We are delighted to invite all our prospective new families to book a tour of the school on Thursday 24th September as part of our Open Evening. You can book a tour by calling the school reception on 01562 512880. Tours are by appointment only. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic we are unable to host our normal evening of activities and in school presentations. However, we have provided a comprehensive virtual Open Evening in addition to our tours, which can be seen below. We have also had the pleasure of visiting a number of primary schools as an introduction to King Charles I School. We feel King Charles I School is an excellent secondary school choice for your son/daughter. We are proud of our continued academic success within Worcestershire and beyond. Behaviour in classrooms is excellent allowing teachers to teach and students to learn. Pastoral care is excellent and our students are a credit to the school. We feel that our high expectations and sense of community is a winning contribution.
If you have booked an appointment for a tour please wear a face covering in the building, adhere to social distancing and follow the hygiene measures in place. When you arrive, you will be directed to sign in and queue for the relevant tour (please do not arrive more than 10 minutes before your allocated time. Where possible we are requesting that one adult per family attends with one child to enable us to operate safely and limit numbers on site. Tours will be led by a member of staff and will be an opportunity to walk around the site and ask any questions you my have. Tours will last approximately 40 minutes, to allow for staggered tour times. The car park is being used for queuing so please park off site and when parking be considerate of local residents.
We hope that this page and our Open Evening tour will provide you and your son/daughter with all the information, guidance and support that you need to make an informed choice about the best secondary school for your son/daughter.
If you have any further questions queries or concerns, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Open Evening 2020 presentation
Please listen to the presentation by Mr Butler, associate headteacher, Mrs Allen, deputy headteacher, Mr Wilkinson, assistant headteacher and Mr Males, current head of Year 7.
Head Girl and Head Boy welcome
As head girl and head boy of the Borrington Road Site we would like to extend a warm welcome to all our prospective new families. We understand, selecting the right secondary school is an important decision but we think King Charles I School would be an excellent choice and we would be delighted if you joined our wonderful community.
Twelve months ago, we were in the same position, with lots of questions about secondary school and which one would be best for us. We are both really happy that we chose King Charles as our first choice. Like all our friends we had lots of questions for example, do you get detentions? Do you go on trips? How many subjects do you study? and many more. One of our main questions was about how much homework we would have? Students in Year 7 and 8 have 1hr 30minutes per night. We are set homework between Sunday and Thursday so everything can be completed by Friday. Homework is not set over holidays, which is great. Students can attend homework club, which many students find helpful. Homework is phased in for Year 7 students, starting with 30 minutes of reading every day, which includes a logbook that is signed every night. Hegarty maths is then introduced and finally students are trained how to quiz.
There are lots of extra-curricular activities and trips at King Charles I School and we are looking forward to getting involved in them during this academic year. They range from sporting activities to debating clubs, there is something for everyone. Although the trips have been interrupted this year, there will be several opportunities to expand horizons by going on a day trip or even a residential. For example Year 8 students normally visit the Christmas markets in Cologne and also have the opportunity to visit Belgium and France; Year 9 students go to Paris and Year 10 students go to Belgium. There is a bi-annual ski trip and a New York trip for the sixth form. The trips calendar on the website is updated when trips are scheduled. This can be found by clicking here.
Community is a big part of being a King Charles I School student and joining us is a fantastic opportunity to meet new friends. We all support and encourage each other to do well. The school promotes excellent behaviour and manners and therefore all students are polite and respectful to each other. Our tutor and subject teachers are supportive and work extremely hard to help us achieve the best we can.
We had a wonderful time in Year 7, even though the year has not quite gone to plan, but we are really happy to be back and we are looking forward to the rest of the academic term. We hope you will select King Charles I School as your first choice secondary school.
Welcome Chloe Christopher and Thomas Wright
A message from the Sixth Form
As the newly appointed Head Boy and Head Girl of the Sixth Form, we would like to welcome everyone to King Charles I School. We have provided an insight into life at King Charles I School, we hope you find it useful. We think it is an excellent school and we would highly recommend it.
Welcome Zak Allen and Hettie Gough
Supporting students
We fully understand, choosing the right secondary school is both an exciting and anxious time for both parents and their sons/daughters. When joining our school, students are supported by an experienced and capable pastoral team that is made up of both teaching and non-teaching staff. We continually model our expectations and provide students time to practise to ensure that they build strong routines and excellent learning habits. If your son/daughter gains a place at our school they will be supported through an extensive transition process. Below are our key pastoral staff working on the Borrington Road Site:
Head of Borrington Site Assistant Headteacher Mr Wilkinson
Head of Year 7 Mr Males
Head of Year 8 Miss Warrington
Achievement Leader Miss Willis
Curriculum
On our normal Open Evening you would have had the opportunity to visit and learn about all the subjects that your son/daughter will study in Years 7 & 8. Unfortunately, this has not been possible. However, all the subject areas have provided an information presentation, which introduces their subject.
