Saturday 23 July 2016

A Small Guide for Starting Year 7 - Thank You Verulam School!

Jasper has his last day in Year 7 at Verulam school tomorrow (St Albans).  I cannot believe how quickly this academic year has gone, all the anxieties and worries of last September seem lightyears ago!   He's made new mates, experienced new sports, pushed his boundaries (and then some) and has come through happy and smiling.  
First day of "big" school!

He didn't do so well in his end of term exams (according to him - personally versus his targets he did pretty well), but the fact that he wants to do better has to be a good thing.   After all "the goal is excellence"!

I thought I'd write a few notes to attempt to reassure other parents about to embark on this new adventure with their sons, and hopefully offer a few tips to help you all through.

Firstly, I can absolutely vouch for the fact that the school knows "boys", knows how to educate them, direct them and push them, but overall make their school days a great experience - yes I know it's early days, and those darn hormones will play a part over the years, but let's focus on the here and now.

ALSO, if you have any problems or queries or questions along the way, the staff are brilliant at responding, be it the front of house staff or the teachers themselves, I cannot fault their attention to detail and personal touch in response, very reassuring in itself!

AND find that FB page for your year group, this has been invaluable to us all am sure, and we've also made new friends along with way, a bit like the NCT but for the older ones, a group of parents experiencing the same obstacles and helping each other over them)!

Uniform
You will be given a detailed list of the uniform and equipment required.   Some of the uniform is optional, for instance the jumper.  It seems that some years embrace the jumper, but others don't.  In my opinion I wouldn't invest in the jumper until your son says he wants one.  In September it's not usually too cold anyhow, it may save you some money if he doesn't want one, but you can always get
Summer Shirt
at a later date if he does.

The tie will have coloured stripes to match their house!  So make sure you know which house they are in before you get the tie.  I'd advise getting a spare just cos (no explanation required)!

The tracksuit is also optional, Jasper has made use of his, but I know lots who haven't used theirs, so again see how you get on.

The Summer Shirt is very cool, means they don't have to wear a blazer or tie, but they have to wait until the Summer term to be invited to wear it!

Blazer Buttons - the blazers are great quality, but we did lose the buttons several times over.  It appears however that Stevensons will give you spares, and even offer to sew them back on for you! Great service!

Uniform Sale - the school PTA runs a uniform sale, a great way to pick up uniform and/or spares!

Pastoral Care
They have the most amazing Matron at Verulam, so patient and so lovely, if your son feels ill or out of sorts she will look after him no problem, so nurturing, it's very reassuring to know she is there (she rocks)!

Packing the Backpack
I found using a concertina file invaluable, with his timetable stuck on the front.  In the early days I would help pack his bag the night before (you either help them swim or let them sink, I opted for the former).  The file contains labels for all his lessons, and he can pack his bag from there accordingly.   Saves them lugging every single book around every day - which I believe happens.


We also put a file for homework at the back, and another for projects, to be moved into the subject file when completed.  Can you tell I used to be a PA :)

Book Care
In our day we used to cover our books in wallpaper, these days you can get plastic covers from Rymans, worth doing to keep the books in good order, Jasper narrowly escaped a C for the state of one of his books.

Lake District Trip
Have to add a special note with regard to the Lake District trip.  It was so professionally executed and the boys had a wonderful time.  Many memories made.  I am updating this in September and am still hearing anecdotes!   There is quite a long list of "stuff needed" but they are able to let you borrow some items, and why not contact a previous year group who've already had to purchase a lot of the items already!  I know I'd be happy to share waterproofs etc.!

If I can think of anything else I'll add it onto her, but that's all I can think of for now!

Hope you all have a great experience too, take care all, and enjoy the Summer!
Annie x



39 comments:

  1. Great tips, just about to embark on the whole year 7 thing ourselves so always helps to know stuff!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Register now to receive 100% promotion only 1 time per 1 user and also have a good promotion. As mentioned above, many

    ReplyDelete
  4. promotions. I have a shortcut to play casino online. Guaranteed fun, more rewarding return.

    บาคาร่าออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  5. I was very fortunate to be able to visit your page.

