New pupil information-Summer

Our registration system uses thumb print recognition. The permission form must be completed for ALL students and returned before 14th July 2023.

Blundell’s has been using a thumbprint recognition system for our daily pupil registration for some time now. This system has proved to be very successful indeed in streamlining registration and allowing pupils more time to themselves over lunch. It has also greatly improved the accuracy of registration and it has proved to be a convenient and effective system for the pupils to use.

I must stress that the system does not hold a scan of your child’s fingerprint. When they first register, the computer generates a unique digital code and this code cannot be ‘reverse-engineered’ to generate an image of the print. When a pupil has left the school their code will be securely erased.

Under the Protection of Freedom Act 2012, we need to seek your consent before enrolling your child on the system. Please therefore complete the form via the link below to indicate consent or otherwise to Blundell’s enrolling your child on the Live Register system as part of an automated biometric recognition system. In addition, your child may at any time object or refuse to allow their biometric information to be used even if you have given your consent. We would appreciate it if you could explain this to your child. Should you wish not to use the electronic system, or your child objects to such processing, it is possible for them to register in person twice a day at the main school office.

Blundell’s will not use the biometric information for any purpose other than as stated above and you can change your mind and withdraw your consent at any point in the future by writing to the school.

Any use of thumbprints will only be done in a manner that is safe, and in line with school risk assessments and cleaning guidelines.

You can change your mind and withdraw your consent at any point in the future by writing to the school.

Thank you for your support

Yours sincerely

Bart Wielenga

The Head, Blundell’s School

https://forms.office.com/e/pCypGc8hNm

This must be completed for all students entering Years 9, 10, 11 and 12

Please tell us if your child has had any special arrangements during school or public examinations e.g. an allowance of extra time or enlarged copies of examination papers.

It is essential that any relevant paperwork is forwarded to the School BEFORE the beginning of the Autumn Term.

If you have not done so already, please contact Mrs Soutar, the Head of Learning Support, sjs2@blundells.org if you feel your child may require Learning Support.

https://forms.office.com/e/Z8k9pcbBF2

Please tell us if your child has been entered for an External (Public) Examinations at a previous school for students in Year 9, 10, 11 and 12.

It is extremely important that we know if your child has been entered for any External (Public) Examination at a previous school. The Unique Candidate Identifier (UCI) that they will have been issued stays with them right through their education.

If they have a UCI please give details of this on the form. This can be found on any statement of entry or results from the awarding bodies and is a twelve digit number followed by a letter.

If they have not been entered for any external examinations, please also confirm this on the form.

https://forms.office.com/e/rhxrA6bUZ3

Confirmation of GCSE/GCE/IB results must be submitted for all students entering Year 12 by 28th August.

Please provide details of your GCSE, GCE or IB results below.

https://forms.office.com/e/MkNddeTbHM

If you have not taken GCSE, GCE or IB examinations, for example if you have studied outside of the UK and have non-UK qualifications, please email a transcript from your school detailing your qualifications at age 15 / 16 to JAR2@blundells.org

This information is essential for us to safely look after your child. It must be completed for ALL students. If you have not done so already please email (scan or photograph) the completed form to medical@blundells.org (if you have previously submitted medical information via the Admissions or the Registrar you do not need to do this again).

Medical information form

If require a printed copy of this form to be sent to you please contact the Admissions Co-ordinator admissions@blundells.org

For all pupils living overseas including those who are British passport holders

All overseas pupils who live outside the UK are required to have an Educational Guardian in the UK that will be responsible for them whilst studying at Blundell’s School. This is a legal requirement and one that Blundell’s – like all schools – takes very seriously. A guardian will provide an additional means of support for an international pupil and give them an adult outside of Blundell’s to whom they can turn for assistance and advice.

We will only offer an international student a place if they have a UK-based guardian and this requirement also applies to pupils who live overseas and are British passport holders. Blundell’s School requires that all pupils living outside the UK must have a guardian for the duration of their time in school, even if they are aged 18 and over. The guardianship must be in place before the pupil starts at Blundell’s.

A Guardian can be either an agency or an individual person appointed by the parents.

• Guardian Agency: If choosing an agency, it is the school’s strong preference that the agency chosen is accredited by AEGIS. AEGIS (Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students) is an independent organisation that offers guardianship accreditation in the UK and agencies that are accredited by AEGIS will offer the highest standards of care to the students they are responsible for. Blundell’s does not recommend particular agencies but can provide a list of agencies for parents to refer to.
• Individual Guardian: an individual guardian is often a member of the family living in the UK or a family friend. They must be:
• A householder in the UK. We will need to see a copy of a utility bill or other appropriate document showing proof of name and address.
• Over 25 years of age. We will need to see a copy of their passport to confirm their age.
• Able to speak fluent English.
• Be contactable by email and telephone – ideally two telephone numbers are required if possible and an email address is essential.
• Ideally live within two to three hours from school.
• An individual guardian cannot under any circumstances be a member of staff at the school attended by the pupil.