We recognise the value of modern technology systems and welcome their development. We continually strive to enhance their appropriate use (both within school and outside) in order to promote the educational attainment of our students.
Access to Social Networking services (for example Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest and Tumblr) is forbidden in school and all such sites are blocked. Students using such sites outside of school have a duty to use them responsibly. Any incident of slander, abuse or defamation perpetrated on a social networking site which impacts upon one of our students, shall be treated as bullying and shall be sanctioned in accordance with the school’s behaviour policy.
Please see the graphic below for the age restrictions for different social media platforms.
It is our policy to allow students to have a mobile phone with them in school should they choose to do so under the conditions outlined in the policy below:
Phones must not be used for any purpose (e.g. phoning, texting, surfing the internet, taking photos, checking the time, using it as a calculator, taking videos etc) on the school site.
Phones must always be switched off (not on silent mode) and kept out of view. If a student breaches these rules the phone will be confiscated and taken to reception. Parents/carers will be required to collect the confiscated item from school on behalf of their son/daughter. Please note that the reception closes at 3.30pm. If it is not possible for a parent/carer to collect the phone, then it will be released to the student from whom it was confiscated at the end of 5 working days.
Any subsequent or serious breach of the rules will result in confiscation for up to six weeks (including weekends and school holidays).
Phones must not be taken into examinations.
Please listen to the presentation by Miss Thomas on e-safety and the use of mobile phones.
Homework
Homework
Homework is one of the big differences between primary and secondary school. Regular homework is key to students becoming confident and successful learners. Learning at home is an essential part of good education. Regular homework is important, since it serves as an intellectual discipline, establishes good study habits, eases time constraints on the amount of curricular material that can be covered in class, and supplements and reinforces work done in school. In addition, it fosters student initiative, independence, and responsibility, and brings home and school closer together. It helps students to become confident and independent in their learning, which will help throughout their time at school, and in adult life.
We firmly believe that getting into good study habits and building routines is the key to success. In Year 7, students complete homework according to a streamlined timetable. We expect Year 7 students to complete homework on school nights only – Sunday to Thursday – which means that no homework is to be completed on the weekend. Building routines early on will ensure that foundations are secure, enabling all students to cope as homework demands increase in later years.
To support Year 7 students as they transition from primary to secondary school, homework is implemented in two phases across the year. In the first part of the autumn term, students will complete daily reading (5 x 30 minutes) and daily Hegarty Maths (4 x 30 minutes). During the second half of the autumn term, following explicit teaching, we will introduce quizzing using knowledge organisers.
Remote learning technology has come to the forefront of education due to the pandemic. We use a number of online platforms to support our students whilst they work at home. Mr Mander head of computing has created an excellent student guide for students to help them understand about the technology that we use. We will also teach you son/daughter how to use the technology effectively.
Students with special educational needs are well supported by a fantastic team led by Miss Bott (assistant headteacher/inclusion manager/SENCO), Mrs Legge (deputy SENCO/Borrington intervention lead) and Mr Burkin Head on Communication Centre. They all work hard with the primary schools to ensure they have all the information needed to ensure that they can plan for effective provision during a students’ transition as well as their on going support during their time with us.
Assistant Headteacher Inclusion Manager SENCO Miss Bott
Deputy SENCO Borrington Intervention Lead Mrs Legge
Head of Communication centre Mr Burkin
Uniform
Uniform
We are firm believers in a school uniform that is properly and consistently worn. We believe that this helps young people to develop a real pride in themselves and their school. Uniform helps students to feel part of our community and ensures that no-one stands out for the wrong reasons. High standards of uniform set a standard which supports our expectations of work and behaviour which in turn helps in maintaining the right environment for learning.
All students wear their uniform both in school and when representing the school at events or on visits. When the students are travelling to and from school, we expect that the same high uniform expectations are met with the students wearing the uniform with pride and role modelling our excellent standards. Outdoor coats may be worn over, but not instead of, blazers which are compulsory in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. In this respect we expect no less from our students than an employer would expect of their employees.
The school keeps a stock of uniform and shoes. If a student attends school without the correct uniform they will be expected to borrow items and change. If this is not possible, we reserve the right to place students in isolation until the issue has been rectified and our uniform expectations have been met.
We have produced a list of frequently asked questions to help answer some of the questions you may have about starting King Charles I School. In the summer term we also set up a specific enquiry email for new starters.
What time does my son/daughter need to be in school? All students must arrive to school and all lessons on time.
School begins with students lining up on the playground (at the Borrington Site) and on the field (at the Hillgrove Site) at 8.40am.
If a student arrives late to school or to a lesson without an appropriate reason (for example a medical appointment, supported by a letter or appointment card), they will be expected to serve a C2 detention.
