Pupil Handbook 2022-2023

PUPIL HANDBOOK

DOWNSIDE SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT

Downside’s vision, as a Catholic and Benedictine school with Christ at its centre , is to be a bright light in education and to inspire ser vice in our world.

Downside School, Str atton on the Fosse , Radstock, Somer set, BA3 4RJ Tel: 01761 235100 reception@downside .co.uk www.downside .co.uk

Reg Char ity Number : 1184700 Reg Company Number : 11751009

An electronic ver sion of the ‘Pupil Handbook’ is made available to pupils on the School computer desktop.

School Policies and Procedures referred to within this handbook are subject to change throughout the academic year.

The most up to date ver sions of the documents can be found on the Downside School website or by contacting a member of staff for the latest ver sion

OUR AIMS

1. To guide pupils and staff to encounter Christ through experience of a Benedictine community of faith

2. To be uncompromising in the pursuit of academic excellence

3. To foster a culture of unselfish love , integrity, humility and leadership through ser vice

4. To develop the character and confidence of young people through spor t and co-curricular oppor tunities

5. To develop the School community’s facilities and resources through strategic stewardship.

AIMS OF THE SCHOOL

First Key Aim: To guide pupils and staff to encounter Christ through experience of a Benedictine community of faith

“We mean to establish a school for the Lord’s ser vice” (R.St.B. Prologue v.45) “The fir st of all things to aim at is to love the Lord God with your whole hear t and soul and strength and then to love your neighbour as much as you do your self” (R.St.B. Ch.4 v. 1 2)

Second Key Aim: To be uncompromising in the pursuit of academic excellence

“

…in which the strong will have ideals to inspire them and the weak may not be fr ightened away by excessive demands” (R.St.B Chapter 64)

Third Key Aim: To foster a culture of unselfish love , integrity, humility and leadership through ser vice

“And so to prepare our selves for the jour ney before us , let us renew our faith and set our selves high standards by which to lead our lives . The Gospel should be our guide in following the way of Chr ist...” (R.St.B. Prologue v. 21) “Give help and suppor t to the poor ; clothe the naked, visit the sick … ” (R St B Prologue Ch 4 v 5)

Four th Key Aim: To develop the character and confidence of young people through spor t and co-curricular oppor tunities

“Idleness is the enemy of the soul…” (R.St.B Chapter 48) “If there are any in the community with creative gifts , they should use them in their wor kshops with proper humility” (R.St.B Chapter 57)

Fifth Key Aim: To develop the School community’s facilities and resources through strategic stewardship

“The Super ior should entr ust the proper ty of the monaster y … to var ious member s of the community whose character and reliability inspire confidence…” (R.St.B Chapter 32)

“The pr inciple from scr ipture should be established … namely that distr ibution was made to each in accordance with their needs” (R.St.B Chapter 34)

REGULAR MEETINGS & REHEARSALS

Please refer to Depar tment noticeboards and the School iSAMS Calendar for changes to the ‘Regular Meetings & Rehear sals’ schedule .

Sunday 08:50

Duty Choir Rehear sal, Abbey Church 09:00 Ser ver s ’ Pr actice , Abbey Church 09:30 Whole School Mass 12:00 15:00 Junior Production Rehear sal, Theatre

Monday 11:00

Head’s Staff Br iefing 11:00 Guitar Ensemble , Mar tin Room 13:15 Elastic Band, Mar tin Room 13:15 Function Band, Live Recording Room 13:15 Junior Production Rehear sal, Theatre 13:15 Pointe Club, Theatre Stage 14:00 CCF Cor ps of Dr ums, CCF 14:00 CCF/ Community Ser vice Pr ior ity

Tuesday 07:40 Mass, Old Chapel 13:15 Br ass Group, Mar tin Room 13:15 Jazz Band, Theatre 13:15 Piano Tr io, Ludlow Room 15:20 Recitation of the Holy Rosar y, Old Chapel 17:00 Concer t Band, Theatre 17:10 Mass, Old Chapel 18:20 Mixed Chamber Choir, Petre Cloister 21:00 St Teresa Community, Aylward Room

Wednesday 13:00

13:15

13:15

15:20

17:00

17:00

Euchar istic Ador ation with Confessions, Old Chapel

Str ing Ensemble , Theatre

Woodwind Ensemble , Mar tin Room

St Luke’s Community, Chaplaincy Office

Schola Cantor um, Petre Cloister

Junior Production Rehear sal, Theatre

18:30 Mixed Chamber Choir, Butler Room (for tnightly)

18:30

Sixth For m Lecture , Gasquet Hall (as per schedule)

Thur sday 13:15

13:15

Recreational Dance , Mar tin Room

Percussion Group/Dr um Line , Theatre

17:00 Pipe Band, Theatre

21:00 St John’s Community, Chaplaincy Centre

Fr iday 07:40

11:00

13:15

Mass, Old Chapel

Head’s Staff Br iefing Pupil Notices

Contempor ar y Dance Class, Theatre Stage

13:20 Close Har mony Group, Ludlow Room

16:00 Hymn Pr actice , Abbey Church

15:20

Academic Scholar’s Meeting, Gasquet Hall

16:20 Schola Cantor um, Abbey Church

17:00 St Fr ancis Community, Chaplaincy Office

17:00

18:30

18:30

Junior Production Rehear sal, Theatre

Abingdon Debating Society, Gasquet Hall (for tnightly)

Knowles Society, Tur nbull Bar (for tnightly)

Saturday 13:00 17:00 School Spor ts and Fixtures (refer to SOCS calendar)

USEFUL NUMBERS & EMAIL ADDRESSES

Staff Role Name

Head Mr Andrew Hobbs

PA to the Head

Mr s Katie Walker Deputy Head Mr Michael Randall

Director of Admissions and Mar keting

Mr s Claire Low

Mr s Becky Mor an Mar keting Manager Melanie Woods Digital Mar keting Assistant Miss Amy Kinnear

Admissions Officer

Director of Pastor al Care

Mr s Claire Mur phy Powell House Mr Andy Hamilton Caverel House

Ms Anna McGar r y Bar low House

Mr Simon Potter Rober ts House Mr Joshua Freeman Smythe House

Mr John Storey Isabella House

Head of Nur sing & Health Centre

Mr s Karen Westlake

Mr s Michelle Pye

Head of Sixth For m

Head of Four th & Fifth For m

Mr Richard Rawlins

Mr Oliver Simper

Mr s Belen Iglesias Head of Teaching, Lear ning

Head of Fir st to Third For m

Mr Paul Rigby and Innovation

Examinations Officer

Mr s Cather ine Dietr ich

Mr Neill Bar rett Head of Economics and Business Studies

Head of Ar t and Design

Mr Dar ren Nichols Inter im Head of English

Mr s Rebecca Shaw

Mr s Andrea Maistrello Head of Humanities

Head of EAL

Mr Oliver Simper

Telephone Extension Email Address

01761 235100 102 hmpa@downside co uk

01761 235101 201 kwalker@downside .co.uk

01761 235116 106 mr andall@downside .co.uk

01761 235103 103 clow@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 135 admissions@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 151 mwoods@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 107 akinnear@downside .co.uk

01761 235183 183 cmur phy@downside .co.uk

01761 235133 133 ahamilton@downside .co.uk

01761 235131 131 amcgar r y@downside .co.uk

01761 235132 132 spotter@downside .co.uk

01761 235129 129 jfreeman@downside .co.uk

01761 235126 126 jstorey@downside .co.uk

01761 235143 143 kwestlake@downside .co.uk

01761 235128 128 mpye@downside .co.ukh centre@downside .co.uk

01761 235117 117 r r awlins@downside .co.uk

01761 235117 117 osimper@downside .co.uk

01761 235117 117 biglesias@downside .co.uk

01761 235117 117 pr igby@downside .co.uk

01761 235159 159 exams@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 165 nbar rett@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 502 dlnichols@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 160 r shaw@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 591 amaistrello@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 117 osimper@downside .co.uk

USEFUL NUMBERS & EMAIL ADDRESSES

Staff Role Name

Head of Languages

Head of Lear ning Suppor t/SENCO

Mr Richard Rawlins

Mr s Clare Storey

Head of Mathematics Dr Jesus Tapia Amador

Director of Director of Music ,

Or ganist & Master of the Schola Cantor um Mr Julian McNamar a Head of Academic Music Mr Geor ge Bevan

Head of Science Mr Paul Rigby

Director of Spor t Mr Richard Jones Head of Theology & Head of Histor y Mr Hugh Walter s

Head of Career s

Mr Oliver Simper UC AS & HE Coordinator Mr Richard Rawlins

Director of the Wider Cur r iculum Mr Simon Potter

Libr ar ian Ms Janet Cr aig

Pr iest Chaplain

Father Michael Patey Lay Chaplain Mr Paul Andrewar tha St Scholastica Community Mr Vicente Tagle

Director of Commercial

Mr s Issy Har tnell Enter pr ises

Director of Finance Mr Adam Cr ay

Senior Accounts Cler k Mr s Anya Picker ing & Salar ies Administr ator Accounts Assistants

Purchase Ledger

Mr s Sheila Hansford Billing Ledger Mr s Carol Gould

Director of Estates Mr Mar tin Holden

Head of Facilities (Soft FM), Health and Safety Co ordinator Mr s Suzanne Faloon

Telephone Extension Email Address

01761 235100 180 r r awlins@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 130 cstorey@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 191 jtapia@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 175 jmcnamar a@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 146 gbevan@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 117 pr igby@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 169 rjones@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 198 hwalter s@downside .co.uk

01761 235117 117 osimper@downside .co.uk

01761 235117 117 r r awlins@downside .co.uk

01761 235132 132 spotter@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 528 jcr aig@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 119 mpatey@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 119 pandrewar tha@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 137 vtagle@downside .co.uk

01761 235136 136 ihar tnell@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 166 acr ay@downside .co.uk

01761 235123 123 apicker ing@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 333 accounts@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 308 accounts@downside co uk

01761 235100 122 mholden@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 156 sfaloon@downside co uk

USEFUL NUMBERS & EMAIL ADDRESSES

Staff Role Name

Domestic Ser vices Manager

Mr s Angie Hur le

Mr s Jessica Newman Development Assistant Miss Paige Owen

Director of Development

School Shop Manager

Gener al Cater ing Manager

Mr s Tr acy Coles

Mr s Sar ah Kieck

Mr David Pollard Head of Outdoor Activities

Combined Cadet Force &

ICT Networ k Manager

Mr Shane Tighe

ICT Technician and Helpdesk Super visor Mr Dawid Cejrowski

ICT Technician Mr Lewis Bolt

School Administr ator

Mr s Laur a Cr ay Lear ning Suppor t & Exams Administr ator

Mr s Chloe Br ice Music Administr ator

Mr s Patr icia Rees Jones

Mr s Rachel Cox Human Resources Advisor

Director of Human Resources

Mr s Michelle Heywood Human Resources Administr ator / Assistant

Mr s Katie Nascimento

Receptionists

Mr s Ashley Williams

Mr s Sar ah Hockey

Mr s Susan Car ter

Telephone Extension Email Address

01761 235140 140 ahur le@downside .co.uk

01761 235194 194 jnewman@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 158 powen@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 138 shop@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 139 cater ing@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 163 dpollard@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 150 stighe@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 302 dcejrowski@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 325 lbolt@downside .co.uk

01761 235199 199 lcr ay@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 195 cbr ice@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 146 prees jones@downside .co.uk

01761 235 100 105 rcox@downside .co.uk

01761 235106 106 mheywood@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 154 knascimento@downside .co.uk

01761 235100 104 reception@downside .co.uk

SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The following section of the Pupil Handbook aims to provide a summar y of key School Policies and Procedures.

An electronic version of the ‘Pupil Handbook’ is made available to pupils on the School computer desktop.

School Policies and Procedures referred to within this handbook are subject to change throughout the academic year.

The most up to date versions of the documents can be found on the Downside School website or by contacting a member of staff for the latest version.

STATEMENT OF BOARDING PRINCIPLES

Our task, then, is to establish a School of the Lord’s ser vice Rule of St. Benedict, Prologue

1. Introduction

Downside is a tr aditional, Catholic , family or ientated boarding School, and as such, the values and ideals of the Gospel and the Rule of St. Benedict lie at the hear t of the community here . Whilst Downside is a strong academic School, our aim is to develop the char acter of our boarder s and day pupils alike , where the impor tance of mor al cour age , integr ity and ser vice is emphasised.

2. Aims

2.1. At Downside we aim to provide a safe , nur turing environment and strong close knit community where all pupils actively live out the values and aspects of a Benedictine and Catholic education. Pupils have oppor tunities to develop their faith and spir ituality and are guided to encounter Chr ist throughout all aspects of school life . The exper ience of living and wor king together helps pupils to develop per sonal discipline , active listening and social skills, self awareness, confidence, independence, and compassion. Community life affords pupils oppor tunities to develop deeper cultur al under standing and respect for those from different beliefs and tr aditions and to celebr ate diver sity.

We aim to cultivate a culture of unselfish love , integr ity, humility and leader ship through ser vice and responsibility. Each pupil is challenged to embr ace a growth mindset through the numerous academic , spor ting and co cur r icular oppor tunities and to contr ibute pur posefully for the benefit of the School and wider community.

3. Practice

3.1. Boarding, whether as a full boarder, or day+ boarder, is an inclusive and progressive community. Boarder s are encour aged to embr ace and celebr ate diver sity and to recognise the unique value of each individual

3.2. The boarding environment actively promotes mutual respect, Benedictine values, compassion, and concer n from the individual and pupils are expected to act with cour tesy and good manner s at all times.

3.3. Downside offer s a r ich and vibr ant co cur r icular progr amme through the week and at weekends to provide oppor tunities for fun, challenge , celebr ations, exper ience , teamwor k, community building and socialising.

3.4. The boarding houses at Downside as split as follows:

• Powell House is a boys house of Fir st to Third For m (Year s 7 9).

• Smythe , Rober ts and Bar low Houses are home to boys from Four th to Upper Sixth for m (Year s 10 13).

• Isabella and Caverel Houses are home to gir ls Fir st to Upper Sixth for m (Year s 7 13).

3.5. Each house is r un by an exper ienced pastor al team, led by the House Master or House Mistress (HsM). They are suppor ted by assistant HsMs, tutor s and house parents.

3.6. The Health and Wellbeing Centre suppor ts the pupils and houses. It is staffed by exper ienced nur ses and Health Care Pr actitioner s and r uns regular GP sur ger ies.There are three counsellor s offer ing a r ange of different suppor t for groups or individuals. Pupils also have access to an independent per son.

3.7. HsMs wor k closely in par tner ship with families to give individual, holistic care to each pupil.

3.8. Downside’s boarding provision is managed by the Senior Leader ship Team to ensure r igour, consistency and the highest standards in boarding and safeguarding systems, protocols and procedures.

3.9. Community wor ship through Mass, retreats, house pr ayer s and Lectio Divina allows pupils to develop their faith and spir ituality The School chaplaincy includes an ordained Chaplain, a lay Chaplain and member s of the St Scholastica community. They play a centr al par t in the lives of pupils and the School community, promote ser vice oppor tunities and r aises awareness of the needs of the vulner able through char ity wor k.

3.10. Pupil voice plays a cr ucial par t throughout all aspects of the School. Pupils are encour aged 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.

4. Facilities and oppor tunities

4.1. The boarding houses are maintained and improved on a progr amme of development.

4.2. All houses have separ ate areas for socialising, kitchens and bathrooms.

4.3. The boarder s also have access to a variety of indoor and outdoor social areas and impressive spor ts facilities dur ing their free time .

4.4. Boarder s are provided with three excellent meals three times a day in the refector y and have access to the Weld Café in the evenings and at weekends in addition to snacks in houses.

4.5. Laundr y is provided centr ally, and older pupils are able to choose to do their own laundr y in houses.

THE EIGHT ASPECTS OF A BENEDICTINE EDUC ATION

The eight aspects provide a valuable per spective on the key qualities of a Benedictine education.

1. Welcome and hospitality are key elements in a school where pupils and staff wor k together to for m a kind, mutually suppor tive community, based on the core pr inciple of Chr istian love .

2. Careful, active listening is an essential par t of positive human relationships, and this is emphasised at Downside , as young people are guided in how to live together within their houses and within the School community as a whole .

3. Reverence, as an intr insic par t of regular school wor ship, and as par t of respect for each per son ’ s individual human dignity, is a hallmar k of life at Downside as a Benedictine school; it is par t of the wor ship and love of God in Chr ist. This divine and human love dr aws the School into a communion whose member s grow together in the love of tr uth and of one another. Humility enables people to live tr uly, communicating honestly with each other and God, enabling this love to develop.

4. Teaching and learning are centr al because of the need for our pupils to be skilled and educated people in a competitive wor ld but also because our higher pur pose is to grow in the knowledge of tr uth, which leads to God.

5. Personal discipline is something essential for the well being of the individual and the community. It means that we are not enslaved to the wor ld’s distr actions but free to pur sue higher ambitions, such as ser vice and the pur suit of knowledge .

6. Downside emphasises the impor tance of living within a nur tur ing spir itual community; Concern for the individual enables groups of individuals to live and grow together in a manner that foster s human flour ishing.

7. Har monious community life is the consequence of building communion; while there will always be some difficulties within communities, a spir itual pur pose means that communion between people and with God is made possible .

8 There are many gifts in human life , if people are prepared to receive them. Through the Holy Spir it, the wor ld is made full of beauty and wisdom; the stewardship of gifts, from the natur al environment to human abilities, means that the whole wor ld can benefit.

WORRIES AND CONCERNS – A PUPIL’S GUIDE

This guide explains what you should do if you feel wor r ied about something and what you should do if you are concer ned about how you are being, or have been, treated. Much of what follows may seem obvious to you, but it is impor tant for you to realise that the School will want to help you if you have a problem that is making you unhappy.

You may just wish to talk to someone or you may wish to make a complaint. Either way this advice will assist you to decide what to do.

“What do I do if I just want to talk to someone?”

Remember you have close friends who may be able to help, or perhaps a senior boy or gir l to whom you feel you can tur n. Your House Master or House Mistress or Tutor is always ready to help, or any other member s of staff (including domestic staff) you know and to whom you feel you can comfor tably talk.

There may be times when you feel you cannot talk with a member of staff. Talk, telephone or wr ite to any of the following:

• Your parents

• A School Prefect

• The School Health Centre Team - 01761 235128

• The School Doctors - 01749 840233

• A School Chaplain - 01761 235119

• Independent Person

Please speak to a member of the house team for the contact details of the School's independent per son.

• Somerset Direct, Somerset County Council - 0300 123 2224

• C AMHS Self-Referral (16-17 yr old) 0300 1245 012 or visit https://www.somer setft.nhs.uk/camhs/self refer r al/

• Avon and Somerset Police 101

• NHS Direct 111

• ISI 020 7600 0100 or 0783 457 8095 (SMS)

• Ofsted 0300 123 4666

• Office of the Children’s Commissioner 0800 528 0731

• Child Line

FREEPHONE 0800 1111

• Drink Line 0300 123 1110

• NSPCC Child Protection Helpline

FREEPHONE 0800 028 0285 FREE TEXT 0800 056 0566

• Frank National Drugs Helpline 0300 123 6600 or 82111 (SMS) http://www.talktofr ank.com/contact fr ank

• Smoking Quitline 0800 002200

• NHS Smoking Helpline 0300 123 1044

• Victim Suppor t Line 08081 689 111

• Samaritans 08457 909090

If you feel that your concern has not been dealt with, you should raise the matter formally with your House Master/Mistress, or if appropriate , with the Director of Pastoral Care or the Deputy Head

ADVOC ACY FOR PUPILS AND MAKING A COMPLAINT

Advocacy is about speaking up for children and young people , ensur ing their views and wishes are heard and are acted upon. Listening is a key Benedictine value and is actively promoted throughout the School. Listening creates a culture of openness where pupil concerns are heard and responded to effectively. It is recognised that pupils can be especially vulner able at times when they have a problem or want to make a complaint. Pupils can discuss concer ns with any member of staff and ask them to advocate , or speak up, for them. Advocacy empower s children and young people to make sure that their r ights are respected, and their views and wishes are fully considered and reflected in decision making about their own lives.

Pupil advocacy in school and making a complaint

Pupils can request help and suppor t from any adult in the School. For the most par t, this is likely to be a tutor, member of the house team, chaplain, or member of the Health Centre . If a pupil wishes to make a complaint, they can do so by speaking to a member of staff in per son or by email. All pupil complaints will be managed by the Deputy Head to ensure the pupil is listened to and effective suppor t and action put into place if required.

Pupil advocacy for children or young people who have , or may need, care from Social Ser vices

If a child or young per son has a social wor ker, receives suppor t from social care or may require suppor t from social care , they are entitled to access advocacy to receive assistance when making or intending to make a complaint or help them to ensure their views and wishes are always heard:

1. The HsM or member of the safeguarding team can help a pupil to access advocacy from their social ser vice provider.

2. In Somer set, a child or young per son can request an advocate by emailing route1advocacy@somer set.co.uk

More infor mation about advocacy can be found at: https://beta.somer set.gov.uk/education and families/route one advocacy/what is an advocate

CHILD PROTECTION AND SAFEGUARDING

This policy can be made available in large print or another accessible format if required to comply with the Equality Act 2010

Anyone who has concer ns about a child’s welfare , including if there is a concer n that the child is suffer ing significant har m or is likely to do so, should make a refer r al to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) unless an allegation is against them or another member of staff, when the Head must be infor med and in all cases the guidelines laid down by the DfE and South West Child Protection Procedures must be followed the latter are online procedures, which are regular ly updated. Key staff should upload this website to their desktop for instant access.

g.uk

Anyone however, can make a refer r al, if necessar y (see section below on ‘Whistleblowing’)

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will infor m the Head of all cases of actual or suspected abuse . The only exception to this would be if the Head were implicated in the concer ns, in which case the Chair of Gover nor s would be infor med. Any concer ns relating to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) should be refer red to the Head.

DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD (DSL)

DEPUTY DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD (DDSL)

Mr Andrew Hobbs Head

01761 235100 Ext. 102

.co.uk

Mr Michael Randall

Deputy Head

01761 235116

.co.uk

Mr Ror y Worsman

Teacher of Physics & Biolog y, Assistant HsM (Smythe)

01761 235183

.co.uk

GOVERNOR WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR CHILD PROTECTION

Wilcox

KEY NUMBERS

LADO)

ESSENTIALS FOR AC ADEMIC SUCCESS

We aim to suppor t all pupils in fulfilling their lear ning potential and we feel that the following advice will help you achieve your tar get gr ades.

The key char acter istics of a successful lear ner :

Humility

Reflectiveness

Independent lear ning

Healthiness

Attendance

Or ganisation

The following are our recommendations for how you can build upon these key char acter istics and enjoy great success:

1. Star t with prayer :

“Make prayer the fir st step in anything wor thwhile you attempt.” (RSB: Prologue)

2. Determine your own learning outcomes:

• Know your target grades they are ambitious, yet realistic, so avoid causing your self undue stress by aiming for a grade you are unlikely to achieve .

• Assess your own lear ning exper ience within lessons are you par ticipating positively? What do you do if you don’t under stand?

• Engage in mature conver sations with teacher s and tutor s about what you can do to achieve your tar get gr ade .

• Assess your own perfor mance know the mar king cr iter ia.

• Tr ain your self to pass examinations.

3. Learn how to revise:

• Plan a schedule and stick to it!

• Ever ybody is more attentive in the mor nings; decide when you will get up.

• Set your self lear ning outcomes for each revision session.

• If you are reading through your notes, ask your self ‘why?’. Is it to check you can remember key facts and/or under stand key concepts, or is it because you cannot think of anything else to do?

• Lear n the mar king cr iter ia.

• Tr ain your self to pass examinations eg complete timed questions with a par tner and mar k each other’s wor k.

4. Cramming is stressful so avoid it!

• The best lear ner s are always lear ning.

• If you have been consolidating your lear ning throughout the academic year, revision leading up to examinations can be an invigor ating, positive exper ience .

• Staying up all night before an examination is not the best way to succeed.

• Reduce stress by being or ganised and planning your time effectively.

• Olympic athletes tr ain for year s to win the gold medal nothing comes easily.

5. Stay healthy:

• You are an academic athlete your examinations are your Olympics!

6. If you are not in lessons, you are not learning:

• Statistically, the most significant factor affecting examination results is attendance .

RULE AND REGULATIONS

THE DOWNSIDE RULE

The pr ior ity of a Gregor ian is duty to other s. They are obliged to act with cour tesy and common sense for the good of the community. Any behaviour that causes discomfor t, distress or danger does not confor m to the r ule .

REGULATIONS Dress

Downside pupils take pr ide in looking their best. School unifor m must be clean, pressed and in a good state of repair.

REGULATION DRESS

Trouser uniform

Grey str iped trouser s provided by the Tailor, a long sleeved plain white collared shir t wor n with a house or scholar’s tie , plain black jacket, black v necked jumper, black socks and plain black leather polished flat shoes. Gir ls may wear their maroon jumper and/or grey jacket. Prefects may order a waistcoat from the tailor with per mission from their HsM. School prefects may wear a grey v necked jumper unless they are wear ing waistcoats, in which case a jacket must be wor n.

Skir t uniform

A pleated tar tan skir t and grey jacket provided by the Tailor, a long sleeved open necked blouse , Fir st to Fifth For m wear a bur gundy v necked jumper, sixth form may wear a black jumper and School prefects may wear a grey v necked jumper or a waistcoat from the Tailor with per mission from their HsM. Jackets must always be wor n with waistcoats. Plain black leather polished shoes. Black tights are wor n in the winter, shor t plain black or white ankle socks may be wor n in the summer.

Full regulation dress is wor n dur ing the wor king day Monday to Saturday, at Mass and at special school events. It is worn during breakfast and lunch but pupils may change into home clothes for supper. Special

per mission may be given by the Director of Spor t for some pupils to attend breakfast or lunch in regulation games kit. Coats, hats and scar ves are not to be wor n inside the buildings. House hoodies are not par t of the School regulation dress but classed as home clothes

Hair must be neat, of natural colour and no extreme cuts or styles. Fir st to Fifth For m must tie their hair back dur ing the wor king day. Sixth For m may be asked to tie their hair back if it is untidy or dur ing lessons such as spor t, science and design, technology.

Full regulation dress, including jackets is wor n for Mass. All long hair must be tied back.

Make up, including nail var nish must not be noticeable dur ing the wor king day or at Mass. Facial hair is not per mitted at school. Tattoos are not per mitted. Body piercings are not per mitted. One plain stud in each ear lobe may be worn during the wor king day except during spor t or outdoor activities where it is deemed to be dangerous.

Home clothes may be wor n after the wor king day. Pupils must always dress with pr ide and dignity and should never offend anyone . Pupils must dress appropr iately for life in a school community.

The Downside community pr ides itself on good manner s and values. Living in a community means effective communication and listening to each other. It is not polite to wear headphones or air pods in public community spaces such as the refector y. Hats are not to be wor n indoor s and mobiles used sensitively and not in the refector y.

Refectories and Food

1. Pupils are required to attend all meals, unless given leave of absence by their HsM.

2. No food, crocker y or cutler y may be taken out of the refector ies without per mission from one ’ s HsM and the cater ing manager. Bor rowed items must be retur ned as soon as possible after use .

3. Eating or dr inking is not allowed in classrooms, labor ator ies, the libr ar ies, the ICT centres or the spor ts hall.

4. Chewing gum is forbidden in the School at all times.

5. All member s of the community should aim to be sustainable and prevent food waste and non recyclable r ubbish. Pupils must have their own water bottle for spor ts and tr ips.

Working environment

1. Rooms and dor mitor ies should be quiet dur ing wor k per iods. Any music being played must be at a volume that no one else can hear. Any equipment that is misused is liable to confiscation. Pupils may not be outside their own pr ivate areas without per mission.

2. If a teacher fails to ar r ive for a lesson, the class must fir st wait for five minutes. If the teacher is still not present, they must then go to the Super vised Study Room or, if they are Sixth For mer s, to their rooms, where per mitted.

3. Visitor s to the School must repor t to reception in the fir st instance . Visitor s are not allowed on site without per mission and must be accompanied at all times. No visitor may enter a pupil’s dor m or room without the per mission of the HsM. Visitor s must not use pupil bathrooms. Ever y visitor must be recorded in the Visitor s ’ Book and wear a red lanyard.

4. Pupils must use lever arch files in their House colour, as provided in the School Shop

5. Fur niture is to be respected and must not be moved unless directed by a member of staff.

Libraries

1. Anyone bor rowing a book from the Petre Libr ar y must remove it according to the procedures published in the Libr ar y.

2. Each depar tment has its own libr ar y and many of the books can be borrowed. Reading lists can be obtained from Heads of Depar tment.

3. All libr ar ies should remain quiet places for study and reflection.

Electronic equipment

1. Electr ical equipment must be mar ked, PAT tested and approved for use .

2. It is a condition of using a computer in the School that it must have anti vir us software installed by the ICT Depar tment and that the machine is used in accordance with the School’s cur rent requirements. VPNs must not be used.

Exeats

1. If a pupil wishes to go out of School dur ing Saturday or Sunday but does not wish to be out for the night, he/she gets the per mission of their HsM, who must know the proposed times of depar ture and retur n.

2. The deadline for arriving back from any exeat is 9.00 p.m. Late arrival back from an exeat is regarded as absence from School without leave .

3. No pupil is given an exeat if they has been gated or placed in detention.

4. Any absence from School which falls outside the above times, or which involves missing any class, or prevents a pupil from attending a spor ts fixture or other commitment, demands a special exeat.This is given only in exceptional circumstances, following a written request to the Deputy Head from parent or guardian

5. All pupils are obliged to register at 8.20 a.m. for mor ning registr ation and 1.45 p.m. for after noon registr ation.

Alcohol & tobacco

1. On for mal occasions, which involve a set meal, pupils in the Sixth Form may be ser ved 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 for mal occasions with a sit down meal. It is against the law for anybody under the age of eighteen to purchase alcohol.

2. Alcohol may not be brought into the School without per mission from the pupil’s HsM.

3. Smoking or vaping is not allowed within the School and while the pupils are under the School’s control. It is illegal for per sons under the age of eighteen to buy tobacco. Smoking mater ials and paraphernalia including e cigarettes must not be brought into School. The School Anti Smoking Policy must be followed.

4. Pupils are expected to make themselves aware of the danger s of tobacco and of alcohol abuse and to be familiar with the anti smoking and alcohol policies of the School. The Health Centre will suppor t pupils that require any help.

Mobile telephones

1. No mobile phone is to be used or activated dur ing class, prep or study time without the permission of the classroom teacher or HsM.

2. Mobile phones should not be used:

• in the building, other than in a pr ivate room or dor mitor y or classroom when required for studying • in any other circumstance likely to cause offence , annoyance or danger.

3. The School accepts no responsibility for loss, detr iment or injur y attendant on the use or possession of a mobile telephone or mobile device .

Spor ting activities

1 No pupil may swim without a responsible adult being present and a qualified lifeguard.

2. Games that can cause damage to windows are to be played away from the buildings. Golf may be pr actised only on the athletics field and beyond the Long Shr ubber ies.

3. Studded boots may not be wor n inside the buildings.

Internal Bounds

1. The Abbey Church is out of bounds to all pupils unless they are accompanied by a member of staff.

2. The Monaster y, Abbey grounds, Pastor al Centre , Monaster y Libr ar y and the Guest Wing are also out of bounds to pupils unless with the permission of the Head or Deputy Head and they are with a member of staff.

3. The Powell House premises, i.e . day room, dor mitor ies, washrooms and changing rooms, are out of bounds to senior pupils, unless they are fulfilling prefect duties as directed by the House staff.

4. No boy may enter a gir l’s study bedroom or dor mitor y. No gir l may enter a boy’s study bedroom or dor mitor y. Disobeying this regulation will result in tempor ar y or per manent exclusion from the School.The House areas of member s of the opposite sex are nor mally str ictly out of bounds. Per mission to go into Houses must be sought from the relevant House Staff and the house r ules adhered to

5. Except during performances, the theatre and its associated rooms are out of bounds except to those who have official business there .

6. The Music School and facilities are out of bounds except to those who take music lessons and those for whom special per mission, on a day to day basis, is gr anted. Fire exits and roofs are out of bounds except in an emer gency.

7. The accommodation of Gr aduate Assistants is out of bounds to pupils.

8. The Old House is out of bounds to pupils after 6.00 p.m.

External Bounds

1. Pupils must remain within the bounds of the School at all times. However, pupils may go to Chilcompton with the per mission of the HsM using the approved safe route Pupils must sign out of House and wear high visibility clothing. Pupils who do not use the safe route may be sanctioned. Pupils walking to the Co op in low light conditions must wear high visibility clothing and/ or lights. HsMs have reflective ar m bands for pupils to bor row.

2. The Monaster y Gardens and Gar th, the front of the Monaster y, the Stone yard, and any building site are out of bounds. The Slag Heap and area immediately around it is out of bounds.

3. The rose garden and cemeter y adjoining it and Abbey Road is out of bounds. The Pastor al Centre and Abbey Road are out of bounds unless the per mission of a pupil’s HsM has been given.

4. The Pavilion is out of bounds unless for official use and with a member of staff super vising its use .

5. No pupil must be beyond the Shor t Shr ubber y (the Three Pins hedge) after 7.20 p.m., or after dar k, if ear lier, without the permission of their HsM.

6. No pupil may go into, or outside , the village of Stratton on the Fosse without per mission from their HsM. Within or outside the village , no pupil may visit a pr ivate house or residence without wr itten permission from their parents or of their HsM, acting in loco parentis.

7. Pupils in the Upper Sixth For m may go into licensed premises only with the consent of their HsM. No such per mission will be given during the wor king week, i.e . Monday Friday and Sunday. For pupils below the Upper Sixth For m, inns, public houses and off licences are off bounds, except in the company of their parents, with appropriate per missions having been gr anted from the pupil’s HsM or under the super vision of a member of the teaching staff, with an appropr iate r isk assessment in place which has been approved by the Deputy Head.

8. The path (and the adjacent areas) that r uns past the Monks’ Gr aveyard, and past the Monaster y Libr ar y, to the door under the Bur sar y and the Guest Wing, is out of bounds to pupils. Pupils must enter the Abbey Church or the Weld Cloister from the Refector y end within the School.

Security

1. All except the smallest sums of cash must be deposited in the House bank

2. All valuable items kept in rooms should be locked away when not being used and especially when the room is unattended.

3. It is required that any expensive item of equipment should be registered with the HsM, who will take note of the make and ser ial number.

4. Parents should ar r ange insur ance cover for clothing and per sonal effects.

5. Pupils may not set up cover t sur veillance systems unless with the per mission of their HsM and the Deputy Head .

6. Photogr aphing and filming of other s may only take place with their pr ior per mission.

Misconduct

The following are considered to be ser ious offences against the School community, and incur severe sanction, including the possibility of exclusion (see Expulsion Policy below):

a) The possession or use of dr ugs and illegal substances

b) Bullying, including cyberbullying

c) Racial or sexual har assment

d) Theft

e) Alcohol abuse

f) Smoking, especially inside the buildings

g) Dishonesty

h) Malicious damage

i) Leaving houses after lights out

j) Absence without leave

k) Cheating and plagiar ism

l) Wilful disobedience , r udeness or insolence to a member of staff, prefect or monitor

m) Sexual misconduct, including ‘sexting’, upskir ting

n) Abuse of the fire alar m system or fire prevention or extinguishing equipment

o) Misuse of the School computer networ k and Inter net (including use of the dar k web)

p) Br inging the name of the School or its staff into disrepute

q) Violent physical or verbal abuse of another per son

r) Per sistent misbehaviour that has a negative effect on the lear ning of other s

Relationships and Sexual Conduct

The policy of the School reflects the teaching of the Catholic Church. Fr iendships between boys and gir ls are fir mly encour aged, but intense romances, and the emotional disturbances they involve , are to be avoided at School. Such relationships between pupils are deemed

inappropr iate Pupils involved in sexual relationships at School must expect to be excluded.

Pupils found engaged in any for m of actual or apparent sexual activity, or found together in inappropr iate situations where there is evidence of physical intimacy, must expect to be excluded from the School, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the par ticular circumstances. Public or private intimate physical displays of affection are not permitted in School.

Pupils are expected to obser ve sensible norms of behaviour at all times. For instance , it is never appropr iate for pupils to be alone with one another in circumstances which would suggest inappropr iate physical intimacy, or the intention for it to take place . Behaviour must always be of the highest standard, respectful of each other and appropr iate for a school community.

The dor mitor ies and study bedrooms of the opposite sex are out of bounds at all times. Any pupil, who not immediately repor ting to a member of staff an intr usion into his/her pr ivate area by a pupil of the opposite sex, will be assumed to have colluded in it, and can expect to share the punishment of the offender. Downside does not toler ate sexual har assment physical or emotional, verbal or visual. Sexual har assment may include not only direct suggestions or slur s, but also offensive movements or gestures, as well as dr awings or poster s which may be taken as suggestive or demeaning to either sex.

ICT

All pupils must read the School’s Acceptable Use Policy and must sign a letter to say that they will abide by it and this should be done in line with the E Safety Policy.

In par ticular pupils may not: a) Use proxy ser ver s or VPN’s to bypass the School’s ICT secur ity system b) Log in using another per son ’ s user name and/or password c) Download Zip (*.zip) files or executable (*.exe) files

d) Download illicit mater ial

e) Make contact with anyone on the Inter net, whose identity is unknown

f) Run any executable file , or any progr am capable of affecting the system registr y

g) Run any hacking software , including those searching for files or passwords

h) Attempt to modify any computer in any way

i) Abuse copyr ight, or attempt to pass off downloaded wor k as their own

j) Use the dar k web or Tor browser s.

Exclusion Policy

A pupil will not be expelled without gr ave cause . The circumstances which may lead to expulsion (or required removal as an alter native to expulsion) include:

• Supply/Possession/use of cer tain dr ugs and solvents or their par apher nalia or substances intended to resemble them

• Alcohol or Tobacco offences

• Theft, blackmail, physical violence , intimidation, r acism and per sistent bullying

• Offences of a sexual nature; supply and possession of por nogr aphy, sexting

• Possession of offensive weapons

• Vandalism

• Computer hacking or serious misuse of the School’s ICT Acceptable Use Policy, or the School networ k or the inter net

• Per sistent attitudes or behaviour which are inconsistent with the School’s ethos, or are detr imental to the School, its staff or other pupils, including those expressed on social media

• Other ser ious misconduct towards a member of the School community or which br ings the School into disrepute (single or repeated episodes) on or off School premises.

• Other Circumstances: A pupil may be required to leave if, after all appropr iate consultation, the Head is satisfied that it is not in the best interests of the pupil, or of the School, that they remain at the School.

Behaviour related to a disability: the School will make reasonable adjustments for managing behaviour which is related to a pupil’s disability. Where expulsion needs to be considered, the School will ensure that a disabled pupil is able to present his or her case fully where the disability might hinder this.

A complaint which could lead to a pupil being expelled or required to leave the School per manently will be investigated thoroughly and fair ly. The pupil will have an oppor tunity for the assistance of his/her parents and/or teacher to state his/her side of the case and would also have a r ight for the decision to be reviewed by a panel of Gover nor s.

A copy of the full policy on Expulsion, Removal and Review may be obtained from the PA to the Head and is available on the School website .

PROCEDURES FOR VISITORS

Downside takes the following steps to ensure that its premises are secure:

1. All Staff and Volunteer s (recr uited in accordance with Safer Recr uitment Procedures) wear identity badges at all times.*1

2. ‘Visitor s ’ includes all per sons arriving on the School site , who are not tr ustees, gover nor s, member s of staff, volunteer s (for whom there are separ ate ar r angements), or pupils of the School.

3. All Visitor s must repor t 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. Visitor s must display the visitor’s badge given, and must sign the visitor s ’ book in Reception.

5. Visitor’s badges must be retur ned to Reception just before depar ture .

6. Visitor s must be accompanied by a member of staff at all times.*3

Boarding Houses:

The Boarding Houses are nor mally closed to visitor s. 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 visitor s ’ book.

Parents are advised to contact the House to inform the House staff of the time they are arriving.

*1 Coloured lanyards are as follows:

Yellow

White

*2 Exceptions:

1. Parents visiting their children in Caverel, Bar low or Isabella Houses, and who are not enter ing the Main School buildings. Parents visiting these Houses must repor t directly on ar r ival to the House staff on duty in the House at the time .

