the first assessment sheets are produced just before the first half term so
as to give pupils time to settle in.
From the Third Form onwards, pupils accompany their parents to Pupil and Parents’ Evenings.
First Half - Second Half - Second Half - First Half - Second Half -
Form First Half - Spring Term
Autumn Term Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term Summer Term
Pastoral Evening Parents’ Evening Report1 Assessments Report2,3
First Assessments
Assessments Assessments Assessments Exams Assessments
Report Creatives Options Deadline 4 Parents’ Evening Assessments Report2,3
Second Assessments
Assessments Assessments Assessments Exams Assessments
Parents’ Evening
Report Assessments Report2
Third Assessments GCSE Options Deadline Assessments
Assessments Exams Assessments
Assessments
Parents’ Evening Report5 Assessments Report2,6
Fourth Assessments Assessments
Assessments Assessments Exams Assessments
Mock Exams
Report Report2,6 GCSE Exams
Fifth Assessments Parents’ Evening
Assessments Assessments Tutor Report
A Level Options Deadline
Parents’ Evening
Report Assessments Report6,7
Lower Sixth Assessments Assessments Assessments
Assessments Exams Assessments
Spring Tests
Mock Exams
Parents’ Evening A Level Exams
Upper Sixth Assessments Assessments Report6
Assessments Tutor Report
Assessments
Notes:
1. Report includes Games feedback for Autumn Term plus feedback on the current creative subjects.
2. Report includes any Academic Support
3. Report includes feedback on the second set of creative subjects.
4. For the Third Form, pupils choose two from Art, DTE and Food and Nutrition.
5. Report includes Games feedback for Autumn Term.
6. Report includes CCF/CSU/Extension Courses feedback.
7. Report includes ‘7th Period’ feedback.
Edition 7, June 2018 21Academic Assessments
We provide regular assessments of pupil progress in the form of assessment cards. These give gradings of effort
and conduct in class plus attainment in each subject, alongside a homework grade.
Assessment Criteria for First to Fifth Forms
Effort & Conduct in Class Attainment (Fourth & Fifth Effort in Homework
Form GCSE equivalent)
1 Excellent; Enthusiastic; Fully involved in lessons A Excellent (A+=8/9, A=7) / Good effort and handed in on time
2 Good; Positive attitude; Contributes well in lessons; Concentrates B Good (B or 6) X Poor effort; Missed deadlines; copied work
3 Few contributions; Sometimes distracted; Needs reminding to focus C Sound (C or 5)
4 Inattentive; Disruptive; Poor manners; Negative attitude; No contributions D Weak (D or 4)
E Very Weak (E/F)
Assessment Criteria for Sixth Form
Student Approach and Effort in Work Attainment Homework Punctuality
(A Level grade equivalent)
1 Work habits are excellent: A Excellent (A*/A) A Always in on time
• Student spends over 2.5hrs per week outside classroom on homework
• Work is fully completed with precision and detail B Good (B) U Usually in on time
• Finds independent solutions for work problems
• Drafts of work show that peer and self-assessment has been used C Sound (C) R Rarely in on time
• Cross references class notes with wider reading
• Additional reading and independent learning undertaken D Weak (D/E)
• Full contribution and participation in lessons
E Failing
• Outstanding interest and desire to learn more
2 Work habits are good but could be even better
• Is organised for lessons with notes clearly presented and filed
• Responds to feedback and marking comments where appropriate
• Seeks guidance if work is not understood
• Spends 2.5 hrs per week outside classroom on homework
• Attentive in class with some contributions
• Work is good but can lack depth and detail
• Interested in the subject
3 Work Habits are a concern and need improving
• Unprepared for lessons and/or disorganised files/folders
• Little effort made to catch up on missed work
• Does not always listen to advice or take on feedback from marking
• Occasional incomplete work
• Work is below the appropriate standard
• Less than 2.5hrs per week spent on work outside the classroom
• Some lessons missed and some lateness to lessons
• Lacks a pro-active approach to learning
4 Work Habits are a Serious Cause for Concern
• Many lesson missed and/or usually late to lessons
• Distracts the learning of others
• Lacks interest and engagement
• Negative/complacent attitude to learning
• Work is of an unacceptable standard
• Does not catch up on missed work
• All pupils are assessed regularly on their academic performance over a period of about three to four weeks
with the first assessment in mid-October. Assessments are awarded twice in each term. Pupils in the Fifth
and Sixth Forms also receive ‘On Target For’ grades in their November, February and March assessments.
• We expect that a good Kimboltonian in the First to Fifth Form would receive an effort assessment of 2.
Pupils who fall below this are not coming up to expectation in the classroom and tutors and teachers will be
looking for improvement.
• The attainment grade in the Fourth and Fifth Forms is an indicator of performance relative to GCSE grades
for that period of time. It is not a prediction.
• The Sixth Form assessment criteria are different, reflecting the different approach and demands of A Level
studies. For effort, a 2 is a minimum and a good Kimboltonian will achieve 2s or better. The attainment
grade reflects the equivalent A Level standard for that period of work. It is not a prediction.
• Pupils have a digital ‘Pupil Academic Passport’ on their iPads for them to reflect on their work and targets
set, helped by tutors.
