The Kids` Guide to Arthur Mellows

ARTHUR MELLOWS VILLAGE COLLEGE
Helpston Road, Glinton, Peterborough, PE6 7JX
The Kids' Guide to
Arthur Mellows
July 2016
Delivering Learning for Life within an Aspirational Culture
The Kids’ Guide to Arthur Mellows
July 2016
Arthur Mellows Village College
CONTENTS
Welcome and introduction to Senior Management Team ..................................
Page 1
Welcome to the Key Stage 3 Team and the Learning Support Department.......
Page 2
Welcome from your new Head Boy and Head Girl ............................................
Page 3
Welcome from your new Deputy Head Girls......................................................
Page 4
Your Tutor Group ..............................................................................................
Page 5
What if things go wrong?...................................................................................
Page 6
Get involved ......................................................................................................
Page 7
The College Day ..............................................................................................
Page 8
Lessons ............................................................................................................
Page 8
Food .................................................................................................................
Page 9
Homework.........................................................................................................
Page 10
Mobile Phones ..................................................................................................
Page 10
The things you need to know ............................................................................
Page 11
The rewards system..........................................................................................
Page 12
Parents and College .........................................................................................
Page 13
The Buddy System............................................................................................
Page 14
Quotes from current Year 7 students………………………………………………..
Page 14
Map Ground Floor .............................................................................................
Page 15
Map First Floor ..................................................................................................
Page 16
Map McLaren Building ......................................................................................
Page 17
Page for your notes...........................................................................................
Page 18
The Kids’ Guide to Arthur Mellows
July 2016
Arthur Mellows Village College
Welcome to AMVC
“There are no strangers here – only friends you haven’t met”
We really hope you enjoy your day with us. This ‘Kids Guide’ is just for you although
your Mum, Dad and carers can read it too!
We hope that during your induction day with us you will learn more about Arthur
Mellows and that any questions you have will be answered. So if in doubt, or you
are not sure about things, please ask someone. Current students and the Head
Prefects have helped to write this booklet, so hopefully the information will be really
useful to you.
Below and on the next page you will find photos of key staff in the school but of
course there are many more, including your subject teachers, who you will get to
know very well.
Senior Management Team
MR SANDEMAN
MR OAKLEY
Head of College
Deputy Head of College
MRS SLUDDS
MR NORRIS
MR CRADOCK
Assistant Headteacher
Assistant Headteacher
Assistant Headteacher
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The Kids’ Guide to Arthur Mellows
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Arthur Mellows Village College
MR JONES
The Key Stage 3 Team
MRS JINKS
MR PHILLIPS
Head of Year 7
Senior Pastoral Manager
Pastoral Manager
MRS SMITH
MRS NUNN
MR WARE
Pastoral Team
Pastoral Team
Pastoral Team
Learning Support Department
MRS PARNELL
Special Needs Co-ordinator
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Arthur Mellows Village College
Welcome from your new Head Boy and Head Girl
Hello, and on behalf of myself and the rest of the AMVC students, welcome to Arthur Mellows. As I am sure
you are aware, the College has so much to offer both during lessons and after too.
Starting at Secondary School can be a scary thought, however do not worry, you will soon settle in. When I
started at Arthur Mellows back in 2010, I loved the step up from Primary School, as the subjects and topics
were much more interesting to me. There are not only a wide variety of subjects within the classroom, but
also an extensive range of extracurricular opportunities available too; from Netball Club to Kindle Club, these
activities are a great way to build new friendships when you start in September, and you may even find a new
hobby.
Arthur Mellows has helped me in getting to where I am today, and I am sure you will enjoy your time here as
much as I have. I only have one piece of advice; get involved and take all the opportunities available to you.
If you have any worries or need any help around school, do not be scared to ask (we will not bite). Time flies
by, so good luck and enjoy every minute.
Amy Fielding, Head Girl
Firstly, I would like to give a warm welcome from the entire Sixth Form here at Arthur Mellows. Coming to a
new school is going to be weird at first but really these will be the best years of your life.
