WELCOME TO YORK House
Your guide to everything you need to know
Welcome to York! We hope that you will be very happy with us in your Sixth Form years. We have put together this guide to living in York, which we hope you will find helpful. Please do read it and, as always, do not hesitate to ask us if you have any queries.
Wishing you a happy and successful time in York.
Mrs B Mears-Smith and Mrs S Waite-Roberts
Housemistresses
Mrs Beth Mears-Smith - York BMS
Mrs Stephanie Waite-Roberts- York SWR
Assistant Housemistresses
Miss Luce Pickford- York BMS
Miss Lucy Setterington- York SWR
House Matron
Mrs Elizabeth Roshier
The School Code of Conduct
“Treat everyone, whether younger or older, with the same kindness and respect with which you yourself would like to be treated. Any breach of the law of the land is a breach of school rules. No girl may put the welfare or safety of another in jeopardy through her words or deeds.”
A-Z Guide
Alarms
Have you found your nearest two fire exits? Please make this a priority.
In the event of a fire, the fire alarm will sound, a long continuous ring. You must evacuate the building immediately by your nearest fire exit turning off any appliances, shutting doors and windows, as you go.
Please go straight to the assembly point on the tennis courts next to Willis House. You should be in alphabetical order, in silence and await further instructions from House staff. No one can re-enter any building until permission has been given.
Burning bacon or toast will definitely set the fire alarm off, as will sprays, clogged up hairdryers, foreign bodies (flies) and even steam; they are very sensitive. A buzzing (warning) sound will emanate should the alarm detect any of these triggers. Please find a member of the House staff immediately having switched off any appliances. The Caretaker responds to the prealarm, which indicates a problem, he has 10 minutes to investigate before the fire alarm goes off.
Some of the doors in York are alarmed. This is for security purposes. These doors should only be opened in an emergency i.e. all other exits are blocked or it is your nearest exit during a fire alarm.
Appliances
All electrical appliances brought to School, i.e. hairdryers, straighteners, lamps, extension leads, and mobile phone chargers, computer battery packs etc. should carry the BSI Kitemark, and must be tested by the Maintenance Department for safety reasons before use. Please let the York Matrons know of any appliances that need testing.
Please respect all House appliances and remember to turn them off when you have finished with them. Do not leave appliances, lights or music on in your room when you go out. Please report to the Matron any fixtures, fittings or furnishings that need attention as soon as you notice them, so we can have them fixed.
Appointments
If you have an appointment, i.e. dentist, doctor, university visit, please let a member of the House team know in person or through Teams/email so we can book any taxis. Please also remember to ask permission from any teachers whose lesson you may need to miss. Obviously, you should not book driving lessons when you have assemblies, Chapel, lessons or any other commitments.
Assembly and tutor times
The Whole School Assembly takes place on Monday morning at 8.30am. Remember that the rest of the School look up to you; please ensure that you are prompt and dressed smartly in your suit.
We will meet promptly in the Main Common Room at 8.20am.
There are also Sixth Form assemblies on some Tuesday mornings. Please check your calendar and the Week Ahead on Teams.
You will agree with your tutor a mutually convenient time to meet weekly for support and to discuss your academic progress. It is important that you attend these meetings promptly. In order to provide the best possible support and care for you, your Housemistress and tutor work closely together, and speak very regularly. If you have any concerns about your tutor meetings, please discuss this with your tutor and/ or Housemistress – we are all here to help you. Make sure you do not book your tutorial meetings during assemblies, chapels or other commitments.
Bottles of alcohol
It goes without saying that alcohol is not allowed in York, unless served by staff at a House function. If you are given alcohol as a present, then please hand it in to your Housemistress for safe keeping. Anyone found with alcohol will be given the relevant sanction in line with the behaviour policy.
Breakfast
Breakfast is compulsory in Willis Dining Room between 7.30am-8:00am. Please go to the staff table to register when you arrive. We don’t wake you up in the morning so make sure you set your alarm! As in the real world, there will be consequences for persistent lateness.
