Sixth Form Parents' Information Booklet 2020-2021

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Sixth Form

INFORMATION BOOKLET

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Welcome

With new subjects and new opportunities, new friends
and a new Common Room comes a greater depth of
learning, greater freedoms and greater responsibility; we
very much hope that your son or daughter will not only
be wonderfully happy in the Sixth Form at Reading Blue
Coat, but thrive!
Before heading to university, as the vast majority does,
or indeed into the world of work, we want the next two
years to be those in which they find and develop new
passions, all the while knowing that they will be cared for,
encouraged and helped to develop the independence and
skills necessary for life beyond Blue Coat.
​We will talk to the pupils a great deal about the Blue Coat community while they
are with us; please know that you are a significant part of that community too. In
conjunction with tutor and teacher, your encouragement of them with their work or
at the many plays, concerts, fixtures or events we hope they will be involved with will
be vital. I hope they will also bring a lot of fun and enjoyment!
Two purposeful and productive years await and I very much look forward to sharing
them with you.

Mr Pete Thomas

Headmaster

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Contents 5

6. Our Aims and Ethos
7. Looking After Your Son or Daughter
8. Who’s Who?
10. Communication
13. Getting to School
14. Getting Ready
16. GCSE Results
18. Starting
19. Up and Running
24. Learning
27. Learning Support
29. Sport
30. Music, Music Tuition and LAMDA
32. Clubs and Activities
34. Medical Department Information
36. Remote Learning
37. Chaplaincy
38. The Foundation Office
39. The Aldworth Partnership
41. Appendix 1 – Term and Holiday
Dates 2020-21
42. Appendix 2 – Schedule of Fees
and Charges for 2020-21
44. Appendix 3 – Uniform List
47. Appendix 4 – School Coach and
Public Bus Information

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Our Aims and Ethos

AIMS ETHOS

• To foster a stimulating, friendly and supportive • This School is founded on mutual respect,
atmosphere that enables personal growth and social tolerance and courtesy. We expect all members
development, and to provide a nurturing environment of our community to show consideration for
in which all our pupils feel valued and cared for; others at all times;

• To encourage in every pupil the development of • We relish our opportunities to develop our
self discipline, responsibility, spiritual awareness intellectual, sporting and cultural abilities and
and a personal moral code within a Christian make the most of our time both in and out of
framework, leading to the highest possible standards the classroom;
of behaviour, consideration for others and a pride in
him or herself and the School; • There is no place for apathy and cynicism in our
community. We will make the most of our abilities
• To encourage the growth of intellectual curiosity, at all times and encourage others to do the same;
creativity and the habits of learning, in order to help
each and every pupil achieve his or her potential; • We are an open and friendly community.
We welcome guests and display politeness and
• To provide a well-qualified staff of varied talents and consideration in all our dealings with them;
strong commitment, who will enable our pupils to
thrive and enjoy their education; • We are proud of our fellow pupils and the School
as a whole and consequently take pride in our
• To pursue active and open collaboration with parents; collective achievements;

• To promote an awareness of the world outside • We recognise our place in the local and wider
school and a sense of service to the local and wider community to do our best to develop our links
community; with them;

• To prepare pupils for life after school, in particular • We show care, consideration and courtesy in all
promoting an awareness of higher education and that we do.
career possibilities;

• To offer a wide range of co-curricular activities
through which pupils can develop their social,
sporting, cultural and intellectual abilities.

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Looking After Your Son or Daughter

HOUSES, TUTORS AND deal with the business of the day and to ensure that
PASTORAL CARE progress is being made.

Pastoral care is hugely important to us at Reading Blue Whole Sixth Form assemblies are arranged twice
Coat. On joining the School, your son or daughter will every Half Term. When required, Heads of Year will
become a member of one of our four Houses: Boys’ meet with their year group to discuss matters that are
school ties should include the appropriate colour stripe. specific to Year 12 or Year 13.

ALDWORTH HALL The Head of Year 12 for 2020/21 will be Mr Luke
MALTHUS RICH Johnson, who will continue as Head of Year for this
cohort as they join Year 13 in September 2021.
Houses are an important focus for students in the
School and provide the framework for many sporting Please remember that your son or daughter’s tutor
and cultural competitions and lots of other enriching is the students and parents’ first port of call for all
activities. It is important for students to get involved matters relating to him or her personally. Tutors can
both as competitors and as organisers for their House. be contacted via email.
Students should volunteer their services and believe in
their own abilities! This is an excellent chance for them SIXTH FORM COUNCIL
to learn the communication and management skills that
they will need later on in life. Each tutor group will have two representatives on
the Council, which will meet twice per term. This is
Your son or daughter will join a tutor group within the an opportunity for students to express their views
House. The tutor is responsible for his/her pastoral on issues pertaining to the Sixth Form, including
care and for supervising his/her progress in academic suggestions for improving the facilities and life for all
work, sport and activities throughout his/her time Sixth Formers. Four Council members will be chosen to
in Sixth Form. As we operate a vertical tutor group represent the Sixth Form at School Council meetings.
system at Reading Blue Coat, your son or daughter
will remain in the same tutor group throughout
Sixth Form. Students must ensure that they establish
a good relationship with their tutor and remember
that it will be the tutor who will write their UCAS or
any other reference. Joining pupils and parents would
ordinarily have opportunities to meet their tutors and
classmates prior to their first day in September, but
these events have unfortunately had to be cancelled
due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In their place, remote sessions will be organised in to
allow new students to meet their tutors and some of
our current Sixth Form pupils.

Tutors see their tutees twice a day, once in the morning
and once for afternoon registration before lessons
get underway. Tutor time is the ideal opportunity to

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Who’s Who?

When students first arrive at Reading Blue Coat, these are some of the people
they will come across quite regularly and who they will get to know.

MR PETER THOMAS MR LUKE JOHNSON
Headmaster Head of Year 12
This is Mr Thomas’ first year Mr Johnson is the Head of
in post, he teaches Geology, Government and Politics.
Geography and PSHE, and coaches lbj@rbcs.org.uk
rugby, football and cricket.
hm@rbcs.org.uk MISS JO THOMPSON
Assistant Head of Year 12
MR ED TRELINSKI Miss Thompson teaches
Second Master Geography, coaches Netball and
Mr Trelinski teaches History, is an Officer in the School’s CCF
Politics and the Extended Project Army section
Qualification. jlt@rbcs.org.uk
etr@rbcs.org.uk
MRS JUNE SMITH
DR GUY WILLIAMS Head of Year 13
Deputy Head (Pastoral) Mrs Smith teaches Physics and
Dr Williams teaches Philosophy is responsible for preparing
and Ethics and is the Designated applicants for Medicine.
Child Protection Officer. jps@rbcs.org.uk
gjw@rbcs.org.uk

MR ROBERT TIDBURY MR TOBY SEWARD
Deputy Head (Academic) Assistant Head of Year 13

Mr Tidbury teaches Mathematics Mr Seward is Head of Rugby, and
and coaches netball. teaches PE.
rti@rbcs.org.uk tes@rbcs.org.uk

MR GEORGE MORTON DR SARAH LANGDON
Director of Sixth Form Head of Girls
Dr Langdon teaches Chemistry.
Mr Morton teaches English, is srl@rbcs.org.uk
involved with Oxbridge and
Careers, and coaches football.
gem@rbcs.org.uk

MS LOUISE HOWARD 9
Sixth Form and Careers
Administrator OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS
lpmh@rbcs.org.uk
MAIN RECEPTION
MRS SARAH BERRY Holme Park
Head of Learning Support Sonning on Thames
seb@rbcs.org.uk Berkshire, RG4 6SU
0118 944 1005
R E V. K AT E T O O G O O D reception@rbcs.org.uk
Chaplain
Rev. Toogood teaches MRS KATIE ABBOTT
Mathematics. Headmaster’s Secretary
klt@rbcs.org.uk hm@rbcs.org.uk

MR WILL NASH-WORTHAM MRS MARIE EDMEADES
Head of Careers School Secretary and
Mr Nash-Wortham teaches Office Manager
Economics and Business. mae@rbcs.org.uk
wnw@rbcs.org.uk
MRS LOUISE SUTTON
Further staff profiles can Staff Secretary
be found on our website: ls@rbcs.org.uk
www.rbcs.org.uk
To email tutors, please MRS DEBBIE WEGER
put their initials in front of Academic Secretary
@rbcs.org.uk dw@rbcs.org.uk

THE BURSARY
finance@rbcs.org.uk

MISS CLAIRE KNIGHT
Librarian
ck@rbcs.org.uk

MEDICAL STAFF
medical@rbcs.org.uk

MRS ALISON DEWAR
Oxbridge Co-ordinator
amd@rbcs.org.uk

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Communication

As mentioned before, your son or daughter’s tutor is My children: You will be able to view specific details
your first point of reference when you need to contact about your son or daughter on one simple dashboard
the School. Tutors do work closely with the Head of and will be able to report an absence and make a
Year and subject teachers and may well suggest getting specific leave request. You will also find:
in touch directly with one of them.
• Timetable (NB This will not be available until the
MY SCHOOL PORTAL™ first day of term)

The portal provides you with a convenient way to • School reports
communicate with the School, and is your single port
of call. It can be used on any device, including mobiles • Contact information for your son/daughter’s teachers
– there is no app to install, just a website link to put on
the desktop of your mobile/tablet/pc. My details: From here you can advise the School of
changes to your contact details of your son/daughter’s
You are able to view: medical/dietary details.

