Boarding Guide

KING WILLIAM’S COLLEGE

GUIDE TO BOARDING

2023 - 2024

INTRODUCTION FROM SUSIE PARRY HEAD OF BOARDING

Welcome to boarding at King William’s College! We have two boarding houses: School House, with space for 56 girls, and Colbourne House with space for 46 boys, both very different Houses and together we have the best group spirit, bar none! We have dedicated staff in boarding houses 24/7, boarder elected Head of House and prefects in each House, and we are proud of our community.

If you have never lived away from home this can be a daunting, but ultimately an exciting experience. You are about to make friends for life, have the best education and live by the sea, what could be better? Each member of our current boarding family has been in your shoes, getting ready to join, wondering what to bring and what it will feel like to have lots of new brothers and sisters, and we are all ready and eager to help you settle in to your new home away from home.

We have put together this essential guide, to help you navigate your first few weeks at College. Here you will find lots of useful day to day information, tips, and commonly asked questions, along with our contact details and house routines. It is by no means a revision sheet or exhaustive list and we will walk you through everything at your own pace once you have joined us.

In the meantime, if you have any queries, no matter how small, please do get in touch as it can be incredibly helpful to make contact and feel like you ‘know’ someone in boarding as you land. You will find our contact details on the back page.

Colbourne House: Mrs Susie Parry is Head of Boarding and Housemistress, Wendy Lang is Housemother, Ernst Hoffmann is Head of House and Filip Choleva is Senior Prefect.

School House: Dr Amanda Barber is Housemistress, Pauline Clark is Housemother, Rosa Eselböck is Head of House and Sophie Von Der Schulenburg is Senior Prefect.

We look forward to having you in our House and are sure that you will enjoy living as part of a large and friendly community.

Happy travels, we look forward to seeing you soon!

BOARDING TEAM

SUSIE PARRY

HEAD OF BOARDING

Tel: +44 (0) 7624 483249

Email: susie.parry@kwc.im

AMANDA BARBER

HOUSEMISTRESS

Tel: +44 (0)7624 484798

Email: amanda.barber@kwc.im

WENDY LANG

HOUSEMOTHER

Tel: +44 (0)7624 493608

Email: wendy.lang@kwc.im

PAULINE CLARK

HOUSEMOTHER

Tel: +44 (0)7624 384508

Email: pauline.clark@kwc.im

WELCOME FROM THE HEADS OF HOUSE

ERNST HOFFMANN

HEAD OF COLBOURNE HOUSE

Email: ernst.hoffmann@edu.kwc.im

Hi, I am Ernst, and I am from Berlin, Germany. I have been at the College for around a year now and I am a full-time boarder. I am the Head of House and I view everyone in Colbourne House, boys’ boarding, as my brothers.

My favourite parts about Colbourne House are the friendships made and activities that we take part in together. Being in Colbourne allows you to make friends from around the world that will last a lifetime. In my free time, I like to explore the island with my friends and go to the gym to workout. I recommend trying out new things and getting involved in various house activities and local clubs.

If you have any questions about College, please get in touch with my fellow prefect team or me. We are here to assist you.

ROSA ESELBOCK

HEAD OF SCHOOL HOUSE

Email: rosa.eselbock@edu.kwc.im

Hello, my name is Rosa and I’m am from Vienna, Austria. I joined King William’s College and boarding last September, now I am the Head of School House! In these few months, boarding has become an important part of my life because of the relationships and friends that I have made here.

What I like most about boarding is the community that always sticks together and looks after each other. We also have lovely staff, who are encouraging and supportive. They will help you with anything you need!

You will meet students from all over the world and experience new cultures. Boarding provides a lot of activities, in and out of school, resulting in stronger bonds with day students and boarders alike. You’ll see how easy it is to make friends, everyone is so inviting! Boarding feels like home with a big family and a lot of support and love.

If you have any further questions about boarding life, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me! I am very excited to welcome you in September.

ARRIVAL

Your Houseparent, in School House and Colbourne House and our Housemothers, will be in your House to meet you when you arrive. They all live on site, as do our House Tutors, so you will see them around and about every day. House parents are in loco parentis and are here to look after all of us.

