School Day, Uniform and Expectations

Here you can find detailed information about the school day including timings, typical activities, our Home School agreement and also the uniform and equipment requirements that we expect all students to meet. 

Times of the School Day

Our school opening hours are 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday during term time. Our typical school day runs from 8.40am - 3.10pm totalling 32.5 hours per week.

8.40am - 8.55am Registration/Assembly
8.55am - 9.50am Period 1
9.50am - 10.45am Period 2
10.45am - 11.10am Break 1
11.10am - 12.00pm Period 3
12.00pm - 1.00pm Period 4
1.00pm - 1.30pm Break 2
1.30pm - 2.25pm Period 5
2.25pm - 3.10pm Period 6*
3.10pm - 3.20pm Code Time
3.20pm - 5.00pm Year 11 and 13 Extended Day**

*Every other week during week B, school ends for students at 2.25pm to allow for staff PPD.

**The Extended Day for Years 11 and 13 run from September - May of the Academic year on normal school days during term time and students will be notified directly of the specific dates each year.

Routines for Learning

Routines for Learning

  1. Arrive promptly to lessons and be fully equipped (see below).
  2. Line up in single file.
  3. Get ready for a uniform check – top button fastened, tie pulled up, Blenheim logo on tie showing, shirt tucked in.
  4. Enter the classroom when asked.
  5. Deposit your iPad in the usual place, unless told otherwise.
  6. Collect whiteboard equipment.
  7. Sit in your specific seat. All lessons will have a boy/girl seating plan.
  8. Sit straight, face front and put your school diary on your desk.
  9. Rule off the last piece of work in your exercise book, write the title/learning objective and the date.
  10. Check your whiteboard pen and get ready to start.

Typical Starter Activity

You will be asked questions about work you have recently completed and will write the answer on the whiteboard and show it to your teacher. If you get the answer right then great; if you get it wrong then make a quick note in your exercise book to help you remember next time.

Ten Blenheim Behaviours

Ten Blenheim Behaviours that every student can be great at

 

Behaviour 

What does it mean? 

Famous quote 

Be punctual 

Arrive on time 

‘If you're early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late’ 

Be prepared 

Be mentally and physically ready 

‘Failing to prepare is preparing to fail’ 

Be self-disciplined 

Do what you need to do to improve 

‘Self-discipline is the starting point of greatness’ 

Have a good work ethic 

Work hard all the time 

‘The harder I work, the luckier I get’ 

Have a positive attitude 

Believe in yourself and your ability to do well 

‘A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes’ 

Be resilient 

Learn from your mistakes and bounce back 

‘Tough times don’t last; tough people do’ 

Be passionate 

Care about your work 

‘When your passion and purpose are greater than your fears and excuses, you’ll find a way’ 

Be approachable 

Trust and be open to advice 

‘Coaching is the universal language of change and learning’ 

Go the extra mile 

Go above and beyond 

‘Start going the extra mile and opportunity will follow’ 

Have positive body language 

Look like you want to do well 

‘Feelings are 55% body language, 38% tone and 7% words’ 

 

Sanctions - Detentions and Codes

The student learning experience should not be interrupted by misbehaviour.  Blenheim has a very clear behaviour policy that ensures all students have an uninterrupted education. If any student chooses to misbehave a range of sanctions are put in place.  The table below details the various sanctions that operate.

CODE

BEHAVIOUR

SANCTION

Warning

Disrupting the learning of others, lack of effort, poor attitude to learning, out of seat without permission

Verbal Warning

B1

Continuing to disrupt the learning of others, repeated warning behaviours

10 minute code to be completed at the end of Period 6

B2

Continued behaviour that disrupts the learning of others, arguing with the teacher, other significant disruptive behaviour

Student removed from the lesson to the Send to room

20 minute code to be completed at the end of P6 and a 30 minute departmental detention

H

Homework incomplete or not done

20 minutes plus a 30 minute, same-day detention set by the teacher which parents will typically be informed about by text message

U

Uniform incorrect

10 minute code to be completed at the end of Period 6

CB

(Community Behaviour) Eating or wasting time in corridors, poor behaviour during break or lesson movement times, chewing gum

20 minute code to be completed at the end of Period 6

M

Mobile Phone Misuse

10 minute code plus confiscation for the rest of the day

IPad

iPad Misuse

10 minute code to be completed at the end of Period 6

L

Late mark in register (no matter what the number is next to the ‘L’)

10 minute code per lesson students are late to

E

Equipment or P.E. kit missing

10 or 20 minute code depending on the amount of kit missing

Detentions

Detentions run daily across the school for all curriculum areas. There is a code time detention where the student remains with their period 6 teacher until 3.30pm.  Students will be required to sit a detention for all of their codes on the same day in a Head of Year Detention. Failure to attend a Head of Year Detention will result in a student being placed into the Reflection Room the next day that they are in school. There are 30, 45 and 60-minute detentions. A student can be set a detention and kept in school after 3.30pm on the same day, without prior notice. In the case of students on the watchlist, this will be a 60-minute detention as detailed on page 5. Typically, notification for all detentions will be sent through the Parent Gateway.