If a student is marked as late twice in a week to school or lessons then they will be placed in a C3 detention. After that student will be placed in the Isolation Room every time that week they are marked as late to school or lessons.
How quickly should I expect a response when contacting the school? We aim to respond to all queries, questions and concerns from parents/carers within 2 working days, which does not include weekends or between 6pm and 8am in the morning. Our aim is to resolve them within 5 working days. Full contact details can be found on the school website.
Does the school provide a locker for my son/daughter? The school has enough lockers for all students. If a student is allocated a locker, then a deposit of £5 for the key issued will be charged. The payment for this is made via ParentPay. The student is responsible for the safekeeping of the key and the condition of the locker. Loss of the key will result in the forfeit of the deposit. Damage to lockers will result in a charge being made for repair and/or replacement.
Can my son/daughter bring valuables to school? For reasons of security, valuables and large sums of money must not be brought into school. The school does not accept any payment by cash or cheque. No items of value should be left in bags or pockets in changing rooms during PE lessons. The school is not responsible, or insured for, student loss, theft etc.
It is our policy to allow students to have a mobile phone with them in school should they choose to do so under the conditions outlined in the ‘Mobile phone, MP3 player and Games Console policy’. The school cannot accept any responsibility for theft, loss, damage or health effects (potential or actual) relating to mobile devices, nor for theft, loss or damage to any other valuable item, or for the theft or loss of money. It is the responsibility of parents/carers and students to ensure mobile phones and other valuables are insured. During PE lessons, or other times when the phone needs to be kept secure, students should keep their phones in the lockers that they have been provided with.
Does the school operate a lost property system? Finds and losses should be reported to reception without delay. Property left about the school premises during holidays will be disposed of.
Do I need to buy stationery for my son/daughter when they start in Year 7? No. Year 7 will be provided with stationery. This includes a pencil case, scientific calculator, pen, pencil, eraser, protractor, glue stick and a ruler.
Students in Years 8 to 11 need to provide their own equipment. Equipment is available to buy at a discounted rate on both school sites. This can be purchased from the libraries from 8.20am to 8.30am on the Borrington Site and Hillgrove Site.
Why do you have a behaviour policy? We have a behaviour and rewards system so all students can learn free from disruption. We want our students to:
Learn in a calm and purposeful environment, where behaviour is exemplary and routines are established;
Be mentally and physically fit to equip them for a successful adult life; be independent and ambitious;
Be confident, happy and feel safe;
Be friendly, respectful, caring and polite; and
Develop resilience.
Why do you set homework?
Just 1 hour a night can increase student progress from 12 months in a year to a possible 20 months
improves study habits – to form a habit you need persistence and resilience, students will find school easier and more enjoyable.
When students go on to sixth form and university, homework helps students work independently.
Increases retention of knowledge and ability to think critically and solve problems
Improves time management skills
If a student is off ill for a period of 3 days or more, we always suggest a period of time in our compulsory homework club to allow them to catch up on what they have missed.
We have a homework club on both sites until 3.55pm everyday. If you would like to book your son/daughter in please send a message to the AL who will inform the relevant HOY and staff member running the homework club.
Student FAQs and Tips
Student FAQs and Tips
Top tips from King Charles I School students
Feeling anxious about secondary school is normal. Everyone feels nervous when things are new. Selecting a secondary school is definitely something new. Remember knowledge is power and the more you know the less anxious you will feel. Students are our best advocates for the school and they are a wonderful source of information.
What support can I expect from my tutor? Your tutor is often the first person you see every day. Therefore they are the main person you will be able to get support from if you have any questions or worries. This support can be both academic and pastoral, which means they will try their best to help you with any problem you have so never hesitate to ask and they will advise you on the best person to speak to.
Who do I talk to if I am experiencing problems? As well as being able to speak to your tutor, Head of Year (Mr Males) or your achievement leader (Miss Willis), you can speak to any member of staff and they will help and support.
Can I have chewing gum in school? No. Chewing gum is one of our prohibited items, which also includes:
Matches
Lighters
Cigarettes and Electronic cigarettes (also known as ‘e-cigarettes’ or ‘e-lites’)
Mobile Phones, MP3 players and hand-held games consoles (if suspected of being used in contravention of the ‘Mobile phone, MP3 player and Games Console Policy’)
Illegal substances
If you are seen chewing gum or bringing it to school you will be issued with an automatic C3 detention and searched as a result.
How will I find my way around school? You will find your way around very quickly, we have a small site. You may have seen some of our virtual tours on the website. You will be directed by staff when you begin in September. You will see that each door has a room number. The best way is to ask. Any one of our students will be more than happy to help.
How does the King Charles I School behaviour system work? We have two key actions to ensure you can learn in a disruption free environment. We have a ‘chance to change’, which is a verbal reminder for some infringements and a set of consequences for the disruption of learning within the classroom called C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5. It is designed so that you are well aware of the consequences for the actions you choose.
