Student School Life
Useful things to know
Here you can find out about life at Sir John Lawes and access information that will help you to settle in quickly.
Assemblies
There are lots of really interesting assemblies for you to attend. These are held on a rota basis.
Breaks and lunchtimes
At lunchtime students can do one of the following:
a) Stay at school and have a school meal
b) Stay at school and have a packed lunch in the school canteen or sandwich areas.
We encourage as many students as possible to buy a school lunch as the food is good, nutritional and the kitchen staff are excellent. We operate a cafeteria system. Items are priced individually or as 'meal deals' and may be purchased as in any other cafeteria.
Students in Years 7-11 are not allowed to leave the school site at lunchtime.
Finding your way around
A school map is given to all new students but if you do get lost there is always someone to help you.
Homework club
There is an after-school homework club in the library where you may do your homework. Anyone can go. You do not have to go every day but you can if you want to. The homework club opens at 3.30pm and closes at 5.00pm. The assistant librarian and a member of the Learning Support Team will be there every day to help you with your work.
This is a great opportunity to use the computers and printers and to get advice from staff on how best to complete your homework.
"If you ever get stuck with homework ask your teacher who set it, they will help you because every teacher here is kind and helpful."
Neena M
Houses
Every member of the SJL community, students and staff, as well being in a tutor group and a year group, belongs to a House. The Houses, Austen, Britten, Hepworth, King, Lawes, Newton and Ryder, are all named after leaders in their field, strivers, achievers and positive role models.
As House members all students have a wide range of opportunities to work together and ‘compete’ against other students, the other Houses and even against themselves, earning House points in the process. Visit our pages about the House system to find out more.
iPlanner
The SJL iPlanner contains all the information you require to become an independent learner.
Library
The Library is open from 8.40am until 5.00pm. It has many books to help with your work at school as well as books for pleasure. There is also a computer room for you to use during break time, lunchtime and after school.
You will be given your own library card, this can be used to take books, videos and DVDs home.
Mrs Prickett and Ms Ellis work in the library, they are responsible for the amazing selection of books and resources.
Medical room
If you feel unwell at school then you should report to reception.
Your parents may also be contacted by the school office if necessary. If you require any form of medication then this would have been handed in to reception by your parents so that you can take it as and when required along with the following completed form.
School day
The school day consists of six taught lessons each of 50 minutes, as well as two registrations, plus an assembly.
The timetable is as follows:
| 8.40 am | Students should be in form rooms ready for registration |
| 8.40-8.50am | Registration |
| 8.50-9.40am | Period 1 |
| 9.40-10.30am | Period 2 |
| 10.30-10.50am | Break time |
| 10.50-11.40am | Period 3 |
| 11.40am-12.30pm | Period 4 |
| 12.30-1.25pm | Lunchtime |
| 1.30-1.50pm | Afternoon registration |
| 1.50-2.40pm | Period 5 |
| 2.40-3.30pm | Period 6 |
School rules
Behaviour
The School Code is printed within the information given in the Home-School agreement and is designed to act as a code of conduct for learning and behaviour for all students. It will also be made very clear to you what you should or should not be doing.
Sanctions
Whilst we prefer to reinforce positive behaviour, there are occasions when sanctions are needed if students do not behave.
Students may receive break, lunchtime or after-school detentions for failing to meet the standards of the ACE.
For more serious offences or failure to attend previously set detentions a Senior Management Team Detention for up to two hours can be set on a Friday after school.
Forbidden items
The following items are not allowed in school: Walkmans, iPods, MP3 players, laser pens, weapons of any kind (including toy weapons), other items which the school deems dangerous or distracting, chewing gum, aerosols, tobacco, matches or lighters, alcohol, other drugs of any kind unless on prescription. If such items are found they will be confiscated and exclusion may result from their possession.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones can be kept in bags or lockers and switched off but will be confiscated, for parents to collect, if used on the school site.
What to bring
All students need a school bag that can carry their books and planners to, from and around school. Students may also need a draw string-bag to bring their PE kit into school on the days required.
All students need a pencil case with pens, pencils including colouring pencils, sharpener, protractor and ruler. Please note that pencil cases taken into exam rooms need to be transparent.
Travelling to school
Bicycle
If you want to come to school by bicycle then your parents must first apply for and complete an application form which is available from the school reception.
You will then be issued with a permit and must follow the rules that will be given to you. A secure bicycle rack is provided although you should bring a lock for your bike.
For your own safety we strongly recommend that you wear a bicycle helmet.
Bus
If you live in any of the following villages outside of Harpenden then a school bus is provided from Redbourn, Markyate, Flamstead; Whitwell, Kimpton and Breachwood Green.
Public transport buses are available from Wheathampstead and Southdown and the places in between.
We expect a very high standard of behaviour on the school bus from all our students.
Tutor group
The member of staff who will be most important to you during your time at Sir John Lawes will be your form tutor. He or she will see you at least twice every day, for registration, and will get to know you and help you to feel comfortable and safe during your time in school, so you can put all your effort into getting top results in your lessons.
We plan our tutor groups very carefully, trying to create a healthy balance between putting new students with people they know and like from primary school and giving them the opportunity to make new friends.
Your tutor group is a 'ready made' group of friends. There are inter-form and House competitions such as 'Decorate your Form room for Christmas'.
Every tutor group elects form representatives to join the Year Council and could go on to be elected to join the Student Junior Leadership Team.
Uniform
It is important that students are always nice and smart and that they are wearing the correct school uniform. There are also some general rules about appearance and the other things that you are or are not allowed to wear. For more information about the correct school uniform please visit the school uniform pages.
