Downside Pupil Handbook

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 service in our world.

Downside School, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, Somerset, BA3 4RJ

Tel: 01761 235100 reception@downside.co.uk

www.downside.co.uk

Reg Charity Number: 1184700

Reg Company Number: 11751009

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

School Policies and Procedures in this handbook may 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.

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 service

4. To develop the character and confidence of young people through sport and co-curricular opportunities

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 Department noticeboards and the School iSAMS Calendar for changes to the ‘Regular Meetings & Rehearsals’ schedule.

Sunday 08:50 Duty Choir Rehearsal, Abbey Church

09:00 Servers’ Practice, Abbey Church

09:30 Whole School Mass

12:00-15:00 Junior Production Rehearsal, Theatre

Monday 11:00 Head’s Staff Briefing

11:00 Guitar Ensemble, Martin Room

13:15 Elastic Band, Martin Room

13:15 Function Band, Live Recording Room

13:15 Junior Production Rehearsal, Theatre

13:15 Pointe Club, Theatre Stage

14:00 CCF Corps of Drums, CCF

14:00 CCF/ Community Service Priority

Tuesday 07:40 Mass, Old Chapel

13:15 Brass Group, Martin Room

13:15 Jazz Band, Theatre

13:15 Piano Trio, Ludlow Room

15:20 Recitation of the Holy Rosary, Old Chapel

17:00 Concert Band, Theatre

17:10 Mass, Old Chapel

18:20 Mixed Chamber Choir, Petre Cloister

21:00 St Teresa Community, Aylward Room

Wednesday 13:00

Eucharistic Adoration with Confessions, Old Chapel

13:15 String Ensemble, Theatre

13:15 Woodwind Ensemble, Martin Room

15:20 St Luke’s Community, Chaplaincy Office

17:00 Schola Cantorum, Petre Cloister

17:00 Junior Production Rehearsal, Theatre

18:30 Mixed Chamber Choir, Butler Room (fortnightly)

18:30 Sixth Form Lecture, Gasquet Hall (as per schedule)

Thursday 13:15 Recreational Dance, Martin Room

13:15 Percussion Group/Drum Line, Theatre

17:00 Pipe Band, Theatre

21:00 St John’s Community, Chaplaincy Centre

Friday 07:40 Mass, Old Chapel

11:00 Head’s Staff Briefing - Pupil Notices

13:15 Contemporary Dance Class, Theatre Stage

13:20 Close Harmony Group, Ludlow Room

16:00 Hymn Practice, Abbey Church

15:20 Academic Scholar’s Meeting, Gasquet Hall

16:20 Schola Cantorum, Abbey Church

17:00 St Francis Community, Chaplaincy Office

17:00 Junior Production Rehearsal, Theatre

18:30 Abingdon Debating Society, Gasquet Hall (fortnightly)

18:30 Knowles Society, Turnbull Bar (fortnightly)

Saturday 13:00-17:00 School Sports and Fixtures (refer to SOCS calendar)

Staff

USEFUL NUMBERS & EMAIL ADDRESSES

Role Name

Head Mr Andrew Hobbs

PA to the Head

Deputy Head

Director of Admissions, Marketing &

Commercial Enterprises

Admissions Officer

Marketing Manager

Digital Marketing Assistant

Director of Pastoral Care

Powell House

Caverel House

Barlow House

Roberts House

Smythe House

Isabella House

Head of Nursing & Health Centre

Head of Sixth Form

Head of Fourth & Fifth Form

Head of First toThird Form

Head of Teaching, Learning and Innovation

Examinations Officer

Head of Art and Design

Mrs Katie Walker

Mr Michael Randall

Mrs Issy Hartnell

Mrs Lara Waller

Mrs MelanieWoods

Mrs Amy Cormack

Mrs Claire Murphy

Mr Andy Hamilton

Ms Anna McGarry

Mr Simon Potter

Mr Joshua Freeman

Mr David Pollard

Ms Amanda Ball

Mrs Michelle Pye

Mr Richard Rawlins

Mr Oliver Simper

Mrs Belen Iglesias

Mr Paul Rigby

Mrs Catherine Dietrich

Mr Neill Barrett

Head of Economics and Business Studies Mrs Jill Eckford

Head of English

Head of EAL

Head of Humanities

Mr Andrew O'Sullivan

Mrs Andrea Maistrello

Mr Oliver Simper

Telephone Extension EmailAddress

01761 235100 102 hmpa@downside.co.uk 01761 235101 201 kwalker@downside.co.uk 01761 235116 106 mrandall@downside.co.uk

01761 235103 103 ihartnell@downside.co.uk

01761 235100

admissions@downside.co.uk 01761 235100 151 mwoods@downside.co.uk 01761 235100 107 acormack@downside.co.uk

01761 235183 183 cmurphy@downside.co.uk 01761 235133 133 ahamilton@downside.co.uk

235131 131 amcgarry@downside.co.uk 01761 235132 132 spotter@downside.co.uk 01761 235129

01761 235128

jfreeman@downside.co.uk

dpollard@downside.co.uk

aball@downside.co.uk

mpye@downside.co.uk healthcentre@downside.co.uk

01761 235117 117 rrawlins@downside.co.uk 01761 235117 117 osimper@downside.co.uk 01761 235117 117 biglesias@downside.co.uk 01761 235117 117 prigby@downside.co.uk 01761 235159

exams@downside.co.uk

01761 235100

nbarrett@downside.co.uk 01761 235100 502 jeckford@downside.co.uk 01761 235100 160 aosullivan@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 Learning Support/SENCO

