Parents' Information Booklet 2021-2022

Parents’ Information
Booklet

2021-22

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3

Welcome

Welcome to the Reading Blue Coat community! I
am delighted that your son is starting with us in
September. I also know that amidst the anxiety
caused by the events of the past year, combined
with the anticipation that naturally accompanies
change, there will be many questions. This booklet
has information that I hope will be a useful guide
as the journey begins, but be assured that very
quickly, routines and navigation around the site
become much easier! Nevertheless, if you would
like to chat through any questions or concerns, our
Admissions Office works throughout the summer
and staff will be only too happy to help.
I know it’s been an unprecedented year of disruption to your son’s education, but
our goal is to help him to thrive during his time with us by maintaining a close and
active partnership between the School and our fantastic parents. Reading Blue Coat
is a happy, purposeful place and there are many sporting fixtures, plays, concerts and
other occasions throughout the year when we would love to welcome you to the
School too!
I hope that your son will make a brilliant start to his time with us, but also that you will
quickly feel part of the community. I very much look forward to meeting you soon
and getting to know you in the terms and years ahead.
Yours,

Mr Pete Thomas

Headmaster

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Contents 5

6. Our Aims and Ethos
7. Looking After Your Son
8. Who’s Who?
10. Communication
13. Getting to School
14. Getting Ready
16. A Letter from the Director
of Lower School
18. Starting
19. Up and Running
24. A Letter from the Director
of Middle School
26. Learning
27. Learning Support
29. Sport
30. Music, Music Tuition and LAMDA
32. Drama
34. Clubs and Activities
36. Medical Department Information
38. Chaplaincy
40. Remote Learning
41. Foundation Office
42. The Aldworth Partnership
43. Appendix 1 – Term and Holiday
Dates 2021-22
44. Appendix 2 – Schedule of Fees
and Charges for 2021-22
45. 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 community to do our best to develop our links
wider 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

HOUSES, TUTORS AND The whole School gathers twice a week for assembly in
PASTORAL CARE the Sports Hall and Thursday is always a themed spiritual
assembly. As well as this, there is a House Assembly once
Pastoral care is hugely important to us at a week and two mornings of tutor time, one of which
Reading Blue Coat. On joining the School, your son alternates with a Year Group Assembly.
will become a member of one of our six Houses:
Whether your son joins in Year 7 or Year 9, their Head
ALDWORTH HALL of Year will be responsible for transition arrangements
from your son’s present school and for seeing that your
MALTHUS RICH son settles happily into his tutor group and into school
life as a whole.
NORWOOD WEST
Please remember that your son’s tutor is your first port
Your son’s school tie will include the appropriate of call for all matters relating to him personally; his tutor
colour stripe. can be contacted via email.

Houses are an important focus for boys in the School and What’s in a name?
provide the framework for many sporting and cultural
competitions and lots of other important activities. Here at Reading Blue Coat, we’re very proud of our
heritage. Founded in 1646 by Richard Aldworth, the
Your son will also join a tutor group within the House. School’s goal was to provide an education to 20 boys
His tutor is responsible for his pastoral care and for who would otherwise stand little chance at learning how
supervising his progress in academic work, sport and to read and write. These boys’ uniforms consisted of a
activities throughout his time in the School. As we long blue coat and yellow socks!
operate a horizontal tutor group system at Reading
Blue Coat, your son will move through the School in Though society, and indeed the School, have come a long
the same group. For those joining us in Year 9, your way since then, we still look back at Richard Aldworth’s
son will join a Middle School tutor group and will legacy and celebrate that Blue Coat. Today, we refer to
remain with that tutor group until the beginning of the School in a number of ways: Reading Blue Coat, Blue
Sixth Form. Students in the Sixth Form retain the same Coat or RBC.
tutor for two years.

Tutors see their tutees twice a day, once in the morning
and once after lunch in the afternoon, before lessons
get underway. Your son will be informed of his tutor
before the end of the summer term.

8 MRS GERALDINE
MONTGOMERY
Who’s Who? School Nurse
[email protected]
When your son first arrives at Reading Blue Coat,
these are some of the people he will come across quite MRS CLAIRE DANCE
regularly and whom he will get to know. Director of
Lower School (Years 7 and 8)
MR PETER THOMAS Mrs Dance teaches Mathematics
Headmaster and PE and is Head of Girls’ Games.
Mr Thomas teaches Geology, [email protected]
Geography and PSHE, and
coaches rugby and cricket, when MR SCOTT YATES
he isn’t looking after the School! Director of Middle School
[email protected] (Years 9, 10 and 11)
Mr Yates teaches ICT and
MR ED TRELINSKI Computing and coaches basketball.
Second Master [email protected]
Mr Trelinski teaches Politics and
oversees the Co-Curricular life at MRS REBECCA
Blue Coat. CROSSLAND
[email protected] Head of Year 7
Mrs Crossland teaches Geology and
DR GUY WILLIAMS runs the Year 7 ukulele activity.
Deputy Head (Pastoral) [email protected]
Dr Williams teaches Philosophy
and Ethics and is the Designated MISS SOPHIE
Child Protection Officer. BEAVERIDGE
[email protected] Head of Year 9
Miss Beaveridge teaches
MR ROBERT TIDBURY English.
Deputy Head (Academic) [email protected]
Mr Tidbury teaches Mathematics
and coaches netball. R E V. K AT E W A K E M A N -
[email protected] TOOGOOD
Chaplain
DR KEVIN MAGILL Rev. Wakeman-Toogood teaches
Deputy Head (Staff) Mathematics.
Dr Magill teaches Religious Studies. [email protected]

9

MRS SARAH BERRY
Head of Learning Support
[email protected]

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS

MAIN RECEPTION
Holme Park
Sonning on Thames
Berkshire, RG4 6SU
0118 944 1005
[email protected]

MRS KATIE ABBOTT
Headmaster’s Secretary
[email protected]

MRS MARIE EDMEADES
School Secretary and
Office Manager
[email protected]

MRS LOUISE SUTTON
Staff Secretary
[email protected]

MRS DEBBIE WEGER
Academic Secretary
[email protected]

THE BURSARY
[email protected]

MISS CLAIRE KNIGHT
Librarian
[email protected]

Further staff profiles can
be found on our website:
www.rbcs.org.uk

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Communication

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

Calendar: All event information is detailed on a Event booking: Event, trips and activities letters are
view-at-a-glance calendar. Sports fixtures and results stored in one area and secure booking is available for
show a personalised view for each child. The calendar certain events.
is automatically updated with up-to-date information
from schoolssports.com. The calendar can be filtered To get started, please go to the link below and
by your child’s year group and also synced to your choose ‘forgot your password’. You will need to use
personal calendar. the email address held by the School as your username.
Alternatively, if the email address held for you is a
Email integration: Our BluesPost communication Google or Microsoft one, you may choose to sign in
tool integrates with the portal. All email dialogue is with Google or Microsoft.
stored within the Reading Blue Coat portal. This means
no more searching for that elusive email or waiting for rbcs.myschoolportal.co.uk/login
the School to open at 08:00. You may reply to emails
from within the portal.

Sport: Information about fixtures and teams can be
found here too.

