PA R E N T H A N D B O O K
Contents Introduction from the Head
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The Houses and House Teams
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Vision and Aims of the School
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Statement of Boarding Principles
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The Eight Aspects of a Benedictine Education School Regulation
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Pupils’ Confidentiality
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Health Centre
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14
Pastoral and Safeguarding Leads Term Dates and Arrangements
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Key Dates for the Academic Year 2023-24
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Online Safety and E-Safety Policy
25
Other School Information A-Z
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Education Guardian – Guidance Notes
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The Duties of an Education Guardian
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Procedures for Visitors
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School Policies
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Music at Downside School
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Downside Sport
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School Timetable 2023-24
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Example of a typical weekend at Downside School
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Co-Curriculum
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Regular Meetings and Music Rehearsals
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Chaplaincy
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Old Gregorians of St Gregory’s Society
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PARENT HANDBOOK
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DOWNSIDE PARENT HANDBOOK
June 2023 Dear Parents
I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you all and to give you an outline of the ethos and culture of Downside as an introduction to this handbook.
Downside’s foundations are rooted in Christian values, specifically Catholic and Benedictine values. They are the basis for our school, which provides support and challenge in equal measure for our pupils.
We aim to work in partnership with families and to provide an environment which nurtures young people of integrity, who can think for themselves and stand up for their beliefs so as to make a positive difference in the world. The strength and confidence, which both pupils and staff draw from belonging to a community and such a clear sense of shared purpose, encourages them to strive to achieve their potential and to support others to do the same.
Of course, we celebrate when our pupils get great results and achieve success beyond Downside but most of all we want them to value themselves and others for who they are, not for what they have acquired or achieved. We view those achievements as the by-product of the values and work ethic we encourage as opposed to the singular aim. Resilience is the quality we most want for our pupils as they move through Downside and on into the world outside. We want them to be open to and embrace growth and change, to have the confidence to take on a challenge and do their best. Resilience is nurtured in individuals who are part of a community in which kindness and looking to the needs of others is the currency. At Downside, we strive to be just such a community . We hope that this handbook will prove a useful reference guide as you and your family prepare for the beginning of next term. It is intended to give a sense of what day-to-day life at Downside is like and details the policies and procedures of the School. Best wishes
A ND R E W HO BBS H e ad
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The Houses and House Teams There are six Houses for pupils in Downside School, two for girls, three for senior boys and one for junior boys. Each House is run by a resident Housemaster or Housemistress (HsM), together with an Assistant Housemaster or Housemistress and, in some Houses, an additional resident House Tutor. Boarders and day pupils are fully integrated into the same Houses, each forming part of a Tutor Group, under the care of one of the House Tutors who also spends at least one evening a week in the House. Each House has a Housemother, whose role is to support the pupils day to day needs.
Girls' Houses Caverel House Housemistress Assistant HsM
Mrs Anna McGarry Mrs Hannah Alcantara
Caverel House is home to girls aged 11 to 18. Younger girls share four-bed rooms or two-bed rooms, Fifth and Sixth Form girls (Years 11, 12 and 13) have their own study bedrooms. Caverel House is named after Abbot Philip de Caverel. Born in 1555, he became Abbot of St Vedast’s at Arras in Normandy and later provided the monastic community with its first home at Douai.
Anna McGarry – Housemistress of Caverel House
Isabella House Housemistress Assistant HsM
Ms Amanda Ball Mrs Lisa Packer
Isabella House is home to girls aged 11 to 18. Isabella House is named after Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia of Spain and Por tugal who gave permission for the establishment of the English Benedictine community of St Gregory’s, Douai, in 1606, and promised it protection.
Amanda Ball – Housemistress of Isabella House PARENT HANDBOOK
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Junior Boys' House Powell House Housemaster Assistant HsM
Mr Andy Hamilton Mr Max Gauntlett
Boys join Powell House for the junior years (First, Second & Third Form). The accommodation – two dormitories subdivided into private living areas, a large, comfor table day room, and a well-equipped games room and kitchen – providing a warm home from home feel. The boys form lasting friendships outside their destined Senior House, living as a friendly and wellordered community. Powell House takes its name from Blessed Philip Powell, a monk of St Gregory’s at Douai, who was mar tyred at Tyburn in 1646.
Andy Hamilton – Housemaster of Powell House
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Senior Boys' Houses Barlow House Housemaster Assistant HsM
Mr Simon Potter Mr Connor O'Rourke
Four th Form boys (Year 10) share a comfor table dormitory, Fifth and Sixth Form boys (Years 11, 12 and 13) have their own study bedrooms. Barlow House is named after St Ambrose Barlow, a monk of the community of St Gregory the Great, who was mar tyred in 1641.
Smythe House Housemaster Assistant HsM
Mr David Pollard Mr Ian Ramsden
Smythe has large distinct rooms, a variety of dayrooms. Four th Form boys (Year 10) share a modern and comfor table dormitory, Fifth and Sixth Form boys (Years 11, 12 and 13) have their own study bedrooms. Sir Edward Smythe, a Catholic and former student of St Gregory’s, offered the community shelter at his own house, Acton Burnell Hall, in Shropshire, after they were forced to flee from Douai in 1795.
Simon Potter – Housemaster of Barlow House Roberts House Housemaster Assistant HsM
Mr Joshua Freeman Dr Jesus Tapia Amador
David Pollard – Housemaster of Smythe House
Four th Form boys (Year 10) share a modern and comfor table dormitory, Fifth and Sixth Form boys (Years 11, 12 and 13) have their own study bedrooms. Rober ts House is named after St John Rober ts, a member of the Downside community now at Downside, who was mar tyred in 1610.
Joshua Freeman – Housemaster of Rober ts House PARENT HANDBOOK
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DOWNSIDE PARENT HANDBOOK
visions and aims Downside School’s vision – as a leading Catholic School – is to be a bright light in the world of education, illuminating the lives of young people and inspiring service in the world through experience of Benedictine culture. It enables pupils and staff to develop their own identity through experience of a community with Christ as its centre. OuR AIMS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
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To guide pupils and staff to encounter Christ through experience of a Benedictine community of faith To be uncompromising in the pursuit of academic excellence
To foster a culture of unselfish love, integrity, humility and leadership through service
To develop the character and confidence of young people through sport and extra-curricular opportunities
To develop the school community’s facilities and resources through strategic stewardship.
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STATEMENT OF BOARDING PRINCIPLES Introduction Downside is a traditional, Catholic, family orientated boarding School, and as such, the values and ideals of the Gospel and the Rule of St. Benedict lie at the heart of the community here. Whilst Downside is a strong academic School, our aim is to develop the character of our boarders and day pupils alike, where the importance of moral courage, integrity and service is emphasised. Aims At Downside we aim to provide a safe, nurturing environment and strong close-knit community where all pupils actively live out the values and aspects of a Benedictine and Catholic education. Pupils have opportunities to develop their faith and spirituality and are guided to encounter Christ throughout all aspects of school life. The experience of living and working together helps pupils to develop personal discipline, active listening and social skills, self awareness, confidence, independence, and compassion. Community life affords pupils opportunities to develop deeper cultural understanding and respect for those from different beliefs and traditions and to celebrate diversity. We aim to cultivate a culture of unselfish love, integrity, humility and leadership through service and responsibility. Each pupil is challenged to embrace a growth mindset through the numerous academic, sporting and co-curricular opportunities and to contribute purposefully for the benefit of the School and wider community. Practice Boarding, whether as a full boarder, or day+ boarder, is an inclusive and progressive community. Boarders are encouraged to embrace and celebrate diversity and to recognise the unique value of each individual. The boarding environment actively promotes mutual respect, Benedictine values, compassion, and concern from the individual and pupils are expected to act with courtesy and good manners at all times
Downside offers a rich and vibrant co-curricular programme through the week and at weekends to provide opportunities for fun, challenge, celebrations, experience, teamwork, community building and socialising. The boarding houses at Downside as split as follows: • Powell House is a boys house of First to Third Form (Years 7-9). • Smythe, Roberts and Barlow Houses are home to boys from Fourth to Upper Sixth form (Years 10-13). • Isabella and Caverel Houses are home to girls First to Upper Sixth form (Years 7-13). Each house is run by an experienced pastoral team, led by the House Master or House Mistress (HsM).They are supported by assistant HsMs, tutors and house parents. The Health and Wellbeing Centre supports the pupils and houses. It is staffed by experienced nurses and Health Care Practitioners and runs regular GP surgeries. There are three counsellors offering a range of different support for groups or individuals. Pupils also have access to an independent person. HsMs work closely in partnership with families to give individual, holistic care to each pupil. Downside’s boarding provision is managed by the Senior Leadership Team to ensure rigour, consistency and the highest standards in boarding and safeguarding systems, protocols and procedures. Community worship through Mass, retreats, house prayers and Lectio Divina allows pupils to develop their faith and spirituality. The School chaplaincy includes an ordained Chaplain, a lay Chaplain and members of the St Scholastica community. They play a central part in the lives of pupils and the School community, promote service opportunities and raises awareness of the needs of the vulnerable through charity work. Pupil voice plays a crucial part throughout all aspects of the School. Pupils are encouraged to provide feedback and ideas for improving the quality of provision through student voice boxes in each house, prefect meetings, house councils and the School council. PARENT HANDBOOK
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THE EIGHT ASPECTS OF A BENEDICTINE EDUCATION The eight aspects provide a valuable perspective on the key qualities of a Benedictine education. 1.
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Welcome and hospitality are key elements in a school where pupils work and staff work together to form a kind, mutually supportive community, based on the core principle of Christian love.
Careful, active listening is an essential part of positive human relationships, and this is emphasized at Downside, as young people are guided in how to live together within their houses and within the school community as a whole. Reverence, as an intrinsic part of regular school worship, and as part of respect for each person’s individual human dignity, is a hallmark of life at Downside as a Benedictine school; it is part of the worship and love of God in Christ. This divine and human love draws the School into a communion whose members grow together in the love of truth and of one another. Humility enables people to live truly, communicating honestly with each other and God, enabling this love to develop.