Uniform

Main School Uniform

Main School Uniform for All

  • Burgundy school blazer with school logo.
  • Plain white shirt (long or short sleeved) with top button fastened and tucked in.
  • School tie with striped house colour. The tie must be tied closely to the top button of the shirt. The school logo must be clearly visible.
  • Plain black polishable, businesslike shoes. Sports shoes, trainers, suede boots, backless shoes and high boots (including Dr. Martens) are not permitted.
  • Hoodies are not permitted and will be confiscated.
  • Black V-necked pullover (optional). Crew neck, polo necks and sweatshirts are not permitted.

Boys’ Uniform 

  • Black tailored school trousers. No baggy, corduroy or black denim trousers.
  • Belt – black.
  • Socks – black or white only.

Girls’ Uniform

  • Blenheim school skirt. Skirts may be a maximum of 1 inch above the knee. They should not be rolled up and the burgundy band should be visible at all times.
  • Girls may wear black tailored school trousers as an alternative to the skirt if they wish. No baggy, corduroy or black denim trousers.
  • Socks - black or white only. Socks should not be worn under or over tights. Over the knee fashion socks or leggings are not permitted.
  • Tights - plain black with no pattern or stripes.

Our school uniform provider is Stevensons in Epsom town centre and their website is www.stevensons.co.uk. Uniform can either be bought in their shop at The Old Spread Eagle, High Street, Epsom, KT19 8DN or ordered online. Tel. 01372 742411.

Our 10 Uniform Non-Negotiables

Students will be monitored for these by all staff throughout the day

  • Top button done up
  • Blenheim logo showing on tie below the knot.
  • Shirt tucked in
  • A short haircut where the scalp can be seen through the hairline is not permitted/long hair tied back
  • Skirts - burgundy band visible and logo showing.
  • No earphones/headphones
  • Black polishable shoes
  • No mobile phones to be seen during the school day
  • No nail varnish or false eyelashes/nails
  • One pair of small plain studs no bigger than 4mm to be worn in the lobe of each ear.

School Uniform Rules

  • The uniform should generally be smart and kept clear of graffiti.
  • Skirts should be just on the knee in length and showing the burgundy band and the school logo.
  • School bags should be plain navy or black small rucksacks or ‘record’ bags.
  • Hoodies are not permitted and will be confiscated.
  • Natural and discreet make-up is allowed.
  • Nail polish, gel, false nails, false eyelashes, nail foils or any other kind of nail embellishments should not be worn to school. 
  • Earrings – one pair of small studs no bigger than 4mm only to be worn in the lobe of each ear.
  • No other body piercings e.g. nose and tongue studs.
  • Rings, necklaces and bracelets should not be worn to School.
  • A watch with a deactivated alarm may be worn.
  • Hair of shoulder length or longer should be securely tied back at all times and should always be of a natural colour.
  • Hair ties should be plain and discreet. Hair accessories such as beak clips, beads and hair claws are not allowed. The Assistant Headteacher - Pastoral Lead reserves the right to make the final decision on what is an acceptable haircut.
  • Haircuts should not be extreme and in no circumstances should the scalp under hair be visible. Typically, this will mean the hair should not be trimmed below a grade 3 although this will differ from student to student. Parents are strongly advised to pay attention to haircuts. Students wishing to have a particularly short or extreme short haircut should do so at the beginning of a holiday period rather than the end. Skinfades, tramlines, hair patterns, mohawks, and shaving parting lines are unacceptable and will result in significant sanctions.
  • Tights should be plain black - no patterns or stripes.
  • Socks (long or short) should not be worn under or over tights.
  • Over-the-knee or calf length socks are not suitable for School.
  • Trainers, boots (including Dr Martens), backless shoes and high heels are not allowed.
  • Leggings or skinny black jeans/cargo trousers are not to be worn to School.