Calendar: All event information is detailed on a view- Event booking: Event, trips and activities letters are
at-a-glance calendar. Sports fixtures and results show stored in one area and secure booking is available for
a personalised view for each student. The calendar certain events.
is automatically updated with up-to-date information
from schoolssports.com. The calendar can be filtered Parent Directory: The optional Parent Directory
by your son/daughter’s year group and also synced to allows you to connect with other parents who have
your personal calendar. opted into the directory in your son/daughter’s tutor
or year group. If you have any further queries, please
Email integration: Our Blues Post communication check out the Frequently Asked Questions on the
tool integrates with the portal. All email dialogue is portal, where you can find help and links to video
stored within the Reading Blue Coat Portal. This means tutorials.
no more searching for that elusive email or waiting for
the school to open at 08:00. You may reply to emails To get started, please go to the link below and
from within the portal. choose ‘forgot your password’. You will need to use
the email address held by the School as your username.
Sport: Information about fixtures and teams can be Alternatively, if the email address held for you is a
found here too. Google or Microsoft one, you may choose to sign in
with Google or Microsoft.

rbcs.myschoolportal.co.uk/login

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LITTLE WHITE BOOK other important information such as examinations,
At the beginning of each term, your son or daughter sports fixtures, rehearsals and upcoming trips.
will be issued with a copy of a pocket-sized White
Book, which contains an abundance of school MOBILE DEVICES
information; including a full termly calendar, a staff and
pupil directory and more. Though we print this each Students are permitted to bring mobile phones and
term, the most up-to-date information can be found iPods (or the equivalent) into school. Our Mobile
via the School Portal. Device Policy states that pupils are only permitted to
use their phones in Common Rooms, or on the direct
LINE-UP instruction of a member of staff. Any expensive items
need to be stored securely in the lockers that are
At the beginning of each term, your son or daughter provided for each student.
will be also issued with a copy of a pocket-sized
calendar booklet called the Line-up. PARENTS’ EVENING AND
REPORTING
Please note that the Little White Book and the Line-Up
will not be published for the 2020 Autumn Term. At Reading Blue Coat, each pupil will receive
Commitment to Learning Grades every Half Term.
EMAIL There will be a separate grade for work inside and
outside the classroom. In the second half of every term,
Email is one of the most effective ways for you there will also be an attainment grade for every subject,
to communicate with tutors and staff. Although alongside a progress indicator showing whether or not
teachers are encouraged to respond promptly, the a pupil is on track to achieve their potential. The subject
nature of their responsibilities and duties may make teacher will provide a written comment accompanying
an instantaneous response unlikely. Please also note the attainment grade to provide a focus for the pupil to
that during holiday periods we cannot guarantee that work on in the coming term.
teaching staff will access their school email.
We believe that feedback can be best delivered face to
A full list of staff email addresses is available on the face as part of a dialogue with the parents and as such
portal. You may also send messages via Reception. we have two Parents’ Meetings a year for all year groups
Please remember to indicate in the subject space for except Year 11 and Year 13 who have one.
whom the message is intended, eg Attn: Mr Meehan
re music rehearsals. Once a year we provide a pastoral report which
will include a self-reflective statement by the pupil
MESSAGES HOME and a summary, by the tutor, of the pupil’s character
development and co-curricular contributions that
A weekly message via BluesPost is sent to all parents academic year.
each Friday to keep you up to date with events and

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STUDENT PLANNER It is customary for us to include photographs or images
All students are given a student planner on their first in the School’s promotional materials such as the
day of term. Students should record all homework in website. We would not disclose the home address of
here. Rules and regulations are included in the planner any student without the parent’s consent. If you do not
and your son or daughter should familiarise him or want your son or daughter’s photograph or image to
herself with these. be used, please ensure your son or daughter is aware
of this and send formal notification to the Headmaster.
SSTTUUSDSDIIXXEENTTNHHTT FFPPOOLLAARRNNMMNNEERR
22002190//2201 We are always grateful to parents whose photographs
have helped liven up our publications and social media. If
you are a good photographer and have a fantastic shot to
share, please send it to Mr Tom Strudwick, our Marketing
and Communications Officer, at trs@rbcs.org.uk.

MESSAGES

Please do not try to telephone or text your son or
daughter between 08:45-13.00 and 14:10-16:10. If
something is really urgent, please call main Reception
on 0118 944 1005 and we will get a message to him or
her as soon and as appropriately as possible.

NAME:
TUTOR GROUP:

SCHOOLSSPORTS.COM
All sports training and fixture information, match
reports and results are available on Reading Blue Coat’s
page on Schoolssports.com, which you can access from
the School Portal.

SOCIAL MEDIA
For more updates on events in School, you can follow
us on:
Twitter: @ReadingBlues and @TeamRBCS,
Facebook: Search ‘Reading Blue Coat’
Instagram readingbluecoatschool
YouTube: officialRBCS
We are always happy to share our pupils’ achievements
and news on Social Media, so do email any good news
stories to our Marketing and Communications Officer,
Tom Strudwick - trs@rbcs.org.uk

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Getting to School

BUSES STUDENTS DRIVING TO SCHOOL

All of our school bus services are operated by external The following rules must be followed if students are
operators and as such you should contact them to driving to school, regardless of where they park:
arrange a seat on the relevant route for your son or
daughter. Please see Appendix 4 for areas covered and • The car is seen only as a means of travel to and
who to contact. The buses drop off and pick up from from school. It is not a place for any kind of social
the Berkshire Sports and Social Club car park opposite gathering, hence, it is out of bounds during the
the main school gates. Buses leave promptly at 16:20 school day and no student is allowed to retrieve
each day. Some services offer a later pickup at 18:00. something from their car without permission from
Please check bus operator websites for travel details. a member of staff.

DROPPING OFF OR PICKING • The School can accept no liability for motor vehicles
UP BY CAR parked on the premises.

Pupils may be dropped off or picked up at the dedicated • Students should not be repeatedly late due to their
drop-off/pick-up lane. Please do not drop off pupils use of a car.
in the main car park or outside the Sports Hall.
Please enter the site carefully and be aware that the • Cars driven by Sixth Formers are not allowed into
pupil crossing is close to our front entrance gate. school until after 16:30.
Please adhere to the speed limit on site and observe the
one way system and any direction given by our Traffic Sixth Formers may be granted permission to park in
Attendants, especially if cricket is going on. Vehicles allotted spaces in the Berkshire Sports Club car park
should not wait in any yellow cross-hatched areas. At (opposite the School). An application form must be
the end of the school day, traffic on the site is often busy obtained from Ms Howard, Sixth Form and Careers
so if you are able to stagger your pick up time, this can Administrator, and signed by parents before a permit
help ease congestion. Please be patient and particularly is issued. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain a
careful when manoeuvring as students in particular are new form every year. This is seen as a privilege, which
not always very good at observing moving vehicles! can be withdrawn if driving on their site is conducted
Please do not use the car park opposite the School as in an unsafe manner. Sixth Formers must follow all
this can hamper the coach arrivals/departures and is not instructions by the parking attendants and should
permitted under the terms of our lease. Please also do not return to their cars in the school day without
not drop off students in the morning, pick them up at permission from the Sixth Form Office.
16:10 or park in the delivery area outside Reception.
Please do not use your mobile phone while driving on
the School site.

BICYCLES

Students may leave their bicycles in the storage racks
opposite the main reception. Students will need their
own bike padlock and must also wear a helmet when
cycling to and from school.

