CONTENTS
Welcome
Key Names
The School Day
School Rules
Handy Hints for Students
What makes a good learner?
What will I need on the first day of term?
Frequently Asked Questions
Music and English
Welcome from the Student Leaders
Telephone Numbers and Addresses
Moodle
Map of school – with booklet
Welcome to Newstead Wood!
Dear Student
A very warm welcome to Newstead Wood and to your Student Handbook, which
has been produced to help you to settle in quickly and answer some of the many
questions you may have as you join us in Year 7. You will also find some
information from the Sixth Form Student Leaders, as well as tips from students in
Years 7 and 8 who remember just how it felt to be new! Please take some time
before the start of term in September to read the Handbook carefully and, in
particular, make sure that you know what to bring and what to expect during the
first few days.
Although the School may seem large and the layout a little confusing at first, you
will soon find your way around and I know that you will feel part of the Newstead
family within no time at all. Remember that if you or your parents have any
questions or concerns, please do ask. Your tutors and other pastoral staff
including our Student Support Manager, will be happy to help.
I am sure you haven’t forgotten that the first day of term for you is Tuesday 6th
September. This will be another opportunity for you to get to know your form
and your Tutor on a day which will be a little quieter than usual, with only Year 7
and the Sixth Form in school. Your need to arrive in school for a 10 am start and
the day will finish at the usual time of 3.35pm.
Everyone here at Newstead - students and staff - are very much looking forward
to getting to know you and we all hope that you will be very happy during your
seven years at the School.
Good luck and best wishes
Mrs J A Benson
Director of Learning, Lower School
KEY NAMES
Head Teacher
Mr N Webb
Assistant Head Teachers
Mrs C Young
Mr A Blount
Pastoral Staff
Head of Year 7
Mrs J Benson
Assistant Head of Year 7
Mr J Hubball
Head of Year 8
Miss R Garswood
Head of Year 9
Mrs A Meader
Director of Learning (KS4)
Miss J Young
Director of Learning (Sixth Form)
Mrs N Smith
Assistant Director of Learning (KS4)
Mr P McCarten
Assistant Director of Learning (Sixth Form)
Mr M Bournat
Year 7 Form Tutors
N
Mr W Morton
W
Ms L Melvin
S
Ms P Sitambuli
F
Mr A Mansell
R
Mr N Fleet
G
Miss L Denton
Student Support Manager KS3/4
Student Support Manager KS5
Mrs S Macgregor
Mrs A Faulkner
School Reception
Mrs S O’Brien
Head Teacher’s Secretary
Mrs P Osborn
Librarian
Mrs T Cheyne
Heads of Department
Art
Science
Design & Technology
Drama
English
French
Geography
German
History
Information Technology
Mathematics
Music
Physical Education
Religious Studies
Spanish
Mr N Fleet
Ms L Melvin
Mrs F Shilling
Mr M Stokes
Mr J Lewis
Mrs E Casey
Mr R Burn
Mrs A Thomas
Mrs N Smith/Miss J Young/Mrs P Strickett
Mr P McCarten
Mr N Patrick
Mr D Graham
Ms D Roots
Miss L Harvey
Mrs E Ballaster
Student Leadership Group
Head Student Team
Head Student (Lower) Tanjia Chowdhury
Deputy Head Student (Upper) Emily Carter
Deputy Head Student (Sixth Form) Artemis Irvine
Sixth Form Leaders
Nightingale House
Wren House
Swift House
Falcon House (F)
Falcon House (R)
Griffin House
Lerzan Direk & Patricia Mercer-David
Taylor Smith & Isha Katwa
Mira Shukla & Catriona Brooks
Emma Cape & Helen Douglas
Emilia White & Ella Wingard
Deborah Ballaster & Anastasia Davies
The School Day
By 8.30
Arrival at school
08.35 -
08.45
Registration/Form Time
08.45 -
09.45
Period 1
09.45 -
10.45
Period 2
10.45 -
11.05
MORNING BREAK
11.05 -
12.05
Period 3
12.05 -
13.05
Period 4
13.05 -
14.10
LUNCH
14.10 -
14.35
Registration followed by Tutorial Time or Assembly
14.35 -
15.35
Period 5
Arriving and Leaving
 If you arrive early you must wait in the Hall until the bell rings at 8.25, then
go to your Form Room. You cannot go elsewhere in the building before
8.25.