Case room
Many of you will of course have suitcases with you when you arrive, and will need them again to travel home. As the storage in House is limited, we take most suitcases to a central storage in another part of the School. It is important that your suitcases are empty when they are ready to be stored, otherwise you will need to keep them in your dorms.
We have some storage in House, but this should be for small cases that you might need for short exeats. All cases should be clearly labelled with your names and ‘York’ (we can help you with this).
Cars (UVI only)
There is a limited amount of space for cars to be brought back to School when you are in the UVI. Priority is given to those with positions of responsibility. Permission from the Housemistress must be sought, and there is a form to complete which must be signed by your parents. You will also need to provide appropriate documentation, such as driving licence, insurance details and MOT certificate.
If permission is given, you will be allocated a parking space, where you should park on each arrival to School. Car keys must be returned to the Housemistress after each journey. You are not allowed to take other pupils in your car unless they have your parents’/ Housemistress’s permission. Your parking permit must be displayed at all times when on the School site.
Check-in
All LVI should be back in House by 9.15pm for checkin and handing phones in. It is slightly later in UVI. The exception to this rule is when you might be on Lower/ Upper School duty. If you have another reason to be returning late, please let the House staff know. you have checked in. It is a serious contravention if you leave the House after this time as we cannot be responsible for your safety.
House staff will come to your room for evening checkin, and to say goodnight. You need to be on your own corridor by 10pm. Please remember that if we cannot find you within the designated time, for your safety, we are obliged to inform the Headmistress. Our first priority is your safety, and we would really value your assistance in making York as safe and secure as we can.
Cigarettes and Vapes
We are sure we don’t have to remind you that smoking or vaping is not allowed anywhere in the House and the School is a no smoking/vaping zone. Please remember that there are sanctions for being caught smoking or vaping, possessing or providing any smoking or vaping materials or being in the presence of someone else smoking or vaping; these sanctions can be found in the back of the digital Key Dates and Information booklet on the Pupil Hub. However, if you wish for support to quit smoking or vaping then please speak to the Health Centre or House staff and we will do what we can to help. Herbal cigarettes will be treated the same as tobacco.
Please remember that the woods and playing fields are out of bounds after 6pm, although the playing fields are available for training if the Housemistress has given permission first. Please remember that you should sign out if you are visiting any part of the School site that isn’t for your usual timetabled lessons at any point during the School day.
Cooking in York
There are fully equipped kitchens in each wing where you can make drinks and snacks, although all main meals should be taken in Willis Dining Room during the week. Kitchens are kept locked over main mealtimes. It is the individual’s responsibility to leave the kitchen area clean and tidy after use. If the kitchen is not left in a suitable condition, it will be locked and members of the corridor will be asked to volunteer to clean the kitchen. It will remain locked until this is completed. Be aware of the fire alarm and supervise your cooking to avoid the alarm going off.
We have to abide by strict health and safety rules, so if your food is out of date or incorrectly stored it will be disposed of without warning.
Computers
York works on a wireless system and you should be able to access SchoolBase and the internet from anywhere within the House, any problems please see a member of the House staff. There is a printer in the conservatory, please inform a member of staff if a printer runs out of ink and do not try to change the ink yourself.
Dorm requests
In the second half of the Michaelmas and Lent terms you will be asked to fill in a digital dorm request form with the names of six people you would like to be near for the following term. Once rooms are allocated changes cannot usually be made, so let your Housemistress know of any concerns you have about rooms or neighbours when you put in your request. We guarantee you at least one person from your list.
Dress code for Sixth Form
Please respect the dress code during the school day and remember that blazers are required to be worn at all times when you leave the boarding House. Shirts should be tucked in and you should be wearing dark tights with no holes or ladders. Please ensure all clothing is in good repair. Black leather shoes should be worn.