The duties of a Guardian are:

1. To be an emergency point of contact throughout the school term.
2. With the agreement of parents, to provide or arrange appropriate accommodation for the pupil:
   • During school holidays, half terms, exeat weekends and, where desired, leave weekends.
   • If the school has to close temporarily because of an emergency, e.g. fire or an epidemic.
   • If the pupil is suspended or expelled or must have a period away from school on medical advice.
3. To organise transport for the pupil to and from school if required by the pupil’s parents and to inform the school about transport and accommodation arrangements for school holidays, Leave Weekends, Exeats and Half-terms if the parent has not done so – this includes appropriate flight numbers, timings, addresses where pupils may be staying between arrival in the UK and the start of the school term, and mode of transport to school. Blundell’s School collects the details of pupils’ travel arrangements by means of an online Microsoft Form – the link for which is sent out to parents and guardians a minimum of four weeks before the expected dates of travel.
   We do not provide an escort service for unaccompanied minors on an outward or return journey. If pupils require assistance under an unaccompanied minor programme, an escort to their check-in area /terminal or an escort from their arrival’s hall to the minibus departure point, this is the responsibility of the parents and guardian to organise.
4. To be responsible for the pupil when they are in the UK and not under school jurisdiction
5. To take decisions in emergencies on behalf of the parents in cases where the school is not empowered to do so, and the parents are not contactable. NB: The school holds authorisation to treat pupils in an emergency but will make every effort to contact parents/guardians before invoking this.
6. To keep in touch with the pupil’s House Parent. and advise them of any change of contact details.
7. To receive essential correspondence from the school in relation to the logistical and practical arrangements concerning the pupil.
8. All changes to a guardian’s contact details must be sent to Mrs Sarah Cox (PA to the Second Master) using secondmaster@blundells.org. Mrs Cox is responsible for guardian administration.

Pupils may be asked to complete a duty of care survey after a stay with their Guardian or host family.

If at any time the guardian is unable to continue to carry out these duties, they are obliged to inform the Head of Blundell’s School, the pupil’s House Parent and Mrs Cox without delay. In such circumstances, it is understood that the school may have to make appropriate arrangements with an AEGIS Accredited Guardianship Agency and charge the parents accordingly.

Please complete the online Microsoft Form https://forms.office.com/e/YwWauX9XxM with the details of who will be acting as the guardian for your son/daughter. Forms must be returned by 1st August 2023.

Please do not send the link to your nominated guardian, as we will send them a form for them to complete and return to us to confirm the guardianship, their contact details and acceptance of the obligations and duties required.

If you have any questions about the guardianship process, please contact Mrs Cox using secondmaster@blundells.org.

All Year 10 will join the CCF at the beginning of term and start completing training for their Army Proficiency Certificate

The purpose of the CCF is to provide ‘a disciplined organisation in a school so that pupils may develop powers of leadership by means of training to promote the qualities of responsibility, self reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance’. Through the use of military based training and activities, the CCF seeks to promote qualities essential not just in the military, but in the wider community.

If our training aims could be summed up in one sentence, it is ‘To develop the personal character of a Blundellian through a range of exciting and challenging activities which are conducted in a safe and controlled manner’.

The CCF is not a recruitment organisation, and there is no expectation that cadets will go on to join the Armed Forces.

If you would like more information on the Blundell's CCF please contact Major B A Dawe MBE Contingent Commander bad@blundells.org

More information about the Blundell's CCF can be found here.

Please complete the form below

https://forms.office.com/e/QdTp7bdyya

The school policy is to endorse all Sporting Governing Bodies in their guidelines surrounding the use of dental protection within PE and games. All pupils taking part in Rugby, Hockey or Lacrosse throughout the school year will require a mouthguard.

Titan Mouthguards will be catering for all students wishing to purchase a custom-fit mouthguard and will be visiting the school on Thursday 14th September.

Titan also offer a remote E-Fitting service, allowing pupils to have their mouthguards fitted and received in advance of the start of the 2023/2024 school year.

If you wish to take advantage of either service, please complete your online order form by clicking the following link: https://titanmouthguards.com/b...

As well as their standard styles, Titan has designed a School Special Edition incorporating the school colours and crest. Custom-fit mouthguards start from £49.99, with replacement/spare guards starting at a reduced cost of £35. Titan’s prices are vastly reduced from dental practices and similar services and include:

Dental impression supervised by a member of the Titan team.

• Elite quality of fit using 3D printing technology in manufacturing.

• Highest industry level of protection and comfort available.

• Under-side of custom-fit guards embedded with the wearer’s name.

• Free of charge Boil-Fit included with fitting session orders for use during turnaround.

• Free of charge delivery.

• Comprehensive aftercare service with reduced price replacements and support year-round.