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READING BLUES PODCAST whom the message is intended, e.g. Attn: Mr Meehan re
We are pleased to offer the Reading Blues Podcast; a music rehearsals.
recorded conversation with a member of the Reading
Blue Coat community. Episode one features Mr Peter MOBILE DEVICES
van Went, the School’s Archivist, as he explores his
relationship with the School in the 60-years since he joined Pupils are permitted to bring mobile phones and iPods (or
as a pupil. In later episodes, we hear from the Director the equivalent) into school. They are not permitted to make
of Drama, our Grounds Manager and Second Master, to recordings (picture, film, sound) of pupils or staff without
name just a few. The Reading Blues Podcast can be found the direct instruction of a member of staff. Our Mobile
on Spotify or iTunes. Device Policy states that pupils are only permitted to use
their phones in Common Rooms at break and lunchtimes or
BLUES POST on the direct instruction of a member of staff.

A weekly email via Bues Post is sent to all parents each In the Lower School, pupils are encouraged to spend time
Friday to keep you up to date with events and other outside, rather than indoors on mobile devices. It is for this
important information such as examinations, sports reason that pupils in Years 7 and 8 are only allowed to use
fixtures, rehearsals and upcoming trips. mobile devices between 13:45-14:05 during lunchtime in the
Lower School Common room.
THE LINE UP
At the beginning of each term, your son or daughter will PARENTS’ EVENING AND REPORTING
be also issued with a copy of a pocket-sized calendar
booklet called the Line-up. At Reading Blue Coat, each pupil will receive Commitment
to Learning Grades every half term. There will be a separate
EMAIL grade for work inside and outside the classroom. In the
second half of every term, there will also be an attainment
Email is one of the most effective ways for you to grade for every subject, alongside a progress indicator
communicate with tutors and staff. Staff are encouraged showing whether or not a pupil is on track to achieve
to respond promptly, although please be aware that the their potential. The subject teacher will provide a written
nature of their responsibilities and duties, particularly comment accompanying the attainment grade to provide a
during a busy School day, may make an instantaneous focus for the pupil to work on during the coming term.
response unlikely. If your message requires a swift
response, it is best to call Reception. Please also note that We believe that feedback can be best delivered face to face
during holiday periods we cannot guarantee that teaching as part of a dialogue with the parents and as such we have
staff will access their school email. two Parents’ Meetings a year for all year groups except Year
11 and Year 13 who have one.
A full list of staff email addresses is available on
the portal. You may also send messages via Reception. Once a year we provide a pastoral report which will include
Please remember to indicate in the subject space for a self-reflective statement by the pupil and a summary, by
the tutor, of the pupil’s character development and co-
curricular contributions that academic year.

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MICROSOFT TEAMS AND THE SOCIAL MEDIA
STUDENT PLANNER
All homework will be set on Microsoft Teams. You For more updates on events in School, you can follow
can view what homework has been set for your son us on:
via the School Portal. Your son will also be given a
student planner on his first day of term to help with Twitter: @ReadingBlues and @TeamRBCS,
his organisation. Rules and regulations are set out in
the planner – your son should familiarise himself with Facebook: Search ‘Reading Blue Coat’
these.
Instagram readingbluecoatschool
STUDENT PLANNER
2021 / 2022 YouTube: officialRBCS

NAME: Podcast: Search Spotify or iTunes for ‘Reading
TUTOR GROUP: Blues Podcast’
We are always happy to share our pupils’ achievements
SCHOOLSSPORTS.COM and news on Social Media, so do email any good news
All sports training and fixture information, match stories to our Marketing and Communications Officer,
reports and results are available on Reading Blue Coat’s Mr Tom Strudwick - [email protected]
page on Schoolssports.com, which you can access from
the School Portal. PHOTOGRAPHY

It is customary for us to include photographs or images
in the School’s promotional materials such as the
website. We would not disclose the home address
of any pupil without the parent’s consent. If you do
not want your son’s photograph or image to be used,
please ensure your son is aware of this and send
formal notification to the Director of Marketing and
Admissions and the Headmaster.

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 [email protected].

MESSAGES

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

13

Getting to School

BUSES speed limit on site and observe the one way system
and any direction given by our Traffic Attendants.
All of our school bus services are operated by external Vehicles should not wait in any yellow cross-hatched
operators and as such you should contact them to areas. At the end of the school day, traffic on the site
arrange a seat on the relevant route for your son. is often busy so if you are able to stagger your pick
Please see Appendix 4 for areas covered and who up time, this can help ease congestion. Please be
to contact. The buses drop off and pick up from the patient and particularly careful when manoeuvring
Berkshire Sports and Social Club car park opposite the as pupils in particular are not always very good at
main school gates. Buses leave promptly at 16:20 each observing moving vehicles! Please do not use the
day. Some services offer a later pickup at 18:00. car park opposite the School as this can hamper the
Please check bus operator websites for travel details. coach arrivals/departures and is not permitted under
the terms of our lease. Please do not use your mobile
DROPPING OFF OR PICKING phone while driving on the School site.
UP BY CAR
BICYCLES
Pupils may be dropped off or picked up at the
dedicated drop-off/pick-up lane. Please do not drop Pupils may leave their bicycles in the storage racks
off pupils in the main car park or outside the opposite the main reception. Pupils will need their own
Sports Hall. Please also do not drop off or pick up bike padlock and must also wear a helmet when cycling
children from anywhere along Sonning Lane or the to and from school.
Delivery area outside Reception. Please enter the
site carefully and be aware that the pupil crossing is
close to our front entrance gate. Please adhere to the

14

Getting Ready

Please complete all of the induction forms via the A supply of initial tabs in your son’s House colour will
parent portal at your earliest convenience, but no later be sent to you later in the Summer Term. These tabs
than Monday 22 June. are to be sewn on sports kit (full details of where to
apply them will be included with the tabs).
If you have any questions about the forms, or need
advice, please contact the Admissions Team on Please note that the School Policy is to use legal
0118 933 5806 who will be very happy to help. forename, second name (if there is one) and surname.
Double-barrelled surnames will use the first initial.
SCHOOL UNIFORM Please remember to recycle these labels when
replacing kit that is outgrown as new tabs will not
Our school uniform is supplied by Stevensons, automatically be sent to you every year.
based at 11-12 Market Place, Reading RG1 2EG.
Contact telephone number: 0118 9596462 HAIR
Email: [email protected]
Hair must be appropriately cut and tidily worn. It must
Parents can order uniform online via www.stevensons. be of a uniform, natural colour, without excessive
co.uk. differences between light and dark. Hair cut shorter
than Grade 2 is not permitted. Excessive differences
A full uniform list is available in Appendix 3. in long and short hair length, especially with a marked
change or step, are not permitted either.
It is hoped, Covid restrictions permitting, that
Stevensons will operate a fully stocked shop on site at
Blue Coat on Monday 5 July. Full details will be send
out by email nearer the time.

GUIDELINES

Your son’s school clothes must be clean, tidy and clearly
named. We are amazed and disheartened by the sheer
volume of items we collect in Lost Property but cannot
reunite with their owners because they are un-named.

Your son will be expected to wear his school uniform,
including proper shoes, correctly to and from school,
and when taking part in any event or activity connected
with the School, unless he has been given permission
to wear other clothing.