Duty rotas
There will be duty rotas in place from September of LVI to ensure the kitchens are well cared for. If you show good initiative and collaboration to keep the kitchens tidy, we will look to relax the duty rotas. However, this may be change if they become too messy. Please make sure you take your crockery out of dorms every day and do not bring Murray Centre mugs back to House.
Environment
We believe in mutual respect for our surroundings and each other, so please keep the noise levels down during the day and when people are trying to study or sleep at night. Between 7pm-8.30pm the House has quiet time to allow those who wish to study in their dorms to do so. The House should be quiet from 10pm so that girls who wish to sleep may do so.
Keep your room tidy and floor space clear otherwise the cleaners can’t clean. Food, dirty bed linen and used crockery in a room will attract ants and mice. Please don’t encourage them. If you wish to use oil paints in your room, remember that you will be responsible for any damage to carpets etc. and that you must only use white spirit in an appropriate bottle, which can be collected from your Housemistress and that you must keep your room well ventilated at all times. Please do not paint in communal areas as we do have some girls in House with allergies to the solvents.
Events
We ask the House Committee to help organise the House Charity event and other events. Suggestions or help for these events are always welcome. If you have an idea, talk to your Housemistress first.
Exeats (weekend leave)
York House always aims to run fun activities at weekends and girls who stay enjoy the opportunity to stay on top of their work in a relaxed environment. You are very much encouraged to stay in at weekends.
There are ‘House Weekends’ at the beginning of each term (and the end of term for LVI), where we ask everyone to stay in school. In addition, there are other weekends when you are likely to need to be in, such as the Seniors’ training weekend and Remembrance Sunday. Please look ahead in your calendar and plan carefully when you may wish to be out. Please also remember that if you wish to go out you must have fulfilled all of your School commitments and that your work must be up to date.
You will need to complete the digital form by 6pm on a Monday if you wish to go out at the weekend. You can leave for your weekend after midday on a Saturday, once all School commitments have been fulfilled, and you must be back by 8pm on Sunday so that you have time to get organised for lessons on Monday before you go to bed. It is very important that any changes to your arrangements are raised with the Housemistress before Saturday, so that she knows if you are in or out overnight; and a phone call to House staff if you are experiencing a problem getting back should be made as soon as possible.
There are two ‘House Weekends’ in UVI per term but outside of these UVI may choose whether or not they wish to stay in, providing that their work is fully up to date and they have fulfilled all School commitments. Please see ‘signing out’ and ‘taxi bookings’ under the appropriate heading for related information.
Food orders
We are happy for you to order takeaway food on a Saturday night but please ensure that this is delivered before 8.30pm. You will need to notify staff that you wish to have a takeaway using the digital weekend arrangements form. If you have not signed up for a takeaway, then you have been accommodated for in the dining room and will therefore be expected to eat in Willis.
Due to the congestion it causes for returning parents, food should not be ordered on a Sunday.
For security reasons, you may not order takeaway food without the House staff’s permission and should get a member of staff to accompany you outside to pick up the food from the delivery person.
No external food orders are allowed to be delivered to site, like Sainsbury’s etc.
Fruit
Individual fruit orders are arranged at the beginning of term and delivered to the House every Wednesday, and can be collected from the Matron’s desk. In addition, we have a supply of House fruit.
House Committee
The House Committee is a valuable and important part of House life. It has responsibility for helping to organise co-educational events, enrichment activities, and charitable events as well as giving you a conduit to the ‘powers that be’! Please feel free to volunteer if you would like to be involved! Sub committees will include the Leavers’ Book committee in UVI as well as Food Forum and Co-Curric Forum.
House meetings
In LVI these take place on Monday mornings at 8.10am, and occassionally on Wednesday evenings if we have more notices to share. In UVI they will normally only take place on Wednesday evenings. If you need to miss a House meeting, please let your Housemistress know in advance.
Internet and social networking
As members of the Sixth Form you have extended internet use up until 11pm in the LVI and until 12 midnight in the UVI to allow you to undertake research for your academic subjects. Social networking sites are blocked during quiet time i.e. from 7pm-8.30pm. Please be mindful what you publish on social networking sites as they are easily accessible even through security settings.