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Getting Ready

Please complete all of the induction forms via the tops, or casual clothes should not be mixed with smart
parent portal, and return them by Monday 22 school wear.
June, but please do return them at your earliest
convenience. After Games, Activities or PE, all students must return
to the changing rooms and change back into their
If you have any questions about the forms, or need normal school clothes before leaving the School site.
advice, please contact the Admissions Team on
0118 933 5806 who will be very happy to help. MALE DRESS CODE

SCHOOL UNIFORM Suit or blazer with lapels, and School, Colours or Prefect
tie. Navy, black or grey trousers to be worn with a
Our school uniform is supplied by Stevensons, blazer. A jumper or cardigan that is plain coloured,
based at 11-12 Market Place, Reading RG1 2EG. fitted, V-necked, fine-knitted and with no emblem may
Contact telephone number: 0118 9596462 be worn under the jacket. No sweatshirts or hoodies.
Email: readingbranch@stevensons.co.uk Shirts should be appropriate for business and the collars
must be designed to take a tie. Soft-collared or checked
During Covid-19 Stevensons high street branches are leisure shirts are not allowed. Black or dark shirts are
closed but the online stores continue to operate. not permitted.

We hope that Stevensons will be in a position to Dark-coloured formal leather or faux leather shoes must
bring supplies to Reading Blue Coat before the start of be worn; trainers or boots are not allowed (this includes
the Autumn term. Further details will be sent to you when walking onto or leaving the school premises).
should this be possible. Socks must be dark in colour.

www.stevensons.co.uk Also:

A full uniform list is available in Appendix 3. •No visible jewellery may be worn in school, including
earrings or other piercings.
Parents and students’ attention is drawn to the
following guidelines. •Tattoos are not allowed.

UNIFORM GUIDELINES •Hair must be off the collar and not over the ears or
eyes, or tucked behind the ears.
Dress must be smart, clean, well-cared for and
appropriate as decided by the Director of Sixth Form. A •Boys must be clean shaven and will be asked to shave if
good guide would be to consider if this would be how a this is not the case.
student would arrive at a formal business job interview.
It is recommended that all students have a second suit •Reading Blue Coat boys transferring into Sixth Form
for occasions when the first is being cleaned or has been from Year 11 are required to purchase the Sixth Form
mislaid. School tie. Alternatively, they can wear Colours ties if
awarded.
Hair should be appropriately cut and tidily worn. It
must be of a uniform, natural colour without excessive
differences between light and dark. Hair cut shorter
than grade 2 is not permitted. Excessive differences
in long and short hair length, especially with a marked
change or step are not permitted either. Any queries will
be decided by the Director of Sixth Form.

Dark, plain coats may be worn but must be taken off
when inside buildings. Sportswear, including hooded

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FEMALE DRESS CODE •Minimal daytime make-up.

A tailored suit with trousers or a skirt, or business •No false eyelashes.
dress with jacket. A smart jumper or cardigan can be
chosen instead of a jacket, but these must be plain •Any nail polish must be of a natural colour and well
coloured, fitted, V-necked, fine-knitted and with no maintained.
emblem. The skirt should be a formal length suitable
for a business environment: above the ankle, not a •No nail extensions/false nails.
miniskirt, and bodycon skirts/dresses are not allowed.
Any splits must be conservative. Skirts or dresses that •Tattoos are not allowed.
ride up with movement are not appropriate.
•Long hair must be kept tidy with a minimum of
Trousers must be tailored, not tight-fitting and ankle accessories.
length. A long or short sleeved formal business shirt/
blouse with a collar and sleeves should be worn under •No necklaces to be worn outside shirt/blouse.
the jacket, jumper or cardigan, and these should be
long enough to cover the top of trousers or skirt. Low- •Bracelets should be discreet.
cut tops, bare midriffs or overly-tight shirts/blouses are
not allowed. Girls should not put staff or themselves in •Scarves must be removed when inside school buildings.
an embarrassing situation by wearing something that
they know does not follow these guidelines. SHOPPING
In addition to their uniform, students will also require the
Formal dark coloured leather or faux leather shoes following items:
with a low heel must be worn; trainers or boots are
not allowed (this includes when walking onto or leaving • A dark coloured school bag which is large enough
the school premises). No stilettos. Any socks must be to carry lever arch files and other school books and
dark in colour. equipment. Either a back pack or cross-over strap style
will suffice.
Please note also:
• A separate bag for sports kit to be brought in to
•Stud or tight hoop earrings may be worn; larger hoop school on the days that it is required only.
and drop earrings, or ear bars, are not allowed.
• Stationery such as pens and pencils. Specific
•No nose/eyebrow studs or any other visible piercings. requirements may be required for certain subjects.

• A padlock for locker.

• While Remote Learning is necessary, pupils will need a
Laptop, microphone and a webcam.

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GCSE Results

IMPORTANT: External students must forward to us – by email to Mrs Jarrett:
jj@rbcs.org.uk or by post or in person – their GCSE results as soon as they receive them
on Thursday 20 August 2020. This is to ensure that students’ places can be confirmed
and that they meet the grade criteria for the A Level subjects they wish to study.
Students studying GCSE Science and Additional Science must also forward the marks for
the individual components (i.e. Biology, Chemistry and Physics).

CHANGES TO OPTIONS

It may well be that students change their minds about their A Level options between now and
the time that they start at Reading Blue Coat in September. This is perfectly understandable,
especially once the GCSE results are published, and we endeavour to do our best to fit in
their changed options. However, sometimes some subjects are already full based on our
earlier planning, and so we are not able to add to these groups. Our blocks are also fixed,
so students will need to ensure that their choices fit into the option blocks as follows:

Option A Option B Option C Enrichment
PE Drama Biology AS PE
Spanish Art Business AS Psychology
DT Business Chemistry AS Mathematics
Biology Chemistry Computer Science EPQ
Economics Economics Economics AS Politics
English English French AS Film Studies
Geology Further Mathematics Geography EPQ
Geography History Politics AS Further Mathematics
German Psychology History AS Biology
Music Mathematics Physics
Philosophy, Religion and
Physics Biology Ethics

Philosophy, Religion and Geography Psychology
Ethics
Psychology PE Classical Civilisation
Business Geology

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Before the start of term, on Friday 4 September If a student does wish to change a subject after term
between 16:00 and 18:00 in the Sports Hall, a has started, they must follow this procedure:
session has been arranged for any Year 12 students
who are considering changing their subject choices, • Discuss the issue with their parents.
and their parents, to speak to Heads of Department,
the Sixth Form Team and other senior staff about A • Discuss with their tutor.
Level options. It is important for students to seek this
advice beforehand so that they are fully aware of the • See the relevant Subject Heads of Department for
requirements and demands of the courses they would the subject being discontinued and their proposed
like to follow. Please note that this event is subject new subject.
to change.
• If further advice is needed, speak with the Head
Please be aware that a considerable amount of the of Year.
syllabus of a subject is covered in the Autumn Term;
only in exceptional circumstances will a student be able • Speak with Mr Tidbury.
to switch courses after the first three weeks.

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Starting

Friday 4 September 2020
Students joining Reading Blue Coat for the first time should be in School for 13:00, when
they will have lunch with their tutors. School prefects will be on duty in the car park and
will direct students to the Dining Hall. Students should wear full school uniform but will
not require sports kit. Students will finish at 16:00.
Monday 7 September 2020
This will be the first full day for the whole School. Students should arrive in time for
an 08:35 start.

THE SCHOOL DAY

07:30 Earliest time of arrival for students. 12:25-13:00 Period 6
07:30-08:30 Sixth Form Centre opens
08:00 12:30-14:00 Lunch can be taken in the Dining
08:35 Breakfast available in the Dining Hall Hall or in the Sixth Form Centre.
08:45-09:05 14:00-14:10 Activities and Library open
09:05-09:40 Reception, Switchboard and 14:10-14:20
09:40-10:15 Library open 14:20-14:55 Tutor time
10:15-10:35 14:55-15:00
10:35-11:10 Bell 15:00-15:35 Registration
11:10-11:45 15:35-16:10
11:45-11:50 Registration, Assembly or Tutor 16:10 Period 7
11:50-12:25 time 16:20
16:10-18:00 Changeover time
Period 1 18:00
Period 8
Period 2 18:55
Period 9
Break – tuck available from Sixth
Form Centre End of School

Period 3 School buses depart from Berkshire
Sports and Social Club car park
Period 4
Activities and Library open
Changeover time
Activities finish. Reception,
Period 5 Switchboard and Library close

Sixth Form Centre closes to those
staying for Activities. Late buses
depart from the School site

19

Up and Running

STUDENT PLANNER room for registration at 14:10 or on some afternoons
by 14:00 for additional tutor time.
Your son or daughter will be given a Student Planner at
the beginning of each year. If students miss registration, they must sign in at the
Sixth Form Office in the Sixth Form Centre. Arriving
LOCKERS at School after 08:45 is considered late. Persistent
offenders will be required to sign in at Reception by
Your son or daughter can choose a locker in the Sixth 08:30 for one week. Parents will be notified of this
Form Centre on the first day of term. The locker sanction by the Head of Year.
should be used to store books, which can be swapped
over at break times, and personal possessions such Arriving after 09:30 is classified as an absence and as
as mobile phones, laptops, wallets etc. These items such a letter or email by way of an explanation will be
must not be left in the changing rooms as these are not required from parents.
secure areas and the School cannot be held responsible
for the loss of such items. All Sixth Form students will No student may leave the School Grounds during
require a padlock. Once chosen, the locker number school hours (08:45 and 16:10) unless special
should be shared with the tutor. There are also permission has been given. In cases where permission
valuables lockers in the changing rooms for use during has been granted, e.g. medical appointments, the
Physical Education, Games or Activities. student must sign out/sign in at the Sixth Form Office.