Head of Mathematics

Head of Academic Music

Head of Science

Director of Sport

Head of Theology & Head of History

Head of Careers

UCAS & HE Coordinator

Librarian

Priest Chaplain

Lay Chaplain

St Scholastica Community

Director of Commercial

Enterprises

Bursar

Senior Accounts Clerk

& Sales Administrator

Purchase Ledger

Billing Ledger

Head of Facilities (Soft FM),

Health and Safety Co-ordinator

Mr Richard Rawlins

Mrs Clare Storey

Mr Jesus Tapia Amador

Mrs Karen Randall

Mr Paul Rigby

Mr Richard Jones

Mr Hugh Walters

Mr Oliver Simper

Mr Richard Rawlins

Ms Janet Craig

Father Michael Patey

Mr Paul Andrewartha

Mr Vicente Tagle

Mrs Issy Hartnell

Mr Danny Boswell

Mrs Anya Pickering

Mrs Sheila Hansford

Mrs Carol Gould

Mrs Suzanne Faloon

USEFUL NUMBERS & EMAIL ADDRESSES

Staff Role Name

Domestic Services Manager

Director of Development

Development Assistant

School Shop Manager

General Catering Manager

Combined Cadet Force &

Head of Outdoor Activities

School Administrator

Learning Support & Exams

Administrator

Music Administrator

Director of Human Resources

Human Resources Advisor

Receptionists

Mrs Angie Hurle

Mrs Jessica Newman

Miss Silvia Acosta Santos

Mrs Tracy Coles

Mrs Sarah Kieck

Mr David Pollard

Mrs Laura Cray

Mrs Chloe Brice

Mrs Caroline Maggs

Mrs Claire Parr

Mrs Chrissy Penny

Mrs Sarah Hockey

Mrs Ashley Williams

Mrs Christine Read

01761

EmailAddress

ahurle@downside.co.uk

jnewman@downside.co.uk

sacostasantos@downside.co.uk

shop@downside.co.uk

catering@downside.co.uk

dpollard@downside.co.uk

lcray@downside.co.uk

cbrice@downside.co.uk

cmaggs@downside.co.uk

cparr@downside.co.uk

cpenny@downside.co.uk

reception@downside.co.uk

SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The following section of the Pupil Handbook aims to summarize 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 in this handbook may 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 service -Rule of St. Benedict, Prologue

1.Introduction

Downside is a traditional, Catholic, family orientated boarding School, and as such, the values and ideals of the Gospel and the Rule of St. Benedict lie at the heart of the community here. Whilst Downside is a strong academic School, our aim is to develop the character of our boarders and day pupils alike, where the importance of moral courage, integrity and service is emphasised.

2.Aims

2.1. At Downside we aim to provide a safe, nurturing environment and strong close-knit community where all pupils actively live out the values and aspects of a Benedictine and Catholic education. Pupils have opportunities to develop their faith and spirituality and are guided to encounter Christ throughout all aspects of school life. The experience of living and working together helps pupils to develop personal discipline, active listening and social skills, selfawareness, confidence, independence, and compassion. Community life affords pupils opportunities to develop deeper cultural understanding and respect for those from different beliefs and traditions and to celebrate diversity.

We aim to cultivate a culture of unselfish love, integrity, humility and leadership through service and responsibility. Each pupil is challenged to embrace a growth mindset through the numerous academic, sporting and co-curricular opportunities and to contribute purposefully for the benefit of the School and wider community.

3.Practice

3.1. Boarding, whether as a full boarder, or day+ boarder, is an inclusive and progressive community. Boarders are encouraged to embrace and celebrate diversity and to recognise the unique value of everyone.

3.2. The boarding environment promotes mutual respect, Benedictine values, compassion, and concern from the individual, and pupils are expected to act within courtesy and good manners.

3.3. Downside offers a rich and vibrant co-curricular programme through the week and at weekends to provide opportunities for fun, challenge, celebrations, experience, teamwork, community building and socialising.

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

•Powell House is a boys house of First toThird Form (Years 7-9).

•Smythe, Roberts and Barlow Houses are home to boys from Fourth to Upper Sixth form (Years 10-13).

•Isabella House is home to girls First to Upper Sixth form (Years 7-13)

•Caverel House is home to girls Third to Upper Sixth form (Years 9-13).

3.5. Each house is run by an experienced pastoral team, led by the House Master or House Mistress (HsM). They are supported by assistant HsMs, tutors and house parents.

3.6. The Health and Wellbeing Centre supports the pupils and houses. It is staffed by experienced nurses and Health Care Practitioners and runs regular GP surgeries.There are three counsellors offering a range of different support for groups or individuals. Pupils also have access to an independent person.

3.7. HsMs work closely in partnership with families to give individual, holistic care to each pupil.

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

3.9. Community worship through Mass, retreats, house prayers and Lectio Divina allows pupils to develop their faith and spirituality. The School chaplaincy includes an ordained Chaplain, a lay Chaplain and members of the St Scholastica community. They play a central part in the lives of pupils and the School community, promote service opportunities and raises awareness of the needs of the vulnerable through charity work.

3.10. Pupil voice plays a crucial part throughout all aspects of the School. Pupils are encouraged to provide feedback and ideas for improving the quality of provision through student voice boxes in each house, prefect meetings, house councils and the School council.

4.Facilities and opportunities

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

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

4.3. The boarders also have access to a variety of indoor and outdoor social areas and impressive sports facilities during their free time.

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

4.5. Laundry is provided centrally, and older pupils are able to choose to do their own laundry in houses.

THE SEVENASPECTS OF A BENEDICTINE EDUCATION

The seven aspects provide a valuable perspective on the key qualities of a Benedictine education.

1. Welcome and hospitality are key elements in a school where pupils and staff work together to form a kind, mutually supportive community, based on the core principle of Christian love. Careful, active listening is an essential part of positive human relationships, and this is emphasised at Downside, as young people are guided in how to live together within their houses and within the School community.

2. Reverence,as an intrinsic part of regular school worship,and as part of respect for each person’s individual human dignity,is a hallmark of life at Downside as a Benedictine school; it is part of the worship and love of God in Christ.This divine and human love draws the School into a communion whose members grow together in the love of truth and of one another. Humility enables people to live truly,communicating honestly with each other and God,enabling this love to develop.

3. Teaching and learning are central because of the need for our pupils to be skilled and educated people in a competitive world but also because our higher purpose is to grow in the knowledge of truth, which leads to God.

4. Personal discipline is something essential for the well-being of the individual and the community. It means that we are not enslaved to the world’s distractions but free to pursue higher ambitions,such as service and the pursuit of knowledge.

5. Downside emphasises the importance of living within a nurturing spiritual community; Concern for the individual enables groups of individuals to live and grow together in a manner that fosters human flourishing.

6. Harmonious community life is the consequence of building communion; while there will always be some difficulties within communities, a spiritual purpose means that communion between people and with God is made possible.

7. There are many gifts in human life,if people are prepared to receive them.Through the Holy Spirit, the world is made full of beauty and wisdom; the stewardship of gifts, from the natural environment to human abilities, means that the whole world can benefit.

WORRIES AND CONCERNS – A PUPIL’S GUIDE

This guide explains what you should do if you feel worried about something and what you should do if you are concerned about how you are being, or have been, treated. Much of what follows may seem obvious to you, but it is important 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 girl to whom you feel you can turn. Your House Master or House Mistress or Tutor is always ready to help, or any other members of staff (including domestic staff) you know and to whom you feel you can comfortably talk.

There may be times when you feel you cannot talk with a member of staff. Talk, telephone or write 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 person.

• Somerset Direct, Somerset County Council - 0300 123 2224

• CAMHS Self-Referral (16-17 yr old)

0300 1245 012 or visit https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/camhs/selfreferral/

• 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.talktofrank.com/contact-frank

• Smoking Quitline 0800 002200

• NHS Smoking Helpline 0300 123 1044

• Victim Support 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

ADVOCACY FOR PUPILS AND MAKING A COMPLAINT

Advocacy is about speaking up for children and young people, ensuring 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 vulnerable at times when they have a problem or want to make a complaint. Pupils can discuss concerns with any member of staff and ask them to advocate, or speak up, for them. Advocacy empowers children and young people to make sure that their rights 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 support from any adult in the School. For the most part, 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 person or by email. All pupil complaints will be managed by the Deputy Head to ensure the pupil is listened to and effective support and action put into place if required.