Laundry
The laundry collection day is Wednesday (personal) or Thursday (sheets, duvets, towels etc.). The laundry storage room is near the matron’s area in South corridor. All laundry should be taken to the matron’s area and placed in the appropriate bag/basket the evening before. Clean linen is available in the linen room and the returned items can be collected on Friday.
There are several laundry rooms in York: 1st floor North; ground floor South and facilities in West and East. Washing and drying facilities as well as drying rooms allow for personal laundry to be washed ‘in House’. It is important the machines are switched off when not in use and the area is left tidy and free of rubbish or unwanted clothes. The laundry rooms are locked at 8pm in the evening to ensure the machines are not on when people are trying to sleep in the dorms next door.
There should be no new wash/drying cycles after 8pm. Please be considerate of those who have a room next door to the laundry rooms and may be trying to work or sleep.
Ironing boards—please put away after use and ensure irons are unplugged, the water emptied and then left in a safe upright position to avoid accidents.
Leaving the School campus
Permission to leave the School campus must be sought from the Housemistress or a member of the House staff in plenty of time. Please make sure you have discussed your reason for leaving with the Housemistress or House staff. Emails or telephone calls from parents should be directed to the Housemistress or, in her absence, her Assistant.
Sign out and back in upon return. See ‘Signing out’ and ‘Taxi bookings’ for further information.
Lock boxes
You are each provided with a lockable cupboard for your valuables. In order to avoid losing anything precious, please do make use of them. They operate with a padlock, see the matron if you are having a problem with using it. If you would like your Housemistress to store your money or passport then please do just ask.
Medical matters/health care
It is very important you advise the Health Centre of any medication or home remedies i.e. iron tablets, cold medication, vitamin pills etc. you are taking. Some medication can only be issued by the Health Centre or House staff. You are not allowed to have your own supply of medication in your dorm, including paracetamol, even if it is locked in your lock box. This is both for your own and others’ safety and anyone found with medication will have it removed and locked in the House medical cabinet.
If you have been abroad and/or you have received any medical treatment during the break/holiday you should let the Health Centre know.
The Health Centre times for Sixth Form are on the digital notice boards, but briefly please attend after breakfast or at morning break or evening surgery. Other times should be avoided unless it is urgent. House staff are available at any time should you be unwell and need attention during the day, evening and night. Come and find one of us or send someone to notify the team.
We encourage you to book your own Health Centre appointments directly with the HC, through Teams or email, or you can ask the House staff to arrange this for you, but appointments should not be booked during lessons where possible. We also have basic medicines in House if you are feeling unwell.
Mobile phones
Please note that you are required to hand your phones in overnight at 9.30pm, and collect them from 7.30am each morning. Phones should not be visible around school site including lessons, dining room and Murray Centre. Phones should be left in the boarding House.
If you are leaving the school, eg. school trip, fixture, going home, you should have your phone on you and ensure you have House staff numbers saved (or Teams downloaded on your phone). Especially on weekends it is important we are able to reach you, so please take your phone, fully charged.
If your phone number changes through your time in York, please let House staff know.
Anyone found with a second phone will serve a sanction. Phones should not be used around school during the working day.
Packing - end of term
If possible, we suggest you take things home over weekends prior to the last week of term, to make life easier for yourself and your parents whilst packing for the end of term.
We require packing and room clearing to be completed the evening before the end of term so we can do final checks of your dorms.
We expect you to leave your room the way that it was found. This is preparation for real life when you would need to clean any accommodation that you vacate.
Some cases may be left by overseas pupils but this should be limited to no more than 2 suitcases and must be arranged with the House staff.
House staff will do a final check of lights and windows after you have left, but please turn all plug sockets off and leave your window shut and curtains closed.
Post
Post can be collected from the pigeonholes in the Main Common Room, usually by 3pm, depending on the postman. Larger packages may be delivered later.
