Timetables : JASSPA’s timetable is constructed annually, reflecting each September’s intake of pupils and the classes they have requested. We do not publish fixed times for our activities but instead aim to accommodate all pupils who apply for a September place by our annual enrolment deadline – this year 21st June 2008. For example if we have more 11-13 year olds than usual apply for Drama we add extra classes to our schedule. Please note your child can apply for any combination of activities and we will do our best to accommodate all of their requests. However timing restrictions on your child’s availability may lead to them not being offered a place in chosen group activities. For pupils returning application forms after 21st June, places are given wherever available.

Break Room : If your child applies for more than one activity you will either receive a timetable that has classes running back to back, or a timetable with one or two short breaks. If breaks are scheduled, your child should go to our BREAK ROOM. This is a space for eating, chatting and taking part in table-top activities. Parents are welcome to use this space also.

Split site : Lessons at JASSPA take place in the JAPS and JAGS buildings on East Dulwich Grove. Each week Jasspa 6th formers walk junior aged music pupils to lessons at JAGS Music School as it is up to a five minute walk across the school site. All other pupils are expected to walk to and from classes independently, with parents helping younger pupils learn the route to and from lessons at the start of term. There is always help is on hand at Jasspa’s main Reception, but everyone is ultimately expected to learn their timetable and remember the rooms in which their activities take place. Parents should stay with their child until they are confident enough to be left to manage independently.

Commitment & Behaviour : Pupils joining JASSPA for either individual or group activities should be committed in their approach to lessons as well as regular in their attendance. In the unlikely event of a pupil behaving inappropriately, I on behalf of JASSPA, retain the right to withdraw that pupil’s place with immediate effect.

How long do courses last? : For all activities (except Once upon a story….) pupils sign up for a full year’s course as classes are structured to run for 30 lessons and require an annual perspective. During the Autumn and Spring terms Dance and Drama classes focus on skills based workshops. In the middle of the Spring term these classes then prepare a piece for performance at one of JASSPA’s evening shows. Choir and Big Band courses work towards two concerts, one at Christmas and the other during the Summer term whilst Theory courses work towards exams in June.

If you are unsure about your child committing to JASSPA for a school year, you may be interested to know that our drop out rate is almost nil! If however, any child does become unhappy with their classes at JASSPA, we ask parents to see a member of staff as soon as possible. We aim to resolve all problems quickly and sensitively. If your child decides to leave JASSPA before completing a course written notice of one term is required. One term’s fees are charged in lieu of notice, although wherever we are able to replace a child, notice fees are waived.

How to enrol at JASSPA : Please complete the appropriate application form (select here) and return it to JASSPA with a deposit of £40 per pupil by Saturday 21st June. This sum will automatically be deducted from your first term’s fees but is non-refundable in the event of non-attendance. If, due to over subscription it is not possible to offer your child a place, you will be contacted as soon as possible, and at the very latest by mid July. We hold waiting lists for all activities with realistic estimates as to when places will become available.

How many activities should my child sign up for? : As a rough guide, children aged up to 10 might apply for 1-3 activities whilst children aged 10+ could apply for up to 4 activities.

When will I next hear from JASSPA : If there are no problems or queries with your application, you will not hear from JASSPA until you receive a completed timetable and invoice for your child during late July. We do not contact you to confirm receipt of application. If you prefer to hand deliver your application you may do so to JAPS or JAGS from Monday to Friday or to JASSPA on Saturday 7th, 14th, or 21st June. Please mark envelopes clearly for Beverly Sizer at JASSPA.

Finally, fees will be due the first Saturday that your child attends Jasspa. Your child’s timetable sent to you in July will include all the necessary fee information.

Jasspa can be contacted by email or by calling 020 8613 6444.