Additional items that are not part of the school uniform
(such as hoodies, coloured t-shirts under a white shirt,
earrings, studs, jewellery and badges) must not be worn.

15

SHOPPING
In addition to his uniform your son will also require the following items:

• A dark coloured school bag that is large enough to • All pupils require access to a laptop with a
carry a laptop, a lever arch file and other school microphone, a webcam and the ability to connect
books and equipment. Either a back pack or cross- to WiFi and to run the full range of Microsoft Office
over strap style will suffice. Apart from the ones 365 apps (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, etc.).
required for the current lesson, books should be They also need a durable set of headphones. All
kept in lockers to keep the weight of their bags to a pupils must be able to bring their laptop to school
minimum during the school day. each day. These laptops should fit the following
criteria to be best utilized in School:
• A separate bag for sports kit to be brought in to -Windows 10 Processor: Intel Core i5
school on the days that it is required only. -Memory: 8GB
-Storage Type: SSD
• A pencil case including pens, pencils, coloured -Storage Capacity: 256GB
pencils, pencil sharpener, protractor, eraser -Webcam and Microphone
and a 30cm ruler. -WiFi
It is recommended that pupils do not use
• A mouth guard. This is mandatory when playing Chromebooks or iPads, as they are unable to run
rugby (played in the Autumn Term). full-featured versions of Microsoft Office apps
(Word, Excel etc), which the School subscribes to.
• It is easier for all boys to have the same model of
calculator so all boys in Year 7 will be issued with
a calculator when they start in September and
the cost of this item will be added to your school
bill. Boys joining in Year 9 may use their existing
calculators.

16

A Letter from the Director of Lower School

STARTING YEAR 7 progress will depend on initiative, work and ambition.

Coming to Reading Blue Coat will be a new experience THE TIMETABLE
for your son. The School is likely to be much bigger
than the primary or prep school he has just left and he To keep track of all the lessons and classrooms, your
may feel lost and insecure at first. Instead of being a son will be given a timetable with his subjects, times
senior in a small school, he is now a beginner in a and room locations listed. He will be required to
big school. check his timetable each night to make sure he has the
correct books, equipment and completed homework
From Day One, there will be many changes to which for the next day’s classes. A checklist at home on the
he will need to become accustomed, including having a wall is advisable. Reading and understanding timetables
number of different teachers and different classrooms, takes some getting used to, and moving from room
often spread across a large campus. The day is intense to room might unsettle and tire him, but every child
and fast-paced. Set class periods on particular subjects masters this obstacle very quickly. We are also a
may also be of a longer duration than in primary friendly bunch and all staff and pupils are keen to
school. Your son will be required to carry around help a lost Year 7. Starting a new school is somewhat
notes and books, sometimes heavy, from class to class; like starting a new job, so it’s normal for your son to
however, we do encourage the use of their lockers feel unsettled in the beginning. Staff at Reading Blue
to minimise the weight. Please be aware that, during Coat are always very supportive and understanding;
these first few weeks, he may be very tired. and tutors, Heads of Year and Directors are always
available for pupils and parents.
NEW SUBJECTS
NEW FRIENDS
In Year 7, students will be introduced to subjects they
haven’t experienced before, and other subjects may Making new friends is perhaps one of the most
have a different approach and emphasis from primary daunting tasks for Year 7 students. Separate from
school learning. Your son will also be expected to be coping with the new senior school routine, this can
more independent, self-reliant and self-motivated prove to be a sensitive issue for some children and a
than in primary school. Lessons will often be more bad experience can hinder their progress and attitude
student-centred and teachers will become resources towards school. The Lower School staff are here to
and guides, rather than instructors. Much of your son’s

help with any issues of this nature. 17

Many students will be in tutor groups where they it is a good habit to tick off the work in the planner
don’t know any other boys, or they may know children once complete. Form Tutors will help with organisation
from their old primary school only. Fitting in is often of planners but it is advised that in the first few weeks
extremely important to Year 7 students – finding of settling into Blue Coat, parents should also supervise
people they like and who share their interests helps and support their son at home, in order to get into a
motivate them and increases their self-esteem. good routine.
It’s a good idea for you and your son to talk every day
about his new school experiences, the people he’s CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENT
met or observations he’s made – that way there is an
awareness of difficulties when they arise, rather than We take every opportunity to celebrate achievement.
when it’s too late. If your son is taking a while to ‘find This may take the form of presentations of awards and
his place’ and his new set of friends in the School, it is certificates in assemblies, the display of exceptional
important for you to reassure him that it will happen. art work, and acknowledgement in the local press and
We encourage getting involved with clubs, as boys tend parent newsletters. We have a plus points system in
to find friends this way school for Years 7-11.

PEER PRESSURE LOST PROPERTY

Making new friends and the desire to fit in sometimes If items are labelled, it makes it easier to return
forces students to do things they might not normally lost property. All unnamed items are kept for
do – just so they can be liked or be one of the crowd. approximately four weeks. After this time, any
Making your son aware of the fact that he doesn’t unnamed items may be donated to local charities or
have to do everything his peers do, is an important the Second Hand Uniform sale.
way of ensuring the friendships he makes are genuine
and positive and not based on pressure or conformity. Property which is lost typically takes a number of days,
Telling him that a real friend is someone who likes him sometimes much longer, to reach the lost property
for who he is, is a valuable message. store and so students are encouraged to make return
visits to see if their property has been recovered.
HOMEWORK Opening times for the lost property shed are posted
on the door. The store is open every day.
Homework can be a point of stress for a number of
pupils, simply because some are not used to having These additional points can really help the efficient
homework while others are not used to having the return of students’ property:
large amount that is set on a daily basis. We do not
expect pupils to be upset at home working until late •We would suggest that all property is clearly
into the night. named. The majority of all lost property currently
in school is unnamed.
In Year 7, boys can expect to receive three pieces of
homework per night and each piece of homework •A simple rule to remember – if they can
should take 20-30 minutes. If the homework is taking mislay it, label it!
much longer than this, ask your son to stop and write
a note in his planner letting the teacher know that it On a final note, we hope that your son enjoys his
took much longer than the allocated time. By doing this time at Reading Blue Coat. We find that the transition
it gives the academic teachers a chance to adapt their from primary to secondary school works best when
expectations for pupils. pupils, parents and staff work together. If you have
any concerns throughout your son’s time in the Lower
Homework Planners are an extremely important tool School, then please remember that we are always
that your son must learn to use. He should record his willing to help resolve any issues your son may have.
homework in the planner during each lesson where An email, telephone call or face-to-face visit is
homework is set and when completing his homework encouraged and welcomed.

Mrs Claire Dance
Director of Lower School

18

Starting

Friday 3 September 2021
Year 7 students joining Reading Blue Coat for the first time should be in School for 08:35,
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 6 September 2021
This will be the first full day for joining Year 9 pupils, and the remainder of the School.
Students should arrive in time for an 08:35 start.

