INTRODUCTION
We are extremely pleased to be able to offer your children a residential programme for 2024-25 exeat weekends. In this leaflet you will find details of the arrangements we are making. When reading the information, please understand that our focus is on providing an environment in which our pupils feel supported and safe, whilst having fun and enjoying their short break from School.
ANDREW HOBBS
Head
DATES
Michaelmas Term – Whole School Exeats
First to Upper Sixth Form/Year 7-Year 13
• Friday 27th September – Sunday 29th September 2024
• Friday 22nd November – Sunday 24th November 2024
Lent Term – First & Second Form ONLY Exeats
First & Second Form ONLY/Year 7 & Year 8 ONLY
• Friday 24th January – Sunday 26th January 2025
• Friday 14th March – Sunday 16th March 2025
Note: There will be no residential offering for half term and end of term breaks; alternative arrangements must be made by parents with their child’s educational guardian or travel arrangements put in place by parents for their child(ren) to return home.
ACCOMMODATION
Pupils will be accommodated in separate boys’ and girls’ boarding houses and will be arranged based on bookings submitted within the booking deadline. All bedding will be provided. Experienced Downside House staff will be looking after pupils.
The residential programmes will be supported by first aid trained staff. The following arrangements are in place should a pupil require any health intervention during their residential placement:
• Any pupil who is registered with Oakhill Surgery (School Doctor s) will continue to be able to access this facility if required and if appointments are available (during opening hours).
• Pupils who are not registered with Oakhill Surgery will be able to access their own GP, if local. Alternatively, the duty staff member will contact NHS 111 for guidance and advice.
• For health-related issues that arise out of hours, the duty staff member will contact NHS 111.
• For all pupils, should the need arise, emergency care and treatment will be arranged by the duty staff member for attendance at the following: Minor Injuries Units, Emergency Departments or through 999.
If your child becomes unwell or shows signs of infectious or communicable illness or conditions, in the run up to/at any point during the residential programme, an assessment will be made to determine whether the child is well enough to continue with the residential programme and planned activities. If your child does not require health care assistance but remains unwell, their education guardian will be contacted to support collecting and caring for the child at their home.
Should your child have any changes to their medical condition or health needs we would ask that you notify the Health Centre and the residential programme team in order that we can continue to provide safe and effective care to your child.
• New diagnosis of a medical condition
• Any recent injuries or illness
• Any new medications or prescriptions required
All prescribed medication needs to be accompanied with the original prescription and a doctor’s letter and we require this in English.
Pupils will have full access to all School facilities and will be able to socialise together. Pupils will have plenty of opportunities to make full use of indoor and outdoor sport and exercise facilities within the School campus.
TRIPS & ACTIVITIES
There will be a variety of off-site trips offered depending on the age of your child. This may include trips to Bath and Bristol, cinema, bowling, Stonehenge and other local tourist attractions. On-site activities will include the usual range of exciting options including kayaking, archery and sports. Any off-site trips or activities that incur additional charges will be added to the residential programme bill.
CATERING
Breakfast will be self-served in the Houses. Lunches and evening meals will be served in the Main Refectory. Fresh, seasonal and nutritious foods are still available every day. We will provide extra speciality meals for the students that are here to make their time as special as it can be.
HOUSEKEEPING
Boarding Houses will be cleaned as in term time. Sanitiser is available.
PASTORAL CARE
The pupils will be looked after by a staff team who are experienced in pastoral care. Pupil well-being will be monitored throughout their stay and there will be Health Centre staff available for additional support. Pupils will be encouraged to participate in activities and get some fresh air each day. They will have opportunities to socialise safely with other pupils and made to feel at home in the residential programme boarding accommodation.
COST
£225 per weekend, per child.There is a 25% discount for siblings.The total cost (including any additional trip costs) will be added to your School bill.
BOOKING FORMS
To confirm a place for your son/daughter on the residential programmes you are interested in, please complete the relevant booking form below.
Dates Booking DeadlineBooking Form
First to Upper Sixth Form/Year 7-Year 13 Michaelmas Term –Whole School Exeats Friday 27th September –Sunday 29th September 2024 Friday 20th September 2024
Friday 22nd November – Sunday 24th November 2024 Friday 15th November 2024
First & Second Form ONLY/Year 7 & Year 8 ONLY
Lent Term – First & Second Form Exeats Friday 24th January –Sunday 26th January 2025 Friday 17th January 2025 Friday 14th March –Sunday 16th March 2025 Friday 7th March 2025
The residential programmes above will be offered on a first come first served basis and will only be delivered if the minimum number of spaces are filled. Bookings made after the submission deadline may not be able to be honoured.
Please note: we are only able to accept bookings for the whole duration of the residential programme.
CANCELLATIONS
If you wish to cancel a booking for your child please email residentials@downside.co.uk. Cancellations made within 72 hours will still be charged.
USEFUL CONTACTS
Residentials Team residentials@downside.co.uk +44 (0)1761 235100
Reception reception@downside.co.uk +44 (0)1761 235100
residentials@downside.co.uk www.downside.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1761 235100