Teaching and learning are central because of the need for our pupils to be skilled and educated people in a competitive world but also because our higher purpose is to grow in the knowledge of truth, which leads to God.
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Personal discipline is something essential for the well-being of the individual and the community. It means that we are not enslaved to the world’s distractions but free to pursue higher ambitions, such as service and the pursuit of knowledge.
Downside emphasizes the importance of living within a nurturing spiritual community; concern for the individual enables groups of individuals to live and grow together in a manner that fosters human flourishing. Harmonious community life is the consequence of building communion; while there will always be some difficulties within communities, a spiritual purpose means that communion between people and with God is made possible.
There are many gifts in human life, if people are prepared to receive them. Through the Holy Spirit, the world is made full of beauty and wisdom; the stewardship of gifts, from the natural environment to human abilities, means that the whole world can benefit.
DOWNSIDE PARENT HANDBOOK
SCHOOL REGULATIONS THE DOWNSIDE RuLE: The priority of a Gregorian is duty to others. He/she is obliged to act with courtesy and common sense for the good of the community. Any behaviour that causes discomfort, distress or danger does not conform to the rule. REGuLATIONS
Dress - Regulation dress:
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Girls: School blouse, jacket and skir t as supplied by the School Shop. Instead of the jacket, a maroon Vnecked sweater may be worn. All girls in the Sixth Form may wear a black sweater. Tights should be black in winter but flesh coloured tights may be worn during the summer. Girls in First - Fifth Form must have their hair tied back when in regulation dress. Boys: black shoes, a suit as supplied by the school shop, and a white shirt, to be worn with a tie and the collar buttoned. Instead of the jacket a black sweater, V-necked, showing the collar and tie, may usually be worn. Any school tie to which the wearer is entitled is permitted. Prefects have the privilege of wearing their own ties. Socks are to be black or grey in colour. Two pairs of regulation trousers are necessary. The School jacket is necessary for all pupils. It is worn at Mass and on other formal occasions.
Shoes must be flat, smart, black polished leather (not suede) with black soles.
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Full regulation dress is to be worn during the working day. On Sundays it must be worn until after Mass. This includes pupils in the Schola Cantorum and those serving at the altar unless given special permission by a member of staff. Girls should have their hair tied back.
In the Refectory (dining hall) during the working week (Monday to Friday) for breakfast and lunch the appropriate clothing is regulation dress, subject to any exceptions issued from time to time by the Deputy Head or the Director of Pastoral Care. For supper during the working week the appropriate clothing is regulation dress, smart casual wear. At Saturday breakfast, regulation dress must be worn. Regulation dress or smart casual wear may be worn for meals from Saturday lunchtime through to Sunday supper. During the Michaelmas and Lent Terms, no one may enter the Refectory wearing shorts, and hats are never to be worn indoors. At other times, shorts and trainers may be worn. Dirty, muddy clothes will not be permitted at any time.
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All clothes must be marked with the owner’s name. Unmarked clothes (regulation and casual) will be disposed of by the Laundry after a short period.
Hair styles must be appropriate: for boys, cut neatly, short enough to show the collar and not to fall over the eyes. Shaven heads, and No. 1 haircuts, are not permissible. Pupils are expected to have neat, clean and presentable hair. Tinting or dyeing is not allowed, and yellow bleaching is not permissible. Extremes of hairstyle are not acceptable. Boys must be clean shaven. For safety reasons, girls may have to have hair tied back for certain lessons, e.g. games. Girls’ hair should be tied back when in full regulation dress. While in regulation dress, and during the working day (7.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.), pupils below the Sixth Form may not wear visible make-up or nail varnish. Sixth Form pupils may wear discreet make-up, and clear nail varnish, if they wish.
10. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings or studs in School. Pupils are permitted to wear one stud in each ear lobe. In regulation dress, bracelets may not be worn. In the Sixth Form, one discreet ring may be worn. Other than in ears, no piercing should be on display at any time. For reasons of safety, all jewellery may have to be removed at certain times, e.g. for games and sports. 11. Headphones or earpods should not be worn by pupils when in regulation dress during the working day unless a pupil requires them for studying. 12. Items of regulation dress may not be worn in combination with casual clothes. When regulation dress is worn it must be worn smartly. 13. Tattoos are not permitted.
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PUPILS’ CONFIDENTIALITY A conversation in which pupils make a safeguarding disclosure of a child protection nature, about themselves or someone else, to any member of staff, including the schools designated safeguarding lead (DSL) or the deputy designated safeguarding leads (DDSLs), will be kept private. These persons may include the social services, the police, parents or other responsible persons. The DSL will tell the pupil involved to whom they will have to refer the matter, and will try to achieve the pupil’s agreement.
A conversation of a health and medical nature with a School nurse or doctor in the Health Centre will be kept confidential to the persons involved, unless in the opinion of the nurse or doctor the safety of children means the matter must be referred to the School’s DSL. In these cases, the nurse will tell the pupil concerned that such a referral will be made.
If a priest feels that a matter brought up under the seal of confession suggests that they or another child is a risk of harm, he will suggest that the pupil should discuss the matter with him or another member of staff outside the seal of confession.
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In none of the situations above is confidentiality binding on the pupil who gives the confidence, though discretion is always important; a pupil may speak to another person about anything that happens in any of the situations above, especially if they feel they have been unfairly treated.
In all situations regarding sensitive pupil matters, staff must respect the confidentiality of anything said to them by a pupil, and only speak of the matter to the proper persons responsible for the pupil, i.e. the Head of Nursing Care, the pupil’s tutor, Housemaster/Housemistress, the Director of Pastoral Care, the Deputy Head, or the Head. It is essential that, when information should be passed on to another person for the good of a pupil, it is passed on. Confidentiality of pupils’ records: pupils’ medical records are confidential to them and the Health Centre staff, and are not shown to other persons.
PASTORAL AND SAFEGUARDING LEADS Mrs Claire Murphy, Director of Pastoral Care, is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at Downside School and can be contacted via cmurphy@downside.co.uk and 01761 235183.
Mr Andrew Hobbs, Head, via ahobbs@downside.co.uk 01761 235102, is a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) at Downside School.
Mr Michael Randall, Deputy Head via mrandall@downside.co.uk, 01761 235116, is a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) at Downside School.
KEY NuMBERS Somerset Direct 0300 123 2224
Designated Officer at the Local Authority (formerly LADO) via Somerset Direct 0300 123 2224 DBS confidential checking service sensitive@dbs.gsi.gov.uk DBS referrals helpline 01325 953795
Mrs Michelle Pye, Head of Nursing, via MPye@downside.co.uk, 01761 235128, is a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) at Downside School.
Mrs Terri Wilcox is the Governor with responsibility for Child Protection at Downside School (twilcox@downside.co.uk, 07853 804716).
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HEALTH & wellbeing CENTRE WELCOME TO THE HEALTH & WELLBEING CENTRE We provide Health Care to the pupils seven days a week with the additional option of providing overnight inpatient care if required, this allows for a 24 hr care provision during term time. When the Health & Wellbeing Centre is closed overnight there is a Duty Nurse on call for advice, guidance and support for your child’s health needs. The team of Registered Nurses provide holistic Health Care ranging from management of minor illness and injuries to medical emergencies and include the care and support of pupils Emotional Health and Wellbeing, thus ensuring all needs both physical and psychological are met in a timely and supportive manner. We have eight beds in the Health & Wellbeing Centre which are used for observing and resting pupils during the day or for overnight stays if required. In addition to the expected medical provision, we can help with general health support and advice, including the management of complex or long term medical conditions and any other health concerns as raised by the pupils, family or school staff. We provide health education through a variety of means, including 1:1 and small group discussions, alongside patient information leaflets and health education resources which are available for pupils to either take away or to access online Should your child have any health needs we would encourage you to meet the staff in the Health Centre at the beginning of your child’s first term. This may not always be possible for you and we are therefore happy to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your child’s health either via telephone or secure email. We would ask that you disclose any new or ongoing health issues, treatments or injuries sustained during holiday times for your child or any past significant events that may impact on their health.
General Information It is School policy that a pupil cannot keep their own medication. Some pupils are able to self-administer in House but this is only after agreement with a Registered Nurse . All medication needs to be handed into the Health Centre and we will arrange for the pupil to access them as necessary. Please do not send your child to school with their own supply of herbal medications these are generally not approved for use within the school and will therefore be removed from your child and either held in the Health Centre until your child returns home or destroyed with parental permission. The Health Centre has a supply of homely remedies which are used for the management of minor childhood illnesses. Should your child be prescribed regular medication and they are an overseas pupil we require a letter from the prescribing doctor in English outlining the treatment plan and medication required. If we do not have this then medication cannot be administered to your child until this has been received. Your support in this matter is vital for the individual and the wider School community. Services The Health & Wellbeing Centre host GP Clinics during the week with both male and female doctor appointments available for pupils. These appointments can be booked either directly by the pupil, parent, House staff or by the Registered Nurses. They are available to all school boarders and any day pupils who are registered with Oakhill Surgery (https://www.oakhillsurgery.co.uk/).
All boarders will be registered at Oakhill Surgery at the start of their time at Downside. Should you child require to be seen by a doctor outside of school clinic times appointments can be made to take your child to Oakhill surgery whereby they will be seen by a doctor at the surgery. Physiotherapy Should your child require a Physiotherapy appointment the school can provide access to private Physiotherapy services. Appointments can be made at a time that suits the pupil and the Physiotherapist will liase either directly with parents or via the Health & Wellbeing centre. There is also access to the NHS Physiotherapy Service for those who would prefer. School Counsellors The School believes that positive Emotional Health & Wellbeing underpins all aspects of a healthy and positive school life allowing your child to access and embrace opportunities within their education and extracurricular activities which ensure positive outcomes for their time spent at Downside. We are aware that there may be times when pupils require additional support with their Emotional Health & Wellbeing. Within the Health & Wellbeing Centre we provide 3 Counsellors to support the EMHWB & Mental Health Needs of your child. These appointments can be accessed either via self-referral, parent referral or by a member of the School Community.
