Transition

Welcome to South Dartmoor Community College

At South Dartmoor we are fully aware and appreciate the immensely important decision you and your child will be taking when deciding upon a secondary school. It is for this reason we want to provide you with all the necessary information in order to make a fully informed decision.

South Dartmoor has a well deserved reputation as one of Devon’s leading schools, we are extremely proud of the education and opportunities we provide. With a broad and rich curriculum, our journey together starts with an extensive transition programme. Our care and focus upon each individual is enhanced through our pastoral care and teaching.

Performing arts are central to college life, with students committed to many ensembles and performances throughout the year. We benefit from dedicated specialist facilities and offer a wide range of opportunities from an annual production, contemporary dance and more.

This is an exciting time to start your secondary education. Year 6 will be joining a happy and thriving community college and will benefit from the new buildings and facilities on the site including our fantastic library. Standards of teaching are high and our expectations of you will be high also. Everyone at South Dartmoor will give you a warm welcome and your new teachers are looking forward to working with you, and your parents, for the next seven successful years.

Welcome from Mrs Veal - Headteacher

Key Contacts

Please phone or email with any enquiries you may have. From September your child's tutor should be your first point of contact.

College Reception: 01364 652230
Student Absence: 01364 655309
General Enquiries: enquiries@southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk
Admissions Enquiries: 01364 655319
Transition Enquiries: admissions@southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk
Devon County Transport Enquiries: 0345 155 1019

Open Events and Tours

We run several events throughout the academic year, you are also very welcome to book a tour at any time by calling College Reception on 01364 652230.

The College Day

8.40am

Registration and Assemblies

9.05 am

Lesson 1

10.05 am

Lesson 2

11.05 am

Break 1

11.30 am

Lesson 3

12.30 pm

Lesson 4

1.30 pm

Break 2

2.10 pm

Lesson 5

3.10pm

End of College Day

Head of Year

Mrs M Solly will be Head of Year 7 and lead a team of six tutors.

Tutor Groups

The personal tutor is the person students will get to know well and go to first with any questions or problems. Students see their personal tutor every day during morning registration from 08.40 am until 9.05 am.

Uniform

Uniform at South Dartmoor is a symbol of aspiration to excellence and achievement. Every student’s appearance reflects pride and commitment. It is a visible sign that students are ready to learn. Students are expected to wear their uniform correctly and smartly at all times.

Essential uniform items can be ordered using the link below:

https://www.swischoolwear.co.uk/

Transport

You will receive an application for county transport with your child's South Dartmoor admissions notification. Once an application has been made for county transport, those eligible will receive passes and further information during August. If you wish to discuss transport, please phone County Transport on 0845 155 1008.

Every student should think about and plan their journey to and from South Dartmoor in advance. Consider the following points:

Bus passes must be remembered for every journey
Good behaviour is expected at all times when travelling to and from college
If the bus does not arrive after 20 minutes after the normal due time students should go home and contact college.
If a student misses the bus at the end of the day they should go to student reception.
If a student would like to cycle to college they must wear a helmet and have permission (a form is available from student reception)
When a student arrives late or needs to leave early they should always sign in or out at student reception. A note from home is required in order to leave early.
If attending an after school club or activity students must arrange a time to be picked up or register to travel on the late bus (certain areas)

Library

South Dartmoor has a modern well-equipped library which is available before college, at break and lunchtimes.

The library is an environment where students are welcome to come and enjoy an area where quiet and serious independent work and research can take place.

A librarian will always be on hand to help students find resources. Students who arrive early may use the library for home learning, quiet reading for pleasure or preparation for the day.

Scoffers

All meals are freshly prepared and cooked daily on the premises.

Scoffers uses a cashless biometric system, where each student uses a fingerprint or pin to pay for meals and snacks. You can choose to have school meals or packed lunches to suit your day. Free school meals are added to student's account daily. They cannot be carried forward to the following day. Food is served at breakfast, midmorning and midday. Money can be added via ParentPay, cash or cheque.

Menus are designed to reflect the season availability of fresh, locally produced ingredients. The college promotes healthy eating and encourages all students to eat a varied diet (a copy of the School Meals Policy is available from Scoffers office). All vended items meet our healthy eating criteria (low fat, salt and sugar).

If you have any enquiries about the Catering Service please contact the canteen on 01364 655380

Enrichment Programme and Activities

There is an amazing selection of great activities and clubs for you to be involved in. Come along, meet new people and make new friends with similar interests!

See the Daily Student Bulletin for details of clubs and activities on offer.

Special Educational Needs and Learning Support

Support for children include:

Close links with primary school head teachers and Year 6 teachers
TAs working within the classroom supporting named students but helping others in need of assistance
Small group work with students extracted from lessons (Key Stage 3)
Recognised expertise with dealing with students on the autistic spectrum
Some individual support for specific learning difficulties
TA or peer tutoring at assembly times
The Learning Support Centre is available at all times, including break times, lunchtimes for curriculum and social support as well as being staffed to deal with problems at any time during the college day
Some TAs are attached to and specialise in work in nominated departments
Parents are contacted regularly and invited in to maintain close liaison
Parental Support groups for students on the autistic spectrum.
Prompt response to issues as and when they arrive

Primary Links and Liaison Programme

We work closely with schools, Year 6 teachers and parents throughout the whole academic year to ensure that the transition needs of all pupils are met with additional visits available.

Questions and Enquiries

Please contact transition@southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk

01364 652230