Housemothers have a long list of responsibilities too, they will help you with any medical issues, doctors and dentists appointments, laundry, room tidiness, uniform, house snacks, talking about problems, minibus runs to the airport and generally being around to listen and to help. Wendy and Pauline are vital cogs in the boarding machine and they ensure the houses run as smoothly as possible.

The first few days are always the most hectic, but remember that your boarding peers have been through the same experience and will help you, you only need to ask. House Tutors are never far away and are on duty in the Houses from when you get up to when you go to bed, so there is always someone you can turn to or to remind you what you should be doing!

We have prefect teams in both House’s, we are like your big sisters and brothers and are always around, as we are boarders too! We will make sure you know who we are and where our rooms are, in the first couple of days, add you to our House WhatsApp group chats. We are here to help make life easier, especially as you settle in.

Top tip:

Be ready to hand in your passport, let Houseparents know what devices you have with you (Fourth and Fifth Form particularly) and show Housemothers any medication you have with you (eg. painkillers, cold and flu treatment etc. and prescribed medication must be disclosed also).

ROOMS

When you first join King William’s College you are most likely to be with a roommate, or maybe even two, who you have never met before. It can be hard to adjust to living with somebody, but you may find it strengthens the family feel of the boarding house for you. If, however, you have an issue with your roommate, you can talk to any prefect for advice or to a member of staff. Houseparents will decide which room you will have before you arrive. You may bring your own duvet covers, posters, photos of friends, fairy lights, whatever you like to make your room feel homely. But not candles!

Top tip:

Keep your room tidy! It helps with everything if you are organised. Plus, the Housemothers do room checks every day. You may get an award for the most beautifully kept room or be required to do a random act of kindness if you are not tidy!

FRIENDS

You have a ready made friendship group when you join boarding, which is a distinct advantage. Try not to stick with your nationality though as we have a broad mix of international and locals in boarding. People here are very friendly and you will be welcomed straight away. Integrating with day pupils is key, do not isolate yourself to the boarding house. The day pupils have a lot to offer and are lovely, don’t be afraid to speak to them.

When it comes to friends, it is important to remember that just because you now live with your friends, you can’t have one big party 24/7. You need to be sensible. Sure, socialise after school and before prep and bed, but when there is work to be done it must take priority.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS

Students receive rewards from subject teachers for good work and also from staff for other good deeds, for example, being kind to a fellow student or helping out at break. The rewards are recorded and accumulate through the term. Boarding awards are given to individuals for all sorts of good reasons at the end of each term.

Form Tutors keep a close eye on general attitude and behaviour throughout the term and poor performance in any subject will quickly be picked up by them or the Head of Year.

Detentions and report cards may be issued.

COPING AND WELLBEING

Missing home and fitting in can be hard, but the best piece of advice we can give you is that living in the boarding house means you’re surrounded by people who are feeling, or have felt, the same way as you. Prefects, or roommates and peers, will be understanding and offer advice and support your needs. If you want to call your family and friends every day then there is plenty of time to do so! You don’t need to feel as if you have been disconnected from the world. Talking is the best thing, to your Houseparent, Housemother, prefect team, roommates, your family and friends at home, it all helps.

Top tip:

Know that you are not alone! If you’re feeling low then come into the kitchens and common rooms, where you can talk to others and make friends, it is probably the best cure! Get plenty of sleep and fresh air, the beach is so close to us and a wonderful way to refresh. We have access to lovely people who can listen too. If you need help you only have to ask.

RULES OF THE HOUSE

It is the responsibility of every member of Colbourne and School House to preserve the Houses’ good reputation and follow our rules and routines. It is also the easiest way to stay happy and get rewards! Make sure you know where all the rules are displayed (on the noticeboards in each House) and ask others if you don’t remember. The first few weeks will be a blur with lots information, we know what this is like, and are here to help remind you and guide you.