 If you are late, you must report to the Attendance Officer. If it is after 9am,
you are required to sign the ‘Late Book’ at Reception.
 If you need to leave school before 3.35 (by prior written consent only), you
must sign the book at Reception. The receptionist will show you these
books if you need them. You should show the receptionist your note
explaining why you need to leave early.
 At the end of the day you should leave by 4.00 unless you are remaining in
school for an organised activity supervised by a member of staff. This is to
ensure that Health and Safety requirements are met and to keep you safe.
We need to know where you are at all times!
 If you travel to school by car, you should be dropped off/ collected in
Newstead Avenue or Tile Farm Road, not Avebury Road. They should not
drive in through the school gates. You should use the ‘top’ gates to come in
through the main student entrance in the middle of the building (by the 6 th
form centre) and leave the same way at the end of the day. Use the main
entrance, via Reception, only if you are arriving late/leaving early.
Tutorial Time
This time will be structured every day to include a range of activities. Elements of
the Personal, Social and Health Education Programme (PSHE) will be delivered
along with Citizenship. There will be time for learning conversations either
individually or in groups. These sessions will be managed mostly by your form
tutors but also by senior students and other teachers in the Phase.
Assemblies
There will be one assembly per week. This might be a Phase assembly for
everyone in Years 7 – 9 usually on a Wednesday or a House assembly (a different
House each day). All assemblies take place in the Hall and tutor groups take turns
in presenting them. Briefings also take place.
Lunch and Break Times
Food and drinks can be bought from the canteen at break and lunchtime. Packed
lunches and food from the canteen are eaten in the main hall at break and at
lunch. Cold food only may be eaten in your form rooms and you can take your
food outside if the weather allows. Be sure to tidy up afterwards.
Bells are rung to indicate that it is time for your year group to go to the canteen.
If you have a lunchtime club or other activity, you must obtain an ‘early lunch
pass’ from the organiser which will allow you into the canteen at the beginning of
the lunch-hour.
Most clubs and societies at Newstead take place in the lunch-hour and many are
run by our senior students. They represent a great opportunity for you to make
new friends in other forms and year groups as well as to develop a new or
existing skill or interest. You are advised to choose no more than two at first, and
obviously you will need to check which days they run on to avoid clashes. You can
use the Library for silent study during these times too, if you wish.
Homework
You will have, on average, 1-1½ hours homework each evening. It is a good idea
to do the homework on the day it is set while the information is still fresh in your
mind. Homework should be set according to a timetable to enable you to plan
your time. You will never be set homework one day to give in the next. Always
write down details of the work set and the date it is due in your planner. If you
have any difficulties with the completion of a task, it is a good idea to see the
subject teacher before the due date so that he or she can support you.
School Rules
We do not have a large number of rules but the ones we do have are very
important! You will be a much happier, well-organised student if you abide by
the school rules and the whole school will run more efficiently too. It is the aim of
every member of this community to ensure a safe, supportive and pleasant
environment in which to work. We therefore expect everyone to be courteous
and to respect each other’s rights in all aspects of school life.
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6.
Stand at the beginning of each lesson when the teacher arrives.
Walk rather than run. Please keep to the left in the corridors and on stairs.
If you have to wait outside a classroom, queue quietly without blocking the
corridor.
Do not carry your school bag around with you. A small ‘valuables’ bag may
be carried - this must be plain black and no bigger that A5.
PE bags and coats are kept in the cloakrooms or in your locker if your Form
Room has large lockers.
Keep classrooms and cloakrooms tidy.
Uniform
 Skirts must be of the appropriate length
 coats are plain black (no fur, logos etc)
 only simple jewellery is allowed.
 no make-up is permitted and if you choose to wear long hair down, it must
be tied back for PE, Art and Science.
Your tutor will explain these rules in greater detail at the beginning of term and
they are also in Parent Handbooks.
Behaviour Achievements
We have a rewards policy where students are awarded points for good
behaviour. Students receive points from staff for a variety of exemplary
behaviours, such as excellent classwork/homework, effort, participation in school
activities or events, kindness and politeness towards peers and staff and regular
punctuality.