THE SCHOOL DAY

07:30 Earliest time of arrival for boys 11:50-12:25 Period 5
07:30-08:30 12:25-13:00
08:00 Breakfast available in the Dining Hall 13:00-14:00 Period 6
08:35 14:00-14:10
08:45-09:05 Reception, Switchboard and 14:20-14:55 Lunch. Activities and Library open
09:05-09:40 Library open 14:55-15:00
09:40-10:15 15:00-15:35 Registration
Bell 15:35-16:10
10:15-10:35 16:10 Period 7
Registration, assembly or tutor time
10:35-11:10 16:20 Changeover time
11:10-11:45 Period 1
11:45-11:50 16:10-18:00 Period 8
Period 2
18:00 Period 9
Long break – drinks and snacks
available from The Wharf (Years End of school
7 and 8), Middle School Common
Room (Years 9-11), Sixth Form School buses depart from Berkshire
Centre (Years 12 and 13) or Dining Sports and Social Club car park
Hall (All year groups)
Activities and Library open
Period 3
Activities finish. Reception,
Period 4 Switchboard and Library close.
Late buses depart from school site
Changeover time

*Please note that timings for Period 6, Lunch, Tutor
Time and Afternoon Registration are subject to change.

19

Up and Running

STUDENT PLANNER In the afternoon, pupils must be in their form room for
registration at 14:10 or on some afternoons by 14:00
Your son will be given a Student Planner at the beginning for additional tutor time.
of each year. This planner contains details about school
rules and procedures and we would encourage you to If a pupil misses registration, they must go straight
go through this with your son when he first brings it to the Deputy Heads’ Office in the Messer Building
home. The planner is where your son will record the and complete a late slip before going to lessons.
homework he has been set and we ask parents to sign Arriving at school after 08:45 is considered late.
this each week throughout the school year. Persistent offenders will be required to sign in at
Reception by 08:30 for one week. Parents will be
LOCKERS notified of this sanction by the Head of Year.

Your son will be allocated a locker and key on his first Arriving after 09:30 is classified as an absence and, as
day. The locker should be used to store books, which such, an email or letter by way of an explanation will
can be swapped over at break times, laptops when be required from parents.
not in use, and personal possessions such as mobile
phones, iPods, wallets etc. These items must not be All pupils are registered in each individual lesson
left in the changing rooms as these are not secure areas throughout the day. No pupil may leave the
and the School cannot be held responsible for the loss school grounds during school hours (08:35-16:10)
of such items. unless special permission has been given. In cases
where permission has been granted, e.g. medical
R E G I S T R AT I O N appointments, the student must sign out/sign in at the
Deputy Heads’ Office in the Messer Building.
Pupils are expected in school by 08:35. They must
leave their Common Room no later than 08:40 in All boys will be given a map of the School on their
time for a prompt start to tutor period or assembly at first day.
08:45. Please do encourage your son to arrive early
enough to sort out his books before Registration.

20

ABSENCE MiFARE CARDS

Parents should advise School by 08:00 of their child’s The School operates a MiFARE Card system for
absence. Please report absence via the School Portal purchases in the Dining Hall and the School Shop (The
or, if you cannot access the portal, please email Wharf), although pupils may still use cash in The Wharf.
[email protected], copying your son’s tutor,
explaining the reason for absence. Please email ongoing Each pupil has a photocopying allowance with which
absences on a daily basis to keep the School updated. to complete their educational activities. Each pupil is
issued with a PIN code to authorise photocopying.
Appointments during the day, such as dental, doctors
etc.,need to be requested via the School Portal and Parents have the option to add credit to their son’s
will receive an automated acknowledgement email. account using MiFare™. This credit can then be used to
If your son arrives or leaves during the school day for purchase drinks, snacks, stationery, breakfast or ad-hoc
any reason, he must sign in and sign out at the Deputy lunches. Breakfast is available from 07:30 in the Dining
Head’s Office. Hall.

Permission for any other absence must be obtained If your son is entitled to lunch, no credit will be added
from the Headmaster. Please note that the to his account so he cannot purchase other items on it
Headmaster will not authorise any holidays during term until cash is credited to it. Any credit left on the pupil’s
time (and promises not to take a holiday of his own account at the end of his final term will be refunded on
in term time). Your attention should be drawn to our their final bill.
term dates on Page 41 in this booklet.
PARENTPAY™
OFF GAMES/ILLNESS
The School uses the online payment system,
Parents must inform the Medical Department of ‘off ParentPay™, as its preferred means for parents to pay
games’ requests via the Parent Portal (in the same way for ad-hoc lunches and shop purchases. ParentPay™ is
as absence notification). a convenient and highly secure web payment system

21

for payments to be made 24-7 using a Debit or Credit Lunches are charged on a termly basis, depending
card. Payments made in the morning will be available on the number of school days in a term, at £4.39 per
for the pupil to spend over lunchtime through an day (£4.89 when purchased if a pupil has forgotten
automatic link to the School’s till system. their packed lunch). Please complete the application
form via the Parent Portal if your son wishes to have a
An email will be sent during the summer holiday which school lunch. Our caterers, Sodexo, provide students
will provide login details. with a broad choice of nutritious food. There is always
a selection of hot meat, fish and vegetarian main dishes
Making a payment is straightforward and ParentPay™ available along with a variety of tempting salads, jacket
holds a payment history for you to view at a later potatoes, a pasta bar and a selection of delicious hot
date; no card details are stored in any part of the and cold desserts or fresh fruit to complete the meal.
system. Once you’ve activated your account, you can
make online payments straight away. The pupil top-up
account appears as an item that you put in your basket
and purchase at the checkout in the normal way.

There is helpful information on the ParentPay™
website www.parentpay.com.

FOOD

The Dining Hall is open for breakfast from 07:30 to
08:30 and for lunch between 12:30 and 14:00. Pupils
can purchase breakfast using their MiFare Card or by
cash.

The Wharf is also open each day between 16:10
and 16.30.

22 Librarians every three weeks. During these lessons,
pupils will work on various projects to build reading
TEXTBOOKS AND STATIONERY and research skills, explore literature and try different
books. We encourage all pupils to take part in different
We issue all textbooks and exercise books in Years 7-11 reading challenges and expand their knowledge.
without charge, unless your son loses or deliberately
damages a textbook and needs a replacement. We produce a list of recommended reads each term,
Most textbooks are collected at the end of the school host author visits each year and run a dedicated Lower
year for re-issue in the Autumn Term and we have to School Book Club, too. We also run a Whole School
place orders for any replacements shortly after the end Summer Reading Challenge each year.
of the Summer Term. There is a charge for any books
that are not returned by the last day of the Summer Pupils in the Lower School are encouraged to use the
Term. Please be aware that the average cost of a year’s Library for study throughout their time with us.
set of books is currently well in excess of £200.
ICT
LIBRARY
The School has a comprehensive intranet system,
The Library is located on the first floor of School House which allows pupils to log in to services – such as
and is open each day from 8:00 to 18:00 during term their school email address, home folders and teaching
time. The Library is in constant use throughout the day, resources – from home. Pupils are encouraged to
and is also available before school, break, lunchtime create their homework digitally so they can submit it
and after school for independent study or reading. electronically to their teachers. All Year 7 pupils have
IT lessons, and are taught how to access and use the
The Library catalogue is available through the school School’s IT systems in their first few lessons.
intranet and our page has access to other resources such
as Britannica School, as well as hints and tips for study.

