Sixth Form New Boarders' Guide

New Boarders’ Induction Guide Introduction to the Sixth Form

YOUR GUIDE TO EASING INTO BOARDING LIFE

2. Induction session programme

House orientation - Continued introduction to House, School and key events - Other boarding matters - A review

3. Downe House DNA

Top tips for new Girls

1. Bring a mattress topper for extra comfort!

2. Bring big storage bags/containers; these are very helpful for when you need to move dorms each term. The boxes can also be useful for creating shelves in your wardrobe.

3. Bring a big winter coat as it is freezing in the winter!

4. For international students: don’t bring too much stuff as it can easily be ordered via Amazon and it saves packing space and weight in your suitcase.

5. Bring some of your favourite foods and snacks from home.

6. Bring an eye mask and ear plugs if noise and light affect your sleep.

7. Slides or flip-flops are useful for the showers.

Prioritise the quiet times during the school day – get prep and work done during the School day so you can have fun and socialise in the evenings and weekends!

Hira

INDUCTION SESSIONS

1. house orientation

This session will familiarise you with the important aspects of boarding in York House. You will be introduced to your buddy (if you have not already met them!). They will help you with all things boarding; you will have another academic buddy who you share lessons with.

Key points we will cover:

• House orientation: Where are the key areas and who do I go to for help?

• Fire drill process

• Dorms

• Medication and what to do if you are unwell

• Signing in and out of the boarding house

• Check-ins and registration

• Mail and laundry

• Downe House language and lingo

• Where to find information

INDUCTION SESSIONS

2. continued introducation to the house, school and key events

This session will review more specific House things such as kitchens and uniform/ stationery, but also introduce you to key events that happen across the School. We will also discuss what weekends look like at Downe House.

Key points we will cover:

• Kitchens: cooking, food restrictions, fruit orders, takeaways

• Weekends and exeats

• Uniform, stationery and general school supplies

• Boarding structure at Downe House, and an introduction to house competitions

• Weekly events (chapel, assemblies, lectures)

• Key school areas: IT, library, gym, school fields, Health Centre, lost property, both dining rooms, reception

INDUCTION SESSIONS

3. other boarding matters

This session will give you a chance to ask questions to a former new girl who is currently in Upper Sixth. We will also review lessons, timetabling, and the behaviour policy.

Key points we will cover:

• Final orientation around House as needed

• British lifestyle – hearing from current Upper Sixth about challenges they faced and how to overcome them

• Celebrations – birthdays, religious holidays

• University open days

• Lessons/timetables and extras such as study sessions, individual music, drama, sport

• Behaviour policy – key points

INDUCTION SESSIONS

4. A review

This session gives you the opportunity to provide feedback to the housestaff. Is there anything that would have been helpful in one of the earlier sessions? Is there anything you would still like to know? We will also look at leadership opportunities across the School that you might like to get invovled with soon.

Your name:

SIXTH FORM CHARACTERISTICS

The Downe House DNA

In the Sixth Form at Downe House, our aim is to help you become an independent and resilient young woman. We have seven characteristics that we hope you will achieve by the end of your journey.

Here is a list of those characteristics, as well as some possible activities you can engage with in order to achieve them.

• Independence: Student-led societies e.g. STEM Society

• Leadership: Ivy House Leadership Award

• Teamwork: Leadership role, House competitions

• Resilience: Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award

• Intellectual curiosity: Phoenix Society

• Empathy and service: Academic/Peer Mentoring

• Integrity: Community volunteering

• Courage (Outward Looking): Enrichment lectures