R E G I S T R AT I O N ABSENCE

Students are expected in school by 08:35. They must Parents should advise School by 08:00 of their
leave the Sixth Form Centre no later than 08:40 in child’s absence. Please report absence via the School
time for a prompt start to tutor period or assembly at Portal or, if you cannot access the portal, please
08:45. In the afternoon, students must be in their tutor email registration@rbcs.org.uk, copying your son or
daughter’s tutor, explaining the reason for absence.

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Please email ongoing absences on a daily basis to keep then be used to purchase tuck, stationery, breakfast or
the School updated. ad-hoc lunches. Breakfast is available from 07.30 in the
Dining Hall.
Appointments during the day, such as dental, doctors
etc., need to be requested via the School Portal and If your son or daughter is entitled to lunch, no credit
will receive an automated acknowledgement email. has been added to their account so they cannot
If your son or daughter arrives or leaves during the purchase other items on it until cash is credited to it.
school day for any reason, he or she must sign in and Any credit left on the student’s account at the end of
sign out at the Sixth Form Office. their final term will be refunded on their final bill.

Permission for any other absence must be obtained PARENTPAY™
from the Headmaster. Please note that the
Headmaster will not authorise any holidays during term The School uses the online payment system,
time (and promises not to take a holiday of his own in ParentPay™, as its preferred means for parents to pay
term time). Your attention is drawn to our term dates for ad-hoc lunches and shop purchases. ParentPay™ is
on Page 41 in this booklet. a convenient and highly secure web payment system
for payments to be made 24-7 using a Debit or Credit
BIOMETRIC SYSTEM card. Payments made in the morning will be available
for the student to spend over lunchtime through an
The School operates a biometric system for purchases automatic link to the School’s till system. Prior to
in the Dining Hall, the Sixth Form Centre and the the start of term, you will be sent a letter explaining
School Shop (The Wharf), although students may still how to use ParentPay™ and containing the activation
use cash in The Wharf and the Sixth Form Centre. username and password that will enable you to set up
your online account and top up your son or daughter’s
Each student has a photocopying allowance with which school account. If you already have a ParentPay™ login,
to complete their educational activities. Each student is your son or daughter can be linked into that.
issued with a PIN code to authorise photocopying.
An email will be sent during the summer holiday which
Parents have the option to add credit to their son or will provide login details.
daughter’s account using ParentPay™. This credit can

21

Making a payment is straightforward and ParentPay™ desserts or fresh fruit to complete the meal.
holds a payment history for you to view at a later date;
no card details are stored in any part of the system. ASSEMBLIES
Once you’ve activated your account, you can make Whole School Assemblies are held twice a week on
online payments straight away. The student top-up Mondays and Thursdays at 08:45. House Assemblies
account appear as items that you put in your basket are held on Wednesdays at 08:45.
and purchase at the checkout in the normal way.
TEXTBOOKS AND STATIONERY
There is helpful information on the ParentPay™ The costs of text books in the Sixth Form is charged
website www.parentpay.com. and these are billed in the Autumn Term.

FOOD SIXTH FORM CENTRE
• Year 12 students are allowed in the Sixth Form
The Dining Hall is open for breakfast from 07:30 to 08:30
Centre before school, during break, during lunch
and for lunch between 12:30 and 14:00. The café in the time, after school or to retrieve items from their
Sixth Form Centre is open for hot and cold drinks, snacks lockers. During school hours, music can only be
and light meals at break and lunch time. The Wharf is also played before 08:35 and during break, lunchtime
open each day between 16:10 and 16.30. and after 16:10.

Lunches are charged on a termly basis, depending on • Year 12 students can access the Sixth Form Centre
the number of school days in a term, at £4.14 per day for their two unsupervised private study periods,
(£4.50 when purchased if a student has forgotten his but are also encouraged to use the Library during
or her packed lunch). Please complete the application those periods. Behaviour in the Sixth Form Centre
form via the portal, if your son or daughter wishes to is expected to conform to School rules and must
have a school lunch. not be of a nature that could impinge on another
student’s personal rights. Their three supervised
Our caterers, Sodexo, provide students with a broad private study sessions will take place in a classroom.
choice of nutritious food. There is always a selection
of hot meat, fish and vegetarian main dishes available • The Sixth Form Centre must be totally clear for the
along with a variety of tempting salads, jacket potatoes,
pasta bar and a selection of delicious hot and cold

22 computer room.

duration of morning and afternoon registration (apart The Library catalogue is available through the School
from the duty tutor group during registration). intranet and our page has access to other resources
such as JSTOR and Massolit, as well as hints and tips
• The upstairs of the building is designed to be a work for study. We have reading lists for most subjects and
area where noise must be kept to a minimal level. stock the listed titles in the Library. The librarians also
Students should bear in mind that others are using produce a list each term of recommended reads.
the Sixth Form Centre so must be thoughtful in We host yearly author visits, too.
terms of noise. No group games, ball games or noisy
activities are allowed in the Sixth Form Centre. Year 12s and Year 13s are encouraged to use the
Library for study throughout their time with us.
• Students must start to leave the Sixth Form Centre
as soon as the warning bell goes for registration in ICT
the morning and the afternoon.
All members of the Sixth Form are required
• The upstairs of the Sixth Form Centre must be to have a laptop/tablet in school to support
empty by 18:00, unless students are staying for an their learning. An expensive, high spec model is not
after-school event. In this case, students may remain required; a robust product with a good battery life and
in the centre until 18:55. However, they will not screen 10” or above is all that is required. Students
have access to the centre after this time and should should use these devices as directed in lessons and can
take their belongings with them. use them for study during study periods, lunchtimes
etc. When devices are not in use, they should be kept
LIBRARY securely in students’ lockers and they should certainly
never be left unattended in classrooms, common
The Library is located on the first floor of School House rooms or changing rooms.
and is open each day from 08:00 to 18:00 during term
time. The Library is in constant use throughout the day, Students can access the internet around the School via
and is also available before school, break, lunchtime and the Guest network. All use of computers and smart
after school for independent study or reading. phones is governed by our ICT Policy.

The Main Room consists of print non-fiction, PRINTING
Senior fiction, careers information and study space.
The Reading Room is a more relaxed area with
beanbags and a couple of sofas, it is home to our Junior
fiction collection. The Resources Room is a dedicated

23

The School runs a printing credit system and jobs are them to enjoy their lunchtime away from the school
charged according to whether they are black and white site for one lunch break. The Sixth Form follows the
or colour. Pupils are encouraged to think green when School’s policy of awarding Colours to students who
they print. Each pupil is issued with a PIN code to have shown commitment and ability in an area of the
authorise both printing and photocopying. The School School’s co-curricular life.
provides a free allocation at the start of each year,
based on the amount of printing and photocopying that CONTACT BETWEEN STUDENTS
each year group is expected to do, to complete their
educational activities. This is quite a generous allocation Physical contact between students should always be
and it is rare for pupils to require more credit. appropriate. For example, no sitting on laps, cuddling,
However, if this occurs, the IT Department will top-up. kissing, lying across other students or holding hands.

REWARDS AND SANCTIONS OPEN DAYS

Sanctions for poor behaviour are something that we There is an expectation that when required students
expect our Sixth Form to be mature and sensitive attend school on Open Mornings and Open Evenings
enough to avoid. However, where transgressions do to assist in departments and act as tour guides for
occur with regard to poor judgements and lateness, prospective families. The scheduled open events are
for example, these are addressed with an after-school Saturday 3 October 2020, Tuesday 13 October
detention and an early sign-in process respectively. 2020 (from 17:00) and Saturday 8 May 2021. Please
A written contact with home will be made when a reserve these dates in your son or daughter’s diary.
sanction is issued, and an opportunity to meet and talk Please also note that these dates are subject to change.
about its need is welcomed.
EMPLOYMENT
A rewards system operates in the Sixth Form for
academic progress. Following each half-termly Part-time work must be kept to a minimum and must
assessment of the student’s commitment to learning, not interfere with a student’s ability to keep up to date
lapel badges are distributed to those demonstrating with their academic and co-curricular commitments,
good to excellent commitment. Successful Year 12s including attendance at Open Mornings and
will receive an invitation to a reward lunch, and Open Evenings.
Year 13s will be granted a lunch-out pass, allowing

24

Learning

ACADEMIC MATTERS
Sixth Formers study three subjects at A Level and also an additional
subject in the Enrichment Block. For most students, this will lead to an
additional AS; others will gain the Extended Project Qualification or an
A Level in Further Mathematics.
At various stages of their time in the Sixth Form, students will receive
advice and help from staff to help them achieve their potential. If students
experience difficulties in their subjects, they should approach their subject
teachers or the Head of Department in the first instance and, if necessary,
their tutor and the Sixth Form Leadership Team.