These points will be recorded in your planner and totals are added to your
computer school record every term.
Behaviour Concerns
Hopefully you won’t receive any of these! You will be given a point for uniform
infringements, behaviour which could detract from your own learning or that of
others, or for a lack of politeness or consideration.
The totals for your form count towards House points and the classes with the
most points win a prize.
What makes a good learner?
We asked students and staff to try to define what qualities you need to make the
most of your studies at Newstead. There are some subject-specific skills and
attributes which you will explore with your teachers, but here are some of
the general ideas which should help you from the start in all subjects:
 Be prepared to take risks - have a go! It doesn't matter if you get it wrong
as long as you learn from your mistakes
 Be involved in a range of activities and show interest in everything
 Be persistent... don't give up!
 Be curious
 Ask lots of questions and participate in all lessons
 Analyse and reflect - don't take things at face value
 Be organised - keep a tidy locker, school bag and bedroom
 Read widely
 Detail matters - check spellings, punctuation and your facts
 Be creative - think 'outside the box' - the best answer or solution is not
always the most obvious one
 Set high expectations for yourself - don't be satisfied with 'just good
enough'
 Look at the links and connections between subjects. You will be
encouraged to do this throughout your Newstead career, but you might be
surprised at some of the 'bridges' you can build!
 Above all, believe in yourself. You have earned your place here and with
the support of your family, friends and teachers you will achieve great
things!
What will I need on the first day of term?
Please note that you should report to the Main Hall at 10am on Tuesday 6th
September. Your Form Tutor will meet you there. Wear your uniform!
You will need to bring the following, all clearly marked with your name and form:
This booklet
Pens and pencils
Dictionary
Rough note-book
Packed lunch or money for break and lunch
What do I do if I have any questions?
There are answers to many Frequently Asked Questions in this handbook. You
can also ask your Form Tutor, Head of Year, Student Support Manager - or any
member of staff. The Year 12 student leaders will also help you and two sixth
formers will be attached to your form for the year as well as a few Year 8
Buddies. Please remember – if in doubt, ask!
School Planner
In September you are given a School Planner. Your planner is really important
as a means of communication between your Form Tutor and your
parents/carers. It must be signed at home and school every week. Please keep
your planner neat and tidy, and write all your homework details in it.
Each double page is a diary for the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What needs to be in my pencil case?
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HB pencils
2B pencil
colouring pencils
blue/black biros or fountain pens (you can use either)
highlighter pen
glue
ruler
protractor
pair of compasses
scissors
a scientific Casio calculator
Your pencil case can be any colour/pattern you like though it's worth noting
that for examinations you will need a clear see-through pencil case or you'll
need to put your pencil case contents in a clear plastic bag. No felt-tip pens
or correction fluid!
What type of bag should I have for school?
Your main school bag should be black and large enough to carry your books
and belongings safely to and from school. A rucksack is ideal and should be
plain black. You will leave your bag in your locker or cupboard in your form
room.
As mentioned before, you can carry a shoulder bag in school to keep your
valuables in. This bag should be plain black and no larger than A5 size.
What do I have to put my name on?
Everything! It's very easy to leave something behind in a classroom or changing
room and if it's got your name on it you're much more likely to get it back.
Your PE kit and science overall should have the name embroidered (sewn in
letters about 1cm high) on the outside - under the Newstead logo for your PE kit
and on the top right or left for the science overall.
Do I need a gumshield for all PE lessons?
You need a gumshield for hockey lessons and you will not be allowed to
participate without it. The gumshield protects your teeth from the really hard
balls and sticks that hockey involves!
What happens if I lose something?
Retrace your steps and asking your class teachers if they have picked it up
from their classroom. If it is named, it will be returned to you through your
form tutor or you may get a note to collect it from Reception.
Un-named lost property is kept at Reception and you can ask to look for it
there. At the end of each half-term a display of lost property is held but after
this any property left over is donated to charity.
Can I bring a water bottle to lessons?
