Downe House Sauveterre

A Séjour in France

Summer Term 2025

Information for Cothill Parents

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Index

Introduction

The Sauveterre Houseteam

Frequently Asked Questions: A-Z

Contact details

Cothill Parents’ Q&A Event

Your questions answered

An event for all parents of children going to Downe House Sauveterre in the summer term 2025.

Friday 14th March at 11:30 at Cothill School

Hosted by the Headmaster, Mr George May and the Head of Downe House Sauveterre, Mrs Lauren Ponchant.

Downe House Statement of Boarding Aims and Practice

Downe House, established in 1907, is a full boarding school, which aims to provide an excellent holistic education for boarders and day pupils within a relaxed but structured House framework. The School aims to enable children to develop academically, socially, spiritually and emotionally in a homely and friendly environment, where mutual trust and respect between pupils and staff are the fundamental guiding principles on which the community was established over one hundred years ago and on which it continues to flourish.

Emma McKendrick

Welcome to the home of

An unforgettable experience in France

The opportunity to go to our Château in Sauveterre, experience another culture and so gain a broader understanding of the world in which we live and work is not only highly valued at Downe House but, as Chair of the Prep School Trust, I am delighted that pupils from Mowden Hall, Cothill House and Kitebrook are also able to take advantage of this unique experience. Our aim is for pupils to experience another culture first-hand, stretch themselves academically and build strong relationships. We want them to achieve beyond their own expectations as well as make an excellent contribution to the wider School life at the Château.

The most impressive aspect of the programme at Sauveterre is that it is always evolving and never stands still. Over recent months, this has been particularly evident as the team has sought out new challenges and opportunities for the pupils post pandemic and we can therefore genuinely say that every visit will be unique!

Downe House Sauveterre is dynamic, exciting and inspiring. Its ethos is firmly rooted in the values of Downe House, which are mirrored by those of the Prep School Trust and centre on kindness, trust and respect for all. There is something for everyone; it is an unforgettable experience.

- Mrs Emma McKendrick, Headmistress of Downe House

A unique opportunity for Cothill

I am delighted that our Year 7s are able to continue to enjoy the extraordinary and unforgettable experience of spending half a term living and learning at Château de Sauveterre. My daughters still reminisce over 10 years later about the friendships, the fun, the day trips and the opportunity to learn a new language and culture. Nestled in a gloriously gently sloping landscape, inspiring vernacular architecture, local cuisine served every day, regular excursions to markets and interlocutions with local characters, it is an experience that will remain with the boys for life. There is something for everyone and everyone takes a little something of Sauveterre with them in their heart.

George May

The key is for the boys to immerse themselves in all that is on offer and challenge themselves to step out of their comfort zones. There is also the opportunity for families to visit for the weekend and there is much to explore in the surrounding towns and landscape.

- George May, Headmaster of Cothill House

of Downe House in France

Introducing Downe House Sauveterre

This is a unique opportunity to experience life immersed in the French culture and language at the 18th Century Château de Sauveterre with children from their school and a dedicated team of staff – there’s no better way to develop independence, confidence and lifelong memories. This is a great adventure, which becomes a highlight of their early educational journey. The Château is not only a beautiful building set on an extensive site, with its own outdoor sports facilities, but it also has the benefit of being within forty-five minutes of Toulouse airport and the city itself, and one and a half hours away from the Pyrenees.

A séjour in France provides each pupil with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture. Teaching and learning are of the utmost importance, and children inevitably make enormous progress in French. They can also expect to be challenged intellectually and personally daily, becoming more independent and confident. The curriculum at Downe House Sauveterre is enriched by the fabulous learning opportunities on its doorstep, set in an area of France renowned for its art, history and geography. Tennis and photography feature in the curriculum, together with dedicated French Culture lessons, Sport and sessions, and Art. All lessons, except English and Mathematics, are delivered in French as far as is practical. By the end of their stay, it is remarkable how much progress the children will have made.

Classroom-based learning is supported by an extensive and stimulating programme of sorties to nearby villages, markets, local landmarks, and historical and cultural places of interest. Children get involved with community-based projects at local schools and charities, which facilitate authentic interactions with young people of a similar age and the local population.

