Joining The Chase in Year 7

Transition into Year 7 - Key Dates

Monday 31 March 2025 - Information letter sent to parents/carers

End of May/Early June 2025 - Visits to primary schools by Mr Fieldhouse, Headteacher and Mr Hall, Year 7 Leader

Wednesday 25 June 2025 - New Year 7 Induction Day

Wednesday 25 June 2025 - Parents Information Evening

Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 July 2025 - Leap Programme

Wednesday 3 September 2025 - Induction Day, first full day at The Chase for Year 7 and Year 12 students only

We are delighted to invite all students joining us in Year 7 this September to take part in our exciting LEAP Transition Programme, running from Tuesday 22 - Thursday 24 July 2025.

This fantastic three-day event costs £65 and is a wonderful opportunity to come into school, make new friends, meet some of our teachers and learn more about life at The Chase – all while enjoying a range of fun and engaging activities.

Now in its fifth year, the LEAP Programme is something we love running, and we cannot wait to welcome our new students. Led by Mr Hall, your Year 7 Leader, it promises to be a great start to your journey with us.

Click here to sign up!

Our school uniform provider is Monkhouse you will find The Chase uniform pages by clicking here.

We are introducing a new optional item of PE clothing this year – a unisex tracksuit bottom, which will soon be available to purchase from our Monkhouse page. Please note that while this item is permitted as part of the PE kit, it will not be suitable for all sports, including football, rugby and gymnastics.

A smart appearance amongst students enhances their image and that of their school, instils a more business-like and purposeful mood and avoids competition over fashions and ‘labels’. Students should fully observe the school’s requirements about personal appearance throughout the school year. All items should be named so we can return lost property to their owners.  ALL students in Years 7 – 11 are expected to wear school uniform in school, on journeys to and from school, at school functions (including Consultation Evenings) and on visits where school uniform is required.

General information about school uniform

• Outdoor clothing should be of a moderate design.  The only hoodies allowed are Chase hoodies that can be worn as an outdoor garment over school uniform and which students are expected to remove during lessons. 
• Plain black office appropriate shoes should be warn. Trainer style shoes like Nike AIr Force trainers are not permitted.
• Make up, including nail varnish, should be light and moderate and not draw undue or inappropriate attention. 
• Artificial nails, including acrylics, are not permitted.
• Hair styles should be of natural colour and not draw undue or inappropriate attention
• The only jewellery allowed is a single stud in each ear and a watch.
• We strongly recommend the use of safety/fluorescent clothing in winter for students cycling to school, as well as the wearing of a suitable cycle helmet. 
• All clothing and sports kit should be clearly named.

To ensure all students are equipped with the necessary tools, we have selected two specific models, these will be the ones used for demonstrations in lessons. Both calculators are available for purchase at cost through the school.

They will be available through ParentPay in September. You will be able to purchase these once you have received your ParentPay login details.

Please do not worry about students not having calculators when they start in September. The Maths department would rather that parents were able take advantage purchasing the calculator at cost through the school and having the most suitable model, than buy a less suitable model in advance.

Option 1: Casio fx-991CW 

Features:

• Supports students with additional functions to help achieve grade 7 and above at GCSE
• Suitable for both GCSE, Core and A Level Mathematics
• Includes advanced scientific functions, including complex numbers, calculus, and matrix calculations
• High-resolution display and intuitive user interface

Recommendation: Recommended for students of GCSE, Core and A Level mathematics

Option 2: Casio fx-83GTCW 

Features:

• Suitable for work up to GCSE
• Provides a range of scientific functions needed for secondary education
• User-friendly interface with a natural textbook display

Recommendation: Ideal for students preparing for their GCSE exams

Both models will be used in classroom demonstrations to ensure familiarity and ease of use during lessons. We encourage you to choose the calculator that aligns with your child’s aspirations

Empowering Learning at school and at home

To enhance student outcomes and develop our remote learning systems, The Chase has partnered with Albion Computers to offer parents the chance to acquire a fully supported Chromebook for their child to use in school and at home.

Empowering learning at school and at home

As your child starts their journey at The Chase this September, we’re offering families the chance to join our Chromebook Scheme - a practical and affordable way to ensure every student has access to the digital tools they need to succeed.

