FAQs
A video from the head teacher, head of year, members of the senior leadership team and learners in year 7, giving the answers to the questions you specifically asked. Also, a document outlining all the extra FAQ from parent surveys
Year 6-7 transition FAQs
How will my child know where to go on the first day?
Plenty of staff will be on hand to meet your child at the front gate and direct them to the appropriate place. Current learners will also be there to escort students.
Will they need PE kit on the first day?
No, the first PE lesson will not involve changing into kit.
Will they get lockers?
Lockers are allocated on a first come, first served basis. There is a deposit of £1 to pay and they will keep the same locker for the duration of their time at Kingsdown.
What do they do about buying lunch?
Harrow High uses Parent Pay in order for you to pay for your child’s lunches, trips, revision books, music lessons etc. We do not take cash.
Many of you may be familiar with Parent Pay from primary school and already have an account. You will need new log in details for Harrow High though. We will send you a letter during the summer with your log in details so you can put money on for your child’s lunch in readiness for starting at Harrow High.
Students can get food from one of the 2 serving locations in the canteen or bring a packed lunch. Your child will pay for lunch by using their thumb print linked to their account which you will need to top up in advance. We suggest bringing a packed lunch for the first couple of days whilst sorting out the biometric system
How will my child find their way around school?
Secondary school is a lot bigger, and at times you will get lost. Teachers will be outside classrooms to instruct and our amazing learners will take you between lessons, just ask.
What if my child forgets something?
Teachers will be understanding in the early weeks of the term. If they need something important, the Year Office can contact home for it to be sent in.
Where can I get the uniform and what are the expectations?
Your child is expected to wear the new school uniform. You can purchase this from Uniforms4kids by looking at the info we have sent you.
How much homework will my child get?
It may vary a little, but a couple of pieces of homework a night on average. This is accessible on Show My Homework which can be accessed on the home page of the website.
What are the rules on mobile phones?
Students can bring mobile phones into school, and we understand the importance of communicating with parents to let them know they are at school. However, once through the school gates, we operate a ‘See it, Hear it, Take it’ policy. Phones confiscated can be collected from the Learner Services Office/ at the end of the day
What if my child is ill before school / during the school day?
If your child is ill before school, you may decide to still send them. You can ring in to alert the Attendance team in advance. If your child becomes ill during the school day, they should go to Learner Services. They will then be assessed and you will be contacted if it is necessary.
What equipment will they need?
A full uniform and equipment list is printed in the planner. They should have a pencil case with pens, (including a green pen), pencil, sharpener, rubber, ruler and scientific calculator. A glue stick is often a useful addition.
What is the school planner and how will my child use it?
The planner is a communication tool between home and school. Your child is expected to write any prep work that they have in the planner. If you wish to update us about any absence or other information, you can use the planner to write in a note.
What can my child do if they are upset or having friendship issues?
They can talk to any member of staff, their tutor, or go to the Year Office.
Where can my child find out about extra-curricular clubs?
There will be information in tutor rooms and circulated around year offices and in assemblies.
What time does my child need to be at school?
All students need to be on site for 8.45am each day.
Where can I find the schools key dates and information?
The website is regularly updated with key information.
What if my child loses something at school?
Please ensure all clothing and equipment is clearly named. Lost properly is taken to the Learner Services Office where students can go to claim items.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact ahallam3.310@harrowhigh.com