2. Parents visiting their children outside the hour s when reception is staffed. Parents are advised to contact the House to infor m the House staff of the time they are ar r iving.

3. Visitor s to the Spor ts Hall or Swimming Pool for an exter nal club or county event.

• Visitor s should make their way to the Spor ts Centre/Swimming Pool via the path from the Main School Quad.

• Sign the register on ar r ival at the Spor ts Centre/Swimming Pool.

• Remain in the area designated for the activity you are attending or, if by agreement with the activity or ganiser you are leaving a child at the activity, you must leave the site and retur n to pick up the child at the agreed time .

*3 The exception to this is prospective parent visits who are given a school tour by a senior pupil (Sixth For m). These pupils are br iefed by the admissions team. Dur ing examination per iods or under special circumstances junior pupils may be asked to take a tour. They will nor mally be in pair s on these occasions.

It is also recognised that there are cer tain times when parents and other visitor s will enter the School without having to wear badges e .g. Match teas, concer ts, plays and other such events. On these occasions visitor s should remain in the area in which the event is taking place .

It is also impor tant to remember that at the star t and end of ter m 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 volunteer s are asked to be sensitive and polite in questioning those without badges to ascer tain who they are and their reason for being on the School site . Concer ns should be repor ted to a member of the SLT.

Pupils are advised never to pass on the School or house entr y codes to visitor s and, whilst being at all times cour teous, they are asked not to allow admittance to people who do not have a school identity badge or are unaccompanied. They should direct such visitor s to reception or to a member of staff. If they are at all concer ned about an unidentified str anger on the School site , they should repor t the matter to a member of staff immediately.

Protocol for visitors to the monaster y guest wing

Though they are geogr aphically next to each other, the School and the Monaster y occupy separ ate areas and are distinct from one another. Visitor s may not enter any par t of the School or School grounds.

Visitor s to the monaster y will only be allowed on School premises if they have legitimate business with the School and comply with the School’s visitor protocol.

CHAPLAINCY

SUNDAY MASS is at 9:30am, with rehear sal for ser ver s at 9:00am Please see Fr Michael if you would be willing to ser ve (Four th form and above).

WEEKDAY MASSES are celebr ated in the Old Chapel ever y Tuesday 5:10pm 5:30pm and Fr idays at 7:40 8:00am.

HOLY HOUR with Ador ation of the Blessed Sacr ament and Confessions can be visited for a few minutes of prayer each Wednesday from 1:00 1:55pm.

CONFESSIONS see Holy Hour above , and each house has a ter mly reconciliation ser vice .

ROSARY each Tuesday teatime from 3:20pm 3:40pm.

LECTIO DIVINA groups meet once a week, ar r anged by the Leader of the Group.

LIVING AT DOWNSIDE

‘Let none follow what seems good for himself, but rather what is good for another.’ The Rule of St Benedict, Chapter 72.

1. The highest values are love of God and love of neighbour. As ‘ a school of the Lord’s ser vice’, Downside is a place where you come to lear n and to wor k.

2. St Benedict tells us that ‘idleness is the enemy of the soul’: the better the wor k, the more satisfying your life will be .

3. Gr atitude is due to God, who has given us the things of this wor ld for the ser vice of one another and for his glor ification. Take pr ide in keeping the School tidy and clean.

4. Cour tesy is expected of ever yone at Downside . Respect is due to younger pupils as much as to your elder s.

5. Fr iendliness and respect have long distinguished the relations that exist between adults and pupils at Downside . Downside pupils are par ticular ly noted for the open and spontaneous way in which they greet adults. Ever yone at Downside should be addressed with cour tesy and with the cor rect title .

‘In that way they will confor m to scr ipture, which says: “They should tr y to be the fir st to show respect for each other.” (R St.B.Ch.63 v.17)

The Academic Staff

Academic Staff should be addressed by their sur name and appropr iate title , e .g. Dr N., Mr N., Mr s N., Miss N.

Non-academic staff

The same pr inciples apply to non academic staff as to academic staff. Nur sing staff may be addressed as ‘Sister N’.

Pupils

Pupils should nor mally be addressed by their Chr istian or Forenames, except when common sense indicates otherwise .

1. Good manner s are expected at all times.

2. On stair s and in doorways, you should stand back to allow another per son to pass. Do not r un in the cor r idor s because this is not only dangerous but also threatening to other people .

3. Visitor s are not cur rently per mitted on site and should be directed to Reception. Remember to treat visitor s with consider ation and friendliness, not only when they are on their own but also when they are in the company of the Head or a member of staff. Call to mind Our Lord’s words: ‘I was a str anger and you welcomed me . ’

4. Dressing well is a mar k of self respect and shows consider ation for other s. Take pr ide in wear ing the School unifor m proper ly.

5. Respect is due to other people’s proper ty. Any misuse of other s ’ belongings destroys the tr ust that is essential for a peaceful community. Always repor t suspected instances of vandalism or stealing, so that tr ust can be maintained.

6. Bullying causes ser ious distress and is an affront to Our Lord’s command ‘Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.’ If you are being bullied, do not hesitate to tur n to other s for help: bullying flour ishes where there is fear and secrecy.

EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR CODE

Expected Behaviour at Downside School

Downside School is a community where the welfare of all is protected and promoted.To this end cer tain standards of behaviour are expected of all pupils in and around the School, and on any School activity or tr ip. These expectations are promoted and reinforced, within the over all School behaviour policy, by a system of rewards and sanctions.

We expect ever yone to:

Show respect for others

• Show good manner s, toler ance , regard for author ity and for individual pr ivacy

• Celebr ate difference and diver sity in other s

• Show respect for the Catholic religion, the Abbey Church, and for those of different faiths

• Follow and suppor t the School’s anti bullying policy

• Avoid bad language and any behaviour which might cause offence

Strive for self-respect

• Be tr ustwor thy, honest and tell the tr uth

• Attend and be punctual at all School obligations

• Keep your self safe and healthy by proper appreciation of r isk, by regular exercise and by avoiding har mful substances

• Be self disciplined and committed

• Take pr ide in your appear ance

Make a positive contribution

• Take pride in your member ship of the School and be its ambassador

• Engage with and commit to a wide r ange of activities

• Think how you can ser ve the School community

• Par ticipate in decision making about how the School is r un via the School Council or House Councils

• Suppor t activities to help the wider community outside School

Enjoy and achieve at School

• Value achievement

• Take responsibility for your own lear ning and academic progress

• Help promote a positive lear ning atmosphere in the classroom and elsewhere

• Develop your own skills and interests by full par ticipation in co cur r icular activities

• Prepare your self for life after school by developing good wor k habits and social skills

Respect proper ty and the environment

• Respect the proper ty of other s

• Look after the fabr ic and proper ty of the School

• Think ‘ green ’ in your attitude to the School and wider environment

• Respect other people’s wor king and living environment by avoiding undue noise

• Avoid dropping litter and pick it up when you find it

• Suppor t activities to help the wider community outside school

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

Sections from the School Anti Bullying Policy

‘In the fir st place, to love the Lord God with our whole hear t, our whole soul, our whole strength, then our neighbour s as our selves’ Rule of St Benedict, Ch 4

Scope

• Downside School under stands that this is a regulator y policy. This policy and its effectiveness will be reviewed regular ly by gover nor s (at least annually) and will be amended as necessar y according to the latest statutor y guidance and advice .

• This policy is wr itten for pupils. For staff, a Dignity at Wor k Policy, bullying is addressed in the Employee Handbook in the Chapter, Equal Oppor tunities and Dignity in the Wor kplace .

“

In the fir st place, to love the Lord God with our whole hear t, our whole soul, our whole strength, then our neighbours as ourselves” Rule of St Benedict, Ch 4

Aims

• The Rule of St Benedict sets out our standards for the life of a community. ‘They tr y to be the fir st to show respect to one another with the greatest patience in toler ating weaknesses in body or char acter… No one aims at per sonal advantage but is r ather concer ned for the good of other s. ’

• Bullying, whether verbal or behaviour al, is about intimidation, per secution and abuse of power directed towards the vulner able in any community. The Rule of St. Benedict, by contr ast, speaks of a community of toler ance , wholeness, ser vice and respect for other s; a place where a per son can grow as God intended. A community living by the Rule of St. Benedict must offer a stable and peaceful home to people of ever y temper ament and ability, background and outlook. All will be helped to reflect on the ways in which they can contr ibute to and live up to this ideal. Bullying is the antithesis of a community of faith and vir tue , and so must be confronted firmly and with compassion. It is an injustice which must be challenged.

Downside School suppor ts the r ight of all member s of the School community to be free from all for ms of bullying, har assment, victimisation and discr imination. We wish to create and maintain a car ing and suppor tive school environment by making clear that bullying will not be toler ated and that positive steps will be taken to er adicate it. We aim to create an atmosphere in which staff, parents and pupils are encour aged to br ing out into the open any incident of bullying, knowing that measures to deal with it will have the suppor t of the whole School community.

Definitions

• Bullying is behaviour by an individual or group; a single incident or repeated over time , that intentionally hur ts another individual or group either physically or emotionally. Bullying can take many for ms (for instance , cyber bullying via text messages, social media or gaming, which can include the use of images and video) and is often motivated by prejudice against par ticular groups, for example on grounds of r ace , religion, gender, sexual or ientation, special educational needs or disabilities, or because a child is adopted or is a carer It might be motivated by actual differences between children, or perceived differences.

• Bullying is ser ious. It can cause both physical and emotional har m. This can lead to psychological damage to the individual concer ned.

• Bullying on the basis of protected char acter istics is taken par ticular ly ser iously and is distinguished in the My Concer n records.

• Bullying is a for m of child on child abuse .

Bullying may be:

• Physical: hitting, kicking, pushing people around, spitting; or taking, damaging or hiding possessions.

• Verbal: name calling, taunting, threatening, teasing, insulting or demanding money.

• Exclusionar y Behaviour : intimidating, isolating or excluding a per son from a group.

• Gener al Unkindness: spreading r umour s or wr iting unkind notes, mobile phone texts, messaging or e mail.