Both Year 7s and Year 8s have a double lesson with the

23

PRINTING lesson to indicate whether the pupil’s work has been
completed to an acceptable level. Behaviour can also
The School runs a printing credit system and jobs are be monitored in this way.
charged according to whether they are black and white
or colour. Pupils are encouraged to think green when Minus points: These are given by staff to pupils whose
they print. Each pupil is issued with a PIN code to work or behaviour is below an acceptable standard.
authorise both printing and photocopying. The School As with plus points, these are monitored and may lead
provides a free allocation at the start of each year, to sanctions being given:
based on the amount of printing and photocopying that
each year group is expected to do, to complete their •Lunchtime detention – issued by a teacher.
educational activities. This is quite a generous allocation
and it is rare for pupils to require more credit. However, •After school detention – normally Friday 16:15-17:15.
if this occurs, the IT Department will top-up. Issued by a teacher and endorsed by the Head of Year.
Parents are given at least 48 hours’ written notice.
REWARDS AND SANCTIONS
•Saturday morning detention – 09:30-11:30.
Plus points: These are awarded for work of Issued by a member of the Senior Leadership Team for
excellence, accumulation of high quality work or serious infringements of School Rules. Parents are given
exemplary conduct. Form tutors keep a record of plus at least one week’s written notice.
points given and Bronze, Silver and Gold and Platinum
Certificates are awarded by the Headmaster as the OPEN DAYS
number of plus points received increases.
There is an expectation that when required pupils
Report cards: These are for pupils where there attend school on Open Mornings to assist in
are concerns about academic performance. This departments and act as tour guides for prospective
is not a punishment. Report cards are signed and a families. The scheduled Open Mornings for 2021/22
comment made by the teacher at the end of each are: Saturday 2 October 2021 and Saturday 7 May
2022. Please reserve these dates in your son’s diary.
Please note that these dates are subject to change.

24

A Letter from the Director of Middle School

I would like to introduce myself as Mr Scott Yates, the To help your son find new friends, I would encourage
Director of Middle School, and warmly welcome you him to try new things and get involved with as many
and your family to Reading Blue Coat. I feel we are activities as he can in School. A new school is a time
more than just a school; RBC is a close-knit, engaged, to try new things, such as Rowing or Public Speaking
friendly community in which pastoral care is treated or even get involved with the Model United Nations.
as a top priority. I feel we are a big, small school: Not only will this will help him to find friends outside
big enough to offer a huge range of opportunities, of his classes and enable him to settle, but he will find
but small enough that we are able to get to know hobbies and activities that he will enjoy and thrive at.
individuals, with all their individual strengths and unique We will of course help him to find the right activity or
characteristics, and are able to encourage them to club for him and his interests.
strive to be the best they can be. The confidence that
our pupils gain from this may be the greatest gift we STEPPING UP
can offer them. Without it, they cannot hope to fulfil
their potential in work and play. Year 9 is a significant year of schooling as academic
foundations are laid and important decisions are made
JOINING IN YEAR 9 about future pathways which lead to your son’s GCSE
choices. You do not need to worry about this at all
When your son joins Year 9, he will be matched up as your son will receive Careers advice and have a
with a ‘Buddy’, who will help him settle into the school number of sessions where GCSE choices are discussed
and be able to answer any questions that he may have. with academic staff and with his tutor. His priority
Your son will of course be able to speak to his tutor or should be to engage with all his subjects and keep
his Head of Year, and of course I will be meeting with an open mind because as he matures he may find a
all the new boys to check on their progress and make love for his new subjects or subjects he may not have
sure they are settling well. His tutor should be your considered in his future. The options process starts in
first contact if you have any questions and I strongly February so there is plenty of time to discuss matters.
encourage you to please feel free to contact the
school. I would never want you to be at home thinking We will have many opportunities to talk and I look
‘should I contact the school?’ - if I were there, I would forward to meeting you before September when your
say ‘yes, please do’. I find that all issues and problems son attends his induction day or as the year progresses.
are best solved when both parties, the School and the
parents, are communicating effectively. We strongly If you have any questions or want to talk through any
believe in the triangle of school, student and parent all matters please do not hesitate to contact me.
talking and moving forward in the same direction.
Mr Scott Yates
TRYING NEW THINGS
Director of Middle School

-Mathematics, 25
-Modern Foreign Languages
(If studying one language)

5 -English
4-Games

-Philosophy, Religion and Ethics,
-Biology,
-Chemistry,
-Physics,
-Modern Foreign Languages
(if studying two Languages)

3 -History,
-Geography,
-Activities,
-PE,
-IT and Geology*
-Two Creative Options
(Art, Music, DT, pre-GCSE
2DT, Drama, Latin),

1-PSHE
NUMBER OF LESSONS ALLOCATED
PER WEEK IN YEAR 9

*IT and Geology are taught on a half-termly basis

26 Modern Foreign 3 Games

Learning 4Language carousel

PROGRAMME OF STUDY

English,
Mathematics,

5 Science
2 1History, Geography, RS,
Activities, PE, ICT, Art, PHSE, Reading,
Music, DT, Classics Drama*

NUMBER OF LESSONS ALLOCATED *From September 2021,
PER WEEK IN YEAR 7 pupils will have a double
period of each subject across

alternating weeks.

PSHE CURRICULUM bespoke homework timetable, a copy of which should
be made available for parental use. Pupils in Years 7
The PSHE curriculum covers a broad range of issues and 8 should have two pieces of homework per week
ranging from internet safety to resilience. As well as this, for English, Mathematics, Science and Modern Foreign
there is a diverse programme of speakers talking to the Languages and one for all other subjects, except PE
students on topics such as drugs, disability and alcohol. and Games. Homework is expected to take between
20 and 30 minutes to complete. A similar pattern exists
HOMEWORK in Year 9, except here each of the separate Science
subjects sets one piece of homework. Each piece of
In September each year, pupils are given a homework homework in Year 9 is expected to take 30 minutes
timetable for their year group, which runs from to complete. Further information on the School’s
Monday to Friday. Within the timetable, different Homework Policy is available via the School Portal.
classes and option groups will be set different
homework on each night and so, under the guidance
of tutors, pupils are expected to produce their own

27

Learning Support

The Learning Support Department is led by Mrs Sarah Berry and assisted by Mrs Kate Robinson,
both specialist teachers in Specific Learning Difficulty. Early identification of additional needs is
key to supporting your sons 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.

ON JOINING THE SCHOOL
In the initial weeks, Year 7 boys are assessed by the department for underlying skills in reading and
writing via a dyslexia screening programme. This screening is updated in Year 8 and will also include
any boys joining the school in Year 9. Students joining Reading Blue Coat with an existing mild
Specific Learning Difficulty will meet initially with the department. The department also supports
students with any initial difficulties with organisation and managing workload. Boys needing support
are withdrawn from the weekly Reading Period. Please do not be alarmed if your son mentions he
has met with us; we will be in touch if we have any concerns.