What happens if I get a detention? If you are issued with a C2 detention you serve a lunchtime detention. If you are issued a C3 detention for behaviour, a phone call will be made to parents/carers and the C3 detention will take place the same day, where possible. If you are issued a C3 detention for homework not completed, a text message will be sent to your parents/carers to let them know you have a detention the following day. A C3 detention is 1 hour. You will attend a detention by lining up outside the detention room being used.
What is Isolation? Isolation is located on the Hillgrove Site. This is the place you go to if you persistently fail to follow our behaviour expectations or you have done something very serious. Isolation is for students to sit and do their work silently under supervision. Students will remain in school until 3.55pm on that day and a parent/carer meeting will be scheduled to re-integrate you into normal lessons.
Can I use my phone in school? The policy on mobile phones in school is that you can have the phone on you but:
Phones must not be used for any purpose (e.g. phoning, texting, surfing the internet, taking photos, checking the time, using it as a calculator, taking videos etc) on the school site.
Phones must always be switched off (not on silent mode) and kept out of view.
If you breach these rules the phone will be confiscated and taken to reception.
Parents/carers will be required to collect the confiscated item from school on behalf of you. Please note that the reception closes at 3.30pm. However we reserve the right to confiscate your phone for up to 6 weeks, which includes weekends and holiday periods.
How does the canteen work? It is open during break-time to purchase drinks and snacks, and during lunchtime for a range of hot and cold dinners. There is also a café style service area for ‘grab and go’ food in the café area.
All food purchased from school must be eaten in the café area or in the main dining hall or on picnic benches just outside the main hall.
If you bring packed lunches, they can be eaten in the areas identified above or under the covered area by the playground.
The courts, field and corridors are no food zones.
Food is purchased using the cashless catering system and you are recognised by putting your right index finger on the machine at the till.
Where can I go at break-time and lunchtime? The areas available for you to go to during break-time and lunchtime include the following: the courts, the covered area next to the courts, the library, the main dining hall, the café area outside the main dining hall and L21 (computer and detention room at lunchtime).
The field is only used in dry conditions.
When using the field the grassed banks and rugby pitch are out of bounds.
Where can I go if it is a wet break or lunchtime? The covered area, the main dining hall, the café area, the library, L21 and L22.
When can I go to the toilet? Students without medical needs should not use the toilet during lesson times. Every second is precious. If students visit the toilet once a day for five minutes that equates to 25 minutes per week and over 16 hours per academic year. Students are expected to go to the toilet at the following times:
Before school (8.15am-8.30am)
At break-time (11.00am-11.20am)
At lunchtime (12.20pm-12.55pm)
If you have a medical condition or illness then you need to bring evidence and alternative arrangements will be made. If you have an unexpected problem you must alert your teacher by placing your hand up and asking your teacher to come and speak with you to explain the situation.
Are there clubs after school and at lunchtimes?
Yes, there are some house activities that run at lunchtime and you can use the computer rooms for homework. The majority of clubs run afterschool including homework club every night. Homework club runs from 2.55pm until 3.55pm, but you do not have to stay for the whole time.
The extra-curricular clubs can be located on the website and are displayed at the bottom of the English steps. There are often bulletin messages about clubs and messages in assemblies.
What is homework club? Homework club is situated in L21 after school and runs until 3.55pm on Monday to Friday. You can stay in school to complete your homework quietly and access books and computers to help with your studies. If you wish to attend homework club you simply need to arrive at L21 and report to the member of staff. You must ensure you have notified your parents/carers that you are attending the homework club and have made arrangements to get home. You do not have to stay for the whole time but you must inform the member of staff that you are leaving.
Please note if you persistently fail to submit homework you will be placed in compulsory homework club by your head of year.
What is Hegarty maths? Hegarty maths is an online maths homework platform, which you complete every night. You will be given log in details and it has tutorials you can watch if you are struggling with the tasks. All work will be checked by the maths department.
Hegarty maths support clubs are run after school and you need to speak to the maths department to find out the arrangements for the club.
What happens if I do not do my homework? If you fail to do your homework on time you will be placed in a C3 detention the next night for 1hour.
How do I pay for a school trip? All trips are paid for through ParentPay. The school does not accept any cheques or cash payments.
What trips do you go on? King Charles I School run a range of trips and visits. Some of the trips for Year 7 and Year 8 in the past have included:
Roman Baths
Blackwell residential
Cologne Christmas Markets
Year 7 rewards trip to the ‘We The Curious’
Year 8 rewards trip to the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye
The Big Bang Fair
Drayton Manor Theme Park
Bristol Zoo
Bristol University
Our students on the Borrington Site have some advice and guidance so please take time to have a listen.
TEL: +44 (0) 1562 512880
EMAIL: