Infant & Junior School

Infant & Junior School FAQs

Infant & Junior School FAQs for Parents

These are just some of the questions you may have if you are considering Sheffield High School for your daughter. If you have questions not shown below, please give us a ring on (0114) 266 0324 – we’ll be happy to help.

• Will my daughter be offered a place?
  We currently have a limited number of places available in most year groups. Please ask for our Admissions Secretary, Louise Froggatt, on (0114) 266 0324 to enquire about availability

• Will she have to take an entrance test?
  For entry into Reception, girls are asked to come into School with one of their parents and meet the Head of the Infant and Junior School. We then carry out a very informal assessment which checks that we feel that she is ready for school. Alternatively, one of our staff can visit your daughter at her Nursery and carry out the assessment there. For entry into other year groups in the Infant and Junior School, girls are assessed in Reading and Maths; the aim of this assessment is to find out what your daughter can do and takes place in an informal one-to-one situation.

• When can she take the test?
  The entrance test can be taken any day of the week at a time which is most convenient to you and your daughter. We can usually let you know how your daughter has done within a day or two

• How big are the classes?
  In the Infants’ section, our class sizes are very small, with an average of 16 girls or fewer. In the Juniors’ section, class sizes average 22 girls. In the Infant and Junior School we have two forms in each year group

• When could my daughter start?
  If places are available in her year group, she could start immediately or, if you prefer, she could start at the beginning of a term

• How much are the fees?
  In the Infant and Junior School, fees are £2226 per term. Infant and Junior fees include most extra-curricular activities and all sport which is run by SHS staff. Lunches are extra and there is also an additional charge if your daughter wishes to stay until 5.45pm for Teatime Club.

• How much homework is my daughter likely to get?
  In the Infant and Junior School, girls have a small amount of reading or maths homework on 2 or 3 nights per week. Between Years 3 and 6, girls have up to 40 minutes homework on 4 nights of the week. This includes, English, Maths, Science and Humanities. Regular reading at home is encouraged.

• What extra-curricular activities could my daughter do?
  Almost anything you could imagine! As all our sports facilities are on site (Sports Hall, Astroturf, gym, dance studio, netball and tennis courts) she can take part in a range of sports activities. There are alsop lots of opportunities for keen musicians and there are many other clubs and activities

• What time does School start and finish?
  The school day runs from 8.30am to 3.30pm but she can be on site any day from 7.45am in the Breakfast Club and till 5.45pm if she is in the Teatime Club (for a small charge)

• Is there school transport?
  Yes, from many areas in West and South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire. For more information, please click here.

• How will I know if the School is right for my daughter?
  First of all, come and have a look round to get a feel of the School and to see the School in action. You’ll be able to meet some of our girls and teachers. It’s then a good idea for your daughter to come and spend a taster day or two with us, so that she can get to know the other girls and experience what Sheffield High School is really like

• When do I have to make up my mind?
  We will never put any pressure on you make up your mind. Choosing the right school for your daughter is a very important decision. Once the place has been offered, we will give you several weeks to make your decision

To find out more or if you have further questions, please e-mail the headmistress Mrs Dunsford, or phone either her or our Admissions Secretary Louise Froggatt on (0114) 266 0324.

Visits can be arranged any day of the week at a time convenient for you and your family. We look forward to seeing you.

Infant & Junior School FAQs for Girls

• Will I make friends?
  Of course! You can feel a bit nervous, starting a new school. At Sheffield High School, everyone does their best to help you settle in. At first, you will be introduced to a friend in your class, who will show you where everything is and play with you. You will soon make lots of new friends, especially if you are friendly to others.

• How do I find my way around the school?
  That’s where your friend can help (see above). She will go with you to different lessons and show you where everything is. You can also ask anyone else if you need help.

• Is there a choice of meals at lunchtime?
  Yes! Although all girls in the Infant and Junior School take school lunches in the Dining Hall, there is a wide choice every day. For instance, you could choose from a hot vegetarian or hot meat/fish main course, or a vegetarian or meat salad, if you prefer. There is usually a hot pudding, or yoghurt, or fruit for dessert. The menus change every day in a three week cycle: click here to see some sample menus. Senior girls may choose from the cafeteria or bring their own lunch.

• Is there homework?
  Yes. The amount of time you can expect to spend on it depends upon how old you are.
  e.g. Year 2 (age 6) would spend about 20 minutes four times each week;
  Year 5 (age 9) would spend about 40 minutes four times each week;
  Year 7 (age 11) would have up to three subjects per night, spending half an hour on each.
  We also expect you to read regularly.

• What Clubs can I join?
  There are a number of lunchtime Clubs that you can join. We offer a range of sporting, artistic and other activities and you can do different things in different year groups. For the current Clubs and Societies timetables, click here.

• Will the teachers be strict?
  Teachers expect every girl to do her best, so it is important to do all your work as well as you can and hand your homework in on time. But remember, teachers are there to help you!

• How long are the breaks?
  What time does school start and finish?
  We have five, one-hour lessons broken up by either a five-minute break to allow you to get to your next class in time, or a full break. Morning break is 15 minutes and the lunch break is an hour. School starts in the morning at 8.35am and ends at 3.30pm. Girls in Reception classes finish school at 3.15pm.

• Do we get a locker?
  Girls in the Infant & junior School have either a desk or individual tray.

• Can we use mobile phones?
  Yes, but only at break and at lunchtimes. Of course, it must be switched off completely during lessons.

• What kind of school bag should I get?
  A backpack with two straps is best for your back.

• Is there school transport?
  Yes, from many areas in West and South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire. For more information, please click here.

• Will we find our way round the school easily?
  The School Location Map (click here (248 K Acrobat file) may help you, but you will have at least one day to become orientated before you start school.

• What sports are on offer?
  There is a wide variety, the choice is yours!

• Can I have music lessons at school?
  You will have lessons with your class but can also have instrumental lessons (see Applications – Fees).

• What happens if we feel ill while we are at school?
  There is a medical room and trained staff will be able to help you.

• What happens if I am late?
  What should I do if I am away from school?
  What can I do if I don’t know anyone before I come to Sheffield High School?
  I haven’t done my homework, what should I do?
  Where do I go if I have a problem?
  What if I have trouble making friends?
  What if I can’t cope with the work?
  Who will I sit next to?
  All these questions will be answered for you by your form teacher. She or he will help you to deal with any problems you might have such as leaving a book a home or missing the bus in the morning. She or he will help you to make friends and give you advice if you are finding the work difficult.

• Got another question?
  Then Contact Us!. We’ll do our best to answer any queries you may have. Alternatively, you may like to look through the Junior Department Parents’ Handbook which may help you with answers to a number of questions. To download a copy, please click here (205.4 KB .pdf file)