During Secondary School the range of subjects you study widens greatly. This was the best thing about
school for me, as there is no limit to the new things you can learn. Soon you will find the subjects you enjoy
the most and before you know it GCSE options will arrive. In addition to this, the new people you meet and
become friends with is an amazing experience which will be something you never forget.
Not only will you enjoy the array of subjects and the chance to meet new friends, you will also be bewildered
by the amount of sporting opportunities at Arthur Mellows Village College. Meaning, one difficult decision
you will have to make is deciding which clubs you would like to attend.
If you ever find a time where you are nervous, or lost, do not be afraid to ask. All the teachers are friendly
and happy to help; every student you see will have been in the same position as you are now, so they will
have no trouble helping you. I hope you enjoy your time here at Arthur Mellows Village College, I know I
certainly did, and still do.
Lewis Manning, Head Boy
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Welcome from your new Deputy Head Girls
Although moving from Primary School to Secondary School is a big jump, and can seem very
frightening, Arthur Mellows is a fun and welcoming environment where you will soon start to feel at
home, almost as though you have already been at the College for years and years. All of the
teachers at Arthur Mellows are friendly and are all ready to help you make friends and settle down in
the College that will help you achieve, and realise your dreams.
Secondary School is going to be one of the best times of your lives, and Arthur Mellows recognises
this in offering a wide range of actives such as trips abroad, clubs and activity days. These activities
support your school work and give you the perfect opportunities to create friends that will last a life
time.
When joining Arthur Mellows be sure not to waste the opportunities given to you, as these complete
the Arthur Mellows experience, and create the friendly and welcoming environment that makes
Arthur Mellows such a good school to be a part of.
Abbey Williams, Deputy Head Girl
Moving up from your Primary School into Secondary
School was always going to be a ‘big step’. But Arthur
Mellows Village College’s staff and students know
exactly how to make sure you are well looked after and
not too overwhelmed with all the new information.
When you start in Year 7, everything will seem
completely new and different compared to Primary
school; each class is taught by a different teacher, but
this helps with involving more specific knowledge in the
subjects you do. This may seem like a huge change at
the time, but after the first cycle of your timetable, it will
be weird to think you only had one teacher for your
primary school years.
I know it may seem scary with all new teachers and
new students; many of you may only know a couple of
people, but trust me, this is nothing to worry about. Just
remember that everybody is in the same boat and
though they may know a few more people than you do,
your friendships group will evolve massively throughout
the years. And you know all those terrifying rumours of
heads being flushed down the toilets in all these
American high school films? That does not really
happen.
From the point of view, from someone who has gone
through exactly what you are currently, I can honestly
tell you that this change is good. It is so exciting getting
to know new people from fresh and becoming the best
you can be. If you ever have any concerns please do
not hesitate to come and chat with me, or any of the
other committee members. Good luck, and I look
forward to seeing you around Arthur Mellows Village
College.
Maddy Challis, Deputy Head Girl
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Your Tutor Group
Arthur Mellows: a place full of fun, opportunity, and excitement! It offers
amazing experiences such as a choir, Sports day, and other various activities!
However these days have to start with something, and that is your Tutor Time
in the morning...
When you arrive at Arthur Mellows you will be greeted by your Form Tutor. A
Form is like your class back at Primary school, but you meet in the morning
every day and get to have a nice chat with the students in them, before going
off to your lessons. There will be 9 Forms in your Year Group.
It is a friendly, relaxed place where you may see some of your friends from
Primary School. You won’t be on your own! Just remember everyone is new to
the school and will be a bit nervous, which is normal, so try to say ‘hi’ to a few
unfamiliar faces, and you never know they might be your best friend in years to
come!
You will meet every morning at 8.45 am and for fifteen minutes you may do
activities like reading, charades, and interactive games on the white board
(which include Spot the Difference and watching Newsround). Form time ends
at 9.00 am and then you go off to your classes when you hear the bell!
