Q? HOW DO STUDENTS BUY LUNCH AND WHAT FOOD IS AVAILABLE?

We use an online payment system called SCOPAY that parents/carers are able to ‘top up’ online. Students can use their fingerprint to purchase food so no cash is required. There is a wide variety of hot and cold food options to suit all dietary requirements and the menu changes on different days.

Q? HOW DO STUDENTS GET TO SCHOOL?

We encourage students to walk or cycle to school where possible. Use a bike lock and a helmet and stay safe by making sure they have lights for the winter months. The roads around school do get busy at the start and end of the day - please do not wait or park on the yellow zig zag lines outside the gate. Some students do use public transport or parental transport to come to school as there are no school buses.

Q? WHAT TIME DOES SCHOOL START?

Students need to be at morning greeting by 8:40am. To encourage punctuality, we encourage students to arrive in school for 8:30am.  There is a warning bell at 8:35am to help students arrive to their morning greeting location by 8:40am where uniform and equipment is checked.

Q? HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE THERE IN A CLASS?

Usually between 27-30 students for most subjects. Practical subjects like Art and DT will be smaller with around 20 students per class.

Q? HOW MUCH IS THE UNIFORM & HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT TO WEAR?

All of this information can be found on the school website here.  You can purchase uniform online at www.monkhouse.com

Q? WHAT EQUIPMENT DO STUDENTS NEED?

Students will be provided with all their equipment on day one. The only thing they need to bring is a protractor and a scientific calculator.

Q? ARE STAFF ON DUTY AT BREAK TIMES?

Staff supervise break and lunchtimes. There are plenty of people around to support students and keep them safe. Before and after school, staff are also present on the school gates.

Q? HOW MUCH HOMEWORK IS THERE? WHAT IS EDULINK?

Edulink is the school’s online Homework Diary and a way in which school communicates with parents.  Edulink allows you to see your child’s timetable, teaching groups as well as achievement and behaviour points. You can get it as an app and many parents find it helpful as they can check what homework has been set to help organise their child. In year 7, 8 and 9, students should expect to spend 20-30 minutes completing homework per subject per week (English, Maths and Science).

Q? WHAT EXTRA-CURRICULAR CLUBS DO YOU PROVIDE?

We have a comprehensive programme of activities that changes each term to provide students with more opportunities to develop their skills beyond the classroom. Activities include The Duke of Edinburgh Award, Football, Rugby, Dance, Drama, Maths Clubs, Young Writers Club, Art Club and Robotics Club to name but a few.

We also provide lots of trips and visits that link to the curriculum and look to provide our students with as many opportunities as possible.

Q? CAN STUDENTS BRING A MOBILE PHONE TO SCHOOL?

We operate a no phones policy which means we do not want to see any phone in the school. This is because it disrupts learning and can cause safeguarding issues, particularly at break or lunchtime. We do understand that mobile phones help students and parents to feel protected if they are walking home from school. As long as the mobile phone is switched off and in their bag, they can use the phone on the journey to and from school.