St Hugh’s 2022-2023 1|Page
Contents
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Welcome from your Housemaster
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From your Head of House
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St Hugh’s House
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The St Hugh’s Boarding Team
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The St Hugh’s Tutors
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The St Hugh’s Monitors
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Ampleforth’s dress code
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Extra equipment
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Technology advice
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Communication channels
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Money matters
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Health and Safety
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Safeguarding
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Facebook page
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Welcome from your Housemaster You are now a St Hugh’s boy. Welcome! My name is Dan MacDonald, St Hugh’s Housemaster. I am really excited to meet you and to start building a rapport with you. Your wellbeing, safety and happiness are my priorities. In St Hugh’s you’ve chosen a place where every boy can thrive in their own, unique way. You will be encouraged and supported to strive for excellence and to be the best version of yourself. St Hugh’s boys are proud of and loyal to their house. You will spend a lot of time with all the boys here. A St Hugh’s boy ought to look out for his housemates for he knows a supportive house encourages students to thrive and achieve. I expect St Hugh’s boys to dedicate themselves to their house and school communities with generosity and hospitality. My family will do the same. Freddy (9), Audrey (7), Albert (2), Bingo (the dog) and my wife Anna love boarding life and love being part of St Hugh’s. Our kids love spending time with the boarders and really getting to know them; nothing gives Anna and I more pride than seeing them laughing and having fun with the boys of the boarding house. We moved to the Valley in 2021 and have been embraced by the Ampleforth College community. From when you first unpack your things, I expect you to experience the same. You are lucky to have former St Hugh’s boarder, Mr Hugh Ainscough, as your Assistant Housemaster and his family – wife, Holly (another Old Amplefordian), son William, daughter Florence and dog Wicket. On Page 6 Mr Ainscough explains what St Hugh’s House means to him. He recalls it being a home away from home where students were encouraged to achieve and supported along the way to realising their goals. A St Hugh’s boy ought to be an ambassador for his house and school. Life at Ampleforth is underpinned by core values – attentiveness, equilibrium, hospitality, integrity, respect and stewardship – which are central to everything at the College and arm you with your Compass for Life. An attentive team of teachers and boarding staff will accompany you throughout your time at Ampleforth. We will offer guidance and mentorship through your self-discovery and as you determine a pathway to life after school. We take great pleasure in creating an environment where people have the courage to dream and then pursue their goals with rigour. On the back of hard work, St Hugh’s students can achieve anything. This booklet will help you adjust to life at Ampleforth; it is a valuable tool that you should read carefully with your parents so that you are prepared for the start of the academic year. 3|Page
From your Head of House Hello, my name is Freddie and I will be your Head of House for this coming school year. To begin with, congratulations you’ve chosen a great house. In fact St Hugh’s is the best house! You will love it here and it will soon feel like a second home for you all. You will benefit from a superb House team - Mr MacDonald (Housemaster), Mr Ainscough (Assistant Housemaster), Fr Ambrose (our Chaplain), Dawn (our Matron) and Maureen and Terry (our Housekeepers). They’re all extremely warm and welcoming and will always find time for a chat with you. I have just finished my fourth year in St Hugh’s, and they have been the best years of my life. We are all one big family here and it’s a place you will be able to develop and flourish. You will also be making friendships that will last for the rest of your lives. You may feel a little daunted by the prospect of moving to a new place with new people, who you haven’t previously met. I was in your shoes at one point too! We will be seeing each other a lot around the house, so please do speak to me if there is anything at all you’d like to discuss. One piece of advice I’d give you is to throw yourself into as many different school activities as you can, as this will enable you to really settle into your year group and make the most of what the College has to offer. Enjoy the rest of your summer holidays. I look forward to welcoming you all to the house in September. In the meantime, if you have any questions about St Hugh’s or Ampleforth, please do email me at: f.anders@ampleforth.org.uk Best wishes, Freddie Anders
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St Hugh’s House ST HUGH St Hugh was a Frenchman and a Carthusian monk. He started as a novice at 15, ordained a deacon at 19 and became a priest soon after. Eventually he was sent over to England to lead a community in Somerset. From there he was appointed Bishop of Lincoln which was one of the biggest dioceses in England. He became a friend and advisor to various kings, known for his charm and diplomacy; he re-built Lincoln Cathedral and founded schools there. St Hugh’s primary emblem is a white swan, which refers to a story of the swan of Stow. The swan had a deep friendship with St Hugh, following him around and guarding him while he slept. He died in 1200 and you will find a statue of him in the main entrance of the house, as well as this painting. We celebrate his feast day on the 16th November.