Privacy/problems
In York, we hope you enjoy getting to know all the staff, and we want you to feel you can come and chat to us at any time we are available. Feel free to visit us in the main York office or in our personal offices, but please knock if the door is closed. If we are not on duty or somewhere else in school, you should be able to find another member of staff somewhere in the House. If you cannot find someone, feel free to call the House phone or one of us via Teams.
Our time off can be found on our office doors as well as here:
Mrs Mears-Smith: Tuesday all day and Wednesday morning (and Friday evening).
Mrs Waite-Roberts: Thursday all day and Friday morning (and Monday evening).
Miss Pickford: Thursday all day and Friday morning (and Monday evening).
Miss Setterington: Tuesday all day and Wednesday morning (and Friday evening).
During our time off, other members of the team will cover and manage any issues you may have.
Punctuality
Please ensure you arrive on time to meetings/lessons/ appointments. This is a sign of respect and good manners.
Quiet time
This runs from 7pm until 8.30pm during the week. The House should be quiet at this time and you are strongly encouraged to use this time for work if you are not involved in an enrichment or extra-curricular activity. Please avoid disturbing others who are trying to work. Supervised study periods also run at this time and your tutor will talk to you about which days you will attend these initially.
Signing in and out
It is a legal requirement that we strictly adhere to this procedure. This is for your safety and security. There is a signing out book on the dresser next to the matron’s area.
Sign out (and back in) when you leave the campus for any reason: driving lessons, weekend leave, etc. or after lessons when visiting other places on the School site i.e. library, art block. Take your mobile!
It is YOUR duty to sign out every time, writing legibly, filling in the correct details, and signing back in every time. Please remember that your friends may not do it for you!
Thank you for your maturity in helping us with this.
Taxi bookings
Taxi bookings should be made as soon as possible (at least 24 hours’ notice!). Please see a member of House staff with your details. Once you have logged your request, House staff will place the booking online with the taxi company. Please don’t leave it to the last minute or the night before! Allow plenty of time to get to the station.
Please request any weekend taxi bookings by Monday 6pm. Any changes must be taken up with the Housemistress or House staff as soon as possible. We are flexible but ‘forgetting’ is not a good reason for a late booking. The taxi company will only accept bookings for DH girls from members of staff. End of term taxi bookings go through bookingst@ downeHouse.net and cannot be booked by House staff.
University visits
University visits require a completed form which is available from your Housemistress. You must seek permission from all your subject teachers to miss their lesson and ask them to sign your form. You also need permission from the Head of Lower Sixth or Head of Sixth Form and you must then return your form to your Housemistress. You are only permitted to make three private university visits during School time. All other visits must be undertaken during the holidays.
Water
There are several water fountains in the House (East and South corridors and Main Common Room). We are a plastic-free House as much as possible and so the fountains do not have cups available. The expectation is that you use a refillable water bottle. A named York water bottle is provided when you join the Sixth Form.
Weekend Check-in
At weekends there are four check-ins: breakfast, 1pm, 5pm and 9.30pm. It is your responsibility to go to House staff and check-in. There will be a member of House staff positioned in North Common Room. As we do for the rest of the week, you will be checked in your dorms at 9.30pm.
Health and Wellbeing
Life at School can be very busy. Life in the Sixth Form can be even busier. Juggling your commitments and your school work can sometimes be stressful but it is important that no matter how busy you are, you look after your body and your mind.
Eating a healthy balanced diet is a good start. You need to refuel your body with the right balance of nutritional food and try not to rely on sugar and caffeine to get you through your day.
If you eat well, sleep well and exercise regularly you will have the energy to cope with your busy days; staying up all night to get an essay finished is never going to have a happy outcome!
In the Sixth Form, you are welcome to use the gym in the Farr Centre at any time during the School day, up until 10pm. There are also regular dance, yoga and other exercise classes available in the evenings and weekends. We encourage you to take regular breaks and get some fresh air as much as you possible. This works wonders to help you remain calm and in control. We have also introduced tapping classes, meditation and even Indian head massage classes which have been very popular in the past.