It is especially important that you are back in the House and you get to bed at the right time. Fourth and Fifth Form are to be back in House and hand in all devices at 9.30pm Sunday to Thursday. No one is allowed to shower or cook after 10pm Sunday to Thursday. Sixth Form must be back in House before 10.15pm and everyone must be in their own room after curfew. These rules are for our own safety and wellbeing.

Top tip:

Ask, check your understanding and ask again if you are not sure of a rule or routine. Don’t worry if you cannot remember all the rules in the first few weeks, like all good things, it takes practise to make it perfect. And get plenty of sleep! You will need it.

ROUTINES

Our weekly routines are pretty straightforward to follow and are in this guide for quick reference. Registers are taken at different times throughout the day to ensure the Duty Tutors know where we are and that we are safe. It is your responsibility to show up at the right time for this or you will be marked late!

We have a nightly meeting in House called House Prayers from Sunday to Friday evening. This is where we get the chance to talk about what is happening that week, what we like, celebrate birthdays and so on, and is the time when all of us are in one room together.

ROTAS

We all play a part in keeping the Houses running smoothly. Within each House there will be a job rota set by the Heads of House, with a mix of bell duty, chit, bins and kitchen duties. It is essential that you make sure you know when, and what, your duties are. They are the responsibility of the boarding students.

PREP

Prep time and study periods should be quiet time. Fourth and Fifth Form work in the Dr Scholl Library. Sixth Formers have the choice of studying in the Sixth Form Centre, Walker Library or in House with the permission of the Duty Tutor. If you need help, ask! Duty Tutors and your peers are always happy to help and often hold study sessions. You will get lots of prep, make sure you do it as soon as it is set.

Showering, cooking, or phoning home are not allowed during prep time.

Top tip:

Use your prep-time wisely, it is for your benefit. And make sure to tell your parents and friends so they don’t call you for a chat during prep time!

BEING ORGANISED

Now you are a boarder, even though there are lots of us around all the time, you will need to develop your independence and be organised. It is important you are on time for things (Fourth and Fifth Form, you may need to buy an alarm clock to get up in the morning!), that you keep on top of your workload, your clothes and bedlinen are sent to the laundry regularly (we also have washing facilities in House), tidying, and getting your bag packed for school, amongst other things are all important. Being disorganised can lead to forgetting work or losing assignments, or missing a meal or being late for House Prayers, which is not good!

Top tip:

Always do your work on the day you get it set, rather than leaving it to closer to the deadline, and have a clear idea of your school schedule. Personal hygiene and cleanliness is important too.

FOOD

All our meals, seven days a week, are provided in the Barrovian Hall, and are fabulous. The kitchen and servery staff are really friendly and are always happy to hear what we like, or work with our suggestions for meals. Do tell Houseparents about any dietary requirements or preferences you have. At the weekends you may opt out of meals if you fancy eating out with friends, or making your own favourite dish, we have lots of great cooks amongst us.

We also have provisions in House every day, called chit, there is always something to snack on and you are allowed to bring in your own food too. There is plenty of storage space and you must not keep or eat food in your rooms.

SIGNING OUT (OFF SITE)

We are all allowed to go off site twice, after College from 4.20 to 5.55pm, during the week. We can walk to Castletown and get some goodies or take a walk on the beach. Each boarding house has a signing out book. If you want to sign out you must find the Tutor on duty and ask their permission first. After that, sign out in the book giving your destination, time you sign out and when you expect to be back in the House.

At weekends you may sign out for longer periods of time, if you want to catch the bus to Douglas for the day for example. Obviously it is important that the Duty Tutor knows where you are at all times. Please also make sure that the Duty Tutor has your mobile number, just in case. You must also sign back in on your return.

If you get invited to stay over at a day pupil’s house at the weekend, you must ask your parents to email your Houseparent with their permission and the parents of the friend whose house you’re staying at to confirm the invite. This must be done by 6pm on Thursday in advance of the sleepover, in order for the boarding house to grant permission. It is your responsibility to organise this.