PROGRAMME OF STUDY

There are 45 teaching periods per week.
The framework for a Year 12 student is as follows:

A Level A Level A Level
Block A Block B Block C

x8 x8 x8

Enrichment Games Supervised Activities
Block x3 Private Study x2
x8
x3

Sixth Form Unsupervised Careers
Special Private Study x1
x2
x2

25

ACTIVITIES of courses with predicted grades. The Reading Blue
Coat deadline for UCAS applications is 15th October
Activities are an integral part of the co-curricular in Year 13. Students’ references will be written by
programme, which contributes substantially to the their tutors, based on information received from their
well-rounded education that your son or daughter subject teachers. Predicted A Level grades are used
will experience at Reading Blue Coat, whether they in this reference; these are based on the students’
partake in giving back to the local community or try performance in Year 12 examinations and their attitude
something new. Activities are run in a double lesson on to study during Year 12. This deadline still applies
a Thursday, every week throughout the academic year. should the student wish to take a gap year after school
and re-apply. If this is the case, the student’s parent
There are numerous opportunities for students to must write to the tutor formally by the start of the
get involved, ranging from sporting activities such as Autumn Term. Further details of the UCAS Application
lacrosse or ultimate frisbee, or achieving qualifications process can be found on the School intranet and at
such as the Duke of Edinburgh and Sports Leadership www.ucas.com.
Award Schemes. Furthermore, there is also potential to
acquire or develop skills such as photography, yoga and SIXTH FORM SPECIAL
filmmaking – there are activities to inspire everyone.
A variety of guest speakers provide Sixth Form
CAREERS students with ideas and inspiration regarding careers,
opportunities to travel, and current affairs; in addition
Careers lessons are a component of the Year 12 to pastoral support in areas such as mental health,
curriculum and students are guided and directed addiction and developing resilience. Sixth Form Specials
with regard to Higher Education and beyond. take place every Friday and attendance is compulsory.
After Christmas in Year 12, all students considering a
university application will be required to complete a
UCAS Personal Statement under the guidance of their
tutor and will begin their application on ‘UCAS Apply’.
Later in the year, tutors will also discuss the matching

26

PRIVATE STUDY HOMEWORK AND INDEPENDENT
LEARNING
Students’ work outside the classroom is crucial to their
progress in the Sixth Form and they are expected to Homework is set regularly in Sixth Form and requires
organise their time to allow sufficient numbers of hours careful planning and execution. Sixth Form students are
to be dedicated to their studies. Students should use expected, with our guidance, to be motivated by
their Sixth Form planners wisely. In Year 12, students learning and to show independence in doing so.
must register in their assigned study room or Library
at the start of the supervised study period. Details are OXBRIDGE AND MEDICAL
published on the Private Study Board in the Sixth Form A P P L I C AT I O N S
Centre. It is a quiet place of study with no eating or
drinking and students must arrive at their study period Students who wish to apply to Oxbridge or a medical
dressed properly as they would for a lesson. course will need to complete their applications by
15 September in Year 13. Support will be given on
course selection, college and interview techniques.
Those students who show the potential to apply for
these demanding courses will be invited to join the
Oxbridge or Medics Group in the Spring Term of Year 12.

27

Learning Support

The Learning Support department is led by Mrs Sarah Berry and assisted by
Mrs Celia Rule, both specialist teachers in Specific Learning Difficulty. Early
identification of additional needs is key to supporting your sons and daughters
towards their academic potential and should not be viewed with trepidation.
The department encourages early communication from parents of a learning
related difficulty if it has not already been disclosed, as well as details of additional
help with reading, handwriting, speech and language processing or behaviour
during previous schooling. The department values a working relationship with
parents, and encourages an early conversation with Mrs Berry over any concerns.

28

ON JOINING THE SCHOOL a short series of lessons for students tackling public
examinations. These students may need a more
On joining Year 12, all students are assessed by the tailored program of support than subject-based
department for signs of dyslexia. Students joining the classroom interventions, due to their established or
School with an existing mild Specific Learning Difficulty emerging Specific Learning Difficulty.
will meet initially with the department to review their
needs, including existing exam access arrangements The department processes and submits applications
which will be provided for the November assessments to the Joint Council for Qualifications for access
and reviewed for their effectiveness at A Level, arrangements for students sitting external
thereafter. The department also supports students examinations. In addition, it provides access
with any initial difficulties with organisation and arrangements in the case of an injury during
managing workload. examinations, or during the year, such as a scribe.
Mrs Berry plays an integral part in the pastoral and
Teaching colleagues may refer students to the academic teams liaising with tutors, Heads of Year and
department throughout the year when they will be Directors of Section to support and guide individuals in
reviewed by the Learning Support Department. their learning needs.

In the Spring Term, students who have been identified All Sixth Form students receive study skills tuition
by the department, or raised to the department by from an external provider as part of the Sixth Form
teachers, are reviewed prior to their summer exams. Special programme.
Identification of an exam access arrangement, such as
extra time or word processing, must originate from The department successfully supports students to
evidence of need in the classroom and, when required, attain top grades at A Level and onward passage to
ensures students are working on a level playing field in top universities, including Oxbridge. Our strongest
the end-of-year examinations in June. academic students often have highly developed
strategies for learning but are sometimes identified
THE GRADUATED RESPONSE with co-occurring Specific Learning Difficulty at A
Level. It may be an unexpected but essential step to
The department supports a graduated response to meet with the department during A Levels, when
additional needs, working with subject staff who meet complex work outweighs previously successful
the majority of mild needs through their classroom strategies masking a Specific Learning Difficulty.
strategies to support learning. Some additional one-
to-one teaching is provided by the department as

29

Sport

The main focus of the Sport and Games programme We have friendly hockey matches and compete on the
is to give all pupils the opportunity to represent team VIIs circuit, culminating in a team playing at Rosslyn
RBCS (Respect, Belief, Commitment & Sportsmanship). Park National VIIs.
Competition, regardless of level, helps build character
in so many ways. Learning new skills, playing in teams In the Summer Term, we turn to cricket, athletics,
and showing commitment to their peers will teach rounders and it is the major competing term for the
pupils important values that they will take with them rowers. Also in the Summer Term, we have Sports
beyond Reading Blue Coat. Day, senior tennis matches and touch rugby; plenty
of opportunity to stay active and de-stress during the
In the Autumn Term, we have rugby teams, hockey exam period.
teams and a cross-country team. Rowing also starts its
year-long programme by taking full advantage of the Outside the competitive sports there is an opportunity
lighter evenings and spending as much time as possible to use the fitness suite, swim and try new sports such
on the river. as handball or lacrosse, as well as many other options.

In the Spring Term, we switch to football, where we If you have any questions please contact Mr Gerwyn
have seven teams in league competitions, and netball, Wilson, Director of Sport, on gaw@rbcs.org.uk, and
where we have four teams in league competitions. please follow us at @teamRBCS.

30

Music, Music Tuition and LAMDA

Reading Blue Coat runs a hugely energetic and busy Frequent concerts and other musical events, both
Music Department led by Director of Music, Richard formal and informal, cover the full range of abilities
Meehan. We hope that your son or daughter will take and genres. These include the Spring Spectacular!
part fully in our musical life and reap the rewards that that features our many rock bands, and Swing Into
this participation brings. Summertime, which ends the year with a picnic in the
sunshine. Every two years we hold our Biennial Music
We run a full range of musical activities, including three Festival, which gives musicians of all levels a chance to
choirs, full and string orchestra, three jazz bands, compete with their peers and receive feedback from a
wind band, brass band and a large number of small high-level professional musician. A full-scale musical is
ensembles, including brass, string, guitar and vocal. staged every year in the spring.
Many students run their own rock bands and coaching
is available. The Reading Blue Coat Big Band rehearses INDIVIDUAL MUSIC LESSONS
to a high standard, accommodating some of our best
musicians, and playing at a variety of events across the Many of our students learn to play a musical instrument
year. The full Choir has a fine local reputation and leads with one of our specialist team of visiting instrumental
the School at its formal events.