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

If a child or young person has a social worker, receives support from social care or may require support 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 service provider.

2.In Somerset, a child or young person can request an advocate by emailing route1advocacy@somerset.co.uk

More information about advocacy can be found at: https://beta.somerset.gov.uk/education-and-families/route-oneadvocacy/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 concerns about a child’s welfare, including if there is a concern that the child is suffering significant harm or is likely to do so, should make a referral to our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) unless an allegation is against them or another member of staff, when the Head must be informed - 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 regularly updated. Key staff should upload this website to their desktop for instant access.

www.swcpp.org.uk

Anyone however, can make a referral, if necessary (see section below on‘Whistleblowing’)

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will inform the Head of all cases of actual or suspected abuse. The only exception to this would be if the Head were implicated in the concerns, in which case the Chair of Governors would be informed. Any concerns relating to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) should be referred to the Head.

DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD (DSL)

Ms MichellePye Head of Nursing

01761 235128 mpye@downside.co.uk

DEPUTY DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD (DDSL)

Mr Andrew Hobbs

Head 01761 235100 Ext. 102 ahobbs@downside.co.uk

MrsClaireMurphy

DirectorofPastoralCare

01761235183

cmurphy@downside.co.uk

Mr Michael Randall

Deputy Head 01761 235116 mrandall@downside.co.uk

MrBenEdge

HeadofAcademicPE&Co-ordinatorofPSHEE,SMSC&RSE 01761235100

bedge@downside.co.uk

GOVERNORWITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR CHILD PROTECTION

TerriWilcox

Governor 07853804716 twilcox@downside.co.uk

KEY NUMBERS

• Somerset Direct – 0300 123 2224

• DBS Confidential checking service – sensitive@dbs.gsi.gov.uk

• DBS referrals helpline – 01325 953795

• Designated Officer at the Local Authority (formerly LADO) via Somerset Direct 0300 123 2224

ESSENTIALS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

We aim to support all pupils in fulfilling their learning potential and feel that the following advice will help you achieve your target grades.

The key characteristics of a successful learner:

• Humility

• Reflectiveness

• Independent learning

• Healthiness

• Attendance

• Organisation

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

1.Start with prayer:

“Make prayer the first step in anything worthwhile you attempt.” (RSB: Prologue)

2.Determine your own learning outcomes:

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

•Assess your own learning experience within lessons – are you participating positively? What do you do if you don’t understand?

•Engage in mature conversations with teachers and tutors about what you can do to achieve your target grade.

•Assess your own performance – know the marking criteria.

•Train yourself to pass examinations.

3.Learn how to revise:

•Plan a schedule and stick to it!

•Everybody is more attentive in the mornings; decide when you will get up.

•Set yourself learning outcomes for each revision session.

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

•Learn the marking criteria.

•Train yourself to pass examinations eg complete timed questions with a partner and mark each other’s work.

4.Cramming is stressful so avoid it!

•The best learners are always learning.

•If you have been consolidating your learning throughout the academic year, revision leading up to examinations can be an invigorating, positive experience.

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

•Reduce stress by being organised and planning your time effectively.

•Olympic athletes train for years 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 priority of a Gregorian is duty to others.They are obliged to act with courtesy and common sense for the good of the community. Any behaviour that causes discomfort,distress or danger does not conform to the rule.

REGULATIONS

Dress

Downside pupils take pride in looking their best. School uniform must be clean, pressed and in a good state of repair.

REGULATION DRESS

Trouser uniform

Grey striped trousers provided by theTailor,a long sleeved plain white collared shirt worn with a house or scholar’s tie, plain black jacket, black v necked jumper,black socks and plain black leather polished flat shoes. Girls may wear their maroon jumper and/or grey jacket. Prefects may order a waistcoat from the tailor with permission from their HsM. School prefects may wear a grey v-necked jumper unless they are wearing waistcoats.

Skirt uniform

A pleated tartan skirt and grey jacket provided by the Tailor, a long sleeved open necked blouse, First to Fifth Form wear a burgundy 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 permission from their HsM. Plain black leather polished shoes. Black tights are worn in winter, short plain black or white ankle socks may be worn in the summer.

Full regulation dress is worn during the working 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, crockery or cutlery may be taken out of the refectories without permission from one’s HsM and the catering manager. Borrowed items must be returned as soon as possible after use.

3.Eating or drinking is not allowed in classrooms, laboratories, the libraries, the ICT centres or the sports hall.

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

5.All members of the community should aim to be sustainable and prevent food waste and non-recyclable rubbish. Pupils must have their own water bottle for sports and trips.

Working environment

1. Rooms and dormitories should be quiet during work periods.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 private areas without permission.

2. If a teacher fails to arrive for a lesson, the class must first wait for five minutes. If the teacher is still not present, they must then go to the Supervised Study Room or, if they are Sixth Formers, to their rooms, where permitted.

3. Visitors to the School must report to reception in the first instance. Visitors are not allowed on site without permission and must be accompanied. No visitor may enter a pupil’s dorm or room without the permission of the HsM. Visitors must not use pupil bathrooms.Every visitor must be recorded in theVisitors’Book and wear a red lanyard.

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

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

Libraries

1.Anyone borrowing a book from the Petre Library must remove it according to the procedures published in the Library.

2.Each department has its own library and many of the books can be borrowed. Reading lists can be obtained from Heads of Department.

3.All libraries should remain quiet places for study and reflection.

Electronic equipment

1.Electrical equipment must be marked, PAT tested and approved for use.

2.It is a condition of using a computer in the School that it must have anti-virus software installed by the ICT Department and that the machine is used in accordance with the School’s current requirements. VPNs must not be used.

Exeats

1.If a pupil wishes to go out of School during Saturday or Sunday but does not wish to be out for the night, he/she gets the permission of their HsM, who must know the proposed times of departure and return.

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 sports 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 morning registration and 1.45 p.m. for afternoon registration.

Alcohol & tobacco

1.On formal occasions, which involve a set meal, pupils in the Sixth Form may be served wine or beer with the meal. Otherwise alcohol is forbidden. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to anybody under the age of eighteen except on formal occasions with a sit down meal. It is against the law for anybody under the age of eighteen to purchase alcohol.

2.Alcohol may not be brought into the School without permission 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 persons under the age of eighteen to buy tobacco. Smoking materials 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 dangers of tobacco and of alcohol abuse and to be familiar with the antismoking and alcohol policies of the School. The Health Centre will support pupils that require any help.

Mobile telephones

1.No mobile phone is to be used or activated during 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 private room or dormitory 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, detriment or injury attendant on the use or possession of a mobile telephone or mobile device.

Sporting 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 practised only on the athletics field and beyond the Long Shrubberies.

3.Studded boots may not be worn 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 Monastery,Abbey grounds, Pastoral Centre, Monastery Library and the GuestWing 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, dormitories, 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 girl’s study bedroom or dormitory. No girl may enter a boy’s study bedroom or dormitory.Disobeying this regulation will result in temporary or permanent exclusion from the School.The House areas of members of the opposite sex are normally strictly out of bounds. Permission to go into Houses must be sought from the relevant House Staff and the house rules 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 permission,on a day-to-day basis, is granted. Fire exits and roofs are out of bounds except in an emergency.

7. The accommodation of Graduate 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 permission 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 arm bands for pupils to borrow.

2.The Monastery Gardens and Garth, the front of the Monastery, 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 cemetery adjoining it and Abbey Road is out of bounds. The Pastoral Centre and Abbey Road are out of bounds unless the permission 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 supervising its use.

5.No pupil must be beyond the Short Shrubbery (the Three Pins hedge) after 7.20 p.m., or after dark, if earlier, without the permission of their HsM.

6.No pupil may go into, or outside, the village of Stratton-on-the-Fosse without permission from their HsM. Within or outside the village, no pupil may visit a private house or residence without written permission from their parents or of their HsM, acting in loco parentis.

7.Pupils in the Upper Sixth Form may go into licensed premises only with the consent of their HsM. No such permission will be given during the working week, i.e. Monday – Friday and Sunday. For pupils below the Upper Sixth Form, inns, public houses and off-licences are off bounds, except in the company of their parents, with appropriate permissions having been granted from the pupil’s HsM or under the supervision of a member of the teaching staff, with an appropriate risk assessment in place which has been approved by the Deputy Head.

8.The path (and the adjacent areas) that runs past the Monks’ Graveyard, and past the Monastery Library, to the door under the Bursary and the Guest Wing, is out of bounds to pupils. Pupils must enter the Abbey Church or the Weld Cloister from the Refectory 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. Each pupil is responsible for ensuring money and items of value are locked securley in their personal space.

3. Parents should arrange insurance cover for clothing and personal effects and keep a record of serial numbers for valuable electrical items.

4. Pupils may not set up covert surveillance systems unless with the permission of their HsM and the Deputy Head .

5. Photographing and filming of others may only take place with their prior permission.

Misconduct

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

a)The possession or use of drugs and illegal substances

b)Bullying, including cyberbullying

c)Racial or sexual harassment

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 plagiarism

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

m)Sexual misconduct, including ‘sexting’, upskirting

n)Abuse of the fire alarm system or fire prevention or extinguishing equipment

o)Misuse of the School computer network and Internet (including use of the dark web)

p)Bringing the name of the School or its staff into disrepute

q)Violent physical or verbal abuse of another person

r)Persistent misbehaviour that has a negative effect on the learning of others

Relationships and Sexual Conduct

The policy of the School reflects the teaching of the Catholic Church. Friendships between boys and girls are firmly encouraged, but intense romances, and the emotional disturbances they involve, are to be avoided at School. Such relationships between pupils are deemed

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

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

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

The dormitories and study bedrooms of the opposite sex are always out of bounds. Any pupil, who not immediately reporting to a member of staff an intrusion into his/her private 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 tolerate sexual harassment – physical or emotional, verbal or visual. Sexual harassment may include not only direct suggestions or slurs, but also offensive movements or gestures, as well as drawings or posters which may be taken as suggestive or demeaning to either sex.

ICT

All pupils must read the School’s Acceptable Use Policy and abide by it.

In particular pupils may not:

a)Use proxy servers or VPN’s to bypass the School’s ICT security system

b)Log-in using another person’s user name and/or password

c)Download Zip (*.zip) files or executable (*.exe) files

d) Download illicit material

e)Contact anyone on the Internet, whose identity is unknown

f) Run any executable file, or any program capable of affecting the system registry

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

h) Attempt to modify any computer in any way

i) Abuse copyright, or attempt to pass off downloaded work as their own

j) Use the dark web orTor browsers.

Exclusion Policy

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

• Supply/Possession/use of certain drugs and solvents or their paraphernalia or substances intended to resemble them

• Alcohol or Tobacco offences

• Theft, blackmail, physical violence, intimidation, racism and persistent bullying

• Offences of a sexual nature; supply and possession of pornography, sexting

• Possession of offensive weapons

• Vandalism

• Computer hacking or serious misuse of the School’s ICT Acceptable Use Policy, or the School network or the internet

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

• Other serious misconduct towards a member of the School community or which brings 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 appropriate 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 Volunteers (recruited in accordance with Safer Recruitment Procedures) wear identity badges at all times.*1

2.‘Visitors’ includes all persons arriving on the School site, who are not trustees, governors, members of staff, volunteers (for whom there are separate arrangements), or pupils of the School.

3.All Visitors must report to Reception in the Old House of the Main Quad.*2 (Reception is staffed on weekdays between 8am and 6pm and on Saturdays between 8.30am and 2.30pm)

4.Visitors must display the visitor’s badge given, and must sign the visitors’ book in Reception.

5.Visitor’s badges must be returned to Reception just before departure.

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

Boarding Houses:

The Boarding Houses are normally closed to visitors. However, parents visiting their own children in their Boarding House may do so after checking in with a member of the House staff, and signing the House visitors’ book.

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

*1 Coloured lanyards are as follows:

CONTRACTOR Yellow

GOVERNOR White

RESIDENT Blue STAFF Black

VISITOR Red

VOLUNTEER Purple

*2 Exceptions:

1.Parents visiting their children in Caverel, Barlow or Isabella Houses, and who are not entering the Main School buildings. Parents visiting these Houses must report directly on arrival to the House staff on duty in the House at the time.

2. Parents visiting their children outside the hours when reception is staffed. Parents are advised to contact the House to inform the House staff of the time they are arriving.

3. Visitors to the Sports Hall or Swimming Pool for an external club or county event.

•Visitors should make their way to the Sports Centre/Swimming Pool via the path from the Main School Quad.

•Sign the register on arrival at the Sports Centre/Swimming Pool.

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

4. 3 The exception to this is prospective parent visits who are given a

school tour by a senior pupil (Sixth Form). These pupils are brieded by the admissions team. During examination periods or under special circumstances, junior pupils may be asked to tour. They will normally be in pairs on these occasions.

It is also recognised that there are certain times when parents and other visitors will enter the school without having to wear badges e.g. Match teas, concerts, plays and other such events. On these occasions, visitors should stay in the area where the event takes place.

It is also important to remember that at the start and end of term and at exeats parents/guardians can often be present on site without having to sign in and wear a badge, as they drop off or pick up pupils. Staff and volunteers are asked to be sensitive and polite in questioning those without badges to ascertain who they are and their reason for being on the School site. Concerns should be reported to a member of the SLT.

Pupils are advised never to pass on the School or house entry codes to visitors and, whilst always being courteous, they are asked not to allow admittance to people who do not have a school identity badge or are unaccompanied. They should direct such visitors to reception or to a member of staff. If they are at all concerned about an unidentified stranger on the School site, they should report the matter to a member of staff immediately.

Protocol for visitors to the monastery guest wing Though they are geographically next to each other, the School and the Monastery occupy separate areas and are distinct from one another. Visitors may not enter any part of the School or School grounds.

Visitors to the monastery 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 10:00am, with rehearsal for servers at 9:30am. Please see Fr Michael if you would be willing to serve (Fourth form and above).

WEEKDAY MASSES are celebrated in the Old Chapel everyTuesday 5:10pm – 5:30pm and Fridays at 7:40 – 8:00am.

HOLY HOUR with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions can be visited for a few minutes of prayer eachWednesday from 1:00 – 1:55pm.

CONFESSIONS – see Holy Hour above,and each house has a termly reconciliation service.

ROSARY – eachTuesday teatime from 3:20pm – 3:40pm.

LECTIO DIVINA groups meet once a week, arranged 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 service’, Downside is a place where you come to learn and to work.

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

3. Gratitude is due to God, who has given us the things of this world for the service of one another and for his glorification.Take pride in keeping the School tidy and clean.

4. Courtesy is expected of everyone at Downside. Respect is due to younger pupils as much as to your elders.

5. Friendliness and respect have long distinguished the relations that exist between adults and pupils at Downside. Downside pupils are noted for the open and spontaneous way they greet adults. Everyone at Downside should be addressed with courtesy and with the correct title.

‘In that way they will conform to scripture, which says: “They should try to be the first to show respect for each other.” (R St.B.Ch.63 v.17)

The Academic Staff

Academic Staff should be addressed by their surname and appropriate title, e.g. Dr N., Mr N., Mrs N., Miss N.

Non-academic staff

The same principles apply to non-academic staff as to academic staff. Nursing staff may be addressed as ‘Sister N’.

Pupils

Pupils should normally be addressed by their Christian or Forenames, except when common sense indicates otherwise.

1. Good manners are expected.

2. On stairs and in doorways, you should stand back to allow another person to pass.Do not run in the corridors because this is not only dangerous but also threatening to other people.

3. Visitors are not currently permitted on site and should be directed to Reception. Remember to treat visitors with consideration 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 stranger and you welcomed me.’

4. Dressing well is a mark of self-respect and shows consideration for others.Take pride in wearing the School uniform properly.

5. Respect is due to other people’s property. Any misuse of others’ belongings destroys the trust that is essential for a peaceful community. Always report suspected instances of vandalism or stealing, so that trust can be maintained.

6. Bullying causes serious 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 turn to others for help: bullying flourishes 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 certain standards of behaviour are expected of all pupils in and around the School, and on any School activity or trip. These expectations are promoted and reinforced, within the overall School behaviour policy, by a system of rewards and sanctions.

We expect everyone to:

Show respect for others

• Show good manners, tolerance, regard for authority and for individual privacy

• Celebrate difference and diversity in others

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

• Follow and support the School’s anti-bullying policy

• Avoid bad language and any behaviour which might cause offence

Strive for self-respect

• Be trustworthy, honest and tell the truth

• Attend and be punctual at all School obligations

• Keep yourself safe and healthy by proper appreciation of risk, by regular exercise and by avoiding harmful substances

• Be self-disciplined and committed

• Take pride in your appearance

Make a positive contribution

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

• Engage with and commit to a wide range of activities

• Think how you can serve the School community

• Participate in decision-making about how the School is run via the School Council or House Councils

• Support activities to help the wider community outside School

Enjoy and achieve at School

• Value achievement

• Take responsibility for your own learning and academic progress

• Help promote a positive learning atmosphere in the classroom and elsewhere

• Develop your own skills and interests by full participation in cocurricular activities

• Prepare yourself for life after school by developing good work habits and social skills

Respect property and the environment

• Respect the property of others

• Look after the fabric and property of the School

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

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

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

• Support activities to help the wider community outside school

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

Sections from the School Anti-Bullying Policy

‘In the first place, to love the Lord God with our whole heart, our whole soul, our whole strength, then our neighbours as ourselves’ – Rule of St Benedict, Ch 4

Scope

• Downside School understands that this is a regulatory policy. This policy and its effectiveness will be reviewed regularly by governors (at least annually) and will be amended as necessary according to the latest statutory guidance and advice.

• This policy is written for pupils. For staff, a Dignity at Work Policy, bullying is addressed in the Employee Handbook in the Chapter, Equal Opportunities and Dignity in the Workplace.

“In the first place, to love the Lord God with our whole heart, 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 try to be the first to show respect to one another with the greatest patience in tolerating weaknesses in body or character… No one aims at personal advantage but is rather concerned for the good of others.’

• Bullying, whether verbal or behavioural, is about intimidation, persecution and abuse of power directed towards the vulnerable in any community. The Rule of St. Benedict, by contrast, speaks of a community of tolerance, wholeness, service and respect for others; a place where a person can grow as God intended. A community living by the Rule of St. Benedict must offer a stable and peaceful home to people of every temperament and ability, background and outlook. All will be helped to reflect on the ways in which they can contribute to and live up to this ideal. Bullying is the antithesis of a community of faith and virtue, and so must be confronted firmly and with compassion. It is an injustice which must be challenged.

Downside School supports the right of all members of the School community to be free from all forms of bullying, harassment, victimisation and discrimination. We wish to create and maintain a caring and supportive school environment by making clear that bullying will not be tolerated and that positive steps will be taken to eradicate it. We aim to create an atmosphere in which staff, parents and pupils are encouraged to bring out into the open any incident of bullying, knowing that measures to deal with it will have the support of the whole School community.

Definitions

• Bullying is behaviour by an individual or group; a single incident or repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally. Bullying can take many forms (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 particular groups, for example on grounds of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, 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 serious. It can cause both physical and emotional harm. This can lead to psychological damage to the individual concerned.

• Bullying basedonprotectedcharacteristicsistakenseriously.

• Bullying is a form 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.

• Exclusionary Behaviour: intimidating, isolating or excluding a person from a group.

• General Unkindness: spreading rumours or writing unkind notes, mobile phone texts, messaging or e-mail.

• Cyberbullying: using the internet, mobile phones, gaming and social networking sites (such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, WhatsApp, Google + etc.) to deliberately upset someone else (see section below).