28

SPRING TERM THE GRADUATED RESPONSE

Teaching colleagues may refer students to the The department supports a graduated response to
department throughout the year when they will be additional needs, working with subject staff who meet
reviewed. In the Spring Term, boys who have been the majority of mild needs through their classroom
identified by the department are reviewed prior to strategies to support learning. Some additional one-
their summer exams. Identification of an exam access to-one teaching is provided by the department as
arrangement, such as extra time or word processing, a short series of lessons for students tackling public
will ensure all students are working on a level playing examinations for whom a more tailored program of
field in the end of year examinations in June. support may be required due to their established
Specific Learning Difficulty.
SUMMER TERM
The department provides internal access arrangements
The Summer Term sees the annual revision exhibition, and necessary applications for students sitting external
held in the Stable Block, for Lower School boys, where examinations. In addition, it provides arrangements
the experience of hands-on techniques introduces and needed in the case of an injury during examinations,
explores the concept of revision for end of year exams. such as a scribe, or during the academic year via
This is part of a school-wide programme of study skills speech-to-text software. Mrs Berry plays an integral
provided by the department which draws on external part in the pastoral and academic teams liaising with
provision for senior exam years. tutors, Directors of Section and Heads of Year to
support and guide individuals in their learning needs.
In the Sixth Form, new students are assessed by the
department for signs of dyslexia. In addition, new
joiners with an existing Specific Learning Difficulty
meet with the department to review their needs,
including exam access arrangements.

29

Sport

Boys have separate sessions for Physical Education morning, with fixture details, and team sheets available
and Games. on the School Portal, as well as being published in the
weekly Blues Post.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Sports kit details can be found at the back of the
During PE lessons they will participate in a range booklet. If in any doubt, your son should bring PE kit
of different activities throughout the year, including and swimming shorts to his first PE and Games lesson.
swimming, health-related fitness, hockey, gymnastics,
badminton and athletics, amongst others. If you have any questions please contact Mr Gerwyn
Wilson, Director of Sport, on [email protected], and
GAMES please follow us at @teamRBCS.

The main Autumn Term sport is rugby, Spring is PRE-SEASON RUGBY TRAINING
football and Summer is cricket and athletics. In Year U12 training - All new Year 7 and 9 Pupils
9 boys can choose rowing as an option and in Year welcome
11 they have a wider choice including sports such
as tennis, swimming and hockey. Parents are always •Date: Tuesday 31 August and Wednesday 1 September
welcome to attend fixtures, both home and away. •Time: 10:00 - 12:30
•Meeting point: Reading Blue Coat Cricket Pavilion
SCHOOL TEAMS •Information: No charge and no need to pre-book.
Boots, trainers, mouth guards and a water bottle are
The main focus of the Sport and Games programme required. More information will be sent to joining
at Reading Blue Coat is to give all pupils the parents closer to the time.
opportunity to represent team RBCS (Respect, Belief,
Commitment & Sportsmanship), no matter at what
level. Competition is crucial in developing character,
resilience and patience. Learning new skills, playing in
a team and showing commitment to their peers will
teach pupils important values which they will take with
them beyond Reading Blue Coat.

Selection for teams is based on ability and
commitment. If selected for a school team the
expectation is that your son makes himself available.
The majority of our fixtures take place on Saturday

30

Music, Music Tuition and LAMDA

Reading Blue Coat runs a hugely energetic and busy any student and all are free to join any appropriate
Music Department led by Director of Music, Richard ensemble at any point.
Meehan. We hope that your son will fully take part
in our musical life and reap the rewards that this Frequent concerts and other musical events, both
participation brings. formal and informal, cover the full range of abilities and
genres. These include the Year 7 Curriculum Concert,
We run a full range of musical activities, including in which the entire year are invited to take part, the
three choirs, full and string orchestra, three jazz Spring Spectacular! that features our many rock bands,
bands, wind band, brass band and a large number of and Swing Into Summertime, which ends the year
small ensembles, including brass, string, guitar and with a picnic in the sunshine. Every two years we hold
vocal. The RBC Big Band rehearses to a high standard, our Biennial Music Festival, which gives musicians of
accommodating some of our best musicians, and all levels a chance to compete with their peers and
playing at a variety of events across the year. receive feedback from a high-level professional musician.
A full‑scale musical is staged every year in the spring.
The Full Choir has a fine local reputation and leads
the School at its formal events. Year 7 students are
auditioned early in the year at the School to invite
boys into the Choir, but we welcome participation by

31

INDIVIDUAL MUSIC LESSONS Please note that one full term’s written notice, to the
Director of Music, is required before the termination
Many of our pupils learn to play a musical instrument of individual music lessons.
with one of our specialist team of visiting instrumental
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.

The charge for instrumental lessons is £25 per LAMDA
35-minute lesson, and there are approximately ten
lessons per term. Lessons are taught on a rotating The School is able to offer LAMDA classes for
timetable to ensure that boys do not miss the same individuals or pairs, on a first-come, first-served basis.
subject too often. The cost of these are £250 per term for individual
lessons and £165 per person per term for shared
The Music Department strongly recommend that lessons. Application forms are available via the portal.
pupils purchase their own ear defenders/plugs for
use in their instrumental 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 would like to receive individual music tuition,
please complete the application form via the portal.

32

Drama

The Drama Department at Reading Blue Coat fosters the practice in the creative arts industry. However,
and celebrates the gifts and talents of all students. It both GCSE and A Level have written papers at
aspires to provide inspiring and effective access to the end-of-course and we aim to encourage both
Drama across curricular and co-curricular provision. class and individual study beyond the constraints
All pupils participate in formal academic Drama of the curriculum. Extending student learning and
lessons in the Lower School and have the option of engagement comes by enabling educational visits as
Drama in Year 9 as a one year pre-GCSE course. The regularly as possible. This is partially achieved through
department will offer both acting and technical/theatre Theatre Maker Days. Students visit a range of theatre
design pathways to ensure all students can reach their and performance venues in order to see different
potential within the GCSE course. genres, styles and companies.

Students learn through a range of practical exercises, In addition to this, our co-curricular provision in Drama
practitioner masterclasses, research projects is extensive and growing.
and seminar style sessions. Drama qualifications
are designed to have a significant proportion of
independent learning tasks in mini groups. This reflects

33

Autumn Term: Summer Term:
A significant Lower School Production starts rehearsals
Senior students participate in House Drama in the Spring Term and is performed outdoors in the
at the beginning of the academic year. This is Summer Term. The cast is of approx. 30 boys from
a student-led thematic festival which focuses year 7 and 8 that form an ensemble. The production
on an agreed topic area and focus for each this year is yet to be confirmed.
year. A larger Drama production is directed in
the Autumn Term which is open to Year 9-13 Technical Theatre Co-Curricular:
students. This is a cross-curricular production. Every production at Blue Coat is supported by a
The production is aimed at giving students an student technical team. The team build skills in lighting,
opportunity to perform at the best standard. sound and set design. They are mentored by our
Theatre Technical Manager. The highest standards in
Spring Term: health and Safety are adhered to when working with
young people in the dedicated performances spaces of
Every Spring term there is large school Way Hall and the Drama Studio.
musical which encourages a mass participation
across the Lower, Middle and Senior Schools. If you have any questions please contact Mr Devin
The musical this year is Billy Elliot. Möller, Director of Drama, on [email protected].