Further key objectives of the time spent in France are for the children to develop their level of self-confidence and also for them to learn to live in a community, having greater understanding of the needs of the people around them. At the end of every stay, we carefully evaluate our practices, their experiences and the academic and social outcomes to ensure that our practices are of the highest possible standard.

- Mrs Lauren Ponchant, Directrice of Downe House Sauveterre

Lauren Ponchant

The team at Downe House Sauveterre

Mrs Lauren Ponchant Head / Directrice of Sauveterre

My love for all things French was first ignited by my very exuberant and equally passionate Senior School French teacher. I soon realised that teaching was the career for me and since then, it has been my aim to pass on the joy of language learning to all my pupils.

I have been privileged to work in both boarding and day schools in my career and to hold a variety of positions from classroom teacher to Head of Languages, Assistant Head and latterly Deputy Head. I am absolutely delighted to be Head of Downe House Sauveterre and together with an experienced and well-established team, I look forward to nurturing your child’s cultural curiosity, French linguistic ability, and wellbeing while they are in our care in France.

Mr Neil Dix-Pincott

Head of Boarding and Pastoral Care

It is a pleasure to be the Head of Boarding & Pastoral Care. I have an in-depth knowledge of the local culture, history, and geography as the Château is in a part of the world I fell in love with as an undergraduate at the Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour. My wife Brigid and I moved vto the area after a long spell as a languages teacher and Housemaster at a boarding school in Cambridge. Although I have a deep-seated passion for the French language and culture, and enjoy teaching it to all ages, I have always found my roles in pastoral care to be hugely rewarding. I look forward to ensuring the children will receive first-class pastoral care during their stay in France, so that they can make the most of this unique opportunity in a warm and nurturing environment.

Our team of experienced educational and pastoral professionals

Throughout their time at Sauveterre the children will be taught, cared for and supported by a team of outstanding Housestaff who will help them make the most of their time in France. We are fortunate to have such a great depth of experience in education and pastoral care within the team, gained in the UK and in France. They are already working hard to ensure everything is in place so that the children’s sojourn in France is educationally and personally rewarding, memorable and most importantly, full of excitement!

The Downe House Sauveterre Houseteam includes:

Mr Edward Stacchini - Head of Excursions and Enrichment

Mrs Annabel Westacott - School Secretary

A team of French Pastoral Assistants

A team of housekeeping, estates and catering staff

A-Z of frequently asked questions

Academic Progress and Reporting

Pupils are regularly assessed throughout their stay and a full written report is published at the end of the visit. You will be notified by email when this document is available and how it can be accessed.

Academic Tutoring will continue as normal and be delivered by the Head and Deputy. There will be a detailed academic handover prior to the pupils’ arrival at Sauveterre and on their return to the UK.

Birthdays

What happens when my child’s birthday falls during their term in France?

We love birthdays at Sauveterre! Please feel free to telephone your child on the special day. Presents and cards are opened in the morning or evening during a small celebration. If you mark birthday post as such on the envelope, we will save it for the special day. Please contact Mrs Annabel Westacott (Westacotta@downehousesauveterre.com) to discuss arrangements for your child’s birthday including, if you wish, a celebration cake.

Communication

How can I contact my child?

Email is a very efficient means of staying in touch, and your child can be contacted using their usual Cothill email address. Time will also be allocated for them to arrange google meets. Any child who does not have a Chromebook will be loaned one, when available, by Cothill.

Staying in touch

Sharing their experiences with parents is an important part of life at Sauveterre and we will invite you to join and regularly visit the parents’ Facebook Group to keep up to date with events in France. We publish a weekly digital newsletter, the content of which is written by the children and staff, who are always keen to share news of their latest adventures and progress.

A-Z of frequently asked questions

Anxious phone calls and emails

Do encourage your child to come to us first with a worry, we are best placed to support the children in the first instance. The children bond better if they support each other and we encourage them to discuss solutions rather than expect parents to intervene on their behalf. We are here to support parents and pupils and we never mind a phone call, no matter how silly you might think it is!