Bullying may also be:

• Sexual: talking to or touching someone in a sexually inappropriate way.

• Sexist or transphobic related to a person’s gender or gender reassignment.

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

• related to a person’s sexual orientation (homophobic).

• related to pregnancy and maternity.

• related to a person’s age or home circumstances; or related to a person’s disability, special educational needs, learning difficulty, health or appearance or economic status.

• Related to Covid-19.

Not all hurtful behaviour is intentional. Some individuals may see their hurtful conduct as “banter”, “teasing” or “a game” or “for the good of” the other person. These forms of bullying are equally unacceptable but may not be malicious and can often be corrected quickly with advice and without disciplinary sanctions. A bully who does not respond appropriately to advice or sanctions would ultimately have to leave the School.

It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure, whatever the circumstances, that no-one becomes a victim of bullying. A person may be vulnerable to bullying because of their age, physical appearance, nationality, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion, culture or disability, or because they are new in the School, appears to be uncertain or has no friends. They may also become a target because of an irrational 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 members of the School community to uphold the principles 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 members of the School community to uphold the principles 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 tolerated, and in which pupils can report bullying incidents without feeling that they are‘telling tales’. Staff, pupils and parents will be involved in this process of creating and supporting a whole school anti-bullying culture.

2. We will ensure that all members of staff are aware of their responsibility to watch out for and respond appropriately to any possible bullying behaviour.They should refrain from any words or actions in the classroom which might be seen as an encouragement to bullying or as bullying behaviour in itself.

3. We will make pupils aware that expressions of prejudice which include racism, sexism and homophobia, will not be tolerated.

4. We will give pupils the opportunity to see the School counsellor/therapist or contact the independent person. All Houses have a notice which gives pupils guidance if they have any worries or complaints and lists of organisations outside school who can be contacted if victims of bullies prefer to talk to someone who is independent.

5. We will educate pupils on internetusetotrytopreventonline bullying. Our approach will be to educate rather than restrict access but restrictions which are deemed necessary will be enforced in the use of social networking sites. Pupils and staff will be made aware of the School’sAcceptable Use Policy digital media use.

6.We will encourage pupils to talk openly and regularly about the issue within tutor groups, in their Houses, in the School Council, or in conversations with other appropriate members of staff or chaplains. We will also seek to ensure that the School and House prefects are fully supportive of this policy and play an important role in its successful implementation.

7.We will ensure that the School curriculum addresses issues of bullying and encourages pupils and staff to share ideas on preventing it. There will be a strong Anti-Bullying presence within the PSHEE programme and within the Tutor Programme.

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 necessary. These sanctions will be in line with School policy. We will often use pupils to encourage their peers not to continue with their behaviour.

9.We will encourage bullies willingly to seek help themselves in changing their behaviour. This will be catalysed by educating pupils as to why they and their peers may find themselves bullying others.

10.We will give protection and support to any victims of bullying and to anyone who brings 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 encouraged to keep an eye on younger pupils and offer support, where it is needed, and in particular:

1.all senior pupils have the opportunity for House duties but senior pupils who do not wish to have extended pastoral responsibilities are not coerced; the responsibilities of senior pupils are appropriately limited;

2.members of staff expect School Prefects, House Prefects and Mentors to offer supervisory support; and

3.School and House Prefects and Mentors receive training on safeguarding, including how to recognise and report bullying and deal with younger pupils sensitively.

Reporting bullying complaints

Pupils:

A pupil who is being bullied, or who is worried about another pupil being bullied, should complain without delay and can do so in several 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; alternatively;

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

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

• contact a School doctor or a nurse in the Health Centre;

• contact Childline (0800 1111); or

• contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Deputy; or

• Somerset Direct (telephone: 0300 123 2224)

• Respond using Confide on the Desktop.

Parents:

Parents who are concerned that their child is being bullied should inform 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 members concerned about being bullied or harassed by pupils report their concerns 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 members of the Downside School community (including staff, pupils, volunteers, parents/carers, visitors,) who have access to and are users 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 empowers the Head, to such extent as is reasonable, to regulate the behaviour of pupils when they are off the School site and empowers members of staff to impose disciplinary penalties for inappropriate behaviour.

• This is pertinent 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 membership of the School. The school will deal with such incidents within this procedure and associated behaviour and anti-bullying policies and will, where known, inform parents / carers of incidents of inappropriate E-Safety behaviour that take place out of school.

Digital Leaders

Members of the Digital Leaders group will assist the E-Safety Officer with the production, review and monitoring 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 understanding of research skills and the need to avoid plagiarism and uphold copyright regulations.

• Need to understand the importance of reporting abuse, misuse or access to inappropriate materials and know how to do so.

• Are advised about Downside School policies on the use of mobile phones,digital cameras and hand held devices.They are also advised about Downside School policies on the taking / use of images and on cyber-bullying.

• Should understand the importance of adopting good E-Safety practice when using digital technologies out of school and realise that the School’s E-Safety Procedure covers their actions out of school, if related to their membership of the School.

Parents / Carers

Parents and Carers, as Primary Educators, play a crucial part in keeping their children safe and are responsible for:

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

• Encouraged 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 Internet.

Procedure Statement – Education- Pupil

Whilst regulation and technical solutions are very important, their use must be balanced by educating pupils to take a responsible approach.

• A planned E-Safety programme is provided as part of Computer Science / Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) and other relevant lessons and is regularly revisited. This is outlined in our scheme of work which covers each year group. This ensures that pupils are taught in all lessons to be critically aware of the materials they access on-line and be guided to validate the accuracy of information. It also covers both the use of ICT and new technologies in school and outside school.

• Pupils are helped to understand the need for the pupil AUP and encouraged to adopt safe and responsible use of ICT, the Internet and mobile devices both within and outside school.

• Pupils are taught to acknowledge the source of information used and to respect copyright when using material accessed on the Internet.

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

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

The education of pupils in E-Safety is therefore an essential part of our school’s E-Safety provision. Children and young people need the help and support of the School to recognise and avoid E-Safety risks and build their resilience.

Education – Parents / Carers:

Parents and carers will have varying degrees of understanding of E-Safety risks and issues, and in some cases their understanding may be only limited, yet they play an essential role in the education of their children and in the monitoring/regulation of the children’s on-line experiences. Parents may either underestimate or not realise how often children and young people come across potentially harmful and inappropriate material on the Internet and are often unsure about what they would do about it. “There is a generational digital divide”. (Byron Report).

The School therefore seeks to provide information and awareness to parents/carers through:

• Information sent in the Head’s Newsletter

• Information sent by the E-Safety Officer

Technical – Infrastructure / Equipment, Filtering and Monitoring

The School is responsible for ensuring that the School infrastructure / network 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 carrying out their E-Safety responsibilities:

• School Servers are securely located and physical access is restricted.