Remember that if things are getting on top of you, then there are lots of people to turn to. Your tutor can help you manage your time, your House staff are always there to listen. The Health Centre can always be relied upon for sensible, confidential advice and even a back massage if you ask nicely. The School Counsellors are always available for a chat, and you can make an appointment at any time through the Health Centre. These meetings are entirely confidential. Remember the Chapel is always open, regardless of your religious beliefs, and is the perfect place to take five minutes of quiet contemplation during a busy day.
We all live together in a community, so look out for your friends as well. Often a kind word or a smile may be enough, but if there is something more serious, you can always ask for advice if you are worried about someone.
Try not to dwell on things that have not gone so well - think about them, then how they could be made better. Then draw a line under it and move on. If you are not sure how to make them better, ask someone else for help, it is always better to have a practical plan to move forward rather than procrastinating. Don’t worry about things you can’t change - think about how to change the things you can.
futures department
The Futures Department will be a hugely important source of information and support to you during your time in the Sixth Form. They can offer a huge range of services and advice if you communicate effectively with them. These include:
• DH LINKS - work shadowing and contacts
• Course choice help
• UCAS and overseas university applications
• Foundation course advice and applications
• i2i – internships
• Oyster Society (Introduction to Industry)
• Preparation for Oxbridge
• Global Exchange opportunities to Japan and Sweden
Careers and university applications timeline: Lower Sixth
Michaelmas term
• Explore relevant taster courses and work experience including Debate Chambers, ISCO and London Universities, and attend any of interest
• Talks concerning ‘How to choose courses’ and ‘Career taster courses & open days’
• Attend an individual review with Futures Department during the latter part of the term
• LVI Higher Education guidance/UCAS Day with parents
• Alumnae & parent networking groups organised by DH LINKS
Lent term
• Attend taster and enrichment courses
• Gap year talk
• Presentation on i2i (Introduction to Industry scheme)
• Conduct thorough research on ‘Which Course?’ and discuss with tutor
• Introduction to Oxbridge process
• Medicine talk
• Start university entrance tests preparation
Summer term
• Attend an individual review with Futures Department on university choices
• Gap Year Fair & Overseas Universities Fair
• Talk on ‘How to choose universities’
• Attend one or two Open Days (two visits will be made in each school year during term time after seeking permission from HsMs and HoS)
• Careers programme on personal statements, UCAS, self-assessment etc. Get guidance on the first draft of your personal statement and summer reading
• Workshops on interview technique
By the end of the LVI you should be in a position to: choose a degree course and HE institutions, complete your personal statement and UCAS and other application forms and to plan your gap year.
Upper Sixth
Michaelmas term
• Log onto UCAS Apply
• Inform your tutor if you are an ‘Early’ (Oxbridge, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or Dentistry), Main, Post, Overseas or Foundation
• Attend an individual review with Ms Akhtar or Mrs Llewellyn in early September (Early applicants to see Mr Atherton and/or the Oxbridge team as well)
• Art Foundation students should meet Mrs Llewellyn for advice
• Complete personal statement
• Complete online UCAS Apply by internal deadlines.
• Attend Oxbridge Interview workshop and practice day with Oxbridge Applications
• Entrance exams for Oxbridge, Medicine
• ‘Early’ interviews may start at the end of November/beginning of December
Lent term
• Talk on ‘University offers, what next?’
