Frequently Asked Questions

• My son/daughter is feeling unwell; should I send them to school?

No! We cannot look after ill students at school. If your child is feeling unwell then they are unlikely to be able to concentrate on their school work, and might also spread their illness to other students and staff. We would therefore ask that you make arrangements for them to stay at home.

• There is a forecast for very bad weather – how do I know if the school will be open?

We will only close the school if we believe that it would be hazardous to staff and students to open. If we do have to close then we will inform the local radio stations (GWR and BBC Swindon Radio) and the Swindon Borough Council Control Room. Where possible we will also put a message on the school answer phone.

• My son/daughter has the opportunity to go on a trip but I can’t afford it. What can I do?

In some cases the school may be able to help with the cost. If you would like to know if this could apply to you then please write to the Headteacher, explaining the circumstances involved.

• What do I need to do if we would like to take a family holiday during term time?

You need to write to the Headteacher requesting permission to take your child out of school during term time. We cannot authorise prolonged absences, regardless of the validity of the holiday, as this will have an adverse effect on their education.

• How do I get a place for my child at Commonweal?

Please contact the Headteacher’s PA/Admissions Secretary at the school for more information; her email address is ldaryan@commonweal.co.uk. Please also see the Admissions Policy on this website.

• My son/daughter is very good at the Performing Arts – will this help them to get a place at Commonweal?

As a Performing Arts College we are pleased to be able to offer up to 15 places each year to any student with a demonstrable aptitude in the performing arts; these places may be in any year group. Please note however that this does not guarantee any student a place as this is only one of the criteria for admission.

• What time do detentions finish?

Detentions finish at 4:10pm.

• My son/daughter is on a school trip. What time will they return?

This information will be on the letter sent home before the trip. Please be aware that if the trip gets back after school has finished that there will only be an emergency contact available.

• How do I make a complaint?

We would hope that most problems can be dealt with through the relevant tutor or Head of House. However, if you do wish to make a complaint then please contact Mrs Daryan, the Headteacher’s PA, for information about the Complaints Procedure.

• What medical care is available at the school?

We can usually only provide First Aid for accidents at school. A school nurse does visit the school on occasion, but this is only to organise vaccinations and other routine matters. We are unable to provide any medical treatment, including changing dressings and treating existing conditions.

If it is essential for your child to have medication available at all times (e.g. for an allergic reaction), then we can store this for them in the First Aid room. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that this stays in date, and the student must still keep medication on them at all times.

• What do I need to do if my personal details change (e.g. phone numbers, address)?

It is vital that we have up to date details for you in case we need to contact you. If any details change then please send the new information to the Data Manager so that she can update your records.

• I don’t want my child to be filmed or photographed – can I ensure that this does not happen at school?

Parents are asked to sign a form to state whether they give permission for their children to be photographed or filmed. If this form is not returned then it is assumed that you consent to any photography. Please note if your child is also educated elsewhere, such as Swindon College, other (but similar) rules apply.

• Is my child allowed to leave school at lunchtime?

If a student has a valid reason for leaving the school at lunchtimes then they should see the Headteacher for permission. If at a later time the student no longer needs to leave the site then they must return the permission slip or inform reception in case of a fire or other emergency.

• What is the correct school uniform?

Please see the uniform section on this website for further information about the school uniform.

• How do I send money into the school (e.g. for trips)?

You can pay for trips and other expenses with cash or a cheque. Please place the money in an envelope clearly labelled with your son/daughter’s name, tutor group and the purpose for the money. Once the envelope is sealed you should sign across the seal.

• My child is going to be absent from school today. What do I need to do?

Please leave a message on the Absence Line, (01793) 427717, so that the student's tutor is aware. You will then need to send in a signed note to confirm the absence.  

• How do I find out about what's happening in school to do with performing arts?  

Contact Josie Williams (Arts Development Officer) email josie@commonweal.co.uk or visit the Performing Arts website, www.commonwealarts.co.uk

• Are PCs available at school for students to use to complete homework assignments?

PCs are available (under supervised access) at lunchtimes.   Special arrangements are made for students in Years 10 and 11 for coursework completion.

• My son/daughter is in Year 10 and needs advice about careers.   Who is the point of contact?

They should contact Miss A Kimber (Work-Related Learning Co-ordinator) in the first instance.   Students also have access to a Connexions Adviser on an appointment basis.