31 Aug 2016

Important information for Year 7 Parent- Wednesday, September 28th 2016

Dear Parents and Guardians
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that all Year 7 students are going to be off timetable onWednesday, September 28.  The focus of this day is ‘Sex and Relationships’ which has been planned by the Lower School team, in conjunction with the GTS (Global Thinking Skills) Department.
Our aim is to build upon the skills and knowledge students brought with them from their feeder junior schools and to consolidate what you have explained to them at home.  Students will also have Science lessons on the subject of puberty.
To begin the day, we are extremely fortunate to host Dr Helen Duckworth-Smith who will address the whole year group together. Dr Helen is a Family Health Physician, member of the Royal College of Physicians/GP’s and has an interest in Adolescent Medicine; she also has had four children educated at ESF schools.   Her practice (OT&P Medical Practice) has graciously allowed her time away from work at no cost to the school, or to parents.  Our experience with Dr Helen is that she is excellent and students learn a great deal from her.
Throughout the remainder of the day, students will attend three additional sessions on topics such as: identifying and managing emotions; respect and self-confidence; decision making, dealing with a changing body; inappropriate, risky on-line behaviours and practical tips for adolescence. Teachers leading these sessions will be a combination of Tutors, the Year 7 team and GTS colleagues, including the Head of GTS, Ms Lucy Ogilvie.
We will follow the normal lesson times and breaks.  There is no preliminary preparation expected of students but we would be very grateful if you could encourage your child to take full advantage of this learning opportunity.
If you have any questions about this day, please do not hesitate to contact one of us.
Yours sincerely,
    Christine Rowlands                      Lucie Purves                                                Alison Marshall
    Vice Principal                                Head of Lower School                                Head of Year 7