Infant & Junior School

Infant & Junior School FAQs

• 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 four week cycle: click here (61 KB Word file) 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.