Frequently Asked Questions

Behaviour and Welfare

What happens if I get a detention?
If you get a detention, you need to go to Connect 2 at lunchtime to register. You will then be escorted to the department where you received the detention. You will complete work during the detention that will further help your studies. Don’t worry, you will have plenty of time to still get your lunch after the detention.

I don’t feel very well. Who do I tell?
You would tell your class teacher who would decide if they needed to send you to our Pastoral Office to get checked out. If you feel unwell at break or lunch, you would go to the Pastoral office or your Head of Year directly.

I am worried about me or one of my friends. Who can I tell?
You can tell any member of staff about something you are worried about and they will know what to do!

I feel really sad and have a lot on my mind. Is there someone I need to tell?
You should speak to your Form Tutor, Head of Year or the Pastoral Office if you are feeling low. They will be able to help you, or direct you to someone who can.

My behavior at Primary school was not good enough – Can I change?
Yes. Absolutely yes! Coming up to Secondary school is a really good time to turn over a new leaf and make a fresh start. You can be whoever you want to be here as you have a clean slate.

Someone has sent me nasty messages outside of school. Should I tell my teacher?
Yes. Tell any member of staff and they will inform your Head of Year.

What do I do if I am worried about COVID-19 and my health?
Please try not to worry and speak to your Head of Year.

Can my parents/carers check my ClassCharts?
Yes. Parents and carers get a log in and there is an app. They will get a notification if you receive ‘Red clicks’.

Lunchtime and Food

How do I pay for my dinner?

We use Biometrics in school and you scan your finger to pay for food.

How do I get money on my dinner account?
You use the dinner money machine in school. There is one at the bottom of the Tower Block and one in the Practical Block. Watch the Longfield Way video on Biometrics to see how you use them. Your parents/carers can also top your account up using ParentMail.

What type of food do you sell?
We have hot dinners, such as lasagna, chicken dinners and the ever popular ‘fishy Friday’! In the canteen there is a copy of the menu for that week. We also sell Pasta and sauce/cheese, a selection of cold sandwiches and hot paninis and wraps.

What if I run out of dinner money?
You can go overdrawn on your account, but you must pay it back.

How long do we get for dinner?
You get 45 minutes for your lunch break. Lunch is 12.35pm to 1.20pm every day.

What if an older pupil pushes in the dinner line?
Your year group go in for lunch together so this should never happen. You have a different slot each week. Staff are on duty to prevent this from happening and you can speak to any member of staff who is there.

I don’t like anything there is to eat! What should I do?
Hopefully the selection we have will include something you like. If there is nothing, please see a member of staff who is on duty and they will help you as you must eat something. If you have any allergies or dietary needs, you must make us aware.

Can I eat my sandwich in the yard?
No. Everyone must eat food in the designated indoor areas.

Do I have to let you know if I am going on packed lunch?
No. You can choose to do something different every day and don’t need to tell school.

 

Lessons and Homework

I am really stuck in lessons and can’t keep up. What should I do?

Speak up and let your subject teacher know so that they can offer you support in class.

My handwriting is really untidy. What if you can’t read my work?
Don’t worry. If you need support with your handwriting, speak to your Head of Year or Mrs Walker in the ORB and we can look at how we can support you.

The work is too hard for me. I can’t do it!
Lessons at Longfield will challenge you; this is a good thing. Just like every muscle in your body, your brain needs to be exercised. You could practice skills at home or ask your teacher for support in class. If this continues to worry you, please see your Head of Year.

I want to learn as much as I can. What can I do extra to get ahead?
That’s fantastic. You need to look at your ‘Above and Beyond’ lists and complete as many of the tasks as you can. Not only will you make excellent progress, you will get rewards along the way too!

Why do I have to do homework?
Homework is one of the best things you can do to make your learning ‘stick’. At Longfield we use ‘Retrieval Strategies’ to complete homework. Have a read all about them in this handbook.

I have forgotten my homework. What should I do?
Speak to your Form Tutor or subject teacher and let them know straight away.

