New Student Induction

As a school, Buckswood believes that a thorough induction is essential in order for our students to feel safe and comfortable from the moment they arrive on campus. When they arrive, boarders will be accompanied to their new home. They will meet their residential tutor and be assigned their bedroom. The tutor will help them to navigate the layout of their home, assist them with unpacking and the boarder will hand over medications and passport for safe-keeping. As part of their induction, the boarders have a tour of the school campus. Then they have a chance to chat and get to know each other before the hustle and bustle of term begins. The following form is completed with each new student. It is useful for parents and guardians to also talk through the form details so clear understanding is ensured.
Welcome to Buckswood! As you start your journey here, there are some important things you need to know. The staff at school will help you with these and this is a record to show that you have been given this important information and that you understand it. This induction record is split into 3 parts: 1. Academic Induction 2. Boarding Induction (boarders only) 3. Links to useful information If you are unsure about anything as you go through this, just ask! Once completed this will be kept on file.
Part 1 - Academic Induction
1) Photo
From IT Tech
2) ID Card
From IT Tech
3) Timetable
From Head of Year
4) Medical/Dietary
From BHS
5) Login details
From IT Tech
6) Network access
From IT Tech
7) Text books
Bookshop
8) Exercise books
From Form Tutor
9) Prep diary
From Form Tutor
10) Extra lessons
From Head of Year
11) Not So Boring
From Not So Boring Office
12) ESOL Language Test
Take the online English Test if required
13) School rules
From Form Tutor
14) Safeguarding
From Wellbeing Hub
Part 2 - Boarding Induction
STATEMENT OF BOARDING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE The aim of boarding at Buckswood School is to provide a safe and secure environment for the personal and academic development of each boarding student whilst ensuring their health and wellbeing. The Buckswood ethos aims to reflect, as far as is possible in a communal environment, the best values of family life. The Boarding experience encourages tolerance, respect for others, kindness, spiritual and moral awareness, personal development, general welfare and self-discipline. It develops independence, strength and ability within the individual to function as part of a team. Further aims of boarding at Buckswood are to create an open and trusting ethos in which each boarder feels able to approach any other member of the community (staff or pupil), confident in the knowledge that he or she will be treated and respected as an individual; to provide the conditions for boarders to develop their intellectual talents through well-structured homework conditions, access to staff and other pupils, participation in activities and in an atmosphere which values effort; to provide a range of activities, hobbies and opportunities related to age and maturity that will assist in the personal, social and cultural development of each boarder; to safeguard and promote the welfare of each boarder, by providing an environment that is, as far as possible, free from physical hazards and dangers of any sort; to provide accommodation that is comfortable and suited to the needs of boarders, according to age and maturity, and which provides adequate levels of privacy; to develop boarders’ responsibility for self, for others and for the environment; to develop boarders’ qualities of leadership and ability to work as part of a team; to encourage boarders to contribute to the needs and welfare of others in the house and school, as well as those in the wider community; to provide suitable conditions for boarders to feel able to turn to members of staff to share the good things in their lives, as well as seeking advice, counselling and support during times of difficulty. Care is taken to ensure the Buckswood ethos and desired atmosphere is promoted across the boarding residences, whilst at the same time maintaining the individual character of each house and ensuring a progression of responsibilities and privileges commensurate with the different age groups.
This part of the induction must be completed with your Resident Tutor
I understand that my resident tutor will hold my identity documents securely at school. I understand that I need to sign it in and out. When I require it I must speak to my resident tutor.
I have been given a secure space to keep valuables. I will need my own lock. I understand that my ID card is also the key to my room and I must keep my room locked when empty. I am responsible for securing any valuables left in my room.
I understand that the school operates a pocket money system which has been explained to me. The school recommends that I do not hold more than £20 in cash.
I have been issued with: a) A wristband with contact details on it b) A timetable c) A Weekend book d) A Week Ahead book
I know the name of my House. I know the name of my Resident Tutor and where they live in my House. I know I can find them at night if I have a concern. I know that the school has staff trained in safeguarding to look after me and I can report any concern to any member of staff. I know who the designated safeguarding leads are. I know I can call outside agencies for help if I wish and where to find this information in my House.
I know who the Head of Boarding is. I know where I can find the following things in my House: a) Toilets b) Showers c) Drinking Water d) Washing Machine e) Fire exits and fire procedures f) House noticeboard g) Kitchen h) House captain’s room
I know where the following places are: a) BHS b) Wellbeing Hub c) Laundry d) Uniform Shop e) Sales office f) Reception g) School Office h) Head of Year’s classroom and their name i) Principals’ Office j) Proprietor’s Office k) My form room
I am aware of how to report maintenance issues in my House
I understand that I may be sharing a room. I know I can speak with a member of staff about any problems I may have with my roommate
a) I understand that I am responsible for following the school’s network rules and the online safety policy. b) I know I can ask to use the school phone to call my family if I need to. c) I understand that I cannot use my mobile phone during the school day and prep unless I have specific permission to do so. d) I know the contact information for my resident tutor.
a) I know where the Dining Hall is and understand that all my meals will be served there. b) I have told my resident tutor/BHS about any special dietary needs I have so that the catering team are informed. c) I understand that I cannot keep a fridge in my room but can use the House fridge. d) I understand that I must keep food safely in accordance with good hygiene practices.
I understand that I am not allowed to have medication in my possession and must hand it in. All medication must be handed in to the BHS and if it is found in my possession it will be confiscated. I understand that I can speak to BHS staff about my medical needs.
I have been issued a full school uniform.
a) I understand that I will need to give the school all details of any travel arrangements I need to make and that they must be authorized. b) I understand that taxis must be pre-booked through the school for town leave and that I cannot book transport myself. c) I have been shown where to find taxi booking forms on the website.
I understand that my family must complete a leave form if I need leave from School. I know when and how this needs to be done.
a) I understand that I must hand in any electrical items to be PAT tests and that I must show the receipt of any new electrical items that do not require PAT testing to my resident tutor. b) I understand that I must use electrical items safely and that I must use an adaptor with international plugs. c) I understand that I cannot use electrical heaters or cooking appliances in my room. d) I understand I must turn off electrical items when not using them.
a) I know where my room is and have a bed with storage for my things. b) I understand that I must not damage things in my room or House and if I do so, it will be billed to me. c) I understand I must report anything broken and take responsibility for my actions.
Part 3 - Links to Useful Information
At Buckswood we do not have a physical student handbook – instead, this information forms the backbone of our website. Important links, starting with the school ethos are found below. Now you have the access to the knowledge, you can develop within our school community. We expect you to take time to look at this, ask questions and learn more about your school and your place in it!
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