22 Edition 7, June 2018Assessments, Rewards and Sanctions
• Assessments are issued to pupils by tutors in academic tutorials where advice, target-setting and other
support is given as follow-up. Copies are also sent home via email.
• Discussions are held within the houses and at a staff meeting following assessments to consider any
individual issues that may have arisen and the follow-up action required.
• Tutors are responsible for monitoring and supporting pupils’ academic performance and should be the main
point of contact for any concerns.
• Monitoring of pupil performance over their school career is done through assessments and compared with
other indicators of potential and performance.
Pupils with high grades are commended by the Headmaster by name in assemblies following assessments, as
are pupils who have achieved the greatest improvement from the previous set.
Merits and Commendations
Ingrams pupils are recommended for merits by staff for outstanding work or effort or for particularly good
deeds. They then ‘claim’ these in person from the Headmaster during regular lunchtime merits sessions. The
Headmaster awards Certificates of Excellence for 10 merits, £5 Waterstones vouchers for 25, and £10 for 50;
these are presented during Ingrams House assemblies. The total number of merits awarded to each class also
counts towards the Ingrams House Competition.
Middles and Seniors are awarded commendations that recognise special effort or attainment in academic
work or other areas of contribution to the life of the School. The Headmaster awards £10 Waterstones
vouchers in House assemblies for 12 commendations, then another £10 for 25 and beyond. The termly totals of
commendations earned contribute to the House Competition.
Sanctions
Our sanctions are progressive:
Subject teachers set lunchtime Departmental Detentions for poor, late or missing work, or if classroom behaviour
has fallen below acceptable standards. Tutors and Housemasters are informed of these; you will be contacted by
the Head of Department if there is a cause for concern over your child’s academic work.
If your child’s work, class behaviour or assessments fall below acceptable standards for multiple departments,
his/her tutor will issue a Report Card. Subject teachers sign these after each lesson and you will be asked
to initial them on a daily basis. We find that Report Cards are a useful way of communicating a child’s daily
academic performance and behaviour and assist both school and parent in working together to refocus a child.
Conduct Detentions are awarded to pupils for the minor infringement of school rules and to pupils who have
failed to respond to subject department sanctions. Held on a Friday lunchtime, they involve a written task and
are supervised by a member of the Senior Leadership Team. If a pupil misses a Conduct Detention they will be
placed in a Friday After-School Detention.
Friday After-School Detentions are used for more serious offences and override all other activities. Your child’s
Housemaster/mistress or the relevant Head of Department will call you and then send a letter of confirmation
about an After-School Detention.
Headmaster’s Detentions are held on Saturday mornings for those who have committed serious offences. These
override all other activities and are preceded by an interview with the Headmaster for the pupil. Your child’s
Housemaster/mistress will inform you by phone and the Headmaster will write to confirm that your child is placed
in a Saturday Detention.
Exclusions (short term and permanent) are used for the most serious cases.
Edition 7, June 2018 23Music at Kimbolton
Musical activities play an important part in the life of pupils at Kimbolton
Music Queries School with several choirs, orchestras and other musical ensembles to
01480 862254 join. The learning of an instrument and the fun of making music with other
people can become a joy for life.
Director of Music:
Mr D C Gibbs Over a third of our pupils take advantage of the expert tuition on offer from
dcg@ our team of visiting specialists and several take part at county or national
level. We offer teaching on all orchestral and band instruments as well as
Assistant Director of Music: piano, organ, guitar (acoustic and electric), drums, percussion and voice.
Miss E M J Wilson Many pupils joining the Senior School who have previously received tuition
emw@ elsewhere opt for lessons with us so that their music is integrated into the
normal school day.
Music Administrator:
Mrs A F Butt
afb@ Please note that we will assume that former Prep School pupils will
continue their lessons when they transfer to the Senior School unless you
Website Info: tell us otherwise. The normal period of notice will apply.
/music
The following may answer your questions about music tuition and
ensembles. You are welcome to contact a member of the Music
Department with any questions.
Individual Tuition
How much do lessons My child has never played an instrument before. Is it too late to start?
cost?
It’s never too late to start! For many pupils the move to the Senior School
Fees for tuition are is an ideal time to begin learning an instrument. The Music staff will help
charged per instrument your child choose which one to learn if they don’t have one in mind already.
per term. It is perfectly acceptable to spend time settling into the new routine before
taking on the extra commitment of music lessons as instrumental lessons
Current fees for tuition can start at any point in the academic year.
and instrument hire are
published on the website in Are there instruments available to hire?
the Fees section.
Yes. While we cannot guarantee availability, the Music Department has a
There is a notice period wide range of instruments for hire for the first year of tuition. If all goes well
to discontinue lessons and we would expect you to then purchase an instrument. Please note that we
notice must be given in cannot hire out pianos, drum kits or electric guitars.
writing.
Where and when do lessons take place?
Lessons are 40 minutes long and take place weekly in one of the practice
rooms in the Music School. The majority of pupils are taught during normal
lessons on a rotational basis to ensure that the same academic lesson is
not missed each week.
Pupils arrange timings with their music teachers and then contact their
subject teachers for permission to be excused. The rotation system
ensures that any academic lesson time missed is spread fairly across the
full range of subjects and, wherever possible, pupils learning more than one
instrument are taught one of these outside academic lessons.
How much practice will be required?
Progress in any instrument needs daily practice. The best way is to
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