Urgent messages for my child

If you are unable to reach your child by email or phone, or in the event of an emergency, please contact Mrs Annabel Westacott on Tel: 0033 5 62 62 54 73 during office hours 8am-4pm (GMT+1). Outside of these times please send an email with a subject heading of URGENT to: ponchantl@downehouse.net, dixpincottn@downehouse.net and westacotta@downehouse.net. Alternatively please call 0033 5 62 62 54 73 and you will be directed to a member of staff.

Curriculum

At Sauveterre, our curriculum is skills based. Children will develop the same competencies that they would in the UK, but will do so largely through the medium of French. The content also has a French twist and we use our park and environment to deliver outdoor learning wherever possible. Our curriculum is underpinned by subject related ‘sorties’ and visiting experts. We also welcome on site workshops to further develop the childrens’ subject knowledge and exposure to authentic language opportunities.

Tennis and French Culture feature in the curriculum alongside traditional subjects of Maths, History, Geography, French language and more. Our experienced team of teachers liaise closely with colleagues at our visiting schools to ensure the smoothest possible educational transition for the children. Cothill will ensure that the staff at Sauveterre are provided with comprehensive academic profiles of the children, and will remain in very close contact throughout the trip.

Introducing

Introducing Our Teachers

Introducing our Teachers

Mme Lara Sarcevic Teacher of Maths, Science and Learning for Life

Lara is French, and has a PhD in Philosophy and a Masters in Political Sciences. At Downe House Sauveterre, she teaches in French and English, providing a solid immersive experience in learning French while enriching the general culture of the pupils. She is passionate about nature, culture and everything that is science and arts. related.

Mme Céline Szymkowiak

Teacher of Geography, Science and French

Celine is French and lives in the Gers French region. She has taught Geography for many years at the Château. In her Geography lessons, the children will learn about the local area and its culture. She is passionate about the region and enjoys sharing this with her pupils.

Mme Laura Simon

Teacher

of History and French

Laura is local to the Gers, having grown up just outside Toulouse. She is passionate about teaching and learning and has spent many years teaching in both France and international schools abroad. With a childcentered approach, she believes in working closely with young people and their families to help them thrive. She thoroughly enjoys teaching History and French culture at Sauveterre.

Mme Natalie Rodrigues Teacher of Art

Natalia is a talented artist and Art teacher who has taught at the Château for more than 15 years. Natalia is trilingual (French, English and Portuguese) and is passionate about environmental issues and wellbeing.

Mme Victoria Digon

Teacher of French phonetics and pronunciation

Victoria grew up in Spain with her English family. For the last 20 years she has lived in the Gers with her French husband and their children. Victoria is tri-lingual and teaches French phonetics and pronunciation through the medium of poetry and singing. A highlight of the term is when Victoria takes her Downe House Sauveterre choir to regional events to sing to the public with the help of local French children.

Mme Brigid Eades

Teacher of English & Sport

Brigid is British and teaches English and French literature at Downe House Sauveterre. She is a passionate sportswoman and coaches lacrosse in the winter and athletics in the summer.

Her lessons are taught in English and are designed to keep up and improve core skills within the British curriculum, particularly focusing on the ability to write clearly and the analysis of literary texts.

A-Z of frequently asked questions

Electrical equipment

What electrical items may my child bring to Sauveterre?

All boys should take their Chromebooks and chargers with them to Sauveterre. Children may also bring devices such as an iPod, Kindle, e-reader and camera if they wish. These should all conform to the British Safety Standards and be named, including the chargers. It is not advisable for these to be expensive models. No extension leads are permitted in the interests of safety.

Phones are not permitted during their time at Downe House Sauveterre, to enhance the interactions between the children and enable them to take full advantage of all the opportunities available to them during their time.

Children will also need suitable travel adaptors for any electrical equipment. These should convert the existing appliance plug to the standard European round two pin mains plug, for example a UK to EU travel adaptor. For convenience and in case of loss, it would be advisable to bring more than one travel adaptor.

Exeats

Are there any exeats during the visit to France?

Parents are welcome to take their children out on either the weekend of the 13 June or 20 June (6 June and 27 June are closed weekends). Exeat is from 12 noon on Friday and children must be returned to site by 7pm on Sunday (or 8.30am on Monday at the latest). Please inform Mrs Westacott about your Exeat plans as soon as you can. Parents will need to take their children off site if they do decide to visit. Please let us know your exeat plans at least 2 weeks in advance as this allows us to plan effectively for weekend trips. Please email Mrs Westacott with your exeat plans (Westacotta@downehousesauveterre.com)

For information about places to stay & visit please click here: Guide for Visiting Parents.