    ทางเข้า maxbet

    m8bet


    m8bet

    ReplyDelete
  6. Well, that's the best bet แทงบอลออนไลน์ in the world. With a web-based operating system that comes standard with a world-class media center, we represent a better

    ReplyDelete
  7. looking for happiness from playing everything. When we play money, we can do anything as well as make friends with good friends. It is the invitation to play with the promotion of excitement. You will get it immediately. Percentage from the
    ทางเข้า gclub

    ReplyDelete
  8. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your gclub คาสิโน

    ReplyDelete
  9. sbobet we will not make the application. We have a secure user system to keep ทางเข้า Gclub

    ReplyDelete
  10. I read this article. I think You put a lot of effort to create this article. I appreciate your work.

    maxbet

    ReplyDelete
  11. that as it may, on the off chance that you pick a trader loan, installments are computed as a level of Visa deals, and if the deals are developing, the re-installment could be speedier, yet in the event that the entrepreneur encounters some interference or deals drop in the business, the installments will drop with it. Cash Advances Chicago

    ReplyDelete
  12. Play casino gclub online today through any mobile phone without the need to add extra heavy heavyweights with a live broadcast from the famous casino source that makes you play every game. All 24 Hours

    gclub

    ReplyDelete
  13. Excellent Post as always thank you for information

    Gclub

    ReplyDelete
  14. thank for good sharing you have a great post and i like it . keep it up

    Gclub Royal1688

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have been casting spells for many years and I have helped many people, I might be able to help you too. I am honest, and I genuinely care for all the clients who choose me to cast a spell for them.
    If you have any questions about Love, Money, curse, protection, bad luck, divorce, court cases, or about me please call or email me. I really want you to feel comfortable before moving forward with any spells, or other services. I will take the time to explain things to you and provide you with honest advice, to what is best for your situation. I will not pressure you into having a spell cast, I will leave that decision up to you, and when or if you decide to move forward, I might be able to help you.
    I will respect your Privacy. I will not seek to obtain any of your personal information beyond what you might voluntarily offer and all information you might give me including emails, phone numbers and photos will remain private and confidential.
    I perform my Rituals only at night between the hours of 0.00 - 0.59 (South African time) lasting 1 hour but of course, this depends on the nature of the ritual, some rituals might take hours and can also become necessary to be performed at specials places like; flowing streams, cemeteries and other places dictated by the gods.
    I do not want anyone to be under any illusions about my spells and its numerous rituals. Real and effective Voodoo is no child's play, it is expensive because, after the rituals, I will have to destroy all the materials involved by fire and the ashes scattered over a flowing stream or river.
    You will get what you seek.But please understand this might take a lot of time and that individual results may vary. contact +27663492930, greatogudugu@gmail.com

    Herbal cure for Following DISEASES,this is not scam is 100% Real.

    -HPV
    -DIABETES
    -PENIS ENLARGEMENT AND WEAK ERECTION
    -VIRGINA PROBLEM
    -WHOOPING COUGH
    - HEPATITIS B
    -FORDYCE SPOT
    -COLD SORE
    -ALS
    -LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTION
    -LOW SPERM COUNT
    -MRSA(METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
    -ZIKA VIRUS
    -HIV
    -STROKE
    -IMPOTENCE
    -PILE
    -HYPERTENSION
    -LOW SPERM COUNT
    -MENOPAUSE DISEASE
    -ASTHMA
    -CANCER
    -BARENESS/INFERTILITY
    -PCOS
    -SHINGLES
    -VIRAL HEPATITIS/HEPATITIS B
    -FIBROID
    -ASTHMA
    -SICKLE CELL
    -TINNITUS
    -BARENESS/INFERTILITY
    -DIARRHEA and so on...WhatsApp: +27663492930

    ReplyDelete
  16. Nice blog, get the best Mutual Fund Advise and Investment Schemes by Mutualfundwala.
    Mutual Fund Agent

    ReplyDelete
  17. Mobile online watch website With the quickest, safest, ability to watch football highlights British Premier League And many more around the world
    ผลบอลสด

    ReplyDelete
  18. Mobile online watch website With the quickest, safest, ability to watch football highlights British Premier League
    ผลบอลสด

    ReplyDelete
  19. Really nice, keep it up for more updates. Kalakutir Pvt Ltd provides high-quality Vinyl Signage Printing and School Bus Painting Services in Delhi.
    School Bus Painting

    ReplyDelete
  20. Betting on football has no minimum ufabet
    Win a free lottery, a million dollar prize.

    ReplyDelete