Trinity/Whitgift 2019 thread

When we bought Whitgift kit they did advise an inkpen but didn't have to be a fountain pen - so bought a Lamy Balloon pen that uses cartridges but is more like a ballpoint to use. Might be the same at Trinity?

Yes, we went for the coat - it was only c.£25.

The size of the backpack will definitely discourage carrying too much. I'm now wondering if the valuables bag (that everyone claims isn't used) might be useful in that bag after all.

The school is trying to discourage the boys from carrying too many books so they seem to have gone for a smaller bag

I think the coat is good for cold and windy train platforms but it does depend on your child

Remember you can always get a coat later. You can call the shop and pay over the phone - your son then goes in at break and they fit and label the new garment

We are booked in on Monday. Did you go for the coat? Still not sure what to do about that one. Also is anyone's 10+ DS getting the school bus from East Dulwich?

Anyone bought uniform yet? We bought most of the Whitgift uniform this week. A few items weren't in stock. They now do a sleeveless jumper which DS liked - apparently quite a lot of the new boys have opted for them. Very pleased it could all be labelled there and then. Disappointed with the backpack - seems inadequate - lacking pockets, not much space etc. Thanks to those who recommended not getting the valuables bag.

Seeming a bit more real.

@BalhamMum - we have generally found our form tutors to be very helpful, and kind. No idea whether they are specially trained tbh!

It is a step change from small primary but the boys usually settle down by half term of their first term, once they have got used to earlier starts, new routines, and longer journeys!

@enterparentone we wear shirts long and short according to the weather - T uniform policy is not as strict as others we've found - as long as the boys looks smart.

Hi balhammum2019 - assuming it it Trinity you are asking about, I think we were told about classes/form tutors for First Year at the Saturday morning induction. The boys spent some time getting to know each other in their form room whilenparents heard from the Head etc and we then joined them to meet the tutor. Pretty sure the boys were put in forms according to which 2 languages they were learning, I don't know if there are any other factors as well. I don't know about training for the tutors but I found our son's tutor and head of year very good at helping them all settle in in a low key, unforced, way. Plenty of proactive communication from the Head of Year and form tutor always responsive. For uniform, we got everything we needed from Hewitt's at the induction morning and a second hand sale - no need to make a separate visit to the shop ime.

This thread is so useful! Thanks for all the tips and advice on uniform, equipment, etc. There’s so much to cover!

Are boys/parents expected to buy extras for any subjects as they get older (fancy calculators, foreign language dictionaries, etc.)?

When do we find out about tutors/classes/etc. and are they based on anything (results, sportiness, interview)? They said their Year 6/7 tutors were specially trained for new boys, is that a generic “they’re all great” line or have people found they are genuinely adept at settling new boys in?

We’re coming from a very small primary so it’s quite overwhelming!

Hi @enterparentone, any black rucksack is fine I believe.

This is the one we got this time, which I've been really pleased with so far. No complaints from DS either, it has more compartments, and is easier on their backs. They do have to carry quite a lot of stuff back and forth if travelling by public transport! www.very.co.uk/yuu-yuuschool-bag/1600289744.prd

We only bought more socks and that's it, otherwise one each of the PE kit, but my DS is really more musical so doesn't that much team sport.

They bring the kit home every week so should have plenty of time to wash it.

By locker bags do you mean the PE bag? Or is that the one for valuable items? My top tip on the latter from another mum and a few boys is they don't use them, so not worth buying.

HTH

Hewitts usually come to the school I think it's on Induction day, can't quite remember, and you can purchase everything in one go then in terms of PE kit. That was the main uniform expense. Everything else is pretty cheap - blazer was £18 when we started two years ago.

@enterparentone - T doesn't require a specific school bag - as long as it's black. We initially purchased one from Hewitts but it got pretty bashed up after a year and a bit, and I've now bought a sturdier one with back support which will hopefully last a bit longer!

Thanks AveEldon. Think I'll buy 2 of the outdoor kit as DS always finds the mud. Presumably that's the Games kit rather than PE kit.

Thanks AveEldon this is so helpful !

I was told that the ladies at the Uniform shop are also really lovely and tell what you really need and what are extras ? Hoping they will guide me through it !

Walkingtheplank I have also heard that the valuables bag is never used. So definitely one to strike off the list !

@walkingtheplank - back pack and sports bag are logoed and must be the school ones. Swimming you can get away with non logo

If the boys wear a coat it is supposed to be the school one

Games kit - PE top is white, Games is reversible blue/gold, PE shorts and rugby shorts are different. Rugby boots - you can swap the studs or reuse for football I think. Trainers suitable for indoor use are needed

My kid has worn a plain beanie in cold weather

www.whitgift.co.uk/docs/7872-WhitgiftSchoolUnif.pdf

Having looked at the uniform list, can any existing Whitgift parents share their ideas on what uniform is compulsory/optional?

a) Bags – back pack, valuables, swimming, Olympic sports bag - are they all needed and must they be these specific bags? I understand the Valuables bag is never used.

b) Is the school coat is compulsory; I recall seeing a range of coats when I’ve visited

c) Games kit – PE Shirt and Games Shirt, PE Shorts and Games Shorts – what’s the difference? Are there some sports items that it is worth having more than one of – DS relatively sporty and I’m thinking Autumn could be a muddy term.

d) Sport footwear – only a mention of rugby boots but presumably need trainers, astros, football and rugby boot?

e) List includes a Beanie and Scarf – does this mean that boys can only wear a school hat/scarf.

Any tips on what to (not) buy or what one needs to have more that one of would be really useful.

I can't get the Hewitts site to work properly at the moment, but for PE there is a locker bag like this with the T logo. My DS has had his since J Bugs and is still being used in L6.

I don't know whether is a specific requirement for school bags - there didn't used to be. My Ds has always used this They usually last a couple of years at a time.

ANy swim bag will do, as will any towel.

You will get a list of pencil case requirements! But generally just the standard stuff. The school will specify a calculator - which you can purchase direct from school at a discounted price. Have spares at home - they will get lost/misplaced. I have to say the T lost property system is fantastic and as long as everything is named, things do get back. I don't thin we have ever lost anything permanently.

I am sure you get instructions as to what to bring in when. I really can't remember that far back

There is another second hand sale is Saturday 15th June at 8.30am,

@enterparentone and other T parents

Just seen in the new school diary that there is an induction afternoon for new lower school pupils on 30 August, starting at 12.30.

Whitgift Secondhand Sale will be Sat 11 May 10.30am - 12 midday

My son (joining upper first) will definitely be doing the full three days. He is already fairly familiar with the site, having been in for lots of sports courses over the last year or two, But he is chomping at the bit to get another look at the library. And meet his classmates to be of course. Great opportunities here we come!

I think most boys attended the 3D activity days (sports, music, and library) last year. DS found it very good as he made some friends and familiarized himself with the school facilities. A half day induction at the end of summer is a mandatory academic induction day. They will find out their form and meet their form tutor. You will have an opportunity to meet staff and ask questions when you collect the boys. DS is a very happy and proud Whitgift boy now. Good luck.