* Please note if we do not receive 2 weeks’ notice you may be charged for the excursion.

Health and Wellbeing

What happens if my child needs health care?

Your child will remain registered with the GP at home but we work with a local GP who comes to the Château if required or we can take children to his practice in Lombez, our closest village. You will always be informed if they need further treatment. The Cothill Nursing Team will be available to the team in Sauveterre to talk through any concerns and to provide advice as needed. If your child is on regular medication, this should be taken to France, and where possible a supply for the amount of time they are there. Please speak to the team at Cothill who can help to arrange this where necessary.

What should I do if my child is on regular medication?

There will be a full medical handover from the staff at Cothill to the team at Sauveterre so that they are fully aware if your child is on regular medication and so they can ensure it is administered correctly.

Will my child be encouraged to eat a healthy, balanced diet?

There is a wide variety of freshly cooked food available at breakfast, lunch and supper. All meals are taken in the Dining Room and there is always a staff presence. Refreshments are also provided at break and teatime.

Note: If your child is allergic to certain foods or has other dietary requirements, please discuss this with the staff at Cothill so that they can ensure arrangements can be made. Information about allergies resulting in anaphylaxis will be included in the full medical handover to the team at Sauveterre.

Laundry

Children will need to take responsibility for the care of their own clothes: how often things need to be washed, their storage and folding. Laundry is washed regularly. Please do not bring anything which cannot be machine-washed and tumble dried. There are no facilities for children to do their own laundry. Please make sure all items of clothing are clearly named.

A-Z of frequently asked questions A-Z of frequently asked questions

Money - Spending/Pocket Money

Will my child need to bring any money?

Children should bring 80 Euros for use when needed on trips.

What happens if my child runs out of money?

Never worry, your child will be well looked after. The Pastoral Team will always help them out in an emergency. Any additional pocket money given to the child by the School will be added to your end of term bill.

Music Tuition

All instrumental and singing lessons will be delivered online during your child’s stay in France. These will be arranged with your child’s music teacher from Cothill prior to departure. There will be practice times available throughout the week. Please liaise with Mr Lea if you have any specific queries.

Personal Items & Packing

What should my child bring to France?

A sensible amount of toiletries (deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and sun cream) should be brought. These should be named to avoid confusion in the bathrooms. Smaller sizes can be more easily stored.

Valuables - It’s not really a good idea to bring jewellery with you because you won’t be able to wear it at School and it’s just one more thing to worry about losing.

Packing limits - It is important to keep within the airline’s baggage weight allowance.

Cabin Baggage - Only small bags that can fit under the seats of the aircraft are allowed. The children will have no access to the overhead luggage in the cabin.

Packing Your child’s Chromebook - We recommend that this is carefully packed in its protective case and put in your child’s suitcase to go in the hold. It should be fully powered down.

A-Z of frequently asked questions

Musical Instruments - A musical instrument will be treated as an additional item of baggage, unless it can fit into the suitcase or is small enough to fit in the overhead locker or under the seat in front.

A full Packing List can be found on pages 20-21.

Post

It’s lovely for the children to receive letters and post from home, which can posted as normal to the Downe House Sauveterre address (on back page). No tuck please! Please do not send tuck out to france as there are children with very specific dietary requirements and allergies. Please note any import tax charges added to parcels sent from the UK will be added to your end of term bill.

Rewards and Sanctions

Downe House Sauveterre has its own rewards and sanctions system. Rewards are given based on effort, exceptional or improved work. All breaches of discipline are dealt with by the Head or the Deputy Head.

School Code of Conduct

Treat everyone, whether younger or older, with the same kindness and respect with which you yourself would wish to be treated. Any breach of the law of the land is a breach of School rules. No one may put the welfare or safety of another in jeopardy through her/his words or deeds.

Speaking in French

By encouraging the use of French as much as possible in and around the School, we help the pupils to develop the four language skills which are examined at GCSE and beyond (listening, speaking, reading and writing).