Can I get any help with my homework?
Yes. We have homework clubs at lunch and after school and you can always go to the Library or the ORB to complete your homework with support. More info on homework clubs in September.

I don’t like the person I sit next to. Can I move?
Please speak to your Teacher. If you continue to have problem with the person you are sitting next to, speak to your subject teacher or Form Tutor

Uniform and Equipment

Can I wear black trainers for school?

No.

I am not in full uniform. What should I do?
Firstly, you need to make sure you are in full uniform every day. If you do need to, we can loan uniform out from Connect 1. We have a fully stocked uniform loan room. You can come here directly or a member of staff may ask you to come over and get what you need.

Am I allowed to wear jewellery?
No. For health and safety reasons, no jewellery is to be worn in school. This includes stud earrings. Clear retainers are permitted; however you must remove these for PE lessons.

What if I lose my tie?
You can buy new ties from reception.

I have forgotten my pencil case—what should I do?
See your Form Tutor who will be able to help you with equipment for the day. If you forget it often, this will impact negatively on your Class Charts wheel. I need a new ruler/pen/glue stick… where can I get one?  You can buy equipment from Connect 1 if you run out or need any.

Why do I need different coloured pens?
Because we use different colours for different feedback. Purple is progress, red is self-assessment and we write in blue or black pen.

Can I bring in my own pencil case?
Yes of course. We provide all pupils with equipment so we know you all have what you need. If you want to bring in your own pencil case, highlighters, colouring pencils and equipment then that is even better!

 

General

I have come on my period at school.

Don’t worry — it happens all the time girls! We have the Red Box project at school and have sanitary products, wipes and fresh clothes you are able to use anytime. Just visit Connect 1 or see your Head of Year.

Can we go on the field at break and lunch?
You cannot go onto the field at break time, but in the summer we open up the fields to use at lunchtimes depending on the weather.

When it snows can we throw snowballs?
Snowballing is banned at Longfield and we take this very seriously as it can really hurt and upset people. Snowballing will get you a C3.

Can we play football at lunchtime?
You are not allowed any balls in the yard, but sometimes we allow football to be played if the fields are open. Please see the PE department or Mr Thompson for more information.

Where is my form room?
Good question! When you join us we will let you know what Form group you are in and show you where your classroom is.

I don’t like my form class. Can I please swap?
This is a really tricky one because when one person swaps, everyone wants to. Once you are in a Form group this is where you will stay. You will eventually go into ‘sets’ for lessons so will be in different classes for some lessons depending on your assessment grades.

How do I join Extra-curricular activities and clubs?
A timetable will be given out when you join us with the clubs that are on. You can go to as many clubs as you like and just need to register interest with the member f staff who runs them. If you are still unsure, your Form Tutor will help you with this.

What happens if I get a detention?
If you get a detention, you need to go to Connect 2 at lunchtime to register. You will then be escorted to the department where you received the detention. You will complete work during the detention that will further help your studies. Don’t worry, you will have plenty of time to still get your lunch after the detention.

I don’t feel very well. Who do I tell?
You would tell your class teacher who would decide if they needed to send you to our Pastoral Office to get checked out. If you feel unwell at break or lunch, you would go to the Pastoral office or your Head of Year directly.

Can I bring my mobile Phone into school?
You are not permitted to have use any mobile devices in school. This covers mobile phones, smart watches and headphones.

What if I need to have my mobile phone with me for walking to and home from school?
If you need to bring your mobile to school, you must hand it in to staff at the designated Year 7 area by 8.45am and it will be locked away during the day. You then collect your phone at 3.20pm to use on the way home.

Why am I not with the people I chose for my form group?
We tried to make sure people were together but it wasn’t possible in every case. Think of this as an opportunity to make new friends and still see your old friends at break/lunch.

Can I bring snacks to school?
Yes of course. We do not allow any energy drinks or fizzy drinks in school.

Where will I find Mrs Thomas?
Mrs Thomas works out of the Pastoral Office but she will be popping into your lessons across the day too!