• Attend talk on ‘Managing your finances’
• Finalise gap year plans
Summer term
• Attend Gap Year Fair
• Make final choices on UCAS Track regarding your Firm and Insurance places
• Apply for LEA loans and grants
DH LINKS networking events will be on offer each term for the LVI and UVI
Advice from RECENT
“While it’s important to find a good balance between work and fun, I really encourage you to make the time to enjoy yourself—especially during Lower Sixth. These two years will pass quicker than you think, and looking back, my Michaelmas term in Lower Sixth was by far my favourite. I made the effort to meet new people, build friendships, and create so many lasting memories. Now that A Levels are in full swing and I don’t get to see my friends as often, I have no regrets—because I truly made the most of that time. Sixth Form is a special chapter, and I’m sure you’ll love it. Make the most of every moment!” (Mwansa Banda)
Mondays“Work hard and play hard - stay on top on your work because deadlines move faster than you think, and don’t be afraid to ask your teachers and House-staff for help! But it’s just as important to balance this with breaks and time with friends. These years fly by so remember to enjoy the journey too.” (Amelia Tam)
“My tip is to try to figure out who you are! (I mean who you REALLY are). Sixth Form is a special time to individualise: you get to choose everything from the colour of your nails to your major in university… What is your interest? Where lies your strength? What defines your style? How do you socialise? How do you wind down? What are your boundaries? You do not need to have all the answers yet, but start thinking. Figure out where you sit before getting lost in all the amazing things that are about to happen! Another piece of advice: please do not overdose on caffeine.” (Keren Feng)
“My main piece of advice is to really appreciate the time you have with your friends in school and the memories you make as Sixth Form goes so quickly. Make the most of every opportunity you have in school and don’t be scared to try new things!” (Freya Hanbury)
Upper Sixth leavers
“My biggest piece of advice is make the most of everything. Get involved in everything you can, have fun and make as many memories as you can in your last two years. Sixth Form will go by so quickly and you want to be able to look back on it fondly. As important as your studies are remember to there is so much more to take in, enjoy and experience. “ (Yasmin Aird)
“I would recommend having a self-care day at least once a week; school is super important but your health comes first! Personally, hair and face mask combos are my fave and you could do these with your friends!” (Helena Yuan)
“Try not to stay stuck in your room if you’re feeling stressed, reach out, even just with a Teams message. People do want to help. Don’t let things pile up and remember to enjoy it too, it goes faster than you think.” (Olivia Cole)
“Just remember you will get through this. It will be hard at times, harder than you might imagine but it’s worth it, and you will get through it. These next two years are exciting; you are in control now of your future and though it might seem nerve wracking, try to be excited and be curious. Lean on your friends, your family, the House staff and look after yourself, and I mean really look after yourself. Find a nice shower gel you can return to each night before bed, an activity you could do to take your mind off things - whether it’s colouring, reading, journaling or just drinking a cup of tea with friends. You’ve got this and you are stronger than you can ever imagine! “ (Alice Barber)
“Be present because Sixth Form goes by so much faster than you’d expect. A-Levels are stressful but being with your friends and appreciating the good moments when they’re happening will make your time much easier. Dedicate a certain time in your day where you don’t think about work and just focus on yourself and what you enjoy; it’ll sustain you so you don’t burn out. And please remember that asking for help does not make you weak, it means that you are trying and trying will not lead to failure unless you let it. Even if it does, a stumble is still a step.” (Emi Lim)
Contacting staff
Useful contact details
York BMS - Mrs Mears-Smith 01635 204633 email mears-smithb@downeHouse.net 07825 409613
York SWR - Mrs Waite-Roberts 01635 204611 email toogoods@downeHouse.net 07747 273164
York BMS - Miss Pickford 01635 204689 email pickfordl@downeHouse.net
York SAT - Miss Setterington 01635 204643 email setteringtonl@downeHouse.net
House Study
01635 204 770 / 07917 352 765
Miss Roshier email roshierl@downeHouse.net
Head of Sixth Form - Miss Taylor email taylorg@downeHouse.net
Miss Taylor’s office is in Willis, just off the dining room. You are welcome to see her about any problems or questions, from academics, to university and everything in between.
Miss Taylor supports your tutors, House staff and your class teachers to ensure you are all reaching your potential and thriving in sixth form.
Health Centre
Main School
01635 204657 email medical@downeHouse.net
01635 200286
Cold Ash, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 9JJ
Tel: 01635 200286 www.downeHouse.net
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