• Cyberbullying: using the inter net, mobile phones, gaming and social networ king sites (such as Facebook, Instagr am, Snapchat, Twitter, WhatsApp, Google + etc .) to deliber ately upset someone else (see section below).

Bullying may also be:

• Sexual: talking to or touching someone in a sexually inappropr iate way

• Sexist or tr ansphobic related to a per son ’ s gender or gender reassignment.

• Racist, or regarding someone ’ s religion, belief or culture .

• related to a per son ’ s sexual or ientation (homophobic).

• related to pregnancy and mater nity.

• related to a per son ’ s age or home circumstances; or related to a per son ’ s disability, special educational needs, lear ning difficulty, health or appear ance or economic status.

• Related to Covid 19.

Not all hur tful behaviour is intentional. Some individuals may see their hur tful conduct as “banter”, “teasing” or “ a game ” or “for the good of ” the other per son. These for ms of bullying are equally unacceptable but may not be malicious and can often be cor rected quickly with advice and without disciplinar y sanctions. A bully who does not respond appropr iately to advice or sanctions would ultimately have to leave the School.

It is ever yone ’ s responsibility to ensure , whatever the circumstances, that no one becomes a victim of bullying. A per son may be vulner able to bullying because of their age , physical appear ance , nationality, colour, gender, sexual or ientation, religion, culture or disability, or because they are new in the School, appear s to be uncer tain or has no fr iends. They may also become a tar get because of an ir r ational decision by a bully.

What will be done to prevent bullying at Downside

We will take active steps to create an anti bullying culture and an expectation of all member s of the School community to uphold the pr inciples of Living at Downside contained in the School’s Behaviour Policy.

We will take active steps to create an anti bullying culture and an expectation of all member s of the School community to uphold the pr inciples of Living at Downside contained in the School’s Behaviour Policy:

1. We (staff and pupils) will do all we can to create a climate in which bullying is not toler ated, and in which pupils can repor t bullying incidents without feeling that they are ‘telling tales’. Staff, pupils and parents will be involved in this process of creating and suppor ting a whole school anti bullying culture .

2. We will ensure that all member s of staff are aware of their responsibility to watch out for and respond appropr iately to any possible bullying behaviour. They should refr ain from any words or actions in the classroom which might be seen as an encour agement to bullying or as bullying behaviour in itself.

3. We will make pupils aware that expressions of prejudice which include r acism, sexism and homophobia, will not be toler ated.

4. We will give pupils the oppor tunity to see the School counsellor/ther apist or contact the independent per son. All Houses have a notice which gives pupils guidance if they have any wor r ies or complaints and lists of or ganisations outside school who can be contacted if victims of bullies prefer to talk to someone who is independent

5. We will educate pupils on the use of the inter net so as to tr y to prevent the occur rence of Cyber bullying. Our approach will be to educate r ather than restr ict access but restr ictions which are deemed necessar y will be enforced in the use of social networ king sites. Pupils and staff will be made aware of the School’s Acceptable Use Policy on the use of digital media.

6. We will encour age pupils to talk openly and regular ly about the issue within tutor groups, in their Houses, in the School Council, or in conver sations with other appropr iate member s of staff or chaplains. We will also seek to ensure that the School and House prefects are fully suppor tive of this policy and play an impor tant role in its successful implementation.

7. We will ensure that the School cur r iculum addresses issues of bullying and encour ages pupils and staff to share ideas on preventing it. There will be a strong Anti Bullying presence within the PSHEE progr amme and within the Tutor Progr amme .

8. We will do all we can to resolve issues of bullying through mediation, discussion and making bullies aware of the effects of their actions, but we will use sanctions against them when this is deemed necessar y. These sanctions will be in line with School policy. We will often use pupils to encour age their peer s not to continue with their behaviour.

9. We will encour age bullies willingly to seek help themselves in changing their behaviour. This will be catalysed by educating pupils as to why they and their peer s may find themselves bullying other s. 10. We will give protection and suppor t to any victims of bullying and to anyone who br ings such issues to our attention.

Pupils’ responsibilities:

We emphasise with senior pupils the role which is expected of them in setting a good example and being helpful to younger pupils and each other. Older pupils are encour aged to keep an eye on younger pupils and offer suppor t, where it is needed, and in par ticular :

1. all senior pupils have the oppor tunity for House duties but senior pupils who do not wish to have extended pastor al responsibilities are not coerced; the responsibilities of senior pupils are appropr iately limited;

2. member s of staff expect School Prefects, House Prefects and Mentor s to offer super visor y suppor t; and

3. School and House Prefects and Mentor s receive tr aining on safeguarding, including how to recognise and repor t bullying and deal with younger pupils sensitively.

Repor ting bullying complaints

Pupils:

A pupil who is being bullied, or who is wor r ied about another pupil being bullied, should complain without delay and can do so in sever al ways.

S/he can:

• tell their parents, their House Master/House Mistress, Assistant House Master/House Mistresses, House Parent, Tutor, Chaplain or a responsible older pupil; alter natively;

• leave a note for their House Master/House Mistress;

• contact the independent per son whose details are published on House notice boards;

• contact a School doctor or a nur se in the Health Centre;

• contact Childline (0800 1111); or

• contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Deputy; or

• Somer set Direct (telephone: 0300 123 2224)

• Respond using Confide on the Desktop.

Parents:

Parents who are concer ned that their child is being bullied should infor m their child’s House Master or House Mistress without delay.

Staff:

This policy focuses on the bullying of pupils although it is recognised that staff can be the victims of bullying. Staff member s who are concer ned about being bullied or har assed by pupils repor t their concer ns to the Deputy Head or directly to the Head.

E-SAFETY PROCEDURE

Sections from the School Rules and Regulations Procecdure

Scope:

• This procedure applies to all member s of the Downside School community (including staff, pupils, volunteer s, parents/carer s, visitor s,) who have access to and are user s of school ICT systems, both in school and out of school where actions relate directly to school set activity or use of school online systems.

• The Education Act 2011 empower s the Head, to such extent as is reasonable , to regulate the behaviour of pupils when they are off the School site and empower s member s of staff to impose disciplinar y penalties for inappropr iate behaviour.

• This is per tinent to incidents of cyber bullying, or other E Safety incidents covered by this procedure , which may take place out of school, but is linked to member ship of the School. The school will deal with such incidents within this procedure and associated behaviour and anti bullying policies and will, where known, infor m parents / carer s of incidents of inappropriate E Safety behaviour that take place out of school.

Digital Leaders

Member s of the Digital Leader s group will assist the E Safety Officer with the production, review and monitor ing of the School E Safety procedure and associated documents.

Pupils

• Are responsible for using the School ICT systems in accordance with the Pupil Acceptable Use Policy.

• Have a good under standing of research skills and the need to avoid plagiar ism and uphold copyr ight regulations.

• Need to under stand the impor tance of repor ting abuse , misuse or access to inappropr iate mater ials and know how to do so.

• Are advised with regard to Downside School policies on the use of mobile phones, digital camer as and hand held devices. They are also advised with regard to Downside School policies on the taking / use of images and on cyber bullying.

• Should under stand the impor tance of adopting good E Safety pr actice when using digital technologies out of school and realise that the School’s E Safety Procedure cover s their actions out of school, if related to their member ship of the School.

Parents / Carer s

Parents and Carer s, as Pr imar y Educator s, play a cr ucial par t in keeping their children safe and are responsible for :

• Encour aging their child / children follow the Pupil Acceptable Use Procedure at home .

• Encour aged to discuss E Safety issues with their child / children and monitoring their home use of ICT systems (including mobile phones and games devices) and the Inter net.

Procedure Statement Education- Pupil

Whilst regulation and technical solutions are ver y impor tant, their use must be balanced by educating pupils to take a responsible approach.

• A planned E Safety progr amme is provided as par t of Computer Science / Per sonal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) and other relevant lessons and is regular ly revisited. This is outlined in our scheme of wor k which cover s each year group. This ensures that pupils are taught in all lessons to be cr itically aware of the mater ials they access on line and be guided to validate the accur acy of infor mation It also cover s both the use of ICT and new technologies in school and outside school.

• Pupils are helped to under stand the need for the pupil AUP and encour aged to adopt safe and responsible use of ICT, the Inter net and mobile devices both within and outside school.

• Pupils are taught to acknowledge the source of infor mation used and to respect copyr ight when using mater ial accessed on the Inter net.

• Rules for use of ICT systems / Inter net are posted in all ICT rooms and displayed on log on screens.

• Staff act as good role models in their use of ICT, the Inter net and mobile devices.

The education of pupils in E-Safety is therefore an essential par t of our school’s E-Safety provision. Children and young people need the help and suppor t of the School to recognise and avoid E-Safety risks and build their resilience .

Education Parents / Carer s: Parents and carer s will have var ying degrees of under standing of E Safety r isks and issues, and in some cases their under standing may be only limited, yet they play an essential role in the education of their children and in the monitor ing/regulation of the children’s on line experiences. Parents may either underestimate or not realise how often children and young people come across potentially har mful and inappropriate material on the Internet and are often unsure about what they would do about it. “There is a gener ational digital divide”. (Byron Repor t).

The School therefore seeks to provide infor mation and awareness to parents/carer s through:

• Infor mation sent in the Head’s Newsletter

• Infor mation sent by the E Safety Officer

Technical Infrastructure / Equipment, Filtering and Monitoring

The School is responsible for ensur ing that the School infr astr ucture / networ k is as safe and secure as is reasonably possible and that policies and procedures approved within this procedure are implemented. It also ensures that the relevant people named in the Roles and Responsibilities sections are effective in car r ying out their E Safety responsibilities:

• School Ser ver s are securely located and physical access is restr icted.

• All user s are provided with a user name and password by the Networ k Manager who keeps an up to date

• record of user s and their user names. User s are required to change their password on a regular basis.

• School ICT technical staff may monitor and record the activity of user s on the School ICT systems and user s are made aware of this in the Acceptable Use Policy.

• Actual / potential E Safety incidents are repor ted immediately to the E Safety Officer who will ar r ange for these to be dealt with immediately in communication with the Networ k Manager/DSL, repor ting to the Head.

• Appropr iate secur ity measures are in place to protect the ser ver s, firewalls, router s, wireless systems, wor k stations from accidental or malicious attempts which might threaten the secur ity of the School systems and data.

• The school infr astr ucture and individual wor kstations are protected by up to date anti vir us software .