Yes. There are water fountains that you can refill it with in the hall and by the
art rooms. You should make sure you refill it at break or lunch time (not
during or on the way to lessons). Put it away during ICT and Science lessons
as water does not mix well with computers and chemicals! Please do not take
drinks other than water to lessons.
I’ve lost my library book – help!
Firstly make sure that you’ve had a good look for it. Then go and see Mrs
Cheyne in the Library to see if it has been handed in. If it is completely lost
you will be asked to pay for a replacement.
What happens if I fell unwell during the day?
If you feel ill during a lesson or form time speak to your teacher, who will give
you a note to go to Reception. You will then go the Medical Room. You must
not go there without registering at Reception first. If you need to go home
then the Receptionist will ring your parents/carers - you must not contact
them yourselves. When you are collected, you should sign out. If you feel ill
during break or lunchtime please go straight to Reception.
What if I feel ill in the morning before school?
If your parents decide that you should stay at home, please remind them to
ring school so we know that you are not coming in. When you are better and
return to school please bring a letter in with you from home to explain why
you were off school. An email is also acceptable.
What do I do about lessons if I've been off school?
Try and catch up with what you've missed in lessons before your next lesson
so you that know what is going on. You could ask a friend for her notes or
speak to your teachers.
I've got a doctor's/dentist's/orthodontist's/hospital appointment/music
exam - what do I do?
Please try and arrange non-urgent appointments outside of school time. If
you have an early morning appointment, bring in a letter the day before your
so that the register can be marked. When you arrive, sign in and go to your
normal lesson. If you need to leave during the school day, please bring in a
letter and show it to your tutor in the morning. Keep it with you and show the
Receptionist before signing out. You will not be allowed to leave school
without a letter explaining where you are going. If you return to school later
then sign in again. On your return to school give the letter to your tutor.
Music
There will be many opportunities for you to develop your musical talents when
you join Newstead Wood.
We hope that you will take part in the many music activities that will be available
to you at school, such as vocal groups, orchestras, wind band and Samba
percussion to name but a few! Watch out for details of these during the year.
There are also opportunities for soloists and small groups to perform at school
events. Volunteers are welcome!
If you are intending to have instrumental lessons in school you will need to know
where the Music Board is in the main corridor as all the time-tables are pinned
on there as well as in the Music Block.
You need to know the name of your teacher and the practice room where he or
she will teach you each week.
Remember that your lesson will probably be at a different time each week
because of the rota system we have here, so make a note of the times in your
Planner. You should also collect a music card from your form tutor at the
beginning of the Autumn term on which you can record your lesson times. You
should show this to your subject teachers at the start of any lesson you will be
leaving.
Fees are paid to the teacher concerned and you are responsible for
remembering your instrument and your music. Please make sure that your
instrument and its case are clearly marked with your name and, if it is a
woodwind instrument, that you know its SERIAL NUMBER. You should also
mark any music with your name. It would be advisable for your parents to make
sure your instrument is insured while it is in school and for the journey between
home and school.
Please see Mr Graham if there are any problems or go to the school office.
English
We hope you will use the Summer to have a good holiday before joining us in
September. You probably have your own favourite authors already but you may
also like to try some of the books suggested below so that you read as widely as
you can. Most of the books listed are available from public libraries.
David Almond
Tim Bowler
Theresa Breslin
Ally Carter
Eoin Colfer
Suzanne Collins
Susan Cooper
Sharon Creech
Gillian Cross
Berlie Doherty
Anne Fine
Cornelia Funke
Mary Hooper
Anthony Horowitz
Eva Ibbotson
Dianne Wyanne Jones
Elizabeth Laird
Michelle Magorian
Geraldine McCaughrean
Michael Morpurgo
William Nicholson
Garth Nix
Phillippa Pearce
Annabel Pitcher
Bali Rai
Celia Rees
Louis Sacher
Marcus Sedgewick
Jerry Spinelli
Rosemary Sutcliff
Robert Swindell
Robert Westall
T H White
Benjamin Zephaniah
Anything by these authors
Skellig
Stormbreaker
Remembrance (historical)
The Gallagher Girls (series)
Artemis Fowl (series)
The Hunger Games
King of Shadows
Ruby Holler
The Demon Headmaster (series)
Granny was a Buffer Girl
Up On Cloud Nine
Inkheart
At the sign of the Sugared Plum (historical)
Point Blanc
Journey to the River Sea
Charmed Life
Garbage King
Goodnight Mr Tom
Stop the Train
Kensuki’s Kingdom
The Wind Singer (series)
Lirael (series)
Tom’s Midnight Garden
My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece
(Un)arranged Marriage
Witch Child (historical)
Holes
My sword hand is singing
Stargirl
Eagle of the North (historical)
Abomination
Blitzcat
Sword in the Stone
Face
Non Fiction Books
Myths and Legends
Rob Eastaway
Hans Magnus Enzensberger
Russell Stannard
Biographies
Why Do Buses Come in Threes
The Number Devil
Black Holes and Uncle Albert
The School Library
The school library is available for use at break time, lunch hour and after school
till 4 pm.