• All users are provided with a username and password by the Network Manager who keeps an up to date

• record of users and their usernames. Users must change their password regularly.

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

• Actual / potential E-Safety incidents are reported immediately to the E-Safety Officer who will arrange for these to be dealt with immediately in communication with the Network Manager/DSL, reporting to the Head.

• Appropriate security measures are in place to protect the servers, firewalls,routers,wireless systems,work stations from accidental or malicious attempts which might threaten the security of the School systems and data.

• The school infrastructure and individual workstations are protected by up to date anti-virus software.

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

Curriculum

• Where pupils are allowed to search the Internet, staff are vigilant in monitoring the content of the websites the young people visit and encourage pupils to use specific appropriate search terms to reduce the likelihood of coning across unsuitable material.

• Pupils are taught to be critically aware of the materials / content they access on-line and be guided to validate the accuracy of information.

• Pupils are taught to acknowledge the source of information used and to respect copyright when using material accessed on the Internet.

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 learning,allowing staff and pupils instant use of images that they have recorded themselves or downloaded from the Internet.However,staff and pupils need to be aware of the risks associated with sharing images and with posting digital images on the Internet.

• Those images may remain available on the Internet forever and may cause harm or embarrassment to individuals in the short or longer term.

• There are many reported incidents of employers carrying out Internet searches for information about potential and existing employees.The school informs and educates users about these risks and implements policies to reduce the likelihood of the potential for harm:

• When using digital images, staff should inform and educate pupils about the risks associated with the taking, use, sharing, publication and distribution of images. They should recognise the risks attached to publishing their own images on the Internet eg on social networking sites.

• Staff cantakedigital/videoimagestosupporteducationalaimsbutmust followschoolpoliciesaboutthesharing,distributionandpublicationof thoseimages. They are advised that they should not store pictures of pupils on school or personal devices but should copy them on to the School’s network for storage.

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

• Photographs published on the website or elsewhere that include pupils will be selected carefully and comply with good practice guidance on such images.

Data Protection

Personal data will be recorded, processed, transferred and made available according to the Data Protection Act 1998 which states that personal data must be:

• Fairly and lawfully processed

• Processed for limited purposes

• Adequate, relevant and not excessive

• Accurate

• Kept no longer than is necessary

• Processed in accordance with the data subject’s rights

• Secure

• Only transferred to others 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 personal data, minimising the risk of its loss or misuse.

• They use personal data only on secure password protected computers and other devices, ensuring that they are properly “logged-off” at the end of any session in which they are using personal data. They use encrypted memory sticks

Communications

A wide range of rapidly developing communications technologies can enhance learning. When using communication technologies the School considers the following as good practice:

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

• Users need to be aware that email communications may be monitored.

• Users must immediately report the receipt of any email that makes them feel uncomfortable, 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 / carers (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 risks attached to the use of personal details.

• Personal information should not be posted on the School website and only official email addresses should be used to identify members of staff.

Responding to Incidents of Misuse

It is hoped that all members of the School community will be responsible users of ICT, who understand and follow this procedure. However, there may be times when infringements of the procedure could take place, through careless or irresponsible or, very rarely, through deliberate misuse. Listed below are the responses that will be made to any apparent or actual incidents of misuse:

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

• Indecent images of children.

• Adult material which potentially breaches the Obscene Publications Act.

• Criminally racist material.

• Other criminal conduct, activity or materials.

• Radicalisation

Responding to use of a VPN

• Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) within the School is seen as a deliberate attempt to circumvent the safeguarding filters put in place. A pupil is exposing themselves to inappropriate content including (but not limited to) radical material, pornography and

grooming. A pupil who repeatedly uses a VPN without permission will be subject to a disciplinary sanction.

It is more likely that the School will need to deal with incidents that involve inappropriate rather than illegal misuse. It is important that any incidents are dealt with as soon as possible in a proportionate manner, and that members of the School community are aware that incidents have been dealt with. However, if any illegal misuse is detected or reported action will be taken in accordance with the guidance contained in the section entitled ‘What to do in the event of discovery of illegal material’ in the Child Protection Policy (Appendix 4 –Safeguarding and ICT).

Sanctions - Child Protection Policy (Appendix 4 – Safeguarding and ICT) In practice, the sanctions applied range from a verbal warning or a ban on use of the School’s computer network to a temporary or permanent exclusion, depending on the gravity of the offence and the pupil’s previous record with reference to bullying / cyber-bullying. In the most severe cases, it can result in criminal prosecution.

The aim of sanctions is to:

• Help the person harmed 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.

• Demonstrate to the School community that cyber-bullying is unacceptable and that the School has effective ways of dealing with it, so deterring others from behaving similarly.

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 cyberbullying behaviour could include limiting Internet access for a period or removing the right to bring 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 person being bullied, and the physical location of the bully at the time of their action is irrelevant in this. Schools now have broad new powers 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 risk.

PUPIL ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Acceptable Use Policy Agreement

I understand that I must use school ICT systems in a responsible way, to ensure that there is no risk to my safety or to the safety and security of the ICT systems and other users. I will immediately inform the the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSL) and/or the E-Safety Officer if I am concerned that I or someone I know has broken these rules.

For My Own Personal Safety:

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

• I understand how to choose my usernames carefully to protect my identity

• I understand how to choose my passwords carefully so that they cannot be guessed easily by others.

• I know not to leave computers logged on with my username or logged on to sites with personal details entered.

• I will treat my username and password like my toothbrush – I will not share it, nor will I try to use any other person’s username and password.

• I will not disclose or share personal information about myself or others when on-line.

• I will never arrange to meet people off-line that I have communicated with on-line without the express permission of my House Master/Mistress.If allowed to proceed,I will do so in a public place and take an adult with me.

• I will immediately report any unpleasant or inappropriate material, messages, extreme views or anything that makes me feel uncomfortable when I see it on-line by emailing my House Master/Mistress and helpdesk@downside.co.uk.

• I understand that different sites have safety features and use these including features to limit access to information about me.

• I know that using the Internet responsibly means I should not try to visit unsafe sites or register for things I am not old enough for.

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

When Using Technology to Contact People I Know

• I mustbepoliteandresponsiblewhenIcommunicatewithothers,I willnotusestrong,aggressiveorinappropriatelanguageand appreciatethatothersmayhavedifferentopinions.

• To be aware of“stranger danger”(i.e.I should take care when dealing with strangers), 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 matters.

I understand that everyone has equal rights to use technology as a resource and:

• That Downside School ICT systems are primarily intended for educational use and I will use the systems for personal or recreational within the parameters of this Acceptable Use Policy.

• I will not try (unless I have permission) to make large downloads or uploads that might take up Internet capacity and prevent other users from being able to carry out their work.