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DOWNSIDE PARENT HANDBOOK This is a confidential service and allows pupils the opportunity to address any issues which may be impacting on their Mental Health.
If the medical condition, illness or injury occurs during a school holiday, please make sure to inform the Health Centre staff before your child returns to School.
Accidents & Injuries We can arrange for pupils to be seen at NHS Minor Injuries Unit within the local community or at the Emergency Department at Bath Royal United Hospital should this be required. During the Michaelmas term, pitchside medical support is available every Saturday by the sports pitches at Downside School.
Vaccinations The Health Centre runs a vaccination programme in line with the NHS routine immunisation schedule. Any gaps identified in your child’s immunisation history will be discussed with you and/or your child. Travel vaccinations are available through the local surgery and parents are asked to fill out a travel health questionnaire and a consent form six weeks before travel. All pupils with a chronic illness e.g. asthma, diabetes, will be offered a yearly flu vaccination free of charge.
Off Games or Restricted Games If you have a concern regarding your child’s fitness for games, please contact the Health & Wellbeing Centre. We are able to give permission for a pupil to be off games if they are unwell or have sustained an injury. Please can you inform the Health Centre of any accidents or incidents during the holiday that require further care and please send any supporting documentation. Admission to the Health Centre If a pupil is unwell during term time they may have to stay overnight in the Health Centre. This will be decided after being assessed by the Registered Nurse in charge. The parent or guardian will be informed. Prescriptions If your child has a regular prescription, please can it be in the original packaging, clearly prescribed to the child and have a supporting consultant’s or doctor’s letter attached. We order repeat and new prescriptions and collect them from the surgery when they are ready. If your child requires regular medication which is on repeat prescription, we ask that you share any information regarding the diagnosis at the time of application to ensure the Health Centre are able to support this when required. Confidentiality and Consent As Registered Nurses , we work within our professional Code of Conduct, which states we offer a confidential service to patients in our care. However, if information has been disclosed which indicates that a pupil is at risk of harm /or is at risk of harming another we have a duty of care to share that information as part of our Safeguarding Practice. The pupil’s consent is not required in these circumstances, but we will always tr y to discuss it with the pupil first. Health Needs When a pupil first joins the School the parent will already have filled out and returned the medical history and signed consent forms for treatment and medication. Please update the Health & Wellbeing Centre as a matter of priority, if your child develops a medical condition, illness or 17 injury during the course of their time spent in the School.
Dental Care There is no School dentist. Boarders are expected to have routine dental treatment at home in the holidays. Should your child require Emergency Dental Care this can be accessed via the Health & Wellbeing Centre arranging an initial appointment with a private dentist, there will be a cost incurred and the Health & Wellbeing Centre will liaise with you as parents regarding this. Sports Mouthguards All pupils will need a mouthguard for contact sports. These can be of the self-mouldable form, but the School offers a professional fitting service at the start of the Michaelmas Term, provided by OPRO. Parents wishing to take up the OPRO service must confirm this direct with OPRO via the web link provided in the online Downside School joining forms. An email will be sent to you regarding OPRO orders before term starts. Sun Protection We recommend that pupils provide their own sun protection lotion, no less than SPF30 for sports and on school trips during the warm weather. Transport Transport to medical appointments is organised through the Health & Wellbeing Centre. Pupils will be accompanied by an official school escort (DBS checked) either in a taxi or transported via the escort, parents will be billed for any travel costs incurred. Alternatively, if parents live locally they may wish to take their son/daughter themselves. The NHS (National Health Service) for pupils with Eu Settlement Scheme or Child Student Visa For pupils who are currently under the EU Settlement Scheme, please note that you will be entitled to use the NHS Services. For those who are studying in the UK with a Child Student Visa, you will have been asked at the time of application to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of the application process which entitles your child to access the NSH and wider services. All pupils have access to NHS Emergency Services at no cost. Contact: HCentre@downside.co.uk
TERM DATES AND ARRANGEMENTS At the beginning of each term, pupils are expected to be back in their boarding house in the window of time as indicated on the website. The duty Housemaster/ Housemistress (HsM) will be in the boarding house from the time indicated. If your child is returning in advance of this time, please ensure you have made a prior engagement. Should your child's flight/return to school be delayed please ensure their HsM is made aware. We have three terms in the academic year, they are the Michaelmas Term (September-December), the Lent Term (January-March) and the the Summer Term (end of April-early July) At the end of term, arrangements are usually as follows:
MichaelmasTerm ends with the School Carol Service in the Abbey Church, followed by a Reception. Parents are very welcome. LentTerm ends at 11:30.
The final day of the SummerTerm is Speech Day. There is a service and Prize Giving Ceremony that takes place on the day; all parents are welcome to join the event and bring a picnic and enjoy meeting their children’s friends and families. For the Upper Sixth pupils and parents there is a Leavers’ Ball in the evening.
Half Terms HalfTerms begin at 11:30 and pupils may be collected at this time. The School will arrange transport for those needing to travel to airports. All pupils are to return at the time stated overleaf. The Duty Housemaster will be in the building from 14:00 and the School can accept no responsibility for pupils before this time unless prior agreement has been made with your child’s HsM. Requests to leave early or return late can only be granted if there is particular travelling difficulties, for example longhaul flights. Requests must be made in advance to the HsM.
Exeats We hold two Exeat weekends in the Michaelmas Term, two in the Lent Term for First and Second Form only, and none in the Summer Term, as this is shortest in the academic year. Exeats are not mandatory for boarders who live outside of the UK. The School offers a programme of sport, culture and local activities (with plenty of rest included) for those who wish to remain in School. Parents will be asked at the start of each term to book their child’s places in advance.
Authorised weekend leave If a pupil wishes to go out of School during Saturday or Sunday but does not wish to be out for the night, they are required to seek permission from the HsM, who must know the proposed times of departure and return. Any absence from School which falls outside the above times, or which involves missing any class, or prevents a pupil from attending a sports fixture or other commitment, demands a special exeat. This is given only in exceptional circumstances following a written request to the HsM.
The School offers bus collection to/from LHR at the start of half term and the end of term. Please book this in advance. All transport requested of the School is to be paid for, even if, in the event, it is not used. Delayed travel to School/flight delays Please ensure when booking your child's travel to School, you consider their travel to take place in day time, especially the winter. Should your child's flight be severely delayed, please ensure your child's guardian can step in to bring them into school the following day.
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KEY DATES FOR THE 2023-24 ACADEMIC YEAR MICHAELMAS TERM DATES 2023 Term dates are located on the website in the section entitled 'Information for Parents'. Saturday 2nd September SCHOOL PREFECT INDuCTION From 2.00pm – Further details to follow TERM BEGINS Sunday 3rd September INDuCTION DAY FOR NEW PuPILS 10:00
Mass in the Abbey Church (optional – please arrive 9.30am)
09:30-11:00 First, Second & Third Form new boarders arrive 11:30
First, Second & Third Form new day pupils arrive
11:30
Fourth to Upper Sixth Form new day pupils arrive
10:00-11:30 Fourth to Upper Sixth Form new boarders arrive We will be organising for parents to hear from the Head, have an introduction to their child’s House Team followed by lunch for parents and pupils. Parents to depart by 2.30pm. All new day pupils depart at 5.00pm. Please collect from the Houses. Sunday 3rd September RETuRNING PuPILS
14:00-15:00 Second & Third Form current boarders return
14:00-21:00 Fourth to Lower Sixth Form current boarders return Monday 4th September Day pupils return by 8.00am
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WHOLE SCHOOL ExEAT Begins Friday 22nd September Pupils leave 12:35 Ends Sunday 24th September First & Second Form boarders return 17:00-18:00 Third to Upper Sixth Form boarders return 17:00-21:00 Monday 25th September Day pupils return by 08.00 HALF TERM Begins Friday 20th October Pupils leave by 11:30 Ends Sunday 5th November First & Second Form boarders return 14:00-18:00 Third to Upper Sixth Form boarders return 14:00-21:00 Monday 6th November Day pupils return by 08.00 WHOLE SCHOOL ExEAT Begins Friday 24th November Pupils leave 12:35 Ends Sunday 26th November First & Second Form boarders return 17:00-18:00 Third to Upper Sixth Form boarders return 17:00-21:00 Monday 27th November Day pupils return by 08.00 TERM ENDS Thursday 14th December Pupils accompanied by their parents/guardians may leave after the Carol Service at 6.00pm. Unaccompanied boarders may stay the night and leave from 9.00am on Friday 15th December. Friday 15th December All pupils depart School by 10.30 Staff Inset Training
LENT TERM DATES 2024
TERM BEGINS Sunday 7th January First & Second Form boarders return 14:00-18:00 Third to Upper Sixth Form boarders return 14:00-21:00 Monday 8th January Day pupils return by 08:00
FIRST & SECOND FORM ExEAT Begins Friday 26th January Pupils leave by 12:35 Ends Sunday 28th January First & Second Form boarders return 14:00-18:00 Monday 29th January First & Second Form Day pupils return by 08:00
HALF TERM Begins Friday 9th February Pupils leave by 11:30 Ends Sunday 18th February First & Second Form boarders return 14:00-18:00 Third to Upper Sixth Form boarders return 14:00-21:00 Monday 19th February Day pupils return 08:00 FIRST & SECOND FORM ExEAT Begins Friday 8th March Pupils leave by12:35 Ends Sunday 10th March First & Second Form boarders return from 18:00 Monday 11th March First & Second Form Day pupils return by 08:00 TERM ENDS Friday 22nd March Pupils leave by 11:30
SuMMER TERM DATES 2024
TERM BEGINS Monday 15th April First & Second Form boarders return 14:00-18:00 Third to Upper Sixth Form boarders return 14:00-21:00 Tuesday 16th April Day pupils return at 08:00
HALF TERM Begins Friday 24th May Pupils leave by 11:30 N.B.: Fifth Form and Upper Sixth Form pupils may be sitting external exams on Friday 24th May will be permitted to remain onsite until their exam is complete. This should be a key consideration when making travel arrangements for your child. Ends Sunday 2nd June First & Second Form boarders return 14:00-18:00 Third to Upper Sixth Form boarders return 14:00-21:00 Monday 3rd June Day pupils return at 08:00
TERM ENDS (INC. SCHOOL EVENTS) Friday 28th June Day pupils return at 08:00 Prize Day More details to follow Pupils leave from 14:00
upper Sixth Form Leavers’ Ball More details to follow
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Exeats are not mandatory for international pupils. Instead we offer a weekend of activity, cultural trips and rest. Emails will be sent to parents and guardians ahead of each break, and bookings must be made to secure your child’s place. For further information on exeat, half term and end of term travel please find more information on the website: https://www.downside.co.uk/admissions/travel/
Heathrow Airport Collection Point: A School chaperone will collect students from Terminal 3 from the designated meeting point at the collection time detailed in the termly travel information document. The designated meeting point in Terminal 3 is Cafè Nero, located near arrivals, outside security, Level 0. A map showing the location of Cafè Nero, Terminal 3, is available here.
