FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Educational materials and school supplies

Does the school provide educational materials?

Yes. The school provides all teaching materials, including worksheets and resources needed for the activities. There is no need to purchase textbooks.


What utensils should a child have?

A basic pencil case containing a pencil, crayons, eraser, scissors, glue and a lined notebook is sufficient. The pupil or student should also have water to drink.

Is there a shop on the school premises?

No. The school shop is closed on Saturdays.


Can snacks be purchased near the school?

Yes. There is an open branch of Sainsbury's in front of the school entrance where you can purchase snacks before school starts.
What second breakfast to prepare?
We recommend light and healthy foods such as fruit, vegetables, yoghurt or a sandwich. Please avoid sweets and salty snacks.

What are the ages of the children studying at the school?

Our school is attended by children and young people from 6 to 18 years of age. Groups are set up so that students work in teams that are similar in age and language level.

Which core curricula do you use?

The curriculum is based on:

  • ORPEG and MEN guidelines and core curricula adapted to work with Polish pupils,
  • recommendations of the Institute for the Development of the Polish Language (IRJP) for supplementary education,
  • British examination standards in groups preparing for GCSE and A-level (AQA) examinations,
  • original teaching materials specially prepared for bilingual children.

In the younger grades we focus on vocabulary development, reading and writing, and building cultural competence. In the older groups, we work according to exam requirements, taking into account the needs and specificities of bilingualism.

At what times do lessons take place?

Classes are held on Saturdays from 9:30am to 1pm.

Can a child be dropped off early or picked up later?

No. The school is not responsible for children on the premises before or after the start of the activity.

Where do the classes take place?

Harris Academy Chobham
40 Cheering Lane
Stratford, London E20 1BD


What is the school's mailing address?

Eliza Orzeszkowa Polish Language School
6 Robin Crescent
London E6 5XA

The mailing address is used for documents, forms and administrative correspondence.

Are parents allowed on school premises during classes?

No. Parents are not allowed in the school building during class time. After escorting the child, parents leave the school premises.
A return is only possible in justified circumstances (e.g. early pick-up or meeting with the head teacher) and requires the school's permission.
This principle is derived from the safety (safeguarding) procedures and regulations of Harris Academy Chobham.

Who is responsible for the safety of pupils?

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Dr Maksi Kozinska
Deputy DSL: Agnieszka Mitkowska, MA
Contact: [email protected]

How to report absences

Absence must be reported by the Friday preceding the class at the latest by text message or e-mail.
In the event of sudden illness, absence must be reported no later than Saturday morning, before the start of classes.

Who can report an absence

Only the parent or legal guardian, using the telephone or email provided at enrolment.

Do absences affect programme delivery?

Yes. Regular attendance is required for proper implementation of the curriculum. In the event of a prolonged absence, the parent may ask the teacher for class materials.

Could too many absences have consequences?

Yes. After three unexcused absences, a child may be struck off the school's roll.

Can a child leave a class without a chaperone?

No. Any early departure requires the carer to report in person to the teacher or management and collect the child.

Are male and female students allowed to use phones during class?

No. Phones should be switched off and kept in the backpack. They may only be used in exceptional situations with the teacher's permission.

Can children bring toys or electronics?

We do not recommend bringing toys or electronic equipment. These are easily lost, damaged or can be distracting during class.

Does the school require parental duty?

At this stage of the school's operation, parental duty is not in force. In exceptional cases, the management may ask selected parents for organisational assistance. Participation is entirely voluntary.

What rules apply to male and female students?

Pupils are obliged to behave in a cultured manner, respect teachers, peers and staff, take care of school property and observe the prohibition of violence and vulgarity.

What if a child damages school property?

Parents may be charged for the cost of repairing or replacing damaged items.

Does the school take photographs or recordings?

Yes, but only with written parental consent. Images and recordings are only used for educational and promotional purposes in accordance with the data protection policy.

How is the evacuation proceeding?

In the event of an alarm, teachers lead the class along the nearest available evacuation route to the designated assembly point. Pupil attendance is checked in accordance with Harris Academy Chobham procedures.

Does the school issue certificates of attendance?

Yes. The school issues bilingual certificates of attendance at the end of the school year.

Does the school issue certificates of enrolment?

Yes. At the request of a parent, the school will issue bilingual certificates of enrolment, which are needed, for example, for British schools, Polish organisations or official institutions.

Can a trial day option be used?

The possibility of attending trial classes is considered on a case-by-case basis. Each case should be discussed directly with the school directors. The date and rules of the trial day depend on the size of the group, the stage of the programme and the organisational possibilities.

Is parking available for parents?

No. Harris Academy Chobham does not provide parking for parents on Saturdays. Please use available parking in the area or walk from nearby streets. Short stopping at the entrance is only possible in accordance with traffic regulations.

A clock hour lasts 60 minutes, while a teaching hour lasts 45 minutes.

Younger children attend four teaching hours, giving a total of 180 minutes of learning divided into four shorter sessions.

The older groups (GCSE and A-level) work in two blocks of 90 minutes each, which is also 180 minutes of learning, but delivered in the form of two longer modules tailored to young people.

How to pay for classes

Fees for classes are set at the beginning of the school year and paid semesterly.

Can you pay for the whole year in advance?

Yes. It is possible to pay for the whole school year in advance. In this case, the parent will receive one annual invoice.

How can payment be made?

Payments are made by bank transfer to the school account. Transfer details are provided to parents along with termly fee information.

Does the school invoice?

Yes. The school issues termly invoices for classes and sends them by email.

Can you get a duplicate invoice or a statement of payments

Yes. If requested by the parent, the school can issue a duplicate invoice or prepare a statement of payments for the school year.

What about in the case of late fees?

In the event of non-payment, the school will contact the parent to clarify the matter. Persistent arrears may result in the child's participation in classes being withheld