34

Clubs and Activities

RUGBY ARCHERY

CROSS-COUNTRY

DRAMA

CLIMBING CLUB CHAMBER CHOIR ALDWORTH PARTNERSHIP BOOK CLUB

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

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

COMBINED CADET FORCE

35

ULTIMATE FRISBEE

JUNIOR EXPEDITION GROUP

OUTDOOR EDUCATION FOOTBALL

TENNIS LEGO ROBOTICS CLUB
GARDENING

36

Medical Department Information

The Medical Centre is ‘nurse-led’ Department, located PUPILS ON CRUTCHES
in the building to the right of Reception. The email
address is [email protected]. It is the responsibility of the person issuing crutches
(e.g. physiotherapist, GP, hospital staff, etc.) to ensure
We aim to staff the Medical Department between the that the pupil is competent and safe in the use of
hours of 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, term time crutches, both on flat surfaces and on stairs.
only. If for any reason the medical team is absent, a Pupils should not be sent back to school on crutches
Duty First Aider will be on call. There is also medical unless this training has been given.
cover for home matches on Saturdays in Autumn and
Spring Terms. It sometimes takes a few days for pupils to master the
technique of using crutches at home before being able
The function of the Medical Department is to care for to cope with the school campus. In the interest of your
the pupils and staff of RBC at the onset of injury/illness child’s safety please do not send your child back to
and whilst they are on the school premises. It does not school until they are able to safely navigate distances
provide an alternative to the pupil’s GP. Therefore, in and at least two flights of stairs.
the case of illness/injuries suffered away from school or
continuing beyond the date of onset, parents/guardians Parents/guardians must inform the School’s
should seek treatment/advice from the GP/Accident medical team if their child will be coming into
and Emergency Department in the usual way. school on crutches. This can be done by emailing
[email protected] and the pupil’s tutor.
REQUESTS FOR ABSENCE FROM
PE/SPORT/ACTIVITIES FOR PUPILS AND MEDICATION
MEDICAL REASONS
Pupils may not carry any medication on them, apart
Please inform the School of ‘off games’ requests via the from emergency asthma inhalers and adrenaline
Parent Portal (in the same way as absence notification). auto injectors. For both these medications an annual
Please complete the form detailing the reason for the consent form will be generated by the medical staff
request and the date range applicable when required, and sent to parents for completion, so that staff can
preferably before 08:00 on the day your child has the administer medication in an emergency.
lesson from which they are requesting to be excused.
Your child should still report to the member of staff in The Medical Department keeps a stock of ‘over the
charge of the lesson, rather than going to the Medical counter’ medications, e.g. Paracetamol and Ibuprofen,
Centre. so pupils do not need to bring these into school.
For pupils taking specific prescribed medication for
Pupils who are ‘off games’ for medical reasons are regular or occasional use (e.g. certain anti-histamine
expected to remain in school until the end of the tablets, oral medication, eye and ear drops etc.),
school day unless they have permission from their parents/guardians should send in a supply of this
form tutor to attend a medical appointment, for which medication to be stored in the Medical Department for
they must sign out of school with the Staff Secretaries. the pupil’s use. This must be in the original dispensing
Otherwise, arrangements for supervised private study box, clearly labelled and accompanied by a letter
in school are in place during games sessions. or email from parents/guardians giving consent to
administer and clarifying the details of their request.

Pupils requiring short-term medication (e.g. a course
of antibiotics) only need to bring in a ‘lunchtime dose’
if the prescription is for administration more than
three times per day. Prescriptions for three times daily
administration can be given at home.

37

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 pupil is at
Reading Blue Coat. This can be done using the Parent
The medical staff will send an email notification to Portal, where you can update your child’s medical
parents to inform them of any over-the-counter record. Please also ensure that your telephone
medication administered to their child during the numbers and email addresses appear correctly on the
School day. 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 pupils who are unwell into term or acute medical conditions, by emailing them at
school. This request comes not only with your child’s [email protected] and copying your child’s tutor.
interest in mind, but also to limit the spread of infection
in the school generally. All pupils who have suffered a RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL TRIPS
raised temperature (i.e. greater than 37.6 degrees),
diarrhoea or vomiting should not return to school until These are overseen by trip leaders and therefore, in
they have had 48 hours clear of all symptoms (as per order to ensure that each trip leader is fully informed
NHS guidelines). of your child’s up to date medical information, parents
are asked to complete a consent form by the School
Pupils who become unwell during the school day Office for each residential trip.
should report to the Medical Department where
the member(s) of staff on duty will decide whether PITCH SIDE FIRST AID
or not the pupil should be sent home. We request that
pupils are collected promptly, as the sick bay facilities Saturday school rugby and football fixtures in Autumn
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.

38

Chaplaincy

The spiritual nurturing of any individual is important and their families. Developing and supporting this sense
for their well-being, fulfilment and happiness. The of belonging and sense of family is vital to the role of
Chaplaincy can support, encourage and provide vision the Chaplaincy at Reading Blue Coat.
for this. We will all have different understandings of If you would like to get in touch, either with a query or
what spiritual nurturing is but I hope there are some just to say hello, please do not hesitate to call or email.​
common themes. There is something that lies deeper
in all of us than the things we spend most of our lives Rev’d Kate Wakeman-Toogood
addressing. The Chaplaincy can raise awareness, create [email protected]
space and develop techniques within the School to 0118 944 1005
support the crucial characteristics and perspectives
that lead to good well-being. The Chaplaincy can PRAYER GROUP
develop the spiritual pillar of education to create an The Prayer Group is a group of parents that meet
all-round, fulfilled and happy student. once each half term, for about an hour, to pray
and give thanks to God for the School. If you
There are various ways to enhance this pillar of would like to join, please contact: Lindsay Lillie on
education and sense of belonging at Reading Blue 07973 128381 or email [email protected].
Coat. Providing pastoral care is one such way; meeting
up with students and staff, allowing them to express
themselves and walking with them in their journey and
decision making. Supporting families is a key part of the
role of the Chaplaincy as well; by building and nurturing
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.

Being a presence at Reading Blue Coat is an important
way in which the Chaplaincy supports the spiritual
life of the School. It allows the Chaplaincy to be the
conscience of the School, be an advocate for the pupils
and staff and build relationships with the community



40

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 celebrate 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 PE Department, who encourage video
submission of the pupils completing the weekly tasks.

We know that nothing can replace the feeling 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 when Remote Learning is necessary,
pupils will need a laptop, microphone and a webcam.

Mr Rob Tidbury

Deputy Head (Academic)

41

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!
Miss Sarah Pyper
[email protected]

42

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 2020/21
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
fulfilled through service. Reading Blue Coat have the opportunity to engage in
meaningful service during each year they are here.
This relationship is best served through service that The School is 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 also run a variety of classes in many others.