31

teachers who give tuition on a wide range of There are a number of instruments available to
orchestral, band and keyboard instruments. hire through the School. Maximum period of hire
is two terms.
The charge for instrumental lessons is £24 per
35 minutes and there are approximately ten lessons LAMDA
per term. Lessons take place in private studies and
at lunchtimes. The School is able to offer LAMDA classes for
individuals or pairs, on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Music Department strongly recommends that The cost of these are £240 per term for individual
pupils purchase their own ear defenders/plugs for use lessons and £155 per person per term for shared
in their instrumental lessons. lessons. Application forms are available via the portal.

Please note that one full term’s written notice, to the
Director of Music, is required before the termination
of Individual Music lessons.

Tuition is available in the following: Guitar: Acoustic, Electric and Bass –
Classical, Jazz and Pop
Piano, Electric Keyboard, Organ
(the School possesses an organ;
pupils are recommended to have
passed Grade 5 on piano).

Violin, Viola, Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, French Drums – Rock Singing Jazz
‘Cello, Double Oboe, Bassoon, Horn, Trombone, and Jazz styles improvisation
Tuba, Tenor Horn, (any instrument)
Bass Saxophone
Euphonium

If your son or daughter would like to receive individual
music tuition, please complete the application form.

32

Clubs and Activities

ART CLUB SINGING WORKSHOP
EXPEDITION SOC

DRONE CLUB NETBALL CROSS-COUNTRY
RUGBY
The School offers an extensive co-curricular
programme and your son or daughter will be
encouraged to make the most of the many exciting
and challenging opportunities that are on offer to him
or her. Details of each term’s activities are included
on the portal. Please remember that once your son or
daughter has agreed to take part in an activity, he or
she must then make practices and rehearsals a priority.

A selection of activities that took place in the 2019-
2020 Academic Year.

HOCKEY 33

PRIMARY PLACEMENT • Aldworth Partnership
• Amnesty International
CIETY ARCHERY • Archery
• Art Club
BRASS GROUP • Badminton
COMBINED CADET FORCE • Basketball (Y11+)
• Book Club
ROWING • Brass Group
• Combined Cadet Force (Y9+)

-Army
-Royal Air Force
-Royal Navy

• Chamber Choir
• Chamber Ensembles
• Charities Committee
• Chess Club
• Christian Forum
• Climbing Club
• Concert Band
• Creative Writing
• Cricket
• Cross Country
• Dixieland Jazz Band
• Drone Club
• DT Clinic
• Duke of Edinburgh Award (Y10+)
• Economics and Business Club (Y12+)
• Engineering Club
• Expedition Groups
• Fitness Club (Y12+)
• Football
• Guitar Ensemble
• History Clinic
• Hockey
• Jazz Cats
• Lacrosse
• LAMDA
• Lego Robotics Club
• Male Voice Choir
• Maths Club
• Media and Journalism Club
• Mountain Biking
• Music Theory
• Netball
• Orchestra
• Peer Mentoring
• Philosophy Society
• Primary Placement
• Psychology Society (Y12+)
• Public Speaking
• RBC Big Band
• Rowing
• Running Club
• Rugby
• Rugby Refereeing
• Saxophone Group
• STEM Club
• Swimming
• Table Tennis
• Tennis
• Treble Choir
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Yoga

34

Medical Department Information

The Medical Department is staffed by two practitioners crutches, both on flat surfaces and on stairs. Students
on a shift rota basis: Nurse Montgomery (RCN) and should not be sent back to school on crutches unless
Miss Fagg (Immediate Care Practitioner, Members of this training has been given.
the Sports Therapy Association).The Medical Centre is
situated in the building to the right of Reception. It sometimes takes a few days for students to master
the technique of using crutches at home before being
We aim to staff the Medical Department between the able to cope with the School campus. In the interest
hours of 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, term time of your son/daughter’s safety please do not send them
only. If for any reason the medical team is absent, a back to school until they are able to safely navigate
Duty First Aider will be on call. There is also medical distances and at least two flights of stairs.
cover for home matches on Saturdays in Autumn and
Spring Terms. You must inform the School’s medical team if your son/
daughter will be coming into school on crutches. This
The function of the Medical Department is to care can be done by emailing medical@rbcs.org.uk and
for the pupils and staff of Reading Blue Coat at the your son/daughter’s tutor.
onset of injury/illness and whilst they are on the
school premises. It does not provide an alternative PUPILS AND MEDICATION
to the pupil’s GP. Therefore, in the case of illness/
injuries suffered away from school or continuing Students may not carry any medication on them, apart
beyond the date of onset, parents/guardians should from emergency asthma inhalers and autoadrenaline
seek treatment/advice from the GP/Accident and injectors. For both these medications an annual
Emergency Department in the usual way. consent form will be generated by the medical staff
and sent to parents for completion, so that staff can
REQUESTS FOR ABSENCE FROM administer medication in an emergency.
PE/SPORT FOR MEDICAL REASONS
The Medical Department keeps a stock of ‘over the
Requests for Years 12 and 13 students to be ‘off games’ counter’ medications, e.g. Paracetamol and Ibuprofen,
are processed by the staff in the Sixth Form Office and so pupils do not need to bring these into school. For
must be supported by an electronic ‘off games’ request pupils taking specific prescribed medication for regular
from parents. This can be done via the Parent Portal in or occasional use (e.g. certain anti-histamine tablets,
the same way as absence notification. Please complete oral medication, eye and ear drops etc.), parents/
the form on the portal detailing the reason for the guardians should send in a supply of this medication to
request and the date range applicable. be stored in the Medical Department for the pupil’s
use. This must be in the original dispensing box, clearly
Students who are ‘off games’ for medical reasons labelled and accompanied by a letter or email from
are expected to remain in school until the end of the parents/guardians giving consent to administer and
school day unless they have permission from their clarifying the details of their request.
form tutor to attend a medical appointment, for which
they must sign out of school with the Staff Secretaries. Students requiring short-term medication (e.g. a
Otherwise, arrangements for supervised private study course of antibiotics) only need to bring in a ‘lunchtime
in school are in place during Games sessions. dose’ if the prescription is for administration more than
three times per day. Prescriptions for three times daily
PUPILS ON CRUTCHES administration can be given at home.

It is the responsibility of the person issuing crutches
(e.g. physiotherapist, GP, hospital staff, etc.) to ensure
that the student is competent and safe in the use of

35

All medicines being brought into school must be MEDICAL CONDITIONS
delivered to the Medical Department before the
start of school, i.e. between 08:00 and 08.40, and It is the responsibility of all parents/guardians to
need to be in the original dispensing box with the inform the School of any chronic/ongoing medical
dispensing instructions and expiry date clearly written conditions or problems (e.g. asthma, allergies, dietary
on the packaging. requirement) as they occur whilst the student is at
Reading Blue Coat. This can be done using the Parent
Students who have received ‘over the counter’ Portal, where you can update your son/daughter’s
medication from medical staff will be given a letter to medical record. Please also ensure that your telephone
take home outlining what medication was given and numbers and email addresses appear correctly on the
the reason for the treatment. Parent Portal so that we can contact you in the event
of an emergency.
ILLNESS
Please make the medical staff aware of any short-
Please do not send students who are unwell into term or acute medical conditions, by emailing them at
school. This request comes not only with your son/ medical@ rbcs.org.uk and copying your child’s tutor.
daughter’s interest in mind, but also to limit the spread
of infection in the school generally. All students who RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL TRIPS
have suffered a raised temperature (i.e. greater than
37.6 degrees), diarrhoea or vomiting should not return These are overseen by trip leaders and therefore, in
to school until they have had 48 hours clear of all order to ensure that each trip leader is fully informed
symptoms (as per NHS guidelines). of your son or daughter’s up-to-date medical
information, parents are asked to complete a consent
Pupils who become unwell during the school day form by the School Office for each residential trip.
should report to the Medical Department where the
member(s) of staff on duty will decide whether or PITCH SIDE FIRST AID
not the student should be sent home. We request
that students are collected promptly, as the sick bay Saturday school rugby and football fixtures in Autumn
facilities are limited. and Spring Terms are attended pitch side by members
of the Medical Department. Medical staff work
alongside the sports team first aiders/coaches to
provide immediate care at the onset of injury. In cases
of concussion, the School has developed a Graduated
Return To Play Policy which will be put into action.

36

Remote Learning

In the event that Reading Blue Coat is physically
closed, teaching staff are well-prepared to deliver the
academic curriculum remotely. Our main platform
is Microsoft Teams; through this we can conduct live
lessons, set, mark and return work and give feedback
to our pupils. This is supplemented by a number of
excellent subject specific platforms that enhance our
provision and provide pupils with variety. We recognise
that structure, familiarity and regular breaks are vital to
pupil wellbeing when they are learning from home; so
we strive to follow the normal school timetable with
built-in rest breaks to make the transition as easy as
possible.