Your Form Tutor and any other teachers you see at Arthur Mellows can help
you with anything. This can be if you are lost, worried or have any questions
about the school as they know you are new and will be glad to help!
Your Form Group will soon become a place full of familiar faces and
characters and they’ll become a second family to you in time!
Lucy Somers (Student)
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What if things go wrong?
Sometimes things happen in school which make life tough. It may
be that your work in lessons is a cause for concern or your
behaviour (or that of other people in the class) prevents the best
possible work being done. There are some important points to
remember.
No one should ever feel alone. We want to help because we care
about you. There is no reason why your life in school should be made
uncomfortable by the actions of others. If you are worried or
concerned you must talk to a responsible adult about it.
Who to tell?
Bullying
Most people do not want to tell
anyone as they think the situation
will get worse. But if you do not
tell anyone it won’t get better. Tell
someone you can trust and they
can help you, ie adults, friends,
family, teachers..... anyone!
If you are being bullied it may
seem the end of the world
but it is not. Here at AMVC
we have an Anti-Bullying
Programme and that has
kept the amount of people
being bullied very low.
Rights
If someone is being physically or verbally
bullied they may be doing that because they
are jealous but no-one has a right to hurt you.
So get someone to help you solve the problem
and you will have a good time at AMVC.
Getting Lost
If you do get lost here just ask someone to help you get to your
next lesson. A student or a member of staff will either give you
directions or take you to where you need to be. You will soon find
your way around.
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Get Involved
Arthur Mellows is a fantastic provider of a variety of activities whether they include
Technology, Sport or Chemical Reactions. These activities take place either at
lunchtime or after school, ensuring that at least one event will fit in your schedule.
Having numerous activities leaves you spoilt for choice!
Joining a club will allow you to expand your circle of
friends. You’ll mix with lots of different people with
different personalities, meaning it’ll
never be boring!
The clubs will also bring enjoyment to
you if you take advantage of the opportunities available. Get those
legs and arms moving in sports club, unleash your inner diva or
rock star in one of the Music clubs or become the new Albert
Einstein in Science club. There are just so many to explore so make sure you allow
yourself to enjoy all parts of school life!
The teachers running the clubs welcome students of all abilities, so whether it is for
improvement or just fun you’ll be more than welcome. The enthusiasm of the
teachers really encourages you to get involved so make sure you listen out for
messages from your Form Tutor or keep your eyes peeled for any posters
advertising the activities.
If you are really passionate about an activity that doesn’t have
a club, do not worry and don’t be disappointed as the School
Council representatives are here to help! These helpful chaps
can raise this issue at the School Council to ensure your voice
can be heard.
The most important thing is to enjoy your time at Arthur
Mellows Village College and one of the ways to do this is
by joining a club and becoming part of a team!
Luis Turner (Student)
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Arthur Mellows Village College
The College Day
Start
End
Registration
8.45 am
9.00 am
Lesson 1
9.00 am
9.50 am
Lesson 2
9.50 am
10.40 am
Break
10.40 am
10.55 am
Lesson 3
10.55 am
11.45 am
Lesson 4
11.45 am
12.35 pm
Lunch
12.35 pm
1.25 pm
Lesson 5
1.25 pm
2.15 pm
Lesson 6
2.15 pm
3.05 pm
Lessons
Your lessons at Arthur Mellows are as follows:
Each timetable cycle lasts for two school weeks, that’s 10 days. Every day is divided
into
6
periods which last for 50 minutes. The first 5 days of the cycle are called
WEEK ONE and the second 5 days WEEK TWO.
It’s a really good idea to be fully prepared for your lessons so here is a list of
equipment that you will need:
Essential
Optional
A bag
Felt tip pens
Pens
Dictionary
Pencil
Set Squares
Ruler
Coloured Pencils
Eraser
Pencil Case
Protractor
Calculator
Compass
Tippex and aerosols are not allowed in school.
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Lunchtime
Lunchtimes at AMVC can be interesting, hectic and seem intimidating,
but do not worry, our beneficial tips will guide you in the direction of
survival and the food.