For flights arriving at Terminal 5, please advise your child to use the free shuttle train to travel from Terminal 5 to Terminal 3. A member of staff will be waiting at the Cafè Nero store (a link can be found above). This Heathrow Airport map shows where the two terminals are in relation to each other.
Please note: the above are private coach services for pupils of Downside School only. All bookings made are a personal arrangement/contract of engagement between you as the parent or guardian, and Centurion Coaches, not with Downside School.
Taxi: Taxi transport plans must be arranged directly by parents/guardians with any business you choose. A link to a list of taxi companies near Bath is available here. A local taxi company, Atlas South West Ltd, offer service routes to Downside and you can make a booking directly with them via downsidetravel@gmail.com. Atlas South West Ltd are familiar with the practice of providing transfers for Downside and have experience of collecting and delivering pupils to our site. Parents are advised to copy in your Housemaster / Housemistress to email communications so that they are fully informed of your children’s travel plans. WWW.DOWNSIDE.CO.UK 21
OTHER SCHOOL INFORMATION (A-Z) ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO On formal occasions, which involve a set meal, pupils in the Sixth Form may be served wine or beer with the meal. Otherwise alcohol is forbidden. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to anybody under the age of eighteen except on formal occasions with a sit-down meal. It is against the law for anybody under the age of eighteen to purchase alcohol. Alcohol may not be brought into the School without permission from the pupil’s Housemaster/Housemistress.
Smoking or vaping is not allowed within the School and while the pupils are under the school’s control. It is illegal for persons under the age of eighteen to buy tobacco. Smoking materials and paraphernalia including ecigarettes must not be brought into School. The School Anti-Smoking Policy must be followed.
BEDROOMS & FuRNISHINGS Each child has their own notice board in their bedroom, so please do encourage pupils to bring family photos or any decorations that will fit on a board as it really brightens up their rooms. It is recommended that children bring a bedside light/lamp which can be sent to the School directly to them and taken to their boarding house. Pupils must bring their own pillow, pillowcase, duvet and duvet cover. The school will provide a fitted bottom sheet but many pupils prefer to bring their own, which we fully understand.
CARS & BIKES No pupil may drive a car during term time, without the permission of the Deputy Head, except for permitted driving lessons, nor keep any motor vehicle at Downside or in the village. Driving instruction is not negotiable through the School. If permission to drive a motor vehicle has been granted by the Deputy Head, the pupil and his/ her parents/guardian must sign and abide by a ‘driving agreement’ document and car keys must be deposited with the pupil’s Housemaster/Housemistress on arrival at School. Bicycles must have their owner’s name clearly marked on them, and their serial number should be given to the Housemaster/Housemistress. They must be locked when not in use,and kept in approved places. Passengers must not be carried on bicycles. Cycling off site requires both parental and School permission. Please see the Director of Pastoral Care to be placed on the list of approved offsite cyclists. Any pupil riding a bicycle on or off the School site must wear a helmet at all times. Hitch-hiking is not allowed. No pupil may be driven in a car by any person other than parent, guardian, brother or sister unless his/her Housemaster/Housemistress has given specific permission. If the driver is under 25 years old, then written consent from parents is required.
CCTV The School does have some CCTV cameras in place to deter theft and assist in its prevention, as well as to enhance security in potentially vulnerable areas of the School. There may be times when covert cameras are required, but they will only be employed where there is reasonable cause to suspect that unauthorized or illegal activity is taking place or is about to take place. Covert cameras can only be set up on the written authorization or request of the Head or Deputy Head. Any such covert processing will only be carried out for a defined, limited and reasonable period, consistent with the objectives of making the recording and will relate to the specific suspected unauthorized activity. Pupils may not set up their own surveillance systems. PARENT HANDBOOK
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ELECTRONIC EQuIPMENT Electrical equipment must be marked, PAT tested and be electronically safe with a single British 3-pin plug, and be approved for use. House Staff may wish to ask that items are checked before use. A list of banned electronic equipment will be distributed by the Head of Health and Safety and published in Houses. Cooking devices, heaters and kettles are not allowed to be brought into the School. Each boarding House has a well stocked kitchen and the House teams are always open to new ideas. ExTRA CuRRICuLAR ACTIVITIES There is a wide variety of extra-curricular activities for your child to be involved in. This includes Combined Cadet Forces (CCF), Duke of Edinburgh Awards and mountain biking, to debating to learning sign language and cooking lessons. These take place during the week and will be offered to your child at the start of each term; and have the opportunity to sign up for their choices and will not need to choose them in advance.
FOOD AND MEAL TIMES This is an important element to your child’s well being and we are proud of the standard of catering provided by our specialist in-house catering firm, Holroyd Howe. All our meals are eaten together in the Refectory (dining hall), with staff in attendance. Saturday nights are the only time we eat in house with specially prepared picnics, a change for a more informal House get together. We cater for all tastes and have a wide variety of alternatives for those who have special dietary requirements. Meals take place at the times published in Houses. Pupils are required to attend all meals, unless given leave of absence by their Housemaster/Housemistress.
LAuNDRY Each House has its own laundry day when uniform, sports kit and personal clothing may be handed in for washing. All clothing should be clearly named with a name tape. Bed linen and towels will be laundered by the school too. Whilst we take every care to ensure your child’s clothes are laundered carefully, please remember to think twice about expensive clothing coming to School. LIBRARIES The Petre Library is open to all pupils and staffed by our librarian who will support your child in their reading interests. Borrowed books must be removed according to the procedures published in the library.
Each department has its own library and many of the books can be borrowed. Reading lists can be obtained from Heads of Department. All libraries should remain quiet places for study and reflection.
LOST PROPERTY Do not bring valuable equipment to School unless it is essential to studies or approved recreation. If you have any valuable equipment, give a description of it that includes its serial number, colour and make to your Housemaster/Housemistress. It is your responsibility, and that of your parents to record and insure any valuable items. As soon as you are certain that any item of property has been illegitimately taken from you, report its loss to your Housemaster/Housemistress. They will then inform the Director of Pastoral Care. MOBILETELEPHONES AND DEVICES Mobile devices may be used with permission from a classroom teacher or Housemaster/ Mistress in order to access approved learning platforms.
Mobile phones should not be used in lessons without permission from the teacher. We work extensively with pupils, through education in PSHE lessons to support the safe use of internet and devices and would expect pupils to treat one another with respect and the School accepts no responsibility for loss, or damage of a mobile telephone or mobile device.
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The use of devices and mobile phones is governed by the Acceptable User Policy and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy. (See new joiner forms)
POCKET MONEY The best and safest way to provide pocket money is with a prepaid bank card (either Visa or Mastercard). You can set-up the card before travel and pre-load their pocket money by bank transfer. These cards are available for young children and you will be able to set spending limits as well as top up the card and monitor their spending from home. They will be able to use the card to pay in shops or take money from ATMs just like a debit or credit card. If you wish, we can hold your child’s card safely for them while they are in School and issue it to them for excursions and shopping trips. There are many different providers of prepaid cash cards across the world and you will be able to find the most suitable one for you. Any pupil who has more than £20 in cash should hand it immediately to the Housemaster/ Housemistress or Assistant Housemaster/Housemistress. If neither of these is available it should be given to the House Parent. SCHOOL POLICIES Our policies are available on the website and we would recommend that you take the opportunity to review them. www.downside.co.uk/downside-school/parentinformation/policies.
SPORTS FIXTURES Your support and encouragement of our teams and is most welcome both on the touchlines and by reading our published match reports. We hope that our sports website will make this support much easier for you and give you direct access to fixtures, tam sheets, results and match results. For more information, please contact Director of Sport, Richard Jones, on rjones@downside.co.uk. Click here for fixtures. uNIFORM School uniform is purchased through the School Shop’s website, which can be found in the Parent's section on the School Website. The full list of Regulation Dress (uniform) and Sports clothing is shared on the New Joiner Forms. There is some second hand uniform kept in the School Shop, so if you are interested, please contact Tracey Coles, who manages the onsite School Shop, once you have established your child's recommended sizes.
In the first instance, you will need to take a few measurements of your child, to input into the website, and you will be given suggested sizes to purchase. Uniform is sent to the School Shop (select ‘collection’ at check out), to have name tapes sewn on, and then it is taken to the boarding house. When your child is trying on their uniform, at the start of term, please ask them to leave the labels on until they have tried the item on, in case it needs to be exchanged. If an item is the wrong size, your child can take it back to the School Shop and it will be exchanged. To book an appointment, please email Tracey Coles on shop@downside.co.uk. WEBSITE – PARENT PORTAL All new parents will be contacted with information on how to log onto the School’s Parent Portal. The Parent Portal is an interactive view into your child’s life at the School, including School Reports, Rewards and Sanctions, Timetables and Activities. Information regarding the Parent Portal including your account log-in will be sent at the start of the academic year by the School Office. For enquiries please contact Rebecca Moran on rmoran@downside.co.uk WEEKENDS Weekends are busy and purposeful at Downside. On Saturdays, pupils have a morning of lessons and an afternoon of sport and fixtures against other schools. At the start of every week, our Director of the Cocurriculum, shares the weekend programme which is circulated to all the boarding houses. Pupils are asked to pick activities to take part in before the start of the weekend. Every Sunday, after Mass, we have a trip to Bath organised, accompanied by a teacher, to offer the pupils an opportunity to get off site and do some shopping or take in the beautiful sights. For our older pupils, the weekend is also an opportunity to get some well-deserved rest or catch up with their studies. Here is an example of a recent weekend at Downside.