• Advice is given to staff and pupils about ensur ing they have password protection on mobile devices.

Curriculum

• Where pupils are allowed to search the Inter net, staff are vigilant in monitor ing the content of the websites the young people visit and encour age pupils to use specific appropr iate search ter ms to reduce the likelihood of coning across unsuitable mater ial.

• Pupils are taught to be cr itically aware of the mater ials / content they access on line and be guided to validate the accur acy of infor mation.

• Pupils are taught to acknowledge the source of infor mation used and to respect copyr ight when using mater ial accessed on the Inter net

Use of Digital and Video Images - Photographic , Video (To Correspond with Digital Images Procedure)

• The development of digital imaging technologies has created significant benefits to lear ning, allowing staff and pupils instant use of images that they have recorded themselves or downloaded from the Inter net. However, staff and pupils need to be aware of the r isks associated with shar ing images and with posting digital images on the Inter net.

• Those images may remain available on the Inter net forever and may cause har m or embar r assment to individuals in the shor t or longer ter m.

• There are many repor ted incidents of employer s car r ying out Inter net searches for infor mation about potential and existing employees.The school infor ms and educates user s about these r isks and implements policies to reduce the likelihood of the potential for har m:

• When using digital images, staff should infor m and educate pupils about the r isks associated with the taking, use , shar ing, publication and distr ibution of images. In par ticular they should recognise the r isks attached to publishing their own images on the Inter net eg on social networ king sites.

• Staff are allowed to take digital / video images to suppor t educational aims, but must follow school policies concer ning the shar ing, distr ibution and publication of those images. They are advised that they should not store pictures of pupils on school or per sonal devices but should copy them on to the School’s networ k for stor age .

• Care should be taken when taking digital / video images that pupils / pupils are appropr iately dressed and are not par ticipating in activities that might bring the individuals or the School into disrepute.

• Photogr aphs published on the website , or elsewhere that include pupils will be selected carefully and will comply with good pr actice guidance on the use of such images.

Data Protection

Per sonal data will be recorded, processed, tr ansfer red and made available according to the Data Protection Act 1998 which states that per sonal data must be:

• Fair ly and lawfully processed

• Processed for limited pur poses

• Adequate , relevant and not excessive

• Accur ate

• Kept no longer than is necessar y

• Processed in accordance with the data subject’s r ights

• Secure

• Only tr ansfer red to other s with adequate protection.

N.B . Staff must have regard to the section on roles and responsibilities in which it states that they must:

• Acknowledge by signature their acceptance of the Downside School Acceptable Use Policy.

• At all times, they take care to ensure the safe keeping of per sonal data, minimising the r isk of its loss or misuse .

• They use per sonal data only on secure password protected computer s and other devices, ensur ing that they are proper ly “logged off ” at the end of any session in which they are using per sonal data. They use encr ypted memor y sticks

Communications

A wide r ange of r apidly developing communications technologies have the potential to enhance lear ning. When using communication technologies the School consider s the following as good pr actice:

• The official school email ser vice may be regarded as safe and secure and is monitored.

• User s need to be aware that email communications may be monitored.

• User s must immediately repor t the receipt of any email that makes them feel uncomfor table , is offensive , threatening, extreme or bullying in nature and must not respond to any such email. They should not delete it.

• Any digital communication between staff and pupils or parents / carer s (email, chat, VLE etc) must be professional in tone and content. It should be only via school approved systems.

• Pupils should be taught about email safety issues, such as the r isks attached to the use of per sonal details.

• Per sonal infor mation should not be posted on the School website and only official email addresses should be used to identify member s of staff.

Responding to Incidents of Misuse

It is hoped that all member s of the School community will be responsible user s of ICT, who under stand and follow this procedure . However, there may be times when infr ingements of the procedure could take place , through careless or ir responsible or, ver y r arely, through deliber ate misuse . Listed below are the responses that will be made to any apparent or actual incidents of misuse:

If any apparent or actual misuse appear s to involve illegal activity, such as:

• Indecent images of children.

• Adult mater ial which potentially breaches the Obscene Publications Act.

• Cr iminally r acist mater ial.

• Other cr iminal conduct, activity or mater ials.

• Radicalisation

Responding to use of a VPN

• Using a Vir tual Pr ivate Networ k (VPN) within the School is seen as a deliber ate attempt to circumvent the safeguarding filter s put in place . A pupil is exposing themselves to inappropr iate content including (but not limited to) r adical mater ial, por nogr aphy and

grooming. A pupil who repeatedly uses a VPN without per mission will be subject to a disciplinar y sanction.

It is more likely that the School will need to deal with incidents that involve inappropr iate r ather than illegal misuse . It is impor tant that any incidents are dealt with as soon as possible in a propor tionate manner, and that member s of the School community are aware that incidents have been dealt with. However, if any illegal misuse is detected or repor ted action will be taken in accordance with the guidance contained in the section entitled ‘What to do in the event of discover y of illegal mater ial’ in the Child Protection Policy (Appendix 4 Safeguarding and ICT).

Sanctions - Child Protection Policy (Appendix 4 Safeguarding and ICT)

In pr actice , the sanctions applied r ange from a verbal war ning or a ban on use of the School’s computer networ k to a tempor ar y or per manent exclusion, depending on the gr avity of the offence and the pupil’s previous record with reference to bullying / cyber bullying. In the most severe cases, it can result in cr iminal prosecution.

The aim of sanctions is to:

• Help the per son har med to feel safe again and be assured that the bullying will stop.

• Hold the perpetrator to account, getting them to recognise the harm caused and deter them from repeating the behaviour.

• Demonstr ate to the School community that cyber bullying is unacceptable and that the School has effective ways of dealing with it, so deter r ing other s from behaving similar ly.

When cyber bullying is investigated, reference will be made to the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP); sanctions for breaches are set out in the AUP and the ‘Procedure for dealing with Bullying/Cyber bullying incidents’. Technology specific sanctions for pupils engaged in cyber bullying behaviour could include limiting Inter net access for a per iod of time or removing the r ight to br ing a mobile phone into school (although issues of child safety will be considered in relation to the latter).

Cyber bullying will have an impact on the education and wellbeing of the per son being bullied, and the physical location of the bully at the time of their action is ir relevant in this. Schools now have broad new power s to discipline and regulate the behaviour of pupils, even when they are off the school site . These are set out in the Education and Inspections Act 2006. Misconduct of any kind outside of school will be amenable to school discipline if the welfare of another pupil or the culture or reputation of the School are placed at r isk.

PUPIL ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Acceptable Use Policy Agreement

I under stand that I must use school ICT systems in a responsible way, to ensure that there is no r isk to my safety or to the safety and secur ity of the ICT systems and other user s. I will immediately infor m the the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSL) and/or the E Safety Officer if I am concer ned that I or someone I know has broken these r ules.

For My Own Personal Safety:

• I under stand that Downside School may occasionally monitor my use of the ICT systems, email and other digital communications.

• I under stand how to choose my user names carefully to protect my identity

• I under stand how to choose my passwords carefully so that they cannot be guessed easily by other s.

• I know not to leave computer s logged on with my user name or logged on to sites with per sonal details entered.

• I will treat my user name and password like my toothbr ush I will not share it, nor will I tr y to use any other per son ’ s user name and password.

• I will not disclose or share per sonal infor mation about myself or other s when on line .

• I will never ar r ange to meet people off line that I have communicated with on line without the express per mission 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 repor t any unpleasant or inappropr iate mater ial, messages, extreme views or anything that makes me feel uncomfor table when I see it on line by emailing my House Master/Mistress and helpdesk@downside .co.uk.

• I under stand that different sites have safety features and use these including features to limit access to infor mation about me

• I know that using the Inter net responsibly means I should not tr y to visit unsafe sites or register for things I am not old enough for

• I under stand that once I publish something on the web I cannot control what it is used for so I will think carefully before publishing. If uncer tain I will seek the advice of my House Master/Mistress or the E Safety Officer

When Using Technolog y to Contact People I Know

• I have to be polite and responsible when I communicate with other s, I will not use strong, aggressive or inappropr iate language and I appreciate that other s may have different opinions.

• To be aware of “stranger danger” (i e I should take care when dealing with str anger s), when I am communicating on line 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 matter s.

I understand that ever yone has equal rights to use technolog y as a resource and:

• That Downside School ICT systems are pr imar ily intended for educational use and I will use the systems for per sonal or recreational within the par ameter s of this Acceptable Use Policy.

• I will not tr y (unless I have per mission) to make lar ge downloads or uploads that might take up Internet capacity and prevent other user s from being able to car r y out their wor k.

• I will not use Downside School ICT systems for on line gambling, file shar ing, or video broadcasting (eg YouTube). File shar ing and video broadcasting will require per mission from a member of staff to engage in such activities.

I will act as I expect others to act toward me:

• I will respect other s ’ wor k and proper ty and will not access, copy, remove or otherwise alter any other user ’ s files, without the owner ’ s knowledge and per mission.

• I will not take or distr ibute images, videos or any per sonal details of anyone without their per mission.

• I will not pretend to be anyone else online , nor will I engage in any for m of bullying.

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 ter ms to reduce the likelihood of accessing unsafe content and extreme views.

• I should make sure that I have per mission to use the or iginal wor k of other s in my own wor k and credit them if I do.

• Where wor k is protected by Copyr ight, I will not tr y to access, share or download copies. (including, but not limited to, music , images and videos)

• When I am using the Inter net to find infor mation, I should take care to check that the information that I access is accurate, as I under stand that the wor k of other s may not be tr uthful and may be a deliber ate attempt to mislead me .

• I will not claim the wor k of other s as my own and will reference any mater ial I use in my wor k.

• Some websites which I need may be filtered. I should email helpdesk@downside .co.uk if I want them to be considered for un filter ing.

When using technolog y for buying and selling I know:

• How to tell the difference between web sites for infor mation 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 tr ue it probably is!

• That I should not respond to unsolicited online offer s

• 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 fr audulently obtained whilst using the School’s systems

I recognise that Downside School has a responsibility to maintain the security and integrity of the technolog y 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 r ules set out in this agreement, in the same way as if I was using school equipment.

• I under stand the r isks that the Inter net can pose and will not tr y to upload, download or access any mater ials which are illegal or inappropr iate or may cause har m or distress to other s.

