Key People

Devine House - An Overview

Devine House is conveniently located in the heart of the village of Iwerne Minster, an easy 5-10 minute walk to the Main House where there is a large day room alongside three spacious changing rooms. All boys are based in the Main House during the day. Day and boarding pupils have access to the two large common room areas, and each day pupil has a large lockable games locker in the changing rooms where they can store games kit and personal belongings.

The boarding house is the former village rectory, where there is a wonderful garden with a small football pitch surrounded by trees. There is also an old carp pond and a newer pond, created by the boys, over the spring that leads into the river Iwerne.

The School Calendar

You can find everything that you need to know about life at Clayesmore in the school calendar. This will be issued to you and your parents on the first day of each term and your tutor will go through with you the important parts of the calendar including the key events and dates during the first tutor session. The calendar is also available online.

However, there is much more to the calendar. In it you will also find some very important information regarding Clayesmore’s core values, the Pupils’ Charter, the school rules and very important sections on the anti-bullying policy and the acceptable use of IT. You must read the calendar very carefully.

Daily Life in Devine

Whether you are a boarder or a day boy this is your home for the next few months or years, so we like you to feel comfortable and safe. However, unlike your home, you are sharing it with many other students, so two of the ‘big things’ you will hear us talk about at Clayesmore are kindness and compassion. Every boy in Devine is expected to play his role and be a part of the Devine family. Boys are expected to make their own beds, tidy up after themselves in the kitchen and to respect the privacy and needs of their brothers. Devine boys are expected to look out for and after each other both in the House and at school.

We try not to have too many rules and regulations, but we try to encourage everyone to think about the impact of their actions on others.

How it all works

Devine is a happy house. Our fundamental philosophy is that we are a family and we look after each other. It is important that we understand that there are few things bigger or more important to us than the House and our friends in it. If we remember this and apply it to everything that we do, then we will be successful in everything that we do. Everyone has a part to play through support, encouragement, participation and a sense of togetherness. Our aim is that you all feel safe, content and part of something very special.

Our Devine ethos

Devine runs on reason, respect and trust.

Key People

There is a team of staff who help run Devine and provide care and support 24 hours a day.

Housemaster: MrCédric Didier

Mr Didier is the Head of French and co Head of MFL. His email is cdidier@clayesmore.com or devine@clayesmore.com

Assistant Houseparent: Mr Richard Dixon: rdixon@clayesmore.com

Matrons: Mrs Steffi Harms (boarding) and Mrs Lucy Meadows (day)

The Devine matrons’ job is to look after the House during the day. They will deal with travel details, daily issues concerning the boys as well as liaising with the Household team, dealing with the Health & Wellbeing Centre and lost property. Mrs Harms and Mrs Meadows are available during the day by telephone (see below) and email: devinematron@clayesmore.com

Visiting Tutors

During the school term the Housestaff are assisted in the evenings by several other members of the academic staff who are on duty from 18:30 to 23:00.

Important Contact Details to put in your phone:

Health & Wellbeing Centre - 01747 813133 Devine House - 01747 813147 Devine Day Room - 01747 813229 Police, Fire or ambulance - 999

Academic Tutors

If you are in Years 9 - 11, you will also have an academic tutor who is part of the House team. The tutor allocations are in the calendar.

Boys in Years 12 and 13 have an academic tutor who may not be part of the House team but who will be their academic mentors and guides.

The Role of the Tutor

You will meet with your tutor Tuesday to Friday to be registered and to talk about academic matters or just to have a chat about how you are managing school life. The tutors let parents and housestaff know how you are getting on with your work and school life so that we try to build a bigger picture of you. Use your tutor as a listener and a guide. The tutor will get in touch with parents to provide contact details at the start of the academic year.

House Prefects

Our senior students in Y13 play a significant role in the running of the House. The senior students also supervise Y9 prep (homework) and help put the younger students to bed. They act as older brothers for anyone who needs a listening ear and they let Housestaff know of things that may not be working well.

House Council

We have a House Council which meets 1 - 2 times a term. This is chaired by the Head of House and this is an opportunity for you to discuss issues, make suggestions and raise new ideas. There are two representatives from each year group on the Council.

Phones

You may have a phone at school, but you must follow the guidelines. Phones must not be used during the day or during study periods in the evening. Social media must only be used kindly and responsibly.

Signing in and Signing Out - Day Pupils

Outside school hours, day pupils must sign in to the house so that we know you are still at school. You must always attend House Line if you are at school after 17:35 or at weekends. When you leave you must inform a member of staff and/or sign out. Please do not wait outside in the dark. Parents should collect pupils from the Main House.

Your Welfare and Wellbeing

The School’s pastoral system should help you through most of your problems. You will, we hope, feel able to talk to one or more of the following:

• Your parents or guardians • Your tutor or any other teacher • Your Houseparent • Your House matron • The school doctor or a medical centre nurse • Any member of the non-academic staff • The chaplain, Mr West • Mrs Newland or Mr Carpenter • The Head, Mrs Thomson • The independent listener, Rev David John 01747 811623

You can also phone Dorset Children’s services on 01258 472652. Ask to speak to the Child Care Duty Officer.

You can also telephone CHILDLINE free on 0800 1111.

Text Shout to 85258 - for help if you feel very low and need to talk to someone impartial.

The Health & Wellbeing Centre

The Health & Wellbeing Centre is staffed 24/7 in term time. Sam Hillyard RGN is the lead nurse and there are 4 or 5 other staff who you will get to know well. The Centre organises routine checkups for boarders and we have a doctor’s surgery onsite 4 days a week. Both day and boarding students go to the Centre if they feel unwell, but boarders might stay overnight if they are really unwell. It is a really welcoming space and you will always find that there is someone to listen to your troubles and cheer you up when you are feeling unwell or low.