WIFI As you would at home, sensible practice is put in place to ensure that your child has access to safe and filtered Wi-Fi. If your child enjoys audio books, it would be useful to enjoy this through a eBook device to avoid being distracted by a mobile after lights out.The use of mobiles phones is discouraged after lights out; and HsMs adopt practices that are appropriate to different year groups. PARENT HANDBOOK
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ONLINE SAFETY AND E-SAFETY POLICY Introduction 1.1. New technologies have become integral to the lives of children and young people in today’s society, both within schools and in their lives outside school. The Internet and other digital information and communications technologies are powerful tools, which open up new opportunities for everyone. These technologies can stimulate discussion, promote creativity and promote effective learning. Young people should have an entitlement to safe Internet access at all times. 1.2. Downside School Acceptable Use Policy is intended to ensure that: • Young people will be responsible users and stay safe while using the Internet and other communications technologies for educational, personal and recreational use. • School ICT systems and users are protected from accidental or deliberate misuse that could put the security of the systems and users at risk. 1.3. Downside School will try to ensure that pupils have good access to ICT to enhance their learning and will, in return, expect the pupils to agree to be responsible users. Acceptable Use Policy Agreement 2.1. I understand that I must use school ICT systems in a responsible way, to ensure that there is no risk to my safety or to the safety and security of the ICT systems and other users. 2.2. I will immediately inform the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSL) and/or the ESafety Officer if I am concerned that I or someone I know has broken these rules. 2.3. For My Own Personal Safety:
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• I understand that Downside School may occasionally monitor my use of the ICT systems, email and other digital communications. • I understand how to choose my online usernames carefully to protect my identity • I understand how to choose my passwords carefully so that they cannot be guessed easily by others. • I know not to leave computers logged on with my username or logged on to sites with personal details entered. • I will treat my username and password like my toothbrush – I will not share them, nor will I try to use any other person’s username and password. • I will not disclose or share personal information about myself or others when online. • I will never arrange to meet people offline that I have communicated with online without the express permission of my House Master/Mistress. If allowed to proceed, I will do so in a public place and take an adult with me.
• I will immediately report any unpleasant or inappropriate material, messages, extreme views or anything that makes me feel uncomfortable when I see it on-line by emailing my House Master/Mistress and helpdesk@downside.co.uk. • I understand that different sites have safety features and use these including features to limit access to information about me • I know that using the Internet responsibly means I should not try to visit unsafe sites or register for things I am not old enough for • I understand that once I publish something on the web I cannot control what it is used for so I will think carefully before publishing. If uncertain I will seek the advice of my House Master/Mistress or the ESafety Officer. 2.4. When Using Technology to Contact People I Know: • I have to be polite and responsible when I communicate with others, I will not use strong, aggressive or inappropriate language and I appreciate that others may have different opinions. • To be aware of “stranger danger” (i.e. I should take care when dealing with strangers), when I am communicating online and that people online may not be who they seem. • Not to open messages if the subject field contains anything offensive or if I do not recognise who it is from (I must delete the email without opening it) • What to do if I receive an offensive message / e-mail including how to keep evidence.
• That e-mails / messages can be intercepted and forwarded on to anyone including parents, head teacher or future employer. • I must use my school email address when contacting other pupils or staff for school related matters. 2.5. I understand that everyone has equal rights to use technology as a resource and: • That Downside School ICT systems are primarily intended for educational use and I will use the systems for personal or recreational within the parameters of this Acceptable Use Policy. • I will not try (unless I have permission) to make large downloads or uploads that might take up Internet capacity and prevent other users from being able to carry out their work. • I will not use Downside School ICT systems for online gambling, file sharing, or video broadcasting (e.g. YouTube). File sharing and video broadcasting will require permission from a member of staff to engage in such activities. 2.6. I will act as I expect others to act toward me: • I will respect others’ work and property and will not access, copy, remove or otherwise alter any other user’s files, without the owner’s knowledge and permission. • I will not take or distribute images, videos or any personal details of anyone without their permission. • I will not pretend to be anyone else online, nor will I engage in any form of bullying. 2.7. When using the Internet for research or recreation, I recognise that: • Any protection system does not stop all unsafe content and that I need to use specific search terms to reduce the likelihood of accessing unsafe content and extreme views. • I should make sure that I have permission to use the original work of others in my own work and credit them if I do. • Where work is protected by Copyright, I will not try to access, share or download copies. (including, but not limited to, music, images and videos) • When I am using the Internet to find information, I should take care to check that the information that I access is accurate, as I understand that the work of others may not be truthful and may be a deliberate attempt to mislead me. • I will not claim the work of others as my own and will reference any material I use in my work. • Some websites which I need may be filtered. I should email helpdesk@downside.co.uk if I want them to be considered for unfiltering.
2.8. When using technology for buying and selling I know: • How to tell the difference between web sites for information and web sites selling things. • How to recognise commercial uses of the Internet e.g. iTunes, mobile phone downloads, shopping. • That if an offer looks too good to be true it probably is! • That I should not respond to unsolicited online offers. • That I should not use someone else’s identity to purchase things online. • That if I buy something online, I do so at my own risk and the school accepts no liability if details are fraudulently obtained whilst using the school’s systems. 2.9. I recognise that Downside School has a responsibility to maintain the security and integrity of the technology it offers me and to ensure the smooth running of Downside School: • If I do use my own devices in school, I must follow the rules set out in this agreement, in the same way as if I was using school equipment. • I understand the risks that the Internet can pose and will not try to upload, download or access any materials which are illegal or inappropriate or may cause harm or distress to others. • I will not try to use any programs or software that might allow me to bypass the filtering / security systems in place to prevent access to such materials. • I will immediately report any damage or faults involving equipment or software, however this may have happened. • I will not open any attachments to emails, unless I know and trust the person who sent the email, due to the risk of the attachment containing viruses or other harmful programs. • I will not install or try to install programs of any type on a machine, or store programs on a computer • I will not try to alter computer settings. • I will only use chat and social networking sites that Downside School allows and at the times allowed. • I will ensure I have antivirus software on my computer and that it is kept up to date. • I will not engage in any behaviour which the school would deem risky or criminal (including, but not limited to, fraud (obtaining money or goods by deception), abuse of any kind, intimidation, theft, hate crime(s), hacking, contact with strangers, obtaining banned or illegal substances, gambling and others too numerous to list).
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• I understand that I am responsible for my actions, both in and out of school: • I understand that Downside School also has the right to take action against me if I am involved in incidents of inappropriate behaviour, that are covered in this agreement, when I am out of school and where they involve my membership of Downside School community (examples would be cyber-bullying, use of images or personal information). • I understand that if I fail to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy Agreement, I will be subject to disciplinary action. This may include loss of access to Downside School network or the Internet, detentions, contact with parents, suspension in the case of serious incident and, in the event of illegal activities involvement of the police. • I understand that use of a VPN, Proxy or any other method of circumventing the school’s filtering is unacceptable and strictly against the rules of the school. I understand disciplinary action will always be taken in these circumstances.
IT Specification for pupils laptops All pupils are expected to bring their own laptop to school. Information Technology (IT) is one of the important tools used by pupils at Downside School. It is important that all pupils use IT facilities responsibly, whether using the School systems or their own devices. Consequently, all pupils are expected to follow a code of conduct to keep themselves safe when using technology and the rules are laid out in our Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Windows Minimum Specification: Operating system – PC Windows 10 Browser – Pick from any of the main browsers just ensure it is updated regularly CPU – Intel Core i3 11th gen (or newer) or AMD equivalent Memory – 8GB RAM Storage/hard drive/ SSD – 256GB Mac Minimum Specification: Operating system – Monterey Browser – Pick from any of the main browsers just ensure it is updated regularly CPU – M1 Memory – 8GB RAM (64-bit processor), Storage/ hard drive/SSD – 256GB While not essential it is preferred that the device's screen resolution is at least 1980x1080
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EDUCATION GUARDIAN – GUIDANCE NOTES Education guardianship Parents of pupils at Downside School (the School) who are resident outside the UK must appoint an Education Guardian for their child in the UK. This is the case for all pupils, irrelevant of age, even for those aged 18 or over by the time they leave the School. Why must an Education Guardian be appointed? It is usual for independent schools to insist that overseas parents appoint Education Guardians for their children whilst they are at school in the UK. This is to ensure that there is somebody in the UK who can take responsibility for the child or young person and provide them with care and support when they are not in the care of the School. The Education Guardian should also be given legal authority to act on behalf of the Parent(s) in all respects. Who can be an Education Guardian? An Education Guardian may be a family member, a family friend, a guardianship agency, a host family, or other responsible adult based in the UK. The Guardian must be aged 25 or older, unless a brother or sister of the child, when they must be over 21 years of age. The Guardian cannot live in university halls or shared accommodation with any other adult under 25 years of age.
Most overseas parents use a guardianship agency to act as Education Guardian.
Guardianship agencies typically arrange accommodation as well as acting as Educational Guardian for their students. Guardianship agencies will usually arrange accommodation for their students through host families, although sometimes other accommodation options will be used. Host families will then be responsible for providing the day to day care of the student, accommodation and meals. If the guardianship agency arranges accommodation for the child or young person, the agency will be responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of the accommodation
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including the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
An Education Guardian must be resident in the UK at a suitable proximity to Downside School, preferably within 90 minutes travel, but no more than two hours, and be capable of providing care for a child in a happy home environment as would a reasonable and responsible parent.
How is an Education Guardian appointed? The responsibility for choosing an appropriate Education Guardian rests solely with the pupil's parents. The Parents are responsible in each case for satisfying themselves as to the suitability of an Education Guardian. It is important to note that the School does not recommend any specific agency and parents are required to make their own checks into the suitability of any agency. The School is not able to arrange the appointment of an Education Guardian and is not able to arrange accommodation for any pupils (except when they are boarding at School).
