Reminders
Here you will find quick and helpful reminders linked to our core expectations at Plymstock School. It’s designed to keep you informed and up to date with the key policies and routines that support a calm, focused, and respectful learning environment. While it doesn’t cover every detail, it highlights the essentials that help all students feel prepared, supported, and ready to succeed. Expand the titles below for more information.
Uniform and Culture & Expectations Policy Aims
Our Uniform and Culture & Expectations policies are in place to provide clarity and guidance about the expectations of Plymstock School.
Consistency of approach and a collective responsibility for managing behaviour is likely to lead to even higher standards. The consistent aims of our Culture & Expectations Policy are:
- To eliminate disruptive behaviour, enabling all students to focus on their work.
- To support a school-wide system that fosters a positive, orderly learning culture.
- To encourage courtesy, consideration and mutual respect among all.
Our school uniform is:
- An important part of our identity and helps to support promoting an ethos of inclusion for all students;
- Used to encourage an atmosphere of self-awareness and mutual respect;
- In place to prepare students for future careers and workplaces where there are often uniform requirements or dress codes;
- Used to promote Plymstock School in the community through wearing our uniform with pride.
Punctuality to Lessons
Punctuality is vital to student success. Arriving late to lessons disrupts learning, and over time, repeated lateness can significantly impact a student's progress as well as that of their peers.
Reminder: School starts with students needing to be at their tutor room by 8.40am. We recommend they are on site by 8.35am to ensure they are on time.
To support punctuality:
- First Bell: Rings 5 minutes before tutor time (08:35) and at the end of Break 1 (11:35) and Break 2 (14:05), signalling students’ movement time.
- Lesson Start: Students have an additional 2-minute window to arrive in lessons. During this time, late arrivals will receive a negative point on ClassCharts.
- Second Bell: After 7 minutes (from the movement bell or transition from Period 1 to 2, 3 to 4), students arriving without a permission slip will be marked as significantly late and referred to Reset.
Support:
- Staff meet and greet students at the school entrance to support a prompt start to the school day
- Staff will meet and greet students at the classroom door to support a prompt and positive start to lessons.
- New Year 7s are supported by mentors to escort them to lessons during their transition period.
- New students joining mid-year are given a buddy to help them settle in and navigate the school.
Super 7 - Being Ready to Learn
Being equipped for learning is essential. Asking to borrow equipment disrupts lessons and prevents students from developing good organisational habits.
We expect all students to have the Super 7 items every day:
- 1 black pen, 1 green pen, 1 pencil, 1 ruler, 1 eraser, 1 highlighter, 1 scientific calculator
- Year 7 & 8: Also require a reading book for tutor time.
Equipment is checked during morning tutor time. If an item is missing, a neutral (zero) point will be recorded on ClassCharts so parents/carers are informed.
Use of Handheld Metal Detector Wands
To maintain safety, uphold exam integrity and enforce our electronic device policy, we will be using handheld metal detector wands in the following ways:
1. During Exams
- Wands may be used on all students or random selections (e.g. every 5th student) before entering the exam hall.
- Purpose: To prevent malpractice and protect academic integrity.
- Devices like phones and smartwatches are prohibited and may be detected during screening.
2. Beyond Exams
- During toilet visits in lesson time
- Before entering Behaviour Rooms
Please note: this is a screening process, not a search. If a student refuses screening, a staff member will assess the situation carefully.
Authorised staff members include: the Headteacher, Deputy/Assistant Headteachers, the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy, Heads of Year, and the Behaviour Lead.
Confiscation: Any prohibited or inappropriate items found may be confiscated, in line with school policy.
Parent/Carer–School Partnership
We value your continued support. Strong partnerships between home and school help us to promote high standards through our CORE values: Conduct, Organisation, Respect, and Effort.
Please refer to Appendix A in the Culture & Expectations Policy for ways you can support your child and the school in maintaining a safe and effective learning environment.
If you have any questions or would like further clarification on these changes, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your child’s Pastoral Team.
Uniform Reminders (Following 25.6.25 Announcement)
- Wear full uniform with pride and correctly
- Pleated skirts are required in Years 7–11
- Bring a rucksack with essential items: Super 7, snacks, PE kit
- One single stud earring per ear only
- Nails must be natural colour and fingertip length
- Only natural hair colours permitted
- Shoes must be flat, black leather or leather-look (no trainers, boots, suede or canvas)
- Ensure funds are available if purchasing from the Galley
- Electronic devices must be off and in bags before entering school; can be used after 3.10pm outside only
Uniform Support Room: Available for students missing correct uniform (includes blazers, ties, shirts, trousers, skirts, socks, shoes, rucksacks, etc.)
Reporting Student Absence
From September the MyEd app for reporting student absence will no longer be in use.
Student absence should be reported each day they are absent from school by 08:30am by either leaving a voicemail (402679 - option 1) or emailing studentabsence@plymstockschool.org.uk.