Titan also cater for those wearing a fixed brace with flexible Instant-Fit Ortho-Guards, rather than custom-fit guards. Ortho-Guards are recommended by the British Orthodontics Society as they allow for movement in the teeth, whilst retaining sufficient protection. These can be purchased using Titan's online form at a reduced cost.

Titan suggest that orders should be placed in advance of fitting sessions at the school to avoid any delays on the day of fitting itself or with getting guards back to you. There is a £5 admin fee on all orders placed on or after the day of your child’s fitting at school.

Any questions on school mouthguards or any of the details above should be sent directly to Titan (not to school staff) via their customer service email address:

info@titanmouthguards.com

At Blundell’s Senior School we have an extremely busy and vibrant Music Department catering for both academic and individual music lessons. Every term there are a huge variety of concerts ranging from informal year-group concerts to spectacular Orchestral, Choral and combined concerts, both in school and at external venues such as Exeter Cathedral. We also have a thriving jazz, rock and pop scene. There are over 350 music lessons a week, with well over a third of the school learning an instrument. With 29 ensembles rehearsing per week, there truly is something for every child.

Music Lessons

To register for Music Lessons please complete the survey form via the following link: Music Lessons Request Form

We currently have 30 exceptional Visiting Music Teachers who are available to teach across a wide range of instruments and styles from beginners through to Diploma level and beyond. Students are entered regularly for ABRSM and Trinity classical grades, as well as Jazz and Rock & Pop Examinations.

We aim to provide 30 lessons of 40 minutes over an academic year, currently charged at £34 per lesson billed retrospectively at the end of the academic term. Accompanists are provided as required as part of this rate. Advanced aural (grade 6+) is also provided free of charge.

Lessons are available for:

Singing
Classical, musical theatre or pop

Keyboards
Piano – classical, pop or jazz
Organ

Guitar – classical, acoustic, electric or bass
Drums – kit or tuned percussion

Strings
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Harp

Woodwind
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
Clarinet
Saxophone

Brass
Trumpet
Cornet
French Horn
Trombone
Tuba

At Blundell’s we are committed to improving your child’s musicality and as such all pupils who take instrumental or vocal lessons are strongly encouraged and expected to be part of ensemble music-making in their chosen genre, either in the Orchestras, Choirs or bands. We will attempt to ensure pianists are also catered for.

All pupils are encouraged and invited to join free music theory lessons. These happen outside of curricular time (lunchtimes or before school) and are delivered by the Academic Music staff.

Choirs

We have a variety of very active Choirs that regularly perform both within school and externally. SH Choir is for those pupils in years 7 and 8 and Full Choir is for those in years 9 and above. All are welcome to join in and pupils do not have to be having lessons to do so. For those that wish to sing more or to take their singing further there is Chamber Choir for Years 9-13, Chapel Choir for years 3-13, Boys and Girls Close Harmony groups and our auditioned elite choir, Blundell’s Cantorum.

Instrumental Groups
There are 29 ensemble rehearsals a week in the Music Department, and your child can choose to join the Full Orchestra, the Big Band, School House Instrumentalists, String Orchestra, Brass Group, Senior and Junior Flute Group, Percussion Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble and a myriad of other instrumental groups. There are also year-group chamber ensembles for scholars and invited non-scholars run by a professional chamber music coach. For pop and rock musicians there are a number of clubs and student bands are strongly encouraged to perform and rehearse.

For any further enquiries regarding choirs, instrumental ensembles or the Music Department generally, please contact the Music Administrator, Mrs Alison Watmore music@blundells.org

All Blundell's pupils are offered the opportunity to take Speech and Drama lessons. The aim of these lessons is to explore language and performance, develop self-confidence and to teach the power of the spoken word, both our own and that of authors, poets and playwrights.

The range of work in Speech and Drama is very comprehensive. As well as the study of voice production, it encompasses acting, mime, improvisation, public speaking, interview technique, verse and prose speaking, spoken English and English as an additional language.

Examinations are offered which are recognised as an awarding body by the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and the higher grades have been included in the UCAS tariff and will add valuable points. Blundell's pupils have enjoyed notable success in these examinations over the years, with a 100% pass rate and the majority of students achieving Distinctions in their chosen subject.

There are at least ten 40 minutes sessions per term, at a cost of £250.00 for the term. Students are tutored, individually or in pairs, to benefit from interacting and experimenting with others, but giving plenty of opportunity for personal attention. Weekly lessons are on a rolling timetable to ensure that students do not miss the same lesson more than once a term.

Competition for places is keen and places are allocated on a first come first served basis and then a waiting list operates. Please note that lessons automatically continue from term to term and that pupils will carry on when they join the senior school in Year 9. Please note that one term's written notice is needed if your child wishes to stop.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Rachel Milne
Speech and Drama

Please complete the form below

https://forms.office.com/e/n6RAaEXske

Also see https://blundells.org/senior-s...