It is expected that, other than when appointing a relative or close family friend, the pupil's parents will appoint an Education Guardian via a reputable organisation, preferably a member organisation of the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students (AEGIS). AEGIS is the authoritative association for inspecting and accrediting guardianship agencies in the UK. AEGIS can be contacted via their website: www.aegisuk.net. Informing the School of a change of Education Guardian Parents MUST inform the School as soon as possible if there are any changes to any details relating to the Education Guardian, including any change in Guardian. This is especially important if your child holds a student visa.
THE DUTIES OF AN EDUCATION GUARDIAN An Education Guardian must: • Be aware of all travel arrangements of the child at the beginnings and ends of term, each half term and each exeat. And, within this, to be available to host the child in any planned or emergency situation in which the child will return to School later than 10:00pm on any of the start of term, return from half term, return from an exeat or from an extraordinary time away from school (such as at a weekend, university visit, etc.) • Collect, if required, and accommodate the child in their home at half term, at exeats and at the beginning and end of term, if the child is unable to travel home and, if necessary, for the School holidays for the same reason or for other exceptional reasons; • Collect and accommodate the child in their home in the event that the child is excluded for non-payment of fees or suspended or withdrawn from the School for disciplinary or other reasons; • Collect and accommodate the child in their home in the event that the School has to take emergency action, such as in the case of a pandemic, damage to part of the school or a partial closure of the School; • Liaise with the Housemaster/Housemistress, Head of Nursing or other senior member of the School staff in connection with matters related to the health, welfare, travel plans and education of the child. • Attend the School premises or any other location in case of emergency or if the child is unwell and if deemed necessary by the School, provided that the Education Guardian immediately informs the Parent(s) of what has happened;
• • • •
Collect and accommodate the child in their home in the event that the child is unwell and unable to attend School; Attend medical appointments with the child, if requested by the parent(s) to do so; Provide consent for the child to receive emergency medical treatment if necessary and only if the School is unable to contact the parent(s); Should the parent(s) request, the Guardian is welcome to attend, as appropriate, School events such as parents’ Conferences, Prize Day, Carol Service, House at Home, Sports Fixtures, Concerts and other instances in which the child is participating. In such circumstances, the Guardian is requested to inform the Housemaster/ Housemistress in advance.
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PROCEDURES FOR VISITORS Downside takes the following steps to ensure that its premises are secure: 1. All staff and volunteers (recruited in accordance with Safer Recruitment Procedures) wear identity badges at all times. *1 2. ‘Visitors’ includes all persons arriving on the School site, who are not governors, members of staff, volunteers (for whom there are separate arrangements), or pupils of the School.
3. All visitors must report to Reception in the Old House of the Main Quad.*2 (Reception is staffed on weekdays between 8am and 6pm and on Saturdays between 8.30am and 2.30pm)
4. Visitors must display the visitor’s badge given and must sign the visitor's book in Reception. 5. Visitor’s badges must be returned to Reception just before departure. 6. Visitors must be accompanied by a member of staff at all times. *3 7. Boarding Houses:
The boarding Houses are normally closed to visitors. However, parents visiting their own children in their boarding house may do so after checking in with a member of the House staff and signing the House visitors’ book.
Parents are advised to contact the House to inform the House staff of the time they are arriving. *1
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Coloured lanyards are as follows: Black – Staff Yellow – Contractors White – Governors Green – Monastic Community / Abbey Staff Blue – Residents Purple – Volunteers Red – Visitors
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Exceptions: 1. Parents visiting their children in Caverel, Barlow or Isabella Houses, and who are not entering the Main School buildings. Parents visiting these Houses must report directly on arrival to the House staff on duty in the House at the time.
*2
2. Parents visiting their children outside the hours when reception is staffed. Parents are advised to contact the House to inform the House staff of the time they are arriving. 3. Visitors to the Sports Hall or Swimming Pool for an external club or county event.
Visitors should make their way to the Sports Centre/Swimming Pool via the path from the Main School Quad. Sign the register on arrival at the Sports Centre/Swimming Pool.
Remain in the area designated for the activity you are attending or, if by agreement with the activity organiser you are leaving a child at the activity, you must leave the site and return to pick up the child at the agreed time.
The exception to this is prospective parent visits who are given a school tour by a senior pupil (Sixth Form). These pupils are briefed by the admissions team. During examination periods or under special circumstances First and Second Form pupils may be asked to take a tour. They will normally be in pairs on these occasions.
*3
It is also recognised that there are certain times when parents and other visitors will enter the School without having to wear badges eg match teas, concerts, plays and other such events. On these occasions visitors should remain in the area in which the event is taking place.
It is also important to remember that at the start and end of term and at exeats parents/guardians can often be present on site without having to sign in and wear a badge, as they drop off or pick up pupils. Staff and volunteers are asked to be sensitive and polite in questioning those without badges to ascertain who they are and their reason for being on the School site. Concerns should be reported to a member of the SLT.
Pupils are advised never to pass on the school or house entry codes to visitors, whilst being at all times courteous. They are asked not to allow admittance to people who do not have a school identity badge or are unaccompanied. They should direct such visitors to reception or to a member of staff. If they are at all concerned about an unidentified stranger on the School site, they should report the matter to a member of staff immediately.
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SCHOOL POLICIES Downside School's policies are available to download on our website. Academic and Curriculum Policy Accessibility Plan
Admissions Policy
Anti-bullying Policy
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy Concerns and Complaints Policy COVID-19 Policy
COVID Risk Assessment
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement Equal Opportunities Policy
Expulsion Removal and Review Policy Fire Policy & Procedures First Aid Policy
Health and Safety Policy Physical Restraint Policy PSHEE Policy
Pupil Behaviour Policy
Risk Assessment Policy
Relationships & Sex Education (RSE) Policy Safeguarding Statement
Statement of Boarding Principles Supervision of Pupils Notice
If you require any further School information copy please contact the School Office via hmpa@downside.co.uk
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MUSIC AT DOWNSIDE SCHOOL It is my very great pleasure to welcome you to the Music Department at Downside School, which is also the first point of contact for dance and drama. I hope you will enjoy playing a full part in the performing arts while you’re here at Downside.
The Music Department, based in the recently refurbished O’Flaherty Music School, is happy, busy and flourishing. It delivers more than 250 individual instrumental, singing, dance and drama lessons every week, and it supports our bands, choirs, orchestras and other ensembles with around 20 weekly rehearsals. Not surprisingly, many new pupils and their parents find this all a little daunting! I hope the information which follows will help to guide you through the day-to-day practicalities of individual music lessons, private practice and membership of the ensembles. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have a musical query, however trivial it may seem. Contact details are given in the ‘Members of the Music Department’ section.
JuLI A N M CNA MA R A D i rec t o r of Music
Music Ensembles and events There are lots of different ensembles at Downside and you will be encouraged to join those which are appropriate to you. Singers have Schola Cantorum (the main school choir), the Mixed Chamber, Boys’ Chamber, Girls’ Chamber Choirs and Barbershop while instrumentalists have everything from Orchestra to Concert/CCF Band, Brass Group, Pipe Band and Jazz Band. Chamber ensembles such as Cello Group, String Quartet and Junior Piano Trio are put together on a more ad hoc basis and there are plenty of opportunities for music-making with others. Some of these groups are auditioned and your teacher will be able to advise you on which is appropriate for you.
Over the course of a year there are many musical events including Choral Concert, St Cecilia Concert, House Singing Competition, Music for a Summer’s Evening, regular Abbey services and the joint Charity Showcase with various local musicians, plus a variety of ‘one-off ’ events involving musicians. How much do lessons cost? A term's tuition will be £300 for 9 lessons. This is based on an average of 9 lessons per term. In reality, pupils are likely to receive more that this in the (longer) Michaelmas term and fewer in the (shorter) Summer term. In the event of a pupil not receiving 27 lessons over the course of a full Academic year, an adjustment will be made to the final summer bill. It is important that you read and understand the school policy on missed music lessons. A term's notice (9 lessons) is required to discontinue tuition. If a pupil uses a school instrument rather than their own you will be charged £40.00 per term for instrument hire. Where do lessons take place? All lessons take place within the Performing Arts Centre, also known as the O’Flaherty Music School. Lesson times – where to find them All lessons are shown in the SOCS School App for pupils. This will be explained to your child in their induction. Fixed Lessons: Pupils in the Sixth form are offered a fixed time for their music lesson which avoids all academic lessons. Fixed lessons may, in exceptional circumstances, also be offered to pupils in other years where it is clear that this is necessary. PARENT HANDBOOK
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Other Lessons: For the majority of pupils in First to Fifth Form, the time of a music lesson with a particular teacher will change every week. This is done to avoid missing the same academic lesson too often and we work closely with tutors to ensure that the system is as fair as possible. Finding out when your lesson will take place: At the end of every week, timetables for the following week are published on SOCS, in houses, in the music department and on the notice board in the Main Hall. Music Department and House staff are all glad to help pupils with their music timetables. What happens if a pupil can’t make a lesson? It’s important that the Music Department knows as soon as possible. We can try and re-arrange things if we know beforehand, preferably 48 hours in advance. If a pupil is ill and not in school then we’ll know from the registers and there’s no need to contact us. House staff including House Parents can get messages to us. What happens if a pupil misses a lesson by mistake? We’re all human and know that, in the busy life of a school, things are sometimes forgotten. The Music Department has a policy on missed lessons which is both on display in Houses and given below. We pride ourselves on treating all pupils as individuals and work closely with tutors and house staff to help ensure that music lessons are a success for each pupil, but they also need to make sure that they do their best to attend lessons. Pupil Absence Procedure (Music Lessons) Missed a lesson? • •
•
Come down to the Music School and see Mrs Maggs Did you miss because you were ill / on a school trip / involved in a sports match (not just a normal games session)? It will not be treated as an absence but if you know in advance then you should see Mrs. Maggs in the first instance. Did you miss because you forgot / misread the timetable / didn’t check the timetable? It will be marked as an absence.