• I will not tr y to use any progr ams or software that might allow me to bypass the filter ing / secur ity systems in place to prevent access to such mater ials.

• I will immediately repor t 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 tr ust the per son who sent the email, due to the r isk of the attachment containing vir uses or other har mful progr ams.

• I will not install or tr y to install progr ams of any type on a machine , or store progr ams on a computer

• I will not tr y to alter computer settings.

• I will only use chat and social networ king sites that Downside School allows and at the times allowed.

• I will ensure I have antivir us 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 cr ime(s), hacking, contact with str anger s, obtaining banned or illegal substances, gambling and other s too numerous to list).

I understand that I am responsible for my actions, both in and out of school:

• I under stand that Downside School also has the r ight to take action against me if I am involved in incidents of inappropr iate behaviour, that are covered in this agreement, when I am out of school and where they involve my member ship of Downside School community (examples would be cyber bullying, use of images or per sonal infor mation).

• I under stand that if I fail to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy Agreement, I will be subject to disciplinar y action. This may include loss of access to Downside School networ k or the Inter net, detentions, contact with parents, suspension in the case of ser ious incident and, in the event of illegal activities involvement of the police.

• I under stand that use of a VPN, Proxy or any other method of circumventing the School’s filtering is unacceptable and strictly against the r ules of the School. I under stand disciplinar y action will always be taken in these circumstances.

I understand that I am responsible for my actions, both in and out of school:

• I under stand that Downside School also has the r ight to take action against me if I am involved in incidents of inappropr iate behaviour, that are covered in this agreement, when I am out of school and where they involve my member ship of Downside School community (examples would be cyber bullying, use of images or per sonal infor mation).

• I under stand that if I fail to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy Agreement, I will be subject to disciplinar y action. This may include loss of access to Downside School networ k or the Inter net, detentions, contact with parents, suspension in the case of ser ious incident and, in the event of illegal activities involvement of the police.

• I under stand that use of a VPN, Proxy or any other method of circumventing the School’s filtering is unacceptable and strictly against the r ules of the School. I under stand disciplinar y action will always be taken in these circumstances.

I have read and understand the above and agree to follow the AUP guidelines when:

• I use Downside School ICT systems and equipment. (both in and out of school)

• I use my own equipment in school (when allowed) e .g. mobile phones, iPads, camer as etc

• I use my own equipment out of school in a way that is related to me being a member of this school e .g. communicating with other member s of Downside School, accessing school email, VLE, website etc .

PERSONAL MATTERS

All people have occasional wor r ies or problems which can affect both themselves and other s. In a boarding school, such matter s can often be dealt with by talking to fr iends or to any member of staff, or by telephoning home . Your HsM, your Tutor, your House Parent, the Chaplains, the School Doctor or the Head of Nur sing Care , the Director of Pastor al Care , the Deputy Head and the Head are available and will always be ready to listen. If you wish to contact someone who is not involved in the day to day r unning of the School, you are welcome to speak to the School’s independent per son who has agreed to be an independent advisor to any pupil in difficulty. Please speak to a member of the house team to obtain the contact details of the School’s independent per son. Alter natively, you may telephone Childline (Tel: 0800 1111).

It is impor tant to realise that you may choose the people with whom you would like to speak. Your choice may depend on the circumstances and your feelings at the time and you do not have to tell anyone else what you are doing.

These are some of the situations in which you may not be able to manage without help:

• if you have concer ns regarding the COVID 19 pandemic or any changes that have occur red as a results of it;

• if you feel you are unable to cope because of problems with wor k or for social reasons;

• if you feel you are being discr iminated against on grounds of r ace , or for any other reason;

• if someone has hur t, abused or har assed you or has made suggestions sexual or otherwise that you feel are inappropr iate;

• if you are being bullied or treated unkindly or unfair ly by another pupil;

• if you feel you have been treated unreasonably by a member of staff;

• if you think you are being badly taught.

The school’s pastor al and counselling system is there to suppor t you through your time at Downside and to deal with most matter s of concer n.

In some circumstances you may wish to make a for mal complaint in wr iting, especially if an infor mal complaint has not been satisfactor ily resolved. Whether you deal with a problem by your self, or seek advice , or make a for mal complaint, is a matter for you to decide .

Please refer to the Worries and Concerns notice that is in your Boarding House and in this Pupil Handbook.

PUPILS’ CONFIDENTIALITY

• A conver sation 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 pr ivate to those who need to know about the matter : these per sons may include the social ser vices, the police , parents or other responsible per sons. The DSL will tell the pupil involved to whom he will have to refer the matter, and will tr y to achieve the pupil’s agreement.

• The Designated Safeguarding Lead at Downside School is the Director of Pastoral Care, Mr s Claire Murphy, cmurphy@downside.co.uk 01761 235183

The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads:

• Head, Mr Andrew Hobbs, ahobbs@downside .co.uk, 01761 235100 ext. 102

• Deputy Head, Mr Randall, mr andall@downside .co.uk, 01761 235116

• DDSL, Mr Ror y Wor sman, rwor sman@downside co uk, 1761 235183

• A conver sation of a health and medical nature with a School nur se or doctor in the Health Centre will be kept confidential to the per sons involved, unless in the opinion of the nur se or doctor the safety of children means the matter must be referred to the School’s DSL. In these cases, the nur se will tell the pupil concer ned that such a refer r al will be made .

• If the School Pr iest feels that a matter brought up under the seal of confession suggests that they or another child is a r isk of har m, he will suggest that the pupil should discuss the matter with him or another member of staff outside the seal of confession.

• In none of the situations above is confidentiality binding on the pupil who gives the confidence , though discretion is always impor tant; a pupil may speak to another per son about anything that happens in any of the situations above , especially if he or she feels they have been unfair ly treated.

In all situations regarding sensitive pupil matter s, staff must respect the confidentiality of anything said to them by a pupil, and only speak of the matter to the proper per sons responsible for the pupil, i.e . the Head of Nur sing Care , the pupil’s tutor, HsM, the Director of Pastor al Care , the Deputy Head, or the Head. It is essential that, when infor mation should be passed on to another per son 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 per sons, with the exception of those who have to check that the records are being proper ly kept (i.e . the School doctor s).

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

A statement regarding pupil wor r ies and concer ns is posted in all Houses. It is included as Appendix 4 in the Child Protection Policy. If a matter cannot be settled to the pupil’s satisfaction, having followed the nor mal processes of r aising a concer n, pupils may make a for mal complaint.

Making a Formal Complaint

The following procedures must be used (with or without infor ming the per son you are complaining about).

• Wr ite to your House Master/Mistress, the Director of Pastor al Care or to the Deputy Head. In pr actice you may have discussed the matter with this per son already. If the complaint involves all of those listed above , the pupil should write to the Head or the School Priest.

• Your complaint will then be registered by the Deputy Head.

• The Deputy Head will speak to you, telling you that he has received the complaint and that it is being attended to within four wor king days of your making it.

• You will then be asked to discuss the matter with either the Head or the Deputy Head. You may invite a pupil or a member of staff of your choice to come to this meeting with you.

• If at any stage you are dissatisfied with the procedure you may contact Somer set County Council on 0300 123 2224 or the Office of the Children’s Commissioner on 0800 528 0731.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Money

Lar ge amounts of money should not be kept in school. Do not share your pin or bank details with another per son. Any pupil who has cash should hand it immediately to the HsM or Assistant HsM to be stored in the House bank. If neither of these is available it should be given to the House Parent.

Clothes and valuable equipment

Do not br ing valuable equipment to school unless it is essential to studies or approved recreation.

All valuables should be locked away in your room. If you have any valuable equipment, give a descr iption of it that includes its ser ial number, colour and make to your HsM. It is your responsibility and that of your parents to record and insure any valuable items.

Repor ting missing proper ty

As soon as you are cer tain that any item of proper ty has been illegitimately taken from you, repor t its loss to your HsM.They will then infor m the Director of Pastor al Care .

Always repor t a suspected theft even if you have not followed the regulations given above .

CCTV

The school does have some CCTV camer as in place to deter theft and assist in its prevention, as well as to enhance secur ity in potentially vulner able areas of the School. There may be times when cover t camer as 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 . Cover t camer as can only be set up on the wr itten author ization or request of the Head or Deputy Head. Any such cover t processing will only be car r ied out for a defined, limited and reasonable per iod, consistent with the objectives of making the recording and will relate to the specific suspected unauthor ized activity. Pupils may not set up their own sur veillance systems.

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o r m P r e p A c t i v i t i e s

T H U R S D A Y T h i r d t o F o u r t h F o r m G a m e s F i f t h t o S i x t h F o r m G a m e s A c t i v i t i e s

F R I D A Y S i x t h F o r m T u t o r & G e n e r a l R S 1 5 . 4 5 T u t o r 1 6 . 0 0 H y m n P r a c t i c e F i r s t t o S e c o n d F o r m P r e p A c t i v i t i e s

S A T U R D A Y F i r s t t o F i f t h F o r m P S H E E S p o r t F i x t u r e s H o u s e T i m e R e g i s t r a t i o n P e r i o d i n H o u s e T u t o r R e g i s t r a t i o n T h e H a l f L u n c h T e a

S u p p e r L a t e P r e p / A c t i v i t i e s F i r s t t o S e c o n d F o r m A c t i v i t i e s T h i r d S i x t h F o r m P r e p H o u s e A s s e m b l y

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o r m P r e p A c t i v i t i e s

T H U R S D A Y T h i r d t o F o u r t h F o r m G a m e s F i f t h t o S i x t h F o r m G a m e s A c t i v i t i e s

F R I D A Y S i x t h F o r m T u t o r & G e n e r a l R S 1 5 . 4 5 T u t o r 1 6 . 0 0 H y m n P r a c t i c e F i r s t t o S e c o n d F o r m P r e p A c t i v i t i e s

S A T U R D A Y F i r s t t o F i f t h F o r m P S H E E S p o r t F i x t u r e s H o u s e T i m e R e g i s t r a t i o n P e r i o d i n H o u s e T u t o r R e g i s t r a t i o n T h e H a l f L u n c h T e a

S u p p e r L a t e P r e p / A c t i v i t i e s F i r s t t o S e c o n d F o r m A c t i v i t i e s T h i r d S i x t h F o r m P r e p H o u s e A s s e m b l y