HOUSE CREST Our House crest is from the traditional arms of St Hugh of Lincoln, based on those of Avalon in the Dauphiné: “azure, a saltire ermine, between four fleurs-de-lys or.”
HOUSE COLOURS We use burgundy and blue stripes as our House colours, which can be seen around the House and on our House shirts and sports socks – and our House Flag which we regularly take to House events and competitions.
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The St Hugh’s Boarding Team The St Hugh’s boarding team is here to help you in every way. The team can answer your questions and point you in the right direction. Seek their assistance so you can settle into St Hugh’s and Ampleforth College as quickly and comfortably as possible. If you have any worries, problems or concerns let a staff member know. When we know, we can help. If you are feeling unwell or simply want a chat about anything, you can speak to any staff member. You can reach Mr MacDonald at any time during the night. Our Matron, Dawn Butler, prioritises the health and safety of St Hugh’s students. When you arrive at the beginning of the school year and in your first weeks Dawn will guide you through many of our housekeeping routines such as your laundry, cleaning expectations and the labelling of clothes. We are extremely fortunate to have Maureen and Terry, our wonderful housekeepers, who, in partnership with every St Hugh’s boy, keep the house clean.
Mr Dan MacDonald Housemaster dlm@ampleforth.org.uk
Mr Hugh Ainscough Assistant Housemaster haa@ampleforth.org.uk
Miss Dawn Butler Matron dlb@ampleforth.org.uk
Fr Ambrose Henley House Chaplain ambrose@ampleforth.org.uk
Mrs Maureen Nelson Housekeeper
Mr Terry Martley Housekeeper
As an Old Boy of the House, I know that St Hugh’s becomes a home from home for the boys who join it and a foundation for life-long friendships, as well as a supportive environment for them to thrive in. My wife, Holly, who is also an Old Amplefordian, my son William, my daughter, Florence, and lively spaniel Wicket love being part of the House and, of course, find ways to contribute to life in the House. During my time at the school, I loved playing rugby, cricket and acting in the Theatre (as well as meeting my wife of course!). Whatever the interests and talents the boys have, I look forward to encouraging them to succeed in their endeavours. Assistant Housemaster, Mr Hugh Ainscough (H09)
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The St Hugh’s Tutors Your Tutor will be the person to go to directly if you have a problem in a certain subject, are behind in your work, need further challenges or similar issues. You meet with your Tutor twice a week for a Tutorial session and they will also be available on different evenings in House. Our Tutors are from a range of different subject areas and thus can also offer some support during prep. Your Tutor will keep in touch with your parents to update them on your progress and are always available for them to contact with any academic questions.
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Mr Mike Slingsby Year 9 Tutor Physical Education mds@ampleforth.org.uk
Mr Duncan Bradbury Year 10 Tutor Computer Studies djb@ampleforth.org.uk
Mr Hugh Ainscough Year 11 Tutor Christian Theology haa@ampleforth.org.uk
Mr Ralph Pallister Year 12 Tutor Music rpa@ampleforth.org.uk
Dr Hannah Pomroy Year 12 & 13 Tutor Mathematics hrp@ampleforth.org.uk
Dr Sam Rea-Knowles Year 13 Tutor English sbr@ampleforth.org.uk
The St Hugh’s Monitors Your senior leaders are astute decision-makers and set a fine example for St Hugh’s boys. They will help you adjust to the house and will answer any questions you may have about life here at Ampleforth.