The co-curricular element of the school also continues
in this setting. The weekly activities slot is replaced by
challenges that can be done at home and celebtrate the
benefits of being with family. Successes, and of course
failures, are shared by tutor groups to maintain that
sense of community that makes Reading Blue Coat
such a special place. Games afternoons continue to
be delivered by the P.E. Department, who encourage
video submission of the pupils completing the weekly
tasks.

We know that nothing can replace the feel of being
part of a bustling school community, particularly that of
Blue Coat. If we are unable to be together physically,
we can ensure that education, both academic and co-
curricular, continues as smoothly as possible.

Please note that while Remote Learning is necessary,
pupils will need a Laptop, microphone and a webcam.

Mr Rob Tidbury
Deputy Head (Academic)

37

Chaplaincy

The spiritual nurturing of any individual is important Being a presence at Reading Blue Coat is an important
for their well-being, fulfilment and happiness. The way in which the Chaplaincy supports the spiritual
Chaplaincy can support, encourage and provide vision life of the School. It allows the Chaplaincy to be the
for this. We will all have different understandings of conscience of the School, be an advocate for the pupils
what spiritual nurturing is but I hope there are some and staff and build relationships with the community
common themes. There is something that lies deeper and their families. Developing and supporting this sense
in all of us than the things we spend most of our lives of belonging and sense of family is vital to the role of
addressing. The Chaplaincy can raise awareness, create the Chaplaincy at Reading Blue Coat.
space and develop techniques within the School to If you would like to get in touch, either with a query or
support the crucial characteristics and perspectives just to say hello, please do not hesitate to call or email.​
that lead to good well-being. The Chaplaincy can
develop the spiritual pillar of education to create an Rev’d Kate Toogood
all-round, fulfilled and happy student. klt@rbcs.org.uk
0118 944 1005
There are various ways to enhance this pillar of
education and sense of belonging at Reading Blue PRAYER GROUP
Coat. Providing pastoral care is one such way; meeting The Prayer Group is a group of parents that meet
up with students and staff, allowing them to express once each Half Term, for about an hour, to pray
themselves and walking with them in their journey and and give thanks to God for the School. If you
decision making. Supporting families is a key part of the would like to join, please contact: Lindsay Lillie on
role of the Chaplaincy as well; by building and nurturing 07973 128381 or email lindsay@thelillies.com.
relationships. I also teach Mathematics at Reading Blue
Coat, as well as running various groups and events,
such as weekly drop in and activity sessions. All of
these things enable me to engage with students in
different contexts. The Chaplaincy is, of course, there
to support members of the community in times of
difficulty, but it is also there for fellowship and fun,
and many members of the school community enjoy
spending time in the Chaplaincy area.

Another way that the Chaplaincy provides food for
thought and direction is in weekly Spiritual Assemblies,
year group assemblies, tutor groups and whole school
functions. There are services in the local church at
key points throughout the year. Many students enjoy
being involved in these assemblies and services, and
this also helps them grow in their presentation and
interpersonal skills.

38 38

The Foundation Office

At Reading Blue Coat, we are very lucky to have a community that extends beyond our current pupils, parents and
staff, and includes former students – Old Blues – their families and friends of the School. Our global network of
alumni alone has almost 7,000 members so you are never far from someone with whom you share the defining bond
of Reading Blue Coat.
Our community is shaped by thousands of one-offs – thinkers, athletes, creatives, leaders and campaigners. We are
proud of this diversity and the great achievements being made. By harnessing this expertise, we can directly and
positively benefit our students. Whether through our mentor scheme, tailored careers advice, speaker programmes,
or organising off-site visits to industry, members of our wider community step in to further enhance our teaching
and learning, and this is not exclusively for the students. As a parent, grandparent, Old Blue or friend, we are
creating social and business opportunities for all, connecting like-minded people through a range of events and
communications.
The Foundation Office is also focusing on further extending the charitable values and ethos of our founder Richard
Aldworth. In his will of 1646, Aldworth, a wealthy London merchant, established our School to fully fund the
education of 20 poor boys from Reading. Contemporaries of Aldworth and others throughout our 370 year history
have played an integral role in expanding the Reading Blue Coat School Foundation, it is now time to more to
underpin this vision. Over the coming year, we will focus our attention on raising financial support for our Bursary
Programme and in time, partner with our community to update buildings and enhance our teaching provision.
You are joining an inclusive social and professional network and we hope you will become an active part of our One
Reading Blue Coat community. Please do get in touch with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you and
meeting you soon!
Victoria and Sarah
foundation@rbcs.org.uk

39

The Aldworth Partnership

Reading Blue Coat has the opportunity to give more The key to sustainability and ‘buy in’ is to have the
to the community and beyond. Through our giving we programme being student lead. The prefects of 2018/19
can also receive. Both people in a partnership benefit have left a legacy in this respect and next year’s prefects
and this is the aim of the Aldworth Partnership – for have already taken on the mantle and are bringing great
communities and our student body to grow and be enthusiasm to the drive. As it stands, all pupils at Reading
fulfilled through service. Blue Coat have the opportunity to engage in meaningful
service during each year they are here. The School is
This relationship is best served through service that committed to this growing over time.
is ‘transformational’. Meaning that both groups in the
partnership are transformed for the good because of The scientific research is strong. Those that serve
the relationship. This is very different to ‘transactional are happier. Those that serve when at school are
service’ which is raising money and just handing it over more likely to serve and be benefactors when they are
to people. People do not get to grow in their human older. Good role-modelling helps well-being for both
relationships and their values through this. The Aldworth parties. Serving helps build positive relationships which
Partnership is founded on transformational service. can be learnt and modelled in other contexts.
The relationships are the building blocks of society.
The Aldworth Partnership comprises of all the things
we do in the School involving outreach – locally and
internationally. Local primary schools that we have
a strong partnerships with are Thameside Primary,
Highwood Primary, Rivermead Primary and Cranbury
PRU. We run classes in many others also.

Overseas
partnership

Individual
ventures
School projects

Over the fence
partnership

THE ALDWORTH PARTNERSHIP
TRANSFORMATIONAL SERVICE

40

41

Appendix 1

TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES 2020-21

Autumn Term 2020 Monday 08:35 7 September
Term begins Thursday 16:10 22 October
Half Term begins Tuesday 08:35 3 November
Term resumes Friday 27 November
Open Day Holiday Wednesday 13:00 16 December
Term ends
Spring Term 2021 Wednesday 08:35 6 January
Term begins Friday 16:10 12 February
Half Term begins Monday 08:35 22 February
Term resumes Wednesday 13:00 31 March
Term ends
Summer Term 2021 Tuesday 08:35 20 April
Term begins Monday 3 May
Public Holiday Friday 16:10 28 May
Half Term begins Monday 08:35 7 June
Term resumes Friday 16:10 2 July
Term ends Saturday 10:30 3 July
Prize Giving Saturday 14:30 3 July
Malthus Leavers’ Service

42

Appendix 2

SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR 2020-21

School Fees £5,838 per term (Fees unchanged from 2019-2020 Academic Year. To be
School Lunches reviewed for Spring Term 2021)
Students’ Personal Effects Insurance
Pupil Absence Insurance Scheme £4.26 per day (£4.64 per day when purchased on an ad hoc basis)
Denshield Dental Insurance
£8.12 per term
Rowing subscriptions, which includes
the British Rowing subscription. 0.73% of pupil’s fees

£4.99 per term

Y9/J14 £20.00 per term (Spring and Summer Terms only)

Y10/J15 £40.00 per term
Y11/J16 £60.00 per term
Y12+/J17-18 £60.00 per term

Please note the following: PAYMENT OF FEES

• Full details of the business relationship that exists All parents are required to pay their school fees by
between Parents and the School are set out in the Direct Debit. Fees are due on the first day of each
Terms and Conditions document that was issued term, unless parents opt for the Termly Instalment
with the Headmaster’s original offer of a place. Scheme, which commences in July 2020.

• The Governors normally give a term’s notice of TERMLY INSTALMENT SCHEME
any increase in fees, although they reserve the
right to amend fees at any time in exceptional At the School’s discretion, a particular year’s fees
circumstances. No remission of fees can be made by may be paid in instalments by Direct Debit or other
the School for any reason whatsoever. agreed method. This scheme is known as the Termly
Instalment Scheme. Under the Termly Instalment
• In line with many schools, non-means tested Scheme, the dates and amounts of each instalment for
discounts have been reduced and the money that particular year’s fees will be set out in a separate
put into means-tested bursaries. Old Blues and agreement. No administration charges, interest or
parents with more than one child at the School do other charges are included in the Termly Instalment
not receive discounts but may apply for bursarial Scheme. The School reserves the right to withdraw
support if needed. or amend the terms of the Termly Instalment Scheme
at any time by giving you notice in writing before the
beginning of a new school term. No agreement to
accept payment on deferred terms will be valid unless
it provides for no more than four payments within

43

a 12 month period. For more information on the
Termly Instalment Scheme please contact Mrs Pratima
Errawalla, Fees Billing Accountant, at pe@rbcs.org.uk.