What’s Included:

• ASUS Chromebook CZ11 Flip (CZ1104F)
• Rugged, student-friendly design
• 360° flip touchscreen
• 11.6” TÜV-certified display to reduce eye strain
• Up to 17 hours battery life – ideal for all-day learning
• Portable, durable and built for school life

Set Up & Support:

• Chromebooks are fully set up by the school
• Technical support provided throughout the school year
• Internet safety tools and guidance built-in
• Access to Google Classroom and student email
• Ready to use for homework, research and learning on the go

Easy Access for Students

Your child will be able to:

• Log in securely to their student portal
• Access all learning materials through Google Classroom
• Complete and submit homework from anywhere

How to Sign Up:

Join the scheme via our secure Year 7 Chromebook Portal.

Deadline to register: Wednesday 10 July 2025

FAQs

Q. What is a Chromebook?

A. A Chromebook is a type of laptop with tablet level of simplicity. All software required for the student to use the device is provided via the school.

Q. Is it possible to plug in Accessories such as bigger screen, Mouse, Full keyboard etc

A  Yes, The chromebook employs USB-C technology so adapters are easily available that allow you plug into to separate screens/mice/keyboards etc.  The school has these in place in various locations around the school.

Q. Do we take ownership at the end?
A. Yes, the Chromebook is yours to keep at the end of the scheme, It will also remain in the school management system until your child leaves us. Upon leaving, please email itsupport@chaseowrcs.sch.uk and we can remotely deprovision the device from the school’s management systems.

Q. Is the device protected online, at home and in school?
A. The student Chromebook is managed by The Chase until your child leaves. Use of the student Chromebook is monitored by the school – we use special software that detects any inappropriate use; the device may only be used for school-related activity.

Q. Can I bring in a device we already have at home?
A. Yes, if it is a Chromebook. No, if it is a Windows/Mac laptop or iPad. Unfortunately, we are unable to add laptops and iPads to our device management system and therefore, cannot provide a safely managed device which would pose various safeguarding risks. Please note that there will be an £30 charge for a Chrome management license if you choose to allow your child to bring in their existing Chromebook which would need to be installed on the device. You would also need to arrange separate insurance for any Chromebook that is not part of the scheme.

Q. How does the school propose to support those that do not take part?
A. Students whose parents are not contributing for a device will still be able to check one out from the designated locations during the school day. However, they will not be permitted to take this device home.

Q. When will we get the Chromebooks?
A. The intention is for the devices to be issued to students in the first week of the new term, exact dates/times will be communicated later.

Q. What is the deadline for ordering?
A. Please register for a Chromebook by the 10th of July 2025.

Q. When does the direct debit start?
A. The first direct debit will begin in October at which point the devices will have already been collected and used in school.

Q. What happens if a device gets damaged?
A. The student bundle includes insurance for term of the scheme. The school will administer any claims and a repaired or replacement device will be issued to students.

*Insurance only protects the device from accidental damage and if the device is stolen. Deliberate and or malicious damage will be charged for.

Q. What happens if a device is lost?
A. Whilst theft is covered by the device’s insurance policy (with a crime reference number), loss is not.

Q. I can buy one cheaper online – why should I use this scheme?
A. Buying a device online will not include the necessary Chrome Management License which we use to manage the device on your behalf, to install apps and policies, and to provide the appropriate safety and security for your child. The bundle available through school also includes insurance for the donation period. It also includes 3 years warranty cover for the device and battery. Most commercially available devices do not have this included.

Q. What steps will the school take to support parents during rollout and adoption?
A. We will write to parents with advice regarding good practice around e-safety and device use. We are also providing at-home internet filtering included in the cost of the device.

Q. Does this mean that students will not be developing traditional, written skills?
A. No. Assessments will still be conducted using pen and paper, as this is how students will be assessed at GCSE and beyond. There will also be plenty of activities in lessons using pen and paper and the importance of good handwriting, good presentation and writing with speed and accuracy will be reinforced.

Q. Does this mean that students will not have access to textbooks and other reference books?
A. No. Individual departments will maintain similar levels of funding as to previous years, which means that they can still purchase textbooks and other books where these are appropriate.

Q. Will there be a limit on screen time for students?
A. Chromebooks are a tool for learning, not an activity in themselves. Good lessons involve a range of different activities both in and out of the classroom, incorporating discussion, group and individual work and, as mentioned above, work with pen and paper. It is definitely not the case that students will be spending all lesson, every lesson, on Chromebooks.

Q. What restrictions/filtering systems will be in place at school?
A. The schools use internet filtering systems to protect students from unsuitable content whilst using any device managed by the school which will apply to the Chromebooks wherever they may be. We also use software for keyword detection and classroom management of the devices while they are on site. A number of restrictions are also put in place to prevent students bypassing these restrictions

Q. Will the same restrictions / filtering systems be in place at home when students take these home?
A. The schools internet filtering system will still be in effect when the device is used at home, meaning that all browsing is filtered and recorded.