• I will not use Downside School ICT systems for on-line gambling, file sharing, or video broadcasting (eg YouTube). File sharing and video broadcasting will require permission 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 unfilter ing.

When using technology for buying and selling I know:

• How to tell the difference between web sites for information and web sites selling things.

• How to recognise commercial uses of the Internet e.g. iTunes, mobile phone downloads, shopping.

• That if an offer looks too good to be true it probably is!

• That I should not respond to unsolicited online offers.

• That I should not use someone else’s identity to purchase things online.

• That if I buy something online, I do so at my own risk and the School accepts no liability if details are fraudulently obtained whilst using the School’s systems.

I recognise that Downside School has a responsibility to maintain the security and integrity of the technology it offers me and to ensure the smooth running of Downside School:

• If I do use my own devices in school,I must follow the rules set out in this agreement,in the same way as if I was using school equipment.

• I understand the risks that the Internet can pose and will not try to upload, download or access any materials which are illegal or inappropriate or may cause harm or distress to others.

• I will not try to use any programs or software that might allow me to bypass the filtering / security systems in place to prevent access to such materials.

• I will immediately report any damage or faults involving equipment or software, however this may have happened.

• I will not open any attachments to emails, unless I know and trust the person who sent the email, due to the risk of the attachment containing viruses or other harmful programs.

• I will not install or try to install programs of any type on a machine, or store programs on a computer.

• I will not try to alter computer settings.

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

• I will ensure I have 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 understand that if I fail to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy Agreement, I will be subject to disciplinary action. This may include loss of access to Downside School network or the Internet, detentions, contact with parents, suspension in the case of serious incident and, in the event of illegal activities involvement of the police.

• I understand that use of a VPN, Proxy or any other method of circumventing the School’s filtering is unacceptable and strictly against the rules of the School. I understand disciplinary action will always be taken in these circumstances.

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, cameras 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 members 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 conversation in which pupils make a safeguarding disclosure of a child protection nature, about themselves or someone else, to any member of staff, including the Schools designated safeguarding lead (DSL) or the deputy designated safeguarding leads (DDSLs),will be kept private to those who need to know about the matter : these persons may include the social services,the police,parents or other responsible persons.The DSL will tell the pupil involved to whom he will have to refer the matter, and will try to achieve the pupil’s agreement.

• TheDesignatedSafeguardingLeadatDownsideSchoolisthe Head of Nursing, Ms Michelle Pye, mpye@downside.co.uk 01761 235128

The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads:

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

• Director of Pastoral Care, Mrs Claire Murphy cmurphy@downside.co.uk 01761 235193

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

• DDSL, Mr Ben Edge, bedge@downside.co.uk 01761 235100

• A conversation of a health and medical nature with a School nurse or doctor in the Health Centre will be kept confidential to the persons involved, unless in the opinion of the nurse or doctor the safety of children means the matter must be referred to the School’s DSL.In these cases,the nurse will tell the pupil concerned that such a referral will be made.

• If the School Priest feels that a matter brought up under the seal of confession suggests that they or another child is a risk of harm, he will suggest that the pupil should discuss the matter with him or another member of staff outside the seal of confession.

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

In all situations regarding sensitive pupil matters, staff must respect the confidentiality of anything said to them by a pupil, and only speak of the matter to the proper persons responsible for the pupil, i.e. the Head of Nursing Care, the pupil’s tutor, HsM, the Director of Pastoral Care, the Deputy Head, or the Head. It is essential that, when information should be passed on to another person for the good of a pupil, it is passed on.

Confidentiality of pupils’ records: Pupils’ medical records are confidential to them and the Health Centre staff, and are not shown to other persons, except for those who must check that the records are being properly kept (i.e. the School doctors).

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

A statement regarding pupil worries and concerns 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 normal processes of raising a concern, pupils may make a formal complaint.

Making a Formal Complaint

The following procedures must be used (with or without informing the person you are complaining about).

• Write to your House Master/Mistress, the Director of Pastoral Care or to the Deputy Head. In practice you may have discussed the matter with this person 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 working 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 Somerset 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.

S A T U R D A Y

F R I D A Y

T H U R S D A Y

T U E S D A Y

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

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

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

T h i r d t o F o u r t h F o r m G a m e s

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

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

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

F i r s t & S e c o n d 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

T h i r d t o F o u r t h F o r m G a m e s

S i x t h F o r m P S H E 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 W E D N E S D A Y

M O N D A Y

F i r s t & S e c o n d F o r m G a m e s 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

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

F i r s t & S e c o n d F o r m G a m e s

T h i r d t o S i x t h F o r m A c t i v i t i e s / C C F 1 7 . 0 01 7 . 3 0 F i r s t t o F i f t h P S H E E A c t i v i t i e s

8 . 2 08 . 3 0 P e r i o d 1 : 8 . 4 00 9 . 5 0 P e r i o d 2 : 0 9 . 5 01 0 . 5 5 1 0 . 5 51 1 . 2 5 P e r i o d 3 : 1 1 . 2 51 2 . 3 5 1 2 . 3 51 2 . 5 0 1 2 . 5 01 4 . 0 0 P e r i o d 4 : 1 4 . 0 01 5 . 1 0 1 5 . 1 01 5 . 4 5 P e r i o d 5 : 1 5 . 4 51 6 . 5 5 1 7 . 0 01 8 . 0 0 1 7 . 4 01 8 . 3 0 1 8 . 3 01 9 . 2 0 1 9 . 2 02 1 . 0 0

Login to SOCS to view all academic lessons, co-curricular activities, learning suppor t and music lessons

2 1 . 0 02 1 . 1 0

SATURDAY First to Fifth Form PSHEE Sport Fixtures House Time

FRIDAY Sixth Form Tutor & General RS 15.45 Tutor 16.00 Hymn Practice First to Second Form Prep Activities

THURSDAY Third to Fourth Form Games Fifth to Sixth Form Games Activities

WEDNESDAY First & Second Form Games Sixth Form PSHEE First & Second Form Games First to Second Form Prep Activities

TUESDAY Fifth to Sixth Form Games Third to Fourth Form Games First to Second Form Prep Activities

MONDAY First & Second Form Games Third to Sixth Form Activities/CCF 17.00-17.30 First to Fifth PSHEE Activities

8.20-8.30 Period 1: 8.40-09.50 Period 2: 09.50-10.55 10.55-11.25 Period 3: 11.25-12.35 12.35-12.50 12.50-14.00 Period 4: 14.00-15.10 15.10-15.45 Period 5: 15.45-16.55

Registration Period in House Tutor Registration The Half Lunch Tea Supper Late Prep/Activities First to Second Form Activities Third –Sixth Form Prep House Assembly Login to SOCS to view all academic lessons, co-curricularactivities,learningsupportandmusiclessons

NOTES

NOTES