We have a wide range of novels as well as many information books to help you
with your homework or a particular interest area.
Students in Yr 7 are allowed to borrow up to 4 items at any one time and books
are issued for a 3 week loan period. Please make every effort to return your
books on time.
Mrs Cheyne, our Librarian, is very happy to help you find something to read - go
and have a chat with her and see what she recommends.
Dictionary
Part of the equipment which we ask you to bring with you is a dictionary. This
should be light enough to carry from lesson to lesson but provide clear
definitions, indicate parts of speech and help with spelling plurals etc. for more
difficult words.
We look forward to seeing you.
Handy Hints for Students
The following advice comes from Newstead students in Years 7 and 8 - they were
in the same place as you not so long ago!
Tips for Finding Your Way Around
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Keep in groups at first so that you don't get lost
Carry a map just in case you do get lost
Don't panic! Everyone gets confused by the classroom numbering system!
Ask for help - everyone will point you in the right direction
Tips for Settling In
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Try to be friendly with everyone and talk to them
Smile at everyone to encourage them to be friendly
Be approachable and include others in your group
Join in all form activities
Join one or two clubs, so that you make friends in other classes and years.
Don't just join clubs that your friends have joined.
Don't be shy
Enjoy the school's atmosphere
Don't be scared of asking questions to people you don't know
Try to get to know people in other forms in your year
Keep a smile on your face!
Tips for Achieving your Best in your Studies
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Always try your best
Be organised - keep your locker tidy so that it's easy to find things
Pack your school bag the night before
Always focus in lessons and keep the chatting for later!
Take good notes in lessons and go through them regularly
Keep a rough book or note pad with you at all times
Make sure you have the right books in lessons and at home for homework
Keep up with work - don't get behind
Revise carefully for end-of-unit tests and don't leave this to the last minute
Ask if you don't understand – teachers and students can help
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Always hand in homework on time and try to do it on the day it is set
Use your planner
Accept that you can't be the best at everything. Having a go is what matters
Take advantage of opportunities to try new things as these can help you
later
Don't panic if you don't do well in something... look to the future and make
sure you know how to improve for next time. Pay careful attention to
feedback
Ask lots of questions in class and always participate
Listen carefully!
Try to answer questions, even if you think it might be wrong
Learn from your mistakes
Try out different ways of working and revising
Concentrate on your own work and don’t compare it (or your marks) with
your friends
.... and finally......
Keep calm, look on the bright side and be happy! You will soon love the school!!
Telephone Numbers and Addresses
If you are unsure about what your homework is, would like to invite someone to
your house or would like a chat, it would be useful to collect some telephone
numbers and addresses of people in your form.
Name ………………………..
Name ………………………..
Tel no. ………………………
Tel no. ………………………
e-mail ……..………………..
Address………..……………
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e-mail ……..………………..
Address………..……………
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Name ………………………..
Name ………………………..
Tel no. ………………………
Tel no. ………………………
e-mail ……..………………..
Address………..……………
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e-mail ……..………………..
Address………..……………
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Name ………………………..
Name ………………………..
Tel no. ………………………
Tel no. ………………………
e-mail ……..………………..
Address………..……………
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e-mail ……..………………..
Address………..……………
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PLEASE
ME
Newstead Moodle
SAFE
www.newsteadmoodle.com
Username: _______________
Password: _______________
Please keep this booklet safe.