FAQ's

How do I find out about school transport?

What is the school uniform?

If you are in Year 6, you will be sent a bus pass over the Summer holidays in 2023. This pass will have a bus number on it which will allow you to get on the correct bus. Each morning you will be picked up at your nearest designated bus stop. At the end of the day, there are several members of staff on bus duty who will help you find your bus to go home. Please visit the RCT website to find out more about school transport or contact us at school. 

Shoes - Plain black, flat shoes. Trousers/Skirt - Plain black. No jeans or types of denim. The skirt MUST be knee-length and acceptable to the school. Tight 'tube' skirts are not acceptable. Shirt/Sweater - A white, short-sleeved polo shirt with a school badge. A black sweatshirt with a school badge, a black v-knecked jumper with a school badge or a black waist-length cardigan with a school badge. Hoody tops are not allowed.&nbsp;

What time will my lessons be?

Where do I go if I need help?

Registration&nbsp;– 8:30am – 8:55am Lesson 1&nbsp;– 8:55am – 9:55am&nbsp; Lesson 2&nbsp;– 9:55am – 10:55am Break&nbsp;- 10:55am – 11:15am&nbsp; Lesson 3&nbsp;– 11:15am – 12:15pm Lesson 4&nbsp;– 12:15pm – 1:15pm Lunch&nbsp;– 1:15pm – 1:45pm&nbsp; Lesson 5&nbsp;– 1:45pm – 2:45pm&nbsp; End of day - 2:45pm

Pupil services is located in lower school and is open all day from 8am until the end of the day. You can go to pupil services for first aid, to buy stationary or if you have any questions or problems.&nbsp;If you lose something during the day and it is found, it will be handed in to pupil services. Parents/ Carers can also contact pupil services for any queries regarding online dinner money. 

What should I do if I can't attend school?

How can I monitor my achievements in school?

If you're unable to attend school your parent/carer should let us know by contacting our attendance team on 01443 486133.&nbsp; It has been proven that the more pupils attend school, the more likely they are to succeed in their studies, so we ask that all pupils aim for a minimum of 95% attendance. You will track your attendance every week with your form tutor,&nbsp;so it's important that you let us know the reasons for any absences.&nbsp;

In September, you and your parents/carers will be asked to download an app called ClassCharts. This app will allow you and your parents/carers to monitor your behaviour and achievements in Pontypridd High School throughout each year. You can achieve positive points from your classroom teachers and other staff in the school for an excellent attitude to learning. Unfortunately, some pupils will be given negative points for any poor behaviour they display.

Pontypridd High School Frequently Asked Questions

How much homework will I have?

Where do I go on my first day?

You will receive homework once every fortnight called 'Discover More'. You will have a week to complete it and your registration teacher will give this out. You will submit your homework online. You will also have weekly Maths and English tasks to complete. 

On your first day, Tuesday 5th September 2023,  you should arrive early with plenty of time to spare. You will be shown to the Year 7 yard which is behind the lower block. This will give you chance to catch up with your friends from primary school. When the school bell goes, all of Year 7 will be directed towards the main hall where your registration teacher will be waiting for you. You will then be escorted to your registration classroom which is based in the lower school.

What happens during registration?

Are we allowed mobile phones in school?

Every morning, at 8:30am, you will start your day in registration with your form tutor. There is a different activity for you to complete every day. This will range from:&nbsp; Assemblies&nbsp; Book reading&nbsp; Equipment checks&nbsp; Attendance discussions Achievement points&nbsp;

Students are allowed to bring mobile phones into school. However, mobile phones must be switched off and kept in school bags. Mobile phones are not allowed to be used on site at all. Pupils should not take photographs or film staff or other students without their knowledge or permission.&nbsp;

Welcome to Pontypridd High School

Who do I contact for support?

Mr Ivins, Assistant Headteacher, Miss Stockman, Year 7 Standards Manager and Mrs Rees, Wellbeing and Attendance manager will be supporting you and your child throughout the transition process. They are very happy to answer any questions or queries you may have.

Within this booklet we have answered frequently asked questions posed by primary school pupils, parents and carers. We look forward to welcoming all new Year 7 pupils on Tuesday 5th September 2023.

To speak to a member of staff, or discuss further transition support, please contact us via: Telephone: 01443 486133 Email: contact@pontyhigh.co.uk

Where do I go to buy food?

When will we know what classes we are in?

We have several areas in the school where you can buy food and drink at break and lunchtime. In Year 7 &amp; 8 you are allowed in the main canteen or the byte zone where you can buy a variety of hot and cold food and drinks. The main canteen is also open before school between 8am-8:25am for breakfast. We are a cashless school and all food and drink is purchased through an online system whereby pupils use their finger print at the tills. 

During the summer term of 2023, you will be invited to the school as part of our transition programme. You will find out which registration group you will be in and will have the opportunity to meet your form tutor and other children from different primary schools. You will receive your timetable during registration on the first day of school.

What will I be learning about in Year 7?

Will I be in lessons with my friends?

Our curriculum in year 7 has specific themes that improve knowledge and understanding whilst providing excellent learning opportunities that focus on improving skills in literacy, numeracy and digital competency. Each term we deliver learning experiences that are based around a central theme. For the Autumn Term, 2022 this theme is about the inspirational work of Greta Thunberg and her message that ‘No one is to small to make a difference’.

In Year 7 you will be placed in registration groups with other children from your primary school. You will get to choose at least two friends to be with. In terms of your subject lessons, we meet regularly with your Year 6 teacher to gather important information about your academic ability. In September, you will be placed into sets for all subjects based on this information. During the Autumn term, your set could change based on your progress in lessons and attitude towards learning.

What equipment do I need to bring to school?

How will I know my way around?

Having the correct equipment is essential to ensure you are ready to learn. At Pontypridd High School, we focus on the 3 P's (pen, pencil, planner) and the 3 R's (rubber, ruler, reading book). We hold weekly equipment checks in registration to ensure you are prepared and that you have all the equipment you need to learn effectively each day. 

Throughout Year 6 you will have plenty of opportunities to visit our school and start getting used to where certain things are located. Although our school is slightly bigger than your primary school, it won't take you long to settle in. As part of our transition programme, you will be given a map of the school with all room numbers. You will be mainly based in the lower school building. 

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