Year 7 Information September 2024

Hello from Miss Cairns

I am so pleased that you will be joining Bishops’ this September. Bishops’ is an exciting place to be, and it is a privilege to be part of every child’s journey with us. My vision for all children who attend Bishops’ is that through their engagement in society, at Bishops’ and beyond, they will make a positive difference through their wise actions, resilience, and sense of responsibility. We know, nurture, and inspire our community to be the best version of themselves through a better understanding of the Christian faith, our core values, and a rich set of opportunities.

Miss Cairns
Headteacher

Life at Bishops'

Key Dates

Summer TermTransition begins!

A member of our pastoral team will meet with your child at their primary school or by invitation to talk about transition and answer any questions they may have. Information will also be requested from their Year 6 teacher, so we have as much information at possible to support their transition.

Year 7 Information EveningThursday June 13th 7pm  

Our information evening is an opportunity to meet key members of staff, and for you and your child to look around our campus and ask any questions about life at Bishops’.

Meet your Form TutorMonday June 24th  

You will have the opportunity to have a short meeting with your child’s form tutor, they will get to know more about your child and you can ask any questions you may have. You will receive further information about how you can make an appointment for this event nearer the time. Monkhouse will also be selling uniform at this event.

Year 7 Induction Day - Tuesday June 25th  

In the Summer term there will be an opportunity to spend a day in school and meet new classmates, form tutor and key members of staff in person. Information about this day will be shared nearer the time.

Year 7 Summer Camp

During the start of the Summer break, we will be running our Summer Camp at school for our new Year 7 students. Information about the camp will be shared via email with all students joining us in Year 7.

Tuesday 3rd September 2024

The first day as a student at The Bishops’ Blue Coat CE High School! All other year groups, except for Sixth Form, will start term on Wednesday 6^th September. Tuesday is focused on induction and is a great opportunity to get to know the campus even more, understand the timings of the school day and meet teachers and new classmates.

FAQs

The School Day

How long is the school day?

The school day begins at 8:40am and finishes at 3:15pm except on a Tuesday where we finish at 2:15pm.

How long is break and lunchtime?

Students typically have a morning break and extended lunchtime. Visit https://bishopschester.co.uk/years-7-11/the-school-day/ to see what a typical day at Bishops’ is like.

How many form groups are there?

We have up to 7 form groups, each named after a part of our school or local history, Hunter, Dee, Grosvenor, Coppack, Lane, Stratford and Bishops’. Form time includes tutor group worship and form time activities.

How big are the class sizes?

Our class sizes do not exceed 30 and for a large number of classes, as students progress up the school, our class sizes get smaller as students begin to specialise in subjects at GCSE and A Level. This ensures each individual is known, nurtured and inspired in their class time so they excel.

What practical subjects will I study in Year 7?

You will study Art, Design and Technology, Home Economics, Physical Education. You will also get the opportunity to take part in practical experiments in Science.

What languages do you teach?

In Year 7 students get the opportunity to study both Spanish and French. In Year 8 students specialise in either French or Spanish and will continue this subject until Y9. At GCSE and A Level students can study either French or Spanish.

What does STEM assured status mean?

We are one of only a few schools in the UK to be awarded STEM Assured Status. In a highly competitive employment market, we equip our students with skills to keep pace with emerging technologies and the evolving needs of the employer. To find out about our STEM assured status and our other awards and recognitions click here: https://bishopschester.co.uk/about-our-school/awards/

Catering

Can I bring a packed lunch?

Yes – students can bring a packed lunch. Most students’ do use the canteen facility. There is a wide and varied menu with lots of healthy options to choose from. Click here for more information.

I’m a vegetarian, will there be veggie options?

Yes, we have a wide range of freshly prepared hot and cold meals which include lots of choice for students with various dietary requirements.

How do I pay for my dinners?

We have a cashless system. Parents and carers can top-up their child’s lunch account online via the School Gateway. Students can then use their pin number to load their account at the till and pay for their meal, snack or drink. We also use the online payment system to pay for school trips and activities.

First day in school

What will the first day of school be like?

When the autumn term begins in September 2023 the first day is dedicated to Year 7 students only. Year 7 have the first day of school all to themselves. This will give them an opportunity to explore the campus, meet their form tutor, get to know their form more, learn their timetable and begin to settle into the new routines of life at Bishops’.

What will I need on my first day in school?

On your first day you will need to bring the following. Pencil case, pencils, pen, rubber, ruler, protractor, calculator, colouring pencils, and a bottle of water. You will not need to bring your PE kit in for the first day of school.

Will the canteen be available on my first day?

Yes, the canteen will be available and you will be able top-up your lunch account before you start Year 7.

Where do I go if I need help?

There are a number of people to talk to if you need help. If it is a problem with a subject, your subject teacher will be available to support you. If you want to speak with someone or just need some extra support your Form Tutor, Year Leader or Pastoral Support Officer are there to help. There are also plenty of adults and older students to ask if you need help.

Can I bring my phone into school?

Students are expected to keep their phones “off and away” during lessons however they can access their mobile before and after school and during break and lunch time. As part of our curriculum students are taught the importance of internet safety.

Will I get lost?

It can be daunting when you first start as you will be moving from class to class and building to building. Don’t worry, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know the school during your transition day as well as on the first day of term in September. On your first day only Year 7 students will be on-site. It will give you an opportunity to get to know your form group, form tutor and find your way around the school. In the mean time go to our Virtual 3D tour above to familiarise yourself with the school

Homework and Remote Learning

Will I get homework and how much will I get?

Students will receive homework for all their subjects. Homework is set online via the homework app ‘Satchel One’. It can be accessed on a computer or through the app. Students will be shown how to access their homework on their first few days in school. Parents and carers are able to monitor and check their child’s progress through their own parental profile. Students will typically receive 2 or 3 subject homework’s per day.

Extra-curricular

What sports can I do at Bishops’?

We have a wide range of sports available for students to take part in. Girls can take part in football, netball, gymnastics, rounders, tennis and athletics. Boys can take part in rugby, football, tennis, cricket and athletics.

What extra-curricular clubs do you have?

We have a number of clubs which happen during lunchtime and after school. These include Art club, Retro Gaming, Soul Academy, Debates club, Narnia, Chess club, and Prayer group. These clubs are updated every year, your form tutor will share with you the lunch time and after school club timetable.