Q. How does the school propose to support those children of parents who don’t have the ability to pay and therefore cannot take the Chromebook home?
A. Students whose parents are not contributing for a device will still be able to check one out from the designated location during the school day. However, they will not be permitted to take this device home.

Q. What happens if the charger is lost?
New genuine chargers are available for purchasing from the school’s IT Support dept.
*Please note that if you purchase your own charger without buying it through the school there is a chance that it will not be a genuine charger and therefore may void warranty and insurance.

Lockers are an optional extra and are located along the main corridor and in the science block. 

A locker rental scheme is in place; for an annual charge of £5, payable via ParentPay each September, students in Years 7-10 will be able to request a locker (once payment has been made) from Reception on Monday lunchtimes only.  Students wishing to use this facility need to supply their own strong padlock. 

All lockers are to be emptied at the end of the summer term and locks removed – any locker left locked will be opened and the contents placed in storage for 2 weeks prior to disposal.

Year 11 students are provided with a locker free of charge from the Exams Office.

If you are joining us from a Worcestershire primary school and your child is already receiving free school meals then you do not need to do anything as this will transfer across.

If you are joining from outside of the county please and you believe your child is entitled to free school meals then you will need to reapply by clicking here.

If you have not accessed Free School Meals before, but you believe your child may be entitled to them then you can find more information by clicking here.

Financial support at The Chase

Cars and Bicycles

Parents are asked not to bring their children to school or to collect them by car unless there is no alternative, in which case drivers must respect road markings and are asked not to park near the school gates, bus bay areas, or on pavements.

Parents are not allowed onto the school site to drop off or to collect their children.

We encourage students to use their bicycles to travel to and from school.  Bicycles must be in a roadworthy condition, must not be ridden in the school grounds, and left locked in a designated area.  The school cannot accept responsibility for the safety of students’ bicycles.  We strongly recommend the use of safety/fluorescent clothing in winter and the wearing of a suitable cycle helmet at all times.  If a student wishes to cycle to school, they must sign the school’s Cycle Code of Conduct and obtain a permit – please contact Mr Thomas, Faculty Lead for PE to receive an application.

Students are not allowed to ride scooters to school (both standard or electric).

Motorcycles, mopeds and cars driven by students are not allowed on school premises without school’s permission.  Only Sixth Form students are permitted to drive these to and from school; these must be parked on the Annexe site and registration numbers provided to Mrs Massam (Sixth Form Pastoral Leader).

Buses

Arrangements for the distribution of Bus Passes are made by the Education Travel Team.  Information regarding bus routes can be obtained from the Worcestershire Hub on 01905 765765.

For students who may require transport to and from school, full details on eligibility and/or costs for pre-16 and post-16 students are provided on the Worcestershire County Council website, where applications can be completed online or downloaded for completion.  Transport applications should be received by the Education Travel Team before the end of the term prior to commencement at The Chase.

Travel Assistance Application forms are sent out with the school placement letters in March.  If a student does not qualify for transport assistance, the County Council Vacant Seat Payment Scheme offers the opportunity to buy a spare seat on a school contract vehicle.  Vacant seats can only be awarded once all riders eligible for free transport have been allocated.

If a student does not have a bus pass for a valid reason, a “Temporary Authorisation to Travel” may be issued (this service in only available for WCC contracted school bus services).  You should call the Worcestershire Hub on 01905 765765 immediately to report that the bus pass has been lost.  The bus pass will be replaced at a cost of £10.00.  Payment should be made to Worcestershire County Council, Education Travel team, County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester WR5 2NP.  Until the replacement pass is issued, a “Temporary Authorisation to Travel” note will be sent to the bus operator and to the school.  The student should collect their copy from Reception and present this to the driver each time s/he boards the school transport.  The temporary pass will be valid for a period no longer than 2 weeks; if a bus pass is stolen and reported to the police, it will be replaced free of charge if a crime reference number is provided.

Worcestershire County Council operates a “No Pass, No Travel” policy on all school transport services.  This means that every student must show their pass to the driver every time s/he boards school transport, otherwise they will be refused travel.

It is your parental responsibility to ensure your child carries their bus pass and gets to and from the bus stop in safety, until they have boarded the vehicle.  If your child is refused access to the vehicle because they do not have a valid bus pass or it has been withdrawn due to their poor behaviour, it is your parental responsibility to make alternative arrangements to transport your child to and from school.

Students must behave well at all times and are responsible for their own behaviour when travelling.  Poor behaviour will result in either a temporary or permanent withdrawal of entitlement to transport.