Freddie Anders Head of House
Cedd Richardson Monitor
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James Bridel Deputy Head of House
Max Murray Monitor
Josh Archibald Monitor
Ampleforth’s Dress Code The main points to consider for Ampleforth’s day-to-day dress code at school are: SHIRTS ✓ Plain, smart, formal ✓ Ideally ironed (esp. on Sundays) ✓ Light-coloured (white for formal) ✓ Tucked in Top button may be undone during the summer SHOES ✓ Smart and Formal ✓ Black ✓ Leather, Suede or Loafers Brown allowed for Years 12 and 13 only No trainers or boots
JUMPER ✓ Dark, plain and formal ✓ Smart V-neck, Gilet, or Quarter Zip ✓ Worn with plain formal shirt No sport brands or fleece
material
TROUSERS ✓ Dark Trousers ✓ Dark Chinos ✓ Dark Cords No jeans or jean-cut trousers No external rear pockets/studs
For the Ampleforth College dress code and uniform list, please click here.
BACKPACK Bring a backpack to carry around books and folders around school, to enable you maintain good hand hygiene around school. COAT HANGERS Bring a few of these as you will need to hang up jackets and shirts to keep them neat and presentable. NAME TAPES These are very important – please bring plenty of spares with you so that new clothes or items purchased here can be marked. You must not borrow clothes and other items from others (for example games kit) and therefore all items should be labelled. LAUNDRY Please note that there will be protocols in place for collection and return of laundry.
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Extra Equipment In addition to the school clothes and casual clothes to bring, here are some key points about what other things you may consider and bring to the House. PERSONAL SPACE All boys are expected to keep their spaces tidy and to respect the school’s property. As such, students should bring a small waste-paper bin and a laundry basket for dirty clothes. PERSONAL POSSESSIONS Students should not bring any items that are of financial or sentimental value. A boarding school is an easy place to lose things until you are familiar with the place and its routines. Remember also that your personal possessions should be insured on your parents’ domestic insurance policy. SMALL PADLOCK You will have a small lockable cupboard in your space but will need a small padlock to secure it. If you have two keys leave one with Mr MacDonald in case you lose the other. DUVET AND COVERS The school provides pillows and sheets, but you will need to bring a duvet and duvet covers. DESK LAMP Please bring a lamps to illuminate your desk while working and/or your bed space while reading at night. ALARM CLOCK You will need an alarm clock to wake up early for prayers in the morning. Students in Years 9, 10 and 11 will hand their mobile phones and other devices in every night for safekeeping and to be charged for the day ahead.
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Technology Advice Please read this page if you intend to bring any devices into the house. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT If you are bringing any electrical equipment to school, it will be PAT tested. Occasionally, devices fail the testing process – these will be kept by Mr MacDonald until there is an appropriate time to return them. You may not have refrigerators, kettles, toasters, electric fires, electric blankets, and so on. LAPTOPS AND IPADS There is a very simple set of instructions available when you arrive for how to gain access to the school wi-fi system. There are strict rules about when you can and cannot use your electronics which will be explained when you get here. MOBILE PHONE There is no need to have a mobile phone, as you can use the house phone to make calls (+44 (0)1439 766750). However, if you do decide to bring one, the network which works best in our area is EE. There are strict rules about when you can and cannot use your mobile around school, which will be explained when you get here.
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Communication Channels YOUR PARENTS WITH THE SCHOOL Mr MacDonald is the primary contact for St Hugh’s parents and can be contacted at any time. Dawn is another wonderful contact and her details are above as well. Shortly after you arrive your Tutor will be in touch with your parents notifying them of their best means of contact. YOU WITH HOME You can call home or receive phone calls whenever you are in free time. If you have a mobile phone you may not use it during lessons nor prep time (6.30pm to 8pm for Years 9 and 10; 7-9pm for Years 11-13). Please arrange to make calls outside of these times. If a phone call needs to be made during the school day or prep, please liaise with Mr MacDonald. HOUSE PHONE The house phone is available to boys. The number is: +44 (0)1439 766750
EMAIL When you arrive at Ampleforth you will be given an email address.