Roast Dinner £2.20
Bags – Always leave your bag outside the Refectory (canteen)
or preferably in your locker. You can keep your personal possessions with you
eg phone, etc.
A drink
£0.80 to
£1.00
Food choice – There is such a wide variety of food to choose from every single
day. If you have an allergy, just let one of the canteen staff know and they will tell you what
you can or cannot eat, but do not worry everything is delicious. Every day there are fresh
new main meals as well as pasta, pizza and baguettes. The fridge section includes
sandwiches, pasta, baguettes and also yummy desserts. You can buy tasty treats like
muffins, cookies, jelly in pots and brownies. You can also enjoy a range of drinks;
appletiser, grapetiser and flavoured water.
Paying – AMVC is very hi-tech. We use fingerprints. Machines are near
Student Reception in which you insert your money, or you can get your
parents to put money on your account. Once you have your food, line up at a
till and when it is your turn, place your finger on the scanner and you are
done.
Slice of
It is quick and simple so do not worry!
Pizza £1.20
Where to eat? – If not the canteen, then feel free to sit on the benches or picnic tables
and eat your food outside or at one of the indoor areas. But put your litter in the bin.
So…hopefully you are now less worried about lunchtime.
By Maia, Emily, Katie, Ella, Annie, Eloise and Amelia - (Students)
Prices quoted are correct as at June 2016
SAMPLE MENU
Chef’s Soup of the Day with Homemade Bread
Meal Deal
Macaroni Cheese V
Honey Roast Gammon with Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy
Roast Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Chef’s Salad
BBQ Chicken or Classic Margherita Pizza V
Salad Bar £2.20, Various Hot Wraps
Sticky Lemon Sponge, Banana Toffee Cheesecake
9
A tub of
jelly 90p
The Kids’ Guide to Arthur Mellows
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Arthur Mellows Village College
Homework
This page has been written by Elisha Inman, Joe Butler,
Louise Collinson, Ben Milner and Mia Purnell
Teachers give homework when they need to know that you
understand something. It will always be on something covered
in lesson. There will never be anything too difficult, and if you
are struggling, see the teacher and they will be more than happy to go through it with
you and help you until you fully understand.
The teachers recognise that you need time to complete the homework and most
teachers have a homework schedule, so you’re not bombarded with random
homework everyday!
If you are worried about keeping on top of your homework,
don’t worry! Your planner is your new best friend! You can
easily keep track of what’s due and when, and what you
need to do for the homework. It’s not difficult to get your
homework in on time when you’ve got it all written down in
your planner.
Doing the homework a few days before the deadline is a
good idea because if you don’t understand it you have time
to ask the teacher.
Homework is important
If you are having trouble with resources for homework, there is a
day whereby the Library is available for your Year Group only, as
well as, every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after
school.
Mobile Phones
Teachers are very strict about mobile phones. You don’t really need
your phone in school, especially in lessons so it’s best that you
switch it off to avoid embarrassing ring tones. If you use it, you
could ‘lose it’. It is really important your phone is switched off in an
exam or you will put everyone’s grades at risk!
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Money and valuables
Assembly
You really should not bring things of
value into College.
You have assembly one day
per week in the Main Hall.
Never leave money in bags or coats.
The things you need to
know...
Library Resource Centre
Year 7 can visit the Library Resource Centre one lunchtime
per week. Find out from your Form Tutor which day it is.
Coats
Lockers
Coats must have your name in
and you are not allowed to
wear coats inside the College
buildings.
These are available for you to use
and your parents will have already
received an order form for a locker.
Please remember to take care of
your key as there is a fee to replace
the key if you lose it!
If for any reason you have a problem, PLEASE TELL
US. If we know about it we can usually sort it out for
you.
EXTRA THINGS TO FIND OUT!!
 Where do I leave my belongings?
 What do I do if I have a dentist appointment?
 Where do I find out about clubs, teams and activities?