Overseas
partnership

Individual
ventures school

projects

Over the fence
partnership

THE ALDWORTH PARTNERSHIP
TRANSFORMATIONAL SERVICE

Appendix 1 43

TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES 2021-22

Autumn Term 2021 Monday 08:35 6 September
Term begins Thursday 16:10 21 October
Half Term begins Tuesday 08:35 2 November
Term resumes Friday 26 November
Open Day Holiday Wednesday 13:00 15 December
Term ends
Spring Term 2022 Thursday 08:35 6 January
Term begins Friday 16:10 18 February
Half Term begins Monday 08:35 28 February
Term resumes Wednesday 13:00 8 April
Term ends
Summer Term 2022 Tuesday 08:35 27 April
Term begins Monday 2 May
Public Holiday Friday 16:10 27 May
Half Term begins Monday 08:35 6 June
Term resumes Friday 16:10 1 July
Term ends Saturday 10:30 2 July
Prize Giving Saturday 14:30 2 July
Malthus Leavers’ Service

44

Appendix 2

SCHEDULE OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR 2021-22

School Fees £6,013 per term
School Lunches
Students’ Personal Effects Insurance £4.39 per day (£4.89 per day when purchased on an ad hoc basis)
Pupil Absence Insurance Scheme
Denshield Dental Insurance £7.73 per term

Rowing subscriptions, which includes 0.73% of pupil’s fees
the British Rowing subscription.
£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: may be paid in instalments by Direct Debit or other
agreed method. This scheme is known as the Termly
•Full details of the business relationship that exists Instalment Scheme. Under the Termly Instalment
between Parents and the School are set out in the Scheme, the dates and amounts of each instalment for
Terms and Conditions document that was issued with that particular year’s fees will be set out in a separate
the Headmaster’s original offer of a place. agreement. No administration charges, interest or
other charges are included in the Termly Instalment
•The Governors normally give a term’s notice of any Scheme. The School reserves the right to withdraw
increase in fees, although they reserve the right to or amend the terms of the Termly Instalment Scheme
amend fees at any time in exceptional circumstances. at any time by giving you notice in writing before the
No remission of fees can be made by the School for beginning of a new school term. No agreement to
any reason whatsoever. accept payment on deferred terms will be valid unless
it provides for no more than four payments within
•In line with many schools, non-means tested a 12 month period. For more information on the
discounts have been reduced and the money put into Termly Instalment Scheme please contact Mrs Pratima
means-tested bursaries. Old Blues and parents with Errawalla, Fees Billing Accountant, at [email protected].
more than one child at the School do not receive
discounts but may apply for bursarial support if STUDENTS’ PERSONAL EFFECTS
needed. INSURANCE

PAYMENT OF FEES The School does not accept responsibility for loss of,
or damage to, the personal property of pupils, but we
All parents are required to pay their school fees by do use an insurance scheme offering cover on an ‘All
Direct Debit. Fees are due on the first day of each Risks’ basis within the UK, rather than whilst on school
term, unless parents opt for the Termly Instalment premises. If you require Students’ Personal Effects
Scheme, which commences in July 2021. Insurance, please complete the insurance form via the
portal. Further information can be found on the portal.
TERMLY INSTALMENT SCHEME

At the School’s discretion, a particular year’s fees

PUPIL ABSENCE INSURANCE 45
SCHEME
DENSHIELD DENTAL INSURANCE
If pupils fall sick and are off school for a length of time,
the School cannot refund any fees. However, the School The School participates in an insurance scheme
participates in a Pupil Absence Insurance Scheme, operated by Denplan. Existing insurance policies do not
which enables some refund of fees when illness or necessarily cover all the costs that could be incurred
accident leads to absence from school. There is also in the event of injuries to the mouth. While the policy
an accidental death insurance cover for the School Fee itself will not prevent injuries, it would help soften the
Payer. If you require Pupil Absence Insurance, please often heavy financial burden of any necessary, and often
complete the insurance form via the portal. Further costly dental treatment. If you require Denplan cover,
information can be found on the portal. please complete the insurance form via the portal.
Further information can be found via
www.denplan.co.uk/schools/for-parents.

Appendix 3

UNIFORM LIST

All boys 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 – Boys Years 7-11 Information Supplier
Items This is a compulsory item for pupils in Year 7 to 11.
RBC blazer The appropriate House tie is compulsory for pupils in Year 7 to 11.
RBC House tie White shirts are compulsory. Long or short sleeved in any term.
White shirts Compulsory for pupils in Year 7 to 11.
Charcoal grey trousers Compulsory for pupils in Year 7 to 11.
5-pack charcoal grey socks
Woven or iron-on All uniform must be named.
name tapes
Shoes Formal black leather shoes are compulsory. Not suede or boots.
School bag Dark in colour without offensive slogans. Rucksack or single-strap bag.
RBC sweater* A popular optional item, especially in winter for pupils in Year 7 to 10.
Black sweater* A popular optional item, especially in winter for pupils in Year 11 only.
RBC beanie hat* This is an optional item.
RBC scarf* This is an optional item.

46

Sportswear – Boys Years 7-11

Items Information Supplier

RBC Games jersey A compulsory item worn for rugby, hockey and football in Years 7 to 10.

RBC Senior sports shirt A compulsory item worn by Year 11 and Sixth Form boys only.

RBC navy sports shorts A compulsory item.

RBC rugby shorts A compulsory item worn for rugby.

RBC white polo shirt A compulsory item worn in all terms.

RBC track top A compulsory item for Year 7-11. Matches the RBC track pant.

RBC track pant A compulsory item worn in all terms.

RBC House t-shirt A compulsory item for all students

RBC hooped singlet* An optional item.

Swimming trunks* An optional item.

RBC School sports socks Pupils require one pair of School socks for team matches.

House socks One pair of the appropriate House sports socks for training and
games lessons.

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

Two pairs of trainers One pair for indoor use i.e. light-soled; the other for outdoor activities.

RBC sports holdall The RBC sports holdall is optional but all boys require a holdall
for their kit.

Shin pads Compulsory for hockey/football.

Boil-and-bite gum shield A gum shield is mandatory for rugby and hockey.

RBC weatherproof top* An optional item.

RBC sports hoodie* This is a popular optional item, which is not for general wear but for
sports use only.

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

RBC bootbag* An optional item.

RBC cricket cap* Compulsory for pupils who play team cricket matches.

RBC cricket shirt* Compulsory for pupils who play team cricket matches.

RBC cricket sweater* Compulsory for pupils who play team cricket matches.

RBC cricket trouser* Compulsory for pupils who play team cricket matches.

RBC swimming hat* Compulsory for pupils who swim in School fixtures.

47

Appendix 4

SCHOOL COACH INFORMATION Bus Company Contact
Key Routes
Fernhill Travel 01344 421 423
Bracknell/Warfield/Ascot/Windsor fernhill.co.uk/school- [email protected]
contracts
318: Hook/Fleet/Wokingham/Emmbrook/Winnersh
338: Burghfield Common/ Mortimer/Riseley/ Horseman Coaches 0118 975 3811
Swallowfield/ Spencers Wood/Shinfield/Earley horsemancoaches.co.uk [email protected]
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 [email protected]

Pangbourne/Purley/Tilehurst/Caversham Kingfisher 0118 931 3454

Checkendon/Stoke Row/Sonning Common/ kingfisherminicoaches.com [email protected]
Caversham
Horseman Coaches 0118 975 3811
High Wycombe/Aylesbury horsemancoaches.co.uk [email protected]

Beaconsfield (New for 2021) TBC TBC
Late buses
Fernhill Travel 01344 421 423
Ascot fernhill.co.uk/school- 0118 975 3811
contracts
100 to Maidenhead
101 to Wokingham Horseman Coaches
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