POST Post is delivered directly to the house and each boy has their own pigeon hole in the entrance area of the house. Parcels arriving in school will be quarantined for 72 hours. Any post should be addressed to: St Hugh’s House Ampleforth College York YO62 4EX
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Money Matters POCKET MONEY and the HOUSE BANK A student only needs money for the occasional outing or extra food. About £10 per week is more than sufficient, which can be held securely in the House bank. Students may ask for extra funds if required and it is possible to receive cash from the House bank each day; any withdrawals will be charged to the school bill. TUCK SHOP The school’s Tuck shop stocks sweets, stationary, games kit as well as things like shoelaces and shaving foam. We also have a small tuck shop in the house. Purchases will Be added to the school bill. CHITS AND SCHOOL ACCOUNTS Most legitimate expenses such as stationery, toiletries, and games kit can be purchased using a ‘chit’ signed by Mr MacDonald, Mr Ainscough or Dawn. The cost of these and of school trips, and other such events is placed straight onto the school bill. TRAIN TICKETS The school has a Travel Co-ordinator (Mrs Suzie Boam) who is able to arrange for train tickets at the start and end of each half-term and Exeat weekends. The cost is placed on the end of term bill. She will email parents each term to ask for travel requests. HOUSE SUBSCRIPTIONS St Hugh’s boys pay £25 per term for subscriptions. This money goes towards getting daily papers, the Now TV subscription, DVDs, board games, and repairs to such things as the snooker table. This amount is automatically charged to the termly bill.
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Health and Safety FIRE The House is equipped with fire doors and alarms in the event of a fire. We have a clear evacuation policy to exit and gather safely at the Astro pitch car park in front of the house. We also conduct regular fire drills and evacuation drills, so students are in no doubt what to do. FEELING UNWELL St Hugh’s staff are trained in First Aid. First aid kits are found in the study, kitchen and Matron’s room. Ampleforth also has an on-site Infirmary, which staff can assist you to if the need arises. Prescribed medications must be securely kept in Matron’s room. Please inform Matron and/or Mr MacDonald about any medication that is accompanying your son into the House. CLEANLINESS Our House is regularly cleaned by our Housekeepers, but students are expected to keep their spaces tidy and to hand their laundry in on time. When returning from sports in muddy boots, there is a boot room you can enter first to take off and clean your boots. HOUSE JOBS There are a number of small jobs which help the smooth running of the House and which will be allocated to you each term. If a particular job causes a problem for any reason, please let the House team know. ELECTRICAL All electrical equipment must be PAT tested and only approved plugs can be used. If in doubt please consult the House team.
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Safeguarding TALK TO THE HOUSE Your wellbeing, safety and happiness are very important to us. You will get to know a broad range of staff who you will form positive relationships with and who you should feel comfortable talking to, particularly if you have a problem or a concern. Usually this will be St Hugh’s staff members Mr MacDonald, Mr Ainscough, Dawn, Father Ambrose or your tutor. TALK TO THE SAFEGUARDING TEAM Dr Alastair Dunn is Ampleforth’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and a central designated safeguarding team is always available to speak to. You can find posters with their names, faces and contact details on our noticeboard and throughout the school. TALK TO OTHERS It may be that you feel that you cannot talk with a member of family, staff or fellow students and you would prefer external resources. We have a range of contact details available on the noticeboard that you can telephone or email. VISITORS All visitors to St Hugh’s House must sign in when entering the House. If a visitor wishes to go upstairs in the House they must be accompanied by a member of staff. There is also a designated toilet that visitors can use on the ground floor. PRUDENCE CODE We have a House Prudence Code with clear procedures on how staff and students interact in the boarding house to ensure a respectful and safe environment for our boys to thrive.
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Social Media We like to promote St Hugh’s House and its boys on social media so please follow the house’s Facebook page. Parents and past students also love staying attuned of what St Hugh’s boys are doing, so please share these accounts with friends and family members.
https://www.facebook.com/sthughs.ampleforth/
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St Hugh’s House Ampleforth College York YO62 4EX 17 | P a g e