The Lower School section consists of students in Year 6 and Year 7. There are currently two forms in each year and the day to day care of a form group is undertaken by the Form Teacher supported by a team of Assistant Form Teachers when required, who are led by the Head of Lower School. Members of the Sixth Form are also allocated to forms to support further the youngest members of the School.
The section is very proud of the high level of care it provides for the youngest members of the School. New students joining the School in both Year 6 and Year 7 have the benefit of a carefully managed induction programme, to ensure that they become familiar with the School, make friends and feel comfortable as quickly as possible. Please visit our Induction Day gallery.
All students have a Student Planner which is carried at all times. This helps students to organise and manage their work, including homework. The Student Planner is also used to provide a method of communication between home and school, as we firmly believe that an effective three way partnership between student, parents and teachers is essential if students are to reach their maximum potential both academically and in the widest sense of education.
Students are encouraged to work hard and achieve high standards by a system of credits which are given for excellence and endeavour in all aspects of school life. These are recorded in the student planner and build towards Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates and the highly prestigious Platinum Shields which are awarded to students who achieve a number of credits well beyond the number required for a gold certificate.
New students to the School will be allocated to one of the two houses - York or Lancaster - and there are a series of friendly competitive events throughout the year, for example swimming gala, cross-country and sports day and students earn points for their Houses.
Monitoring of students is undertaken regularly and teachers will note in the student planner comments that are complimentary or highlight problems. In this way both the Form Teacher and parents are kept informed at all times. Parents are asked to take a keen interest in student work as does the Form Teacher and both are asked to monitor the Student Planner and sign it on a weekly basis. Grades for both effort and achievement are given in all subjects each half term and these are also sent to parents so that they can be kept up to date with how their children are doing at all times.
Lower School recognises the importance of celebrating the achievements of all students and setting targets for future improvements. This important process is also recorded in the Student Planner approximately every half term.
In short we do everything possible to ensure that all our students enjoy school, achieve highly and develop into well mannered and confident young people.
Head of the Lower School: Dr S Ketchion
ketchions@dixie.org.uk or Tel. 01455 292244.