Sorties, House activities and other experiences are recorded in individual journals, an effective

and enjoyable way for the children to develop their written French during the term. Frequent interactions with French speakers in School and elsewhere mean that pupils become much more spontaneous and confident in their use of the language. Such impressive outcomes are not easily achieved in the confines of a traditional classroom and help to illustrate the value of this special educational opportunity. On their return to School, the pupils are able to apply these enhanced language skills to help them achieve the highest levels of attainment in future public examinations.

Teaching and Learning

In addition to the ‘sorties’ and outdoor learning opportunities that the Château offers, we are very fortunate to be able to take advantage of technology in our classrooms to support the learning experience for the children.

Travel Arrangements

Do I need to make travel arrangements for my child?

All transport, to and from the UK and transfers in France, will be organised by Cothill. Further details will be issued as soon as plans are finalised.

Uniform and Dress Code

Please can children wear blue shorts and a plain polo shirt as their uniform whilst at Sauveterre. Children should be neat and tidy at all times. Your child will receive a Sauveterre hoodie before they travel to France.

Children will need all items on the packing list. Please do not add unnecessary items of clothing. Storage space is limited, laundry is washed daily, and it is imperative to keep within the airline’s baggage weight allowance. If you have any queries concerning the list, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Uniform and Dress Code

Visa Arrangements

If your child has a child student visa you might need an additional visa to enter France. Please use the visa wizard to check whether a visa is necessary for your child, click the link to access the visa wizard via the French Consulate. Following Brexit, any UK passport holder that plans to spend more than 90 days in the Schengen area in any 180 day period, will also require a visa. We urge you to check what travel your child will be doing to this region either side of their trip.

Weekend Activities

Will I be charged for weekend activities?

Details of the weekend activities taking place during your child’s time in France will be communicated to parents in the first week of term but maybe subject to change. Parents will be charged for excursions and coach transfers. All extras will be added to your end of term bill, which you will receive from the Prep Schools Trust. Extras will be no more than £300

Packing List

PACKING LIST: CLOTHES

1 pair sturdy practical shoes (for wearing around the school)

1 pair lightweight shoes (Crocs) or sliders (for walking between the buildings) NO flip flops please

1 pair practical walking sandals or lightweight shoes

1 pair old trainers (suitable for getting wet or muddy)

PACKING LIST: SPORTS WEAR - from Cothill school uniform list

PACKING LIST: TOILETRIES

Spongebag with toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, deodorant, shampoo and sunscreen

Hairbrush / comb Mosquito repellent

PACKING LIST: MISCELLANEOUS:

You must bring a

Sunglasses 1 duvet cover (single) *no pillowcases or towels

Book for night-time reading

Re-fillable water bottle

Small torch

Camera (optional)

Pencil case with coloured pencils, felt-tip pens, pencils, sharpener, eraser and ruler

Small rucksack or bag for sorties - only large enough to take an A4 clipboard, a picnic, notebook, purse and water bottle. Please note: due to new aircraft regulations, these will be placed under the seat in front of the passenger. (No luggage at all can go in the overhead lockers in the aircraft.)

A single EU adaptor

Important notes:

• All garments need to be machine-washable and suitable for drying in a tumble-drier.

• Please do not pack items which require hand-washing or dry cleaning.

• All garments must be clearly named, preferably with name tapes.

• There are no facilities for children to do their own laundry.

Contact details

Downe House Sauveterre is in the Southwest of France, approximately 50 kilometres south-west of Toulouse and a 45-minute drive from ToulouseBlagnac Airport.

The Château sits within a stunning nine-acre woodland park with sports pitches, tennis courts, plenty of space for outdoor fun and fine views across to the snow-topped Pyrenees. The Château lies just outside the village of Sauveterre, a hilltop settlement, and is three kilometres from Lombez.

Downe House Sauveterre

Château de Sauveterre

500 Allée du Château

32220 Sauveterre

For all general enquiries please contact:

Mrs Annabel Westacott, School Secretary

Email: Westacotta@downehousesauveterre.com

Tel: 0033 5 62 62 54 73 France

Follow us on Social Media

You will be sent an invitation to a private Facebook group for the duration of your child’s stay at Downe House Sauveterre.

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