 What if I feel poorly whilst at school? Where do I go?
(Your Head of Year will cover all these in your first assembly).
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The Rewards System
Points
Postive points are allocated by staff for all aspects of life at Arthur
Mellows. Points are recorded on staff computers and can be for good
work, homework, positive attitude, good manners.... almost anything
positive really. Some positive points lead to emails home to parents.
Basically, if you are positive at Arthur Mellows Village College you get
noticed and rewarded.
Referrals – Behaviour for Learning
Principles:
 Every student has a right to learn
 Every teacher has a right to teach
 All students and staff have a right to
feel safe
Together we can:
 Achieve excellent results
 Build positive working relationships
 Support and help each other
To have really successful lessons you
must:
 Arrive on time
 Have the correct equipment for the
lesson
 Complete your work
 Allow everybody to learn
 Always do your best
Please co-operate and follow our classroom code. Failure to do so will lead to the
following:
 First verbal warning
 Second verbal warning and where possible name recorded on board
 Student sent to IS1 for silent study
Let’s be successful together!
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Parents and College
At least once a year your parents will be invited to come into College in the evening
to talk to your teachers about you and your progress.
Your parents will be able to talk to your subject teachers and your Form Tutor all
about how well you are doing. This is because everyone wants you to do as well as
you can.
We also want to be able to communicate with your parents on a regular basis. This
is one of the reasons why you will be issued with a Student Planner. This Planner
should be with you at ALL times.
It contains lots of important information about you and the College. It has your
timetables for lessons and homework and, most importantly space for your parents
and teachers to communicate.
You will also record all your homework tasks in the planner, which your parents have
to sign.
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Arthur Mellows Village College
The Buddy System
The Buddy System is where you get put into groups with other people from your
Form and two Sixth Form members are your leaders. During Form Time, once a
week, you will go to an area like the Sixth Form Café and spend time with your
assigned groups. You can tell them anything you want eg they can tell you where
you go to get to your next lessons or anything really.
This piece has been written by Hannah Durrant and Libby Little (Students)
Quote from Daniel Feest
Quote from Elise Bryers
If you are worried, or scared, ask
anyone as everyone is very friendly and
here to help.
Make sure you have a Pen, Pencil and
Ruler for lessons, and a Calculator for
Maths.
Quote from Hollie Fovargue
Quote from Evie Bergin
If you have an upcoming test,
revise well and do not be
nervous.
Keep your head held high
and smile your way through
the day.
Quote from Suzanne Fewtrell
Do not worry, everyone else is in
the same situation as you. The
worry will blow over soon.
Quote from Isobel Minnie
Getting lost is completely
normal. You can always ask
a teacher, and you will soon
get to know where everything
is in a very short time.
From the
Year 7
students
of
2015/16
Quote from Rio Singh
If you want to buy lunch, you
need to put money on your
account. Go to the Refectory,
grad some food and the lunch
lady will scan your finger.
Quote from Chloe Beeson
If you get the bus, be safe! Do
not walk around, sit down!
Quote from Abi Mole
You can use the lockers for
your PE kit and other items.
Quote from Jack Clawson-Chan
At lunch if you are lonely, go and talk to
someone in your year; just be nice and
they will be your friend. Also, try your
hardest.
Quote from Jess Broadway
There are certain days that you can use the Library;
there are lots of books and computers available for
you to use
See you in September!
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Arthur Mellows Village College
Ground Floor
EXITS
STAIRS
MAIN HALL
McLaren Building
GP1
GP2
R2
SIXTH
FORM
CAFE
R6
LIBRARY
R3
R4
E5
E10
E9
E8
E7 E6
H2
E4
E3
E2 E1
ENGINEERING
IT3
H1
Refectory 2
D7
H3
H3
H4
H4
IS1
P2
Auditorium
S11
H12
H11
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Arthur Mellows Village College
First Floor
STAIRS
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Arthur Mellows Village College
McLaren Building
IT10
LI1
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Arthur Mellows Village College
Page for your notes
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