If a pupil misses more than one lesson we will do our utmost to identify and find solutions to the problem. A charge will be made for all lessons missed without a valid reason. 34
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Practice times, including smart card access The Performing Arts Centre is protected by a series of electronic locks and each pupil taking music lessons will be asked to sign a contract of responsible use before being issued with a smart card giving them access to the building as appropriate. The first smart card issued is free but, in the event of a smart card being lost, replacements are charged at £10 to cover the cost of the smart card. Pupils are able to access the building at the following times: Monday to Friday 08.25 – 21.00 Saturday 08.25 – 18.00 Sunday 11.30 – 18.00 There is no formal booking system for the practice rooms; if it is not in use by a teacher or another pupil then you are able to use it. Pianists are also able to use the pianos in the Theatre and the Gasquet Hall. Stopping music lessons If you wish to stop lessons in a particular instrument, we need a full term’s notice (9 lessons) in writing. This is in accordance with the terms and conditions of music lessons as given on the online Music Lessons Form, and is necessary in order for us to fulfil our contractual obligations to our instrumental staff. Members of the Music Department DIRECTOR OF MUSIC, ORGANIST AND MASTER OF THE SCHOLA CANTORUM Mr Julian McNamara MA (Oxon), FRCO, PGDipPerf (RNCM) jmcnamara@downside.co.uk HEAD OF ACADEMIC MUSIC AND ASSISTANT ORGANIST Mr George Bevan MMus (RCM), ARCO(CHM), ARCM gbevan@downside.co.uk MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR Mrs Caroline Maggs cmaggs@downside.co.uk
Performing Arts Department Weekly Rehearsals
Monday 1105 - 1135 1320 – 1400 1320 – 1400 1320 – 1400 1410 - 1520 1700 - 1745 1820-1900
Guitar Ensemble Elastic Band Function Band Pointe Club Music Tech/Recording Group Music Theory clinic Choir Who Can’t Sing
Mr Arcoleo Miss Robey Mr Jobbins Miss Sigley Mr G Bevan Mr Bevan Mr Bevan
Martin Room Theatre Recording Studio Martin Room Hood Tech Room Bevan Room Bevan Room
Brass Group Jazz Band Concert Band Chamber Choir
Mr S Jones Mr Crockatt Mr Bevan Mr McNamara
Martin Room Theatre Theatre Petre Cloister
Wind Ensemble String Ensemble Schola Cantorum
Mr Packman Mr McNamara Mr McNamara
Martin Room Theatre Petre Cloister
Drum Line Latin/Ballroom club Piano Trio Pipe Band Legally Blonde rehearsals
Mr Jobbins Miss Sigley Miss Robey Mr Kerr/Mr Jobbins Ms Schofield/Miss Robey/ Miss Sigley
Theatre Martin Room Bevan Room Bevan Room Theatre
Contemporary Dance Class Schola Cantorum
Miss Sigley Mr McNamara
Theatre Petre Cloister
Tuesday 1320 – 1400 1320 – 1400 1700 – 1745 1820 - 1915
Wednesday 1320 - 1400 1320 - 1400 1700 - 1745
Thursday 1320 - 1400 1320 – 1400 1320 - 1400 1700 – 1730 1700 - 2100
Friday 1310 - 1345 1630 - 1715
Sunday 0900 - 0945 1200 - 1600
Duty Choir Mr McNamara Legally Blonde rehearsals Ms Schofield/Miss Robey/ (not 4 Feb) Miss Sigley
Petre Cloister/ Abbey Church
Updated 5 January 2024
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downside sport Our sports development philosophy for players and coaches is based on a positive mental attitude and exceptional work ethic, and this is expected from all pupils participating in Sport and Physical Education at Downside School. Our aim is to coach the whole child to ensure that they find a sport in which they can participate, excel and learn the values of being part of a team. Discipline | Honesty | Stewardship These foundational values of Downside Sport are derived from our Benedictine traditions and underpin an integral framework of sports coaching at our school that aims to develop young people as strong, resilient leaders of character that can excel in sport, school and life. Our emphasis on ‘Talent Development’ recognises the power of teamwork and the importance of moral and performance character. All pupils at Downside, regardless of ability, will participate in sport and physical activity during their time here, affording us the opportunity to offer all pupils a foundation of sporting experiences, leading to a development of ability/interest and culminating, for those who represent the school competitively, to an attitude focusing on the fulfilment of talent.
Ideologically, ‘Talent Development’ remains central to our mission. Our sports coaching staff are committed to developing the potential in each and every pupil. By way of emphasising this pursuit of the best that we can be, the notion of establishing a positive coaching climate has been paramount. Whilst some schools may adhere to a ‘win at all costs’ mentality, the Benedictine values to which we hold so dear have supported Downside’s staff and pupils in developing a sports coaching philosophy that has prioritised attitude and effort in both training and competitive performances, above simplified performance values such as winning and losing. It is nice to have both of course, but it is much easier to realise the latter if you can first develop a culture that celebrates the former. We believe that in these changing social times, the significant majority of young performers will recognise the value of attitudes and behaviours that are indicative of a climate of development in sport. These include effort & improvement, a growth mind-set, sense of belonging and fundamental movement skills. It is our aim to establish this 36
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climate of development in all areas of sport at Downside School. Our most able or more senior pupils, in a representative pathway for their specialist sport or fortunate enough to play for their respective ‘A’ or 1st team in school might experience attitudes and behaviours indicative of a climate of performance, e.g.: performance training & specialisation. We are justifiably proud of the culture of sport at Downside School and we are equally proud of the achievements of our talented performers and the growing reputation of our sports teams. Downside School believes that physical activity plays an important role in every child’s development. The aim of Sport & Physical Education at Downside School is to provide a high quality balanced curriculum of team and individual activities which allows each student to gain understanding of his or her own physical ability, to provide experiences which help to promote character and provide the opportunity for high levels of performance. ‘Sport for All’ is a central part of the school’s philosophy as is the desire for every pupil to enjoy physical activity and achieve their own personal best. Whilst our curriculum distinguishes between Physical Education and Sport, the notion of excellence permeates throughout. We are unashamedly aspirational for all our sports performers and challenge all our pupils to be “the best me I can be” in every aspect of school life.
Our Athlete Development Programme has been designed to support Scholarship holders and other talented pupils, ensuring that every lesson, coaching session and mentoring meeting is designed to reinforce and support attitudes and behaviours that will create excellence and high performance conditions that are full of challenge, creative thinking, critical thinking, problem solving and student choice. Adhering to the core Downside Sport values participants will have access to subject specific mentoring & support from our experienced team of outstanding
coaches. They will be expected to participate in enrichment extra-curricular/co-curricular activities, receive and offer feedback and share personalised objectives and targets that will ensure that a climate of development leads to an effective climate of performance, further endorsing Downside School’s desire to be:
‘to be a bright light in the world of education, illuminating the lives of young people and inspiring service in the world through experience of Benedictine culture’ Responsibility and leadership for the major sports in the school is assured by our outstanding team of experienced education professionals and highly respected Development Lead coaches, all of whom have played/coached at the highest levels representatively. Substantial support is provided by a large team of additional Level 2 and Level 3 specialist female and male sports coaches and academic staff who deliver excellent coaching throughout the school and across the age range.
The School is a full member of the Bristol Corinthians Sailing Club which is located at the Cheddar Reservoir in Somerset. The club is affiliated to the RYA and pupils have access to a wide range of water sport activities there, including sailing, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding. Downside has an excellent fleet of Topaz Argo sailing dinghies and, for those pupils who wish to progress and either enter sailing races or gain qualifications from the RYA, including Instructor Award, the Royal Navy section of the Downside CCF is open to all.
Alongside timetabled Games sessions three times per week for all pupils, there are a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities throughout the year. These include, but are not limited to scuba diving, kayaking, fencing, archery, 5-a-side football, cross country, badminton, basketball, table tennis, swimming, .22 rifle shooting, clay pigeon shooting, sailing, touch rugby, squash, horse riding, yoga and fitness training. No pupil may swim without a responsible adult being present and a qualified lifeguard. Games that can cause damage to windows are to be played away from the buildings. Golf may be practiced only on the athletics field and beyond the Long Shrubberies. Studded boots may not be worn inside the buildings.
