Frequently Asked Questions
We know that both you and your child will have many questions about Whickham School. Here are a few of the most frequently asked ones, along with links to further information on our website. If you have any other questions you can email transition@whickhamschool.org
What are the timings for the school day?
The school day starts at 8:35am and finishes at 3:15pm. We have a fortnightly timetable and on Tuesday of week 1 pupils finish at 2:10pm as staff participate in CPD called School Improvement Hour. Scholars buses will arrive at this earlier time.
How many lessons are there per day and how long are the lessons?
We have 5 lessons per day. On the Tuesday of School Improvement Hour there are 4 lessons. Each lesson is 60 minutes long.
What do I do if my child is ill and going to be absent from school?
Please contact school as early as you can to leave a message on the absence line. Further information is available on our Attendance Page
What if my child is unhappy?
If for any reason your child is unhappy please encourage them to talk to their Tutor in the first instance, or Pastoral Leader or another member of staff. The staff at Whickham School are extremely welcoming and would be happy to discuss and support as much possible with any issues or concerns.
We are an anti bullying school and accredited through the The Diana Award and have led workshops for other schools. Supported by HRH The Duke of Cambridge, The Diana Award Anti-Bullying Campaign engages young people, parents and teachers to change the attitudes, behaviour and culture of bullying by building skills and confidence to address different situations, both online and offline. We will thoroughly investigate any issues and attempt to resolve them in a restorative approach.
How can I check what homework my child is set?
We use a system called Class Charts. This is an online system which can be accessed by pupils, parents and teachers. Each pupil, and parent, will receive their own password. You will be able to log in and check what homework your child has been set. This app also shows your child’s timetable and any feedback from staff.
How do we pay for school dinners?
Your child will be set up with an account on our cashless system. This uses your child’s fingerprint to load money onto their account and to pay for anything they purchase. You will also be sent a log-on for our School Comms system, which will allow you to top-up your child’s account online. Pupils who receive Free School Meals will continue to do so. Their account will be pre-loaded with the allocated amount daily.
How will my child know where to go for the scholars bus?
KS3 pupils meet in an allocated area and are then taken to the scholars bus stops. There is a scholars timetable in our induction booklet and on the school website.
What happens if my child gets lost?
When students start school, they will be given a map and a tour. Students will find very quickly that they start to remember their way around, but they can always ask if they are unsure. Teachers are sensitive to the fact that Year 7 need to acclimatise to the school’s layout.
How long is break and lunchtime?
- Morning break: 11:10- 11:25
- Lunch: 12:25pm – 1:10pm
How do I know what uniform and PE kit to buy?
All the information is on the on the Uniform page of our website.
What equipment will my child need?
Parents purchase a starter pack that includes all stationary equipment, revision cards, post it notes and calculator that your child will need in lessons. This starter pack also includes a tie, apron, planner and art book.
Will my child be in a tutor group with other children who they know?
Wherever possible, and appropriate, your child will be placed with at least one other learner from their primary school but there are many other factors that go into placing your child into a tutor group. We find that our new Y7’s quickly make friends with children of similar interests from other schools.
Will my child get detentions?
We would hope that there would not be a need to give your child a detention but they are given to pupils for not conforming to the behaviour policy, due to poor quality of class work or poor quality / non submission of homework. We tend not to issue Y7’s detentions during the first half term when they are getting used to procedures at Whickham School. During this time your child’s Pastoral Leader will get in touch if any concerns arise.
What happens if my child is ill when they are at school?
If your child is ill they will be seen by a first aider. If required a member of staff will call home to discuss how your child is feeling with you.