 

Sports Uniform

Boys’ Sports Uniform (clearly named)

Compulsory
  • Unisex Blenheim burgundy polo shirt with school logo
  • Unisex Blenheim black PE shorts with school logo
  • Blenheim long football socks or plain black sports socks
  • Appropriate trainers for sports activities
  • Shin pads, gumshield and football boots
Optional
  • Blenheim tracksuit bottoms with school logo
  • Blenheim hoody with school logo
  • Blenheim ¼ zip top with school logo
  • Blenheim waterproof jacket with school logo
  • Plain black thermal base layer (in winter months)
  • Plain black gloves with hand grip (in winter months)

Girls’ Sports Uniform (clearly named)

Compulsory
  • Girls' or unisex Blenheim burgundy polo shirt with school logo
  • Girls' or unisex Blenheim black PE shorts with school logo
  • Blenheim long football socks or plain black sports socks
  • Appropriate trainers for sports activities
  • Shin pads, gumshield and football boots
Optional
  • Blenheim tracksuit bottoms with school logo
  • Blenheim hoody with school logo
  • Blenheim ¼ zip top with school logo
  • Blenheim leggings with school logo OR plain black sports leggings
  • Plain black thermal base layer (in winter months)
  • Plain black gloves with hand grip (in winter months)
  • Blenheim waterproof jacket with school logo
  • Plain black gloves with hand grip (in winter months)

Our uniform is available at reasonable prices from our nominated suppliers
Stevensons, The Old Spread Eagle, High Street, Epsom, KT19 8DN
Tel. 01372 742411.

 

Equipment

Basic Equipment

The following items will be checked at the start of each day during period 1.

  • iPad fully charged x 1
  • Black biro x 2
  • Green biro x 2
  • Sharp HB pencil x 2
  • Pencil sharpener x 1
  • Pencil eraser x 1
  • Glue stick x 1
  • Clear pencil case x 1
  • Highlighter pen x 2
  • Ruler x 1
  • Protractor x 1
  • A Casio FX-85GTCW or FX-83GTCW scientific calculator*
  • Compass x 1
  • School scissors x 1

* Please note that the Casio FX-83-GT previously listed in the equipment list has been replaced by the newer models listed above. Students may continue to use their existing calculator but if buying a replacement please purchase the newer model.


For Technology lessons students will need;

  • A good set of colouring pencils (preferably blendable)
  • Fine (0.3/0.4mm) and medium (0.7-0.9 mm) black fibre tip pens

Please note that correction fluids such as Tipp-ex and permanent markers such as Sharpies are banned from school.

Home School Agreement

Home and School Partnership Agreement

Our Home and School Partnership Agreement can be found in the Parent and Student Handbooks.

By joining our school community we expect all students to support our ethos and expectations which are outlined below. By working together we know that we can support your achievements at Blenheim High School. 

Together we will support and challenge students to reach their potential both in and out of the classroom. All members of the Blenheim community are actively encouraged to demonstrate a growth mindset of hardwork, resilience, innovation and improvement.

As a School we commit to:

  • Developing our students through the medium of a growth mindset;
  • Upholding our ethos in all activities both within the formal curriculum and extra-curricular activities; Providing the best teaching and learning opportunities possible which recognise and celebrate all achievements; 
  • Providing a safe and caring environment where individual talent can be celebrated. Blenheim adheres to all safeguarding and equality legislation and guidance. (Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found on our website); 
  • Listening to and responding to the needs and concerns of students and parents; 
  • Keeping parents/carers informed and involved in student development, progress and attainment; 
  • Providing high expectations in terms of achievement, behaviour and appearance.​

As a Student I commit to:

  • Constantly working to the best of my ability and believing in a growth mindset; 
  • Attending school every day, on time and with the necessary equipment;
  • Abiding by this agreement and treating all others and the school environment with consideration and respect; 
  • Taking an active part in the life of the school and making the most of enrichment activities; 
  • Agreeing not to post images or video footage of either Blenheim staff, students, images of the school or the school name on any internet site without prior written consent from the Headteacher;
  • Wearing school uniform correctly and with pride at all times including on the way to and from school; 
  • Behaving considerately towards others in the local community; 
  • Sharing and celebrating my own success and the success of others in our community.

Mobile Phones and Valuables

Students are only allowed their phones as a tool for travelling to and from school, therefore all mobile phones should be kept in bags during the school day. If a student is caught with their mobile phone out of their bag in the day then the phone is confiscated for the remainder of the day and they can collect from the finance office at the end of the school day. If their phone has been taken 3 or more times then parents are telephoned to collect the phone from the main office. Electronic devices of all kinds that are brought in to school are the responsibility of the user. The school accepts no responsibility for the loss, theft or damage of such items. Nor will the school accept responsibility for any adverse health effects caused by any such devices either potential or actual.

Please note that we cannot take responsibility for any valuables brought into school and our school insurance does not cover theft or damage.

Silver School Mental Health Award