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    FAQ's   

Q. How do I know that St Hilda's is the right school for my child?
A. Here, at St Hilda's, we aim to develop each child to their full potential both academically and socially. We expect and achieve high academic standards and at the same time offer a broad, stimulating and fully balanced curriculum. Children are treated as individuals and special talents are fostered and encouraged in small classes.
We pride ourselves in our happy and caring atmosphere and our fully committed staff and pupils, believing that our children thrive best in a positive, enthusiastic environment. We hope that our pupils develop, with us, an enthusiasm for learning which will last, beyond their school years, for life. We also aim to instil social awareness and a sense of responsibility at a very early age; respect for others and themselves, and high self-esteem. Do visit and judge for yourselves whether St Hilda's is the school for your child.

Q. Is there an entrance examination and what are your entry criteria?
A. Entry into Kindergarten to Form 2 is by informal assessment. Entry to the Junior School at 7+ for girls from other schools is dependent on an entry test in English, Mathematics, Non-verbal reasoning and interview.
 

The majority of pupils join the kindergarten at the age of 3. Boys are accepted in The Foundation Years and prepared for entry to local boys' Prep Schools at 4 and 5+. Once registered the children are invited to spend an afternoon in Kindergarten to meet the children and teachers. Pupils may join at any other age providing there are spaces. Entry to the Junior School at 7+ for girls from other schools is dependent on an entry test in English, Mathematics, Non-verbal reasoning and interview. Bursaries are available for 4+ and 7+ pupils - details available from the Headmistress' P.A..
Pupils are prepared for Entrance exams to appropriate schools, and transfer at 11+.
All girls are expected to remain at St Hilda's until they are ready to transfer to Senior School.
 

Q. Where do girls go at the end of Year 6?
A. Most of our girls leave us to go to prestigious local independent senior schools or to high achieving state schools.
Each girl is different and has different educational needs, we pride ourselves on being able to match individual children with the school best suited to their talents and needs. We hold an annual forum which enables parents of girls in Form 5 to gather information and advice on choosing a suitable school for their child. (Click here to see recent placements)


Q. What extra-curricular activities are available
 A.Many extra-curricular activities are available and include, Ballet, Tap, Modern Dance, Yoga, Drama, Orchestra, Recorder Clubs, Athletics, Short Tennis, Netball and Golf.  Lunch-time activities include Computer Club, Guitar Group, String Group and Choir. As well as our playground we have a lovely garden area, a special 'anti-bump' playground, The Spinney (a small woodland) and a tennis/netball court. Kindergarten have the option of playing on their own patio - especially when they are new to the school! Click here to see Garden Activities
Q. Do you cater for children with special needs?
A. All the children's progress is monitored closely and we would advise you if we felt that your daughter would benefit from additional curricular support from our specialist teachers. The SENCo (Special Education Needs Co-ordinator) of the whole School has overall charge of any learning support that your child might need. All staff at St Hilda's are aware of the issues surrounding Learning Support and are skilled at delivering lessons in the most effective way for their pupils.

Q. Does she have to have school lunches?
A. School lunches are compulsory for all children, they are cooked on the premises and include a daily choice of hot main course, a vegetarian hot main course and assorted salads. From time to time, ‘themed’ lunches are arranged. We encourage the girls to eat a well-balanced and varied diet. Packed lunches are supplied for most school trips. (Click here to see our menu)

Q. Will my daughter be able to learn a second foreign language?
A. All girls learn French from Reception to Form 6, and Latin starting from Form 4. We also have an extra-curricular Spanish Club.

Q. What are the times of the school day?
A. School is open from 8.a.m. All girls go to their classrooms at 8.30a.m., and so
they need to arrive by this time.

School is open from............................................................... 8.00am (Breakfast Club only, from 7.45am)
Registration in Form Rooms................................................. 8.40am
Lessons begin......................................................................... 8.45am
Kindergarten morning ends................................................. 11.50am
Day ends for K.G /Reception Form1/Form2....................... 3.20pm
Day ends for Forms 3/4....................................................... 3.35pm
Day ends for Forms 5&6.......Monday to Thursday..........   3.50pm
Day ends for Forms 5&6.......Friday..................................... 3.35pm

Lower School children, not collected by 3.35pm, will be taken to After School Care

Q. What are your before and after school arrangements?
A. If girls need to arrive between 8.00am - 8.30 am they are able to come into the dining room which has a supervising staff member.  In the summer and in good weather the girls stay in the garden under supervision until 8.30am.
 A Breakfast Club is available by advance booking from 7.45am - 8.15am.
After School Care is by written arrangement and pre-booking. In After School Care tea is provided and there are facilities for homework and play for the children in the care of qualified supervisors, from 3.30pm to 6pm (Kindergarten and Reception 3.30pm to 5.30pm).

Q. When can we visit the School?
A. Mrs L Cavanagh, the Headmistress, is pleased to talk to prospective parents and show them around School. Appointments can be arranged for most Wednesday mornings through the School Office. Tel 020 8950 1751

Q. Is there a PTA and how do I join?
A.  We have a thriving, active PTA who stage many events throughout the year. All parents are automatic members when their child starts at St Hilda's. (Click here to see more about the PTA)
Q. Who are the School's outfitters?
A. All children wear school uniform from Kindergarten to Form 6. Second hand uniform is available in school.
 Uniform is available from :
National School Wear Centre
45 High Street
Bushey
Herts
WD23 1BD
Telephone: 0208-421-9488
Q. What is your policy on bullying?
A. At St Hilda's we take the issue of bullying very seriously. We believe that it is unacceptable in whatever form and should be reported immediately to a member of staff so that it can be dealt with promptly and effectively.

Q. Is information about my child secure?
 A. Early Years Settings, Schools, Local Authorities (LAs), the Secretary of State for Education and the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), the government department which deals with education and children's services, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), Her Majesty's Chief Inspector for Schools and the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), and the National Assessment Agency (NAA) all process information on children and pupils in order to help administer education and children's services and in doing so have to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998. This means, among other things, that the data held about children must only be used for specific purposes allowed by law. This statement is to tell you about the types of data held, why that data is held, and to whom it may be passed on.
To read this statement in full click on icon for down load.
 

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about St Hilda's, if you have one that is not in our list please contact us directly for the answer.
Click here to contact us