STUDENTS’ PERSONAL EFFECTS
INSURANCE

The School does not accept responsibility for loss of,
or damage to, the personal property of pupils, but we
do use an insurance scheme offering cover on an ‘All
Risks’ basis within the UK, rather than whilst on school
premises. If you require Students’ Personal Effects
Insurance, please complete the insurance form via the
portal. Further information can be found on the portal.

PUPIL ABSENCE INSURANCE
SCHEME

If pupils fall sick and are off school for a length of time,
the School cannot refund any fees. However, the School
participates in a Pupil Absence Insurance Scheme,
which enables some refund of fees when illness or
accident leads to absence from school. There is also
an accidental death insurance cover for the School Fee
Payer. If you require Pupil Absence Insurance, please
complete the insurance form via the portal. Further
information can be found on the portal.

DENSHIELD DENTAL INSURANCE

The School participates in an insurance scheme
operated by Denplan. Existing insurance policies
do not necessarily cover all the costs that could be
incurred in the event of injuries to the mouth. While
the policy itself will not prevent injuries, it would
help soften the often heavy financial burden of any
necessary, and often costly dental treatment. If you
require Denplan cover, please complete the insurance
form via the portal. Further information can be found
via www.denplan.co.uk/schools/for-parents.

44

Appendix 3

UNIFORM LIST

All students are required to possess the clothing listed below.

Key: Available only from Stevensons
Available from Stevensons or any high street retailer
• Available only from high street retailers
••
* Optional items

Uniform – Sixth Form Girls

Items Information Supplier

A dark, tailored business suit (skirt or trouser suit or business dress with
Suit a jacket) is compulsory. It should be loosely fitted, not figure-hugging or

tight-fitted.

A formal business shirt or blouse is compulsory, not short or low cut.

Shirt Shirts should be long enough to cover the top of the trousers or skirt.
Low-cut tops, bare midriffs, overly-tight shirts or blouses are not

allowed.

Trousers Trousers should be tailored and ankle-length, not denim, cord or jeans.

Skirt or Dress Skirts or Dresses should be a formal length, suitable for a business
environment: between the ankle and below the knee. Any slit must be
conservative, and any skirt or dress that rides up with movement is not
appropriate. Mini-skirts and Bodycon dresses are not allowed.

Shoes Formal black, brown or navy leather or faux-leather with a low heel. Not
suede or boots. No stilettos. No trainers, even when entering or exiting
the School site.

Socks If worn, must be plain and dark colour.

Jumper or Cardigan* An optional item that may be worn in place of a jacket. Jumpers and
Cardigans should be fitted, fine-knitted, plain, dark in colour and without
and visible logos or emblems.

72 woven name tapes Available via Stephensons or other online retailers. Please ensure all
items of clothing are clearly named.

Iron-on name tapes Available via Stephensons or other online retailers. Please ensure all
items of clothing are clearly named.

Sportswear – Sixth Form Girls

Items Information Supplier

RBC track top This is a compulsory item, which matches the RBC track pants.

45

Sportswear – Sixth Form Girls (cont.)

Items Information Supplier

RBC track pants This is a compulsory item, which matches the RBC track top.

RBC Girl’s PE skort This is a compulsory item of dress.

RBC Girl’s cycling shorts* This is an optional item.

RBC Girl’s PE top This is a compulsory item of dress.

2 pairs of trainers Compulsory: 1 pair for indoor use; the other for outdoor activities.

RBC 1 pair hockey boots A compulsory item for Hockey team members.

RBC sports jacket A compulsory item.

RBC sports hoodie* An optional item, not for general wear, but for sports use only.

RBC navy leggings An optional item.

RBC unisex navy baselayer An optional item.

RBC sports holdall This is an optional item, but some form of holdall will be required.

RBC weatherproof PE top* An optional item.

RBC bootbag* An optional item.

Shin pads Compulsory for hockey/football.

RBC sports socks A compulsory item.

Boil-and-bite gum shield A gum shield is required for hockey.

Uniform – Sixth Form Boys

Items Information Supplier

Suit/Jacket A formal business suit or smart jacket and trousers are compulsory.

Shirts A formal business shirt is compulsory and should be light in colour and
designed to take a tie. Soft-collared or checked leisure shirts are not
allowed, nor are black or dark-coloured shirts.

RBC House tie (Aldworth, Pupils require the appropriate House tie. There is a different
Hall, Malthus or Rich) House tie for Sixth Formers. Pupils transferring from Year 11 at Reading
Blue Coat will have to purchase the Sixth Form tie. Alternatively, pupils
can wear a Colours tie if one has been awarded.

Shoes Formal black or brown leather or faux-leather shoes are compulsory.
Not suede or boots. Trainers are not allowed, even when entering or
exiting the School site. Socks should also be worn in a dark colour.

Jumper or Cardigan* An optional item if required. Should be a plain, dark colour, with a
V-neck and no visible emblems or logos. Sweatshirts or Hoodies are not
allowed.

RBC beanie hat* This is an optional item.

46

Sportswear – Sixth Form Boys

Items Information Supplier

RBC track top This is a compulsory item.

RBC track pants This is a compulsory item, worn in all terms.

RBC white polo shirt This is a compulsory item, worn in all terms.

RBC navy leggings An optional item.

RBC navy baselayer An optional item.

RBC Senior sports shirt A compulsory item.

Senior RBC Games top A compulsory item.

RBC rugby short A compulsory item worn for rugby.

RBC sports socks One pair required for team matches.

House socks (Aldworth – Students require one pair of the appropriate House sports socks for
green; Malthus – navy; training and games lessons.
Rich – red; Hall – yellow)

RBC hooped singlet* An optional item for athletics, cross-country and rowing.

RBC navy shorts This is a compulsory item.

RBC cycle short* An optional item worn under rugby shorts by some pupils and
for rowing.

RBC cricket trouser Compulsory for students who play team matches.

RBC cricket shirt Compulsory for students who play team matches.

RBC cricket sweater Compulsory for students who play team matches.

RBC cricket cap Compulsory for students who play team matches.

RBC one pair hockey boots A compulsory item for Hockey team members.

RBC sports hoodie* An optional item – for sports use only.

Two pairs of trainers 1 pair for indoor use only, i.e. light soled; the other for outdoor activities.

Sports boots as required As required for rugby, football, hockey and cricket.

RBC sports holdall This is an optional item, but some form of holdall will be required.

RBC weatherproof PE top* An optional item.

RBC bootbag* An optional item.

Shin pads Compulsory for hockey/football.

Boil and bite gum shield A gum shield is required for rugby and hockey.

Appendix 4 47

SCHOOL COACH INFORMATION

Key Routes Bus Company Contact

Bracknell/Warfield/Ascot/Windsor Fernhill Travel 01344 421 423
fernhill.co.uk/school- office@fernhill.co.uk
318: Hook/Fleet/Wokingham/Emmbrook/Winnersh contracts
338: B urghfield Common/ Mortimer/Riseley/
Horseman Coaches 0118 975 3811
Swallowfield/ Spencers Wood/Shinfield/Earley horsemancoaches.co.uk privatehire@horsemancoaches.co.uk
348: Camberley/Crowthorne/Barkham/Winnersh
294: Marlow/Bourne End/Cookham/Maidenhead Kingfisher 0118 931 3454
328: Shiplake/Henley
283: Boulters Lock/Bray/Maidenhead/Knowl Hill kingfisherminicoaches.com info@kingfisherminicoaches.co.uk

Pangbourne/Purley/Tilehurst/Caversham Kingfisher 0118 931 3454

Checkendon/Stoke Row/Sonning Common/ kingfisherminicoaches.com info@kingfisherminicoaches.co.uk
Caversham
Late buses Fernhill Travel 01344 421 423
fernhill.co.uk/school- 0118 975 3811
Ascot contracts

100 to Maidenhead Horseman Coaches
101 to Wokingham horsemancoaches.co.uk

Please Note: It is necessary to make an early application to reserve your place. Your contract is
directly with the coach company and you should be aware of their terms and conditions.

PUBLIC BUS INFORMATION
( C O U R T N E Y B U S E S – W W W. C O U R T N E Y B U S E S . C O M )

Bus Route
129 Reading to Wokingham via Sonning and Twyford
128 Reading to Wokingham via Woodley, Sonning and Twyford
127 Reading to Maidenhead via Sonning (Saturday only)

Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire, RG4 6SU
Tel: 0118 944 1005 rbcs.org.uk