SPORT & GAMES PROGRAMME AT DOWNSIDE SCHOOL The following sports or games are available during the three terms of the academic year, as follows: Michaelmas Term Year Group 1st & 2nd Form 3rd & 4th Form 5th & 6th Form Lent Term Year Group 1st & 2nd Form 3rd & 4th Form 5th & 6th Form Summer Term Year Group 1st & 2nd Form 3rd & 4th Form 5th & 6th Form
Boys Rugby Rugby Rugby Cross Country, Swimming Badminton, Football
Girls Hockey Hockey Hockey Cross Country, Swimming Badminton, Health & Well-Being
Boys Hockey Hockey Hockey Cross Country, Swimming Football, Table Tennis
Girls Netball Netball Netball Cross Country, Swimming Health & Well-Being, Table Tennis
Boys Cricket Cricket Cricket, Tennis Athletics, Swimming Badminton, Volleyball Sailing
Girls Tennis Tennis Tennis, Athletics, Swimming, Health & Well-Being Badminton, Volleyball Sailing
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school timetable during the working week 70 Min Lessons: Master Timetable 2023-2024 (blank = academic lesson except where stated; grey = no academic lessons) 8.20am-8.30am
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday House Assembly
Period 1: 8.40am-9.50am Period 2: 9.55am-11.05am 11.05am-11.35am
Friday
The Half
Period 3: 11.35am -12.45pm 12.45pm-1.45pm 1.45pm-1.55pm
1F/ 2F: Games
5F/6F: Games
3-4: Games
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch Registration
Lunch
Period 4: 2.00pm-3.10pm
3F - U6F: Activities/CCF
3F/4F: Games
1F/2F: Games
5-6: Games
Lunch Period 4: 1-5: 1.45-2.55 6: GRS/ Tutor Tea: 2.55-3.20
Fixtures No 6th
1-5: 3.20-3.50 PSHEE 4.00 Hymn Practice
3.10pm-3.45pm
Tea
Period 5: 3.45pm-4.55pm 5.00pm-6.00pm
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Thursday
5.40pm-6.30pm 6.00pm-7.00pm 7.00pm-7.45pm 7.15pm-8.30pm 7.30pm–9.00pm 9.00pm-9.10pm
6: PSHE 1-2: Games 1 + 2F Prep/ Co-Curricular Activities
1 + 2F Prep/ Co-Curricular Activities
1 + 2F Prep/ Co-Curricular Activities
1 + 2F Prep/ CoCurricular Activities Supper Late Prep/ Activities 1-2: Activities 3: Prep 4-U6 Prep House Assembly
Saturday 8.50am-9.00am: House Assembly Period 1: 9.05am-10.15am Period 2: 10.20am-11.30am Period 3: 11.35am-12.00pm 1st-5th Tutor Lunch 12.30pm Games
1 + 2F Prep/ Co-Curricular Activities House Time
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WEEKEND PROGRAMME 24th & 25th June 2023 Duty House: Caverel : Mrs McGarry
Sunday
SLT: Mrs Murphy
Sunday:
3rd Form Residential
Sunday Bus to Bath
Sunday Mass 09:30 Abbey Church
12:15 depart - Return by 4:30
Skern Lodge
From 08:30
Breakfast
08.50
Full Schola, servers' and readers' rehearsal
09.30
Mass Abbey Church
From 11.00
Brunch from 11:00 Grp A Followed by 11.30 Grp
Thursday 2:15 depart
11.30 - 6.00
Music Department Accessible to card holders
Return Sunday 10:30pm
11.30 - 9.45
Chamber Choir to Oxford
12.15 - 4.30
Bath Trip (SOCS sign-up)
1.30 - 4.30
Art Department Open
From 1:30
Downside Active
Friday 08.15 depart
Saturday Night Cinema
Return Sunday 17.30
Sailing Club Saturday
Saturday:
Pilar School Exchange Visit Sunday 18th - Monday 26th June
4th - 6th Form, Avonmeads Bristol Sign-up on SOCS Minibus only
1.00 – 6.00 pm
See Poster
Skern Lodge & Cricket Tour Away
1st XI Yorkshire Tour
7.30 - 8.15
Breakfast - Followed by House Assembly & Lessons
07.30 - 6.00pm
Music Dept: Accessible to card holders
Downside Active
1.00 - 6.00
Sailing Club departs
Saturday Evening
1.30 - 5.00
Full Games Programme for All See Notice
5.00 - 6.45
Sports Centre Closed
5.30 - 6.00
House Check in by Year Groups
From 5.40
Supper 5:40 Grp A : 18:10 Grp B
5.30
Tennis Team Dinner Departs
5.45 - 6.45
6th Form Bar with Dinner
On SOCS
6.15 - 10.45
Avonmeads Cinema Trip Departs (SOCS sign-up)
See Poster
7.00 - 9.00
HsMs Detention, Petre Library
6.00 - 9.00
Downside Active- See Programme right
9.00pm
House Check in by Year Groups
School Fixtures & Games Afternoon
Lane Swim (Sign Up on SOCS)
See Programme right
Sunday 3.00pm - 4.00pm
Sports Hall
5.30
Skern Lodge Returns
Basketball
From 5.40
Supper 5:40 Grp A : 18:10 Grp B
6.45 - 7.15
5.30 - 6.00
House Check in by Year Groups
From 7.15
From 6.00
Theatre Quad Gig
5 A Side Tournament
5.00 - 7.00
Sports Centre Closed
Open Gym Times
From 7:00
Downside Active
Sunday Basketball Club 3.30pm Sports Hall
Sunday Outdoor Tennis Available
See Programme right
9.00pm
House Check in by Year Groups
10.30
Cricket Tour Returns
From 1.00pm Weather Permitting
Grass Court Final From 2.00pm Barlow Cinema
Saturday evening
House Events & Picnics
1st & 2nd Form Lawn Games and Picnic or Explore Bath & Picnic
1st Cricket - Yorkshire Tour Girls & Boys Tennis House Matches
Sunday Afternoon
Athletics, Volleyball, Swimming, Badminton,
Downside Active Sports Hall Activities Sunday Timetable Badminton 2:00 - 3:30pm Basketball 3:30 - 5:00pm Table Tennis From 2.00 Old Gym 5 A Side 7.00 - 8.30 pm Open Option 8.30 - 9.00 SOCS Sign-up For Gym
Health & Wellbeing
Full Games Programme in House
2:00pm Sports Hall
Queens Club
Saturday Mixed Inter-House 5-a-side Tournament See Poster
Sunday Badminton Club
Sunday Music Dept Open 11:30 - 6.00pm
Sunday Chamber Choir to Oxford 11.30 Depart - 9.45 Return
Open Gym See Poster 5th & 6th Form 2.00 - 3.00 Boys 3rd & 4th Form 3.00 - 4.00 6th Form 4.00 - 5.00 Girls
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CO-CURRICULUM Co-curricular activities, clubs and societies at Downside provide vital experiences and opportunities, introducing pupils to new experiences, new life skills and new friends. All pupils participate in the co-curriculum programme which runs throughout the week and on weekends. With over 100 options to choose from, there is something for everyone – from adventure and sports to creative arts and service. Archery Army Advanced Platoon Army Basic Platoon Art Academy and Club Athletic Development Badminton Board Games Club Book Chat Caving Trips CCF (Army & Navy) CCF Corp of Drums CCF Target (.22) Shooting Club Chess Club Clay Target Sunday Shooting Club Cricket - indoor net training Cross County Club David Attenborough Documentary Club Debating Club - Abingdon Society Development Tennis Dingy Sailing Club Duke of Edinburgh Award Environmental Group Expedition Society Fashion Show Club Fencing Fitness Gym Football Golf Development & Leadership Health & Wellbeing
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Illustration International Committee Kayaking Club Knit and Natter Language Leaders Lectio Divina Group Maths Magic Medical Society Model united Nations Club Mountain Bike Club Music Technology/Recording Group Paddlesport Club Recreational Dance Robotics Club Rugby 7's Training Rugby Coaching & Leadership Sailing Club Scuba Diving Sewing Group Shooting Club Sign Language Course Squash Swimming Ten Tors Volleyball Wine Appreciation Course - Sixth Form Woodworking World of Curiosity - Desire for Drawing World of Maths
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REGULAR MEETINGS The following lists most of the regular extra-curricular pupil commitments during the school term
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Monday
11:00 14:00
Head's staff briefing / Pupil notices CCF/ Community Service / Activities
Tuesday
07:40 21:00 21:15
Mass, Old Chapel St Teresa Community, Head’s Sitting Room Recitation of the Holy Rosary, Old Chapel
Wednesday
07:55 15:45 18:30
St Luke’s Community, The Chaplains’ Room Sixth Form Lecture, Gasquet Hall (fortnightly) Knowles Society,Turnbull Bar (fortnightly)
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Thursday
21:00
St. John Community, Chaplaincy Centre
Friday
07:40 16:00 18:30 18:30
Mass, Old Chapel Hymn Practice, Abbey Church Abingdon Debating Society, Gasquet Hall (fortnightly) Knowles Society,Turnbull Bar (fortnightly)
Saturday
13:00 – 17:00
School Games and Matches
Sunday
08:50 09:20 09:30
Duty Choir Practice, Abbey Church Servers’ Practice, Abbey Church Whole School Mass
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CHAPLAINCY Mass is celebrated in the Old Chapel on Tuesdays and Fridays, except on days when Mass is celebrated with the School in the Abbey Church. Anyone who would like to assist with reading or serving at the morning Mass is asked to see one of the Chaplains. SUNDAY MASS is at 9:30am, with rehearsal for servers at 9:00am. Please see Fr Michael if you would be willing to serve (4F and above). WEEKDAY MASSES are celebrated in the Old Chapel every Tuesday 5:10pm – 5:30pm and Fridays at 7:40 – 8:00am. On Thursday evenings at 9.00 p.m. in the Old Chapel there are House Masses or House reconciliation services. CONFESSIONS are heard before Sunday Mass in the Abbey Church in St Benedict’s Chapel (from 9.40 a.m. when the Mass is at 10.00 a.m.). Confessions are heard on Thursdays before and during the evening Mass in the Old Chapel, or at other times by private arrangement with one of the Chaplains.
LECTIO DIVINA groups meet once a week, arranged by the Leader of the Group. The ROSARY GROUP meets every Tuesday in the Old Chapel from 3:20 - 3:40pm.
DAY PUPILS attend a weekly service with the Chaplains.
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OLD GREGORIANS OF ST GREGORY’S SOCIETY Alumni from Downside School are called “Old Gregorians”. The first recorded meeting of St Gregory’s Society was in 1843. Today St Gregory’s Society comprises around 5,000 Old Gregorians and it is thriving. The centrepiece in the Society’s calendar is the Easter Retreat held at Downside each year from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday and attended by many OGs both young and old and their families. Dinners in London, Hong Kong and Brazil remain regular annual fixtures and events are held every three years in Dublin, Madrid and Malta.
GREGORIAN PRAYER Almighty Father, by the power of your Holy Spirit, grant that the whole Downside community may prosper in its devotion to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Sport also flourishes under the auspices of the Society through the Wanderers Cricket Club, the OG Golfing Society and more recently, OG Rugby. The Society publishes a monthly newsletter sent via email and there is an active group on Facebook and LinkedIn. Old Gregorians provide invaluable careers advice and assistance to current pupils and have a wealth of experience in a wide range of professions, which they are very happy to share with current Downside pupils. One of the great privileges of members of the Society is that we are remembered in the Masses and prayers of the Community at St Gregory’s. The Development Office at Downside supports St Gregory’s Society by managing all administrative tasks. The Office holds the OG database if you are looking for old friends, run the on-line shop for memorabilia and events, keep this website up to date and if you want to visit Downside we will ensure you receive a warm welcome.
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S T R AT TO N - O N - T H E - F O S S E , B AT H , S O M E R S E T B A 3 4 R J reception@downside.co.uk www.downside.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1761 235100