Induction of New Pupils

Day Pupils

The parents of a child new to the Dragon will have received the relevant handbook for their year group over the holidays. Parents will be telephoned by the tutor shortly before the term starts and again after the first two or three days to feed back on how the first few days seem to have gone. The day before term begins the child and the parents will be welcomed by the formtaker and will be shown their formroom. They will be given a "buddy" in their form, who is in as many of their sets as possible, who will act as their guide and advisor during their first few weeks. It will be explained that the first port of call for them during the day if they need help or advice would be their tutor. There will also be regular liaison between the tutor and the child's subject takers to ensure that they are appropriately streamed and setted. New children will be discussed on a weekly basis by the Head of Year in year group meetings to monitor their overall progress in settling in.

Boarding Pupils

As far as possible, new boarders will have had the opportunity to come and stay in the House for an overnight stay (usually 24 hours), in order to experience life in the House and at school. During this time a new boarder would be paired with another boy or girl; in the House (a 'buddy') who would look after them and show them around. Each House has its own welcome booklet which explains all of the House routines. There will be a "buddy" in their House when they arrive who will make sure that they are well supported. Again, regular updates to parents from Houseparents will communicate how the settling in process is going.