SCHOOL DAY

Boarders are not permitted to return to the House during or between lessons without specific permission, so make sure you are organised when you leave for College at 8.20am. Seniors are allowed back to House at lunchtime to get ready for Sport and Sixth Form may return to House between 1.45pm and 2.20pm.

MONEY

Now you are living away from home you must remember to be practical with money and understand the value of what you are spending. Also, plan ahead to make sure you have enough money to do everything you need e.g. buy toiletries and essentials first. Housemothers can help you plan or get things if you run out, and you can order things online to be delivered to College, we all do!

If you do not have a debit card, which is the best way to buy things or pay for your bus fare on Island, you might be able to open a local bank account. Housemothers can help you with this. You can also bring a small amount of cash in to keep in the House safe. Alternatively your parents or guardians can transfer money to the Bursary and you may draw out cash there. In order to do this, parents must email feeaccounts@kwc.im with permission for their child to withdraw pocket money. Pocket money should be sent in advance by bank transfer to the school account with the reference - Pocket Money and your name. Remember though, the Bursary is not open at weekends.

VISITORS

You will make friends outside of boarding and it is nice to invite them to visit. Friends, family members and guardians, can visit with prior permission. Maybe you would like to cook with them or watch a movie together, as you might do at home. All visitors must sign in with duty tutors when they arrive, and sign out when they leave. Visitors are permitted after College Monday to Thursday, between 4.20pm and 6pm, and at weekends with permission of the Duty Tutor. They are allowed into common areas only, not bedrooms.

ACTIVITIES

We have lots of activities in boarding, something for everyone! Prefects run a fun activity every Wednesday evening, which can be anything from dodgeball to a quiz night. Each Thursday we have a hot chocolate night in alternate houses and our Social Committee organise events every few weeks. There is always a weekend activity you can sign up for too and, in the first few weeks, these will be for everyone and are a great way to get to know your housemates and see a bit of the Island. Weekend activity examples include cinema trips, paintballing, bowling, high ropes, mountain biking, nature walks, yoga and a silent disco. On top of that, the Duty Tutors often organise in-house activities, such as swimming, baking, film nights and pamper sessions. Join in with as many activities as you can. Boarders are encouraged to suggest activities they would like to do. These group activities are really fun and help to bring the boarders together, so you get to know people quickly.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DO I NEED A GUARDIAN?

Parents who live outside the ECC need to arrange for a guardian resident in the British Isles for their child. The Guardian must have full authority to act for the parents if necessary.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M ILL?

The Medical Centre is staffed by registered nurses, seven days a week from 8am to 5pm, and is run on a call-out basis after hours. If in any doubt the duty tutor will call the nurse on duty to the boarding house. If necessary, boarders are taken to the hospital, accompanied by an adult. All boarders must register with the local doctor and will be treated on the National Health Service scheme.

WHAT DO I DO WITH PERSONAL MEDICATION?

Please give it to the Housemother on arrival at College and inform the Housemaster/mistress.

WILL I BOARD IN A LARGE DORMITORY?

No – most rooms are doubles or single, with one or two three bed rooms, but as boarders become older, preferences and study times demand that they have greater privacy. IGCSE and IB students are provided with twin or single study bedrooms.

WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE?

The rooms are warm, comfortable and have fitted carpets. Bedding is provided, but boarders are welcome to bring their own duvet and duvet covers. In fact, many bring stereo equipment, personal computers or laptops, posters and pictures. Pupils are able to create their own personal space.

WHAT ARE THE LAUNDRY ARRANGEMENTS?

Every boarder is required to purchase two laundry bags from the school shop. The College has its own laundry and the turnaround time for laundry is 48 hours. There are also washing facilities in both houses for personal use. We recommend that all items of clothing are named before leaving home, especially socks! The laundress also arranges for dry-cleaning of blazers, suits, etc. The cost of drycleaning is added to the bill at the end of the term.

WHERE CAN TOILETRIES BE PURCHASED?

Boarders have sufficient time to shop in Castletown. However, the College has a school shop, which is fully stocked with toiletries, stationery, sports clothes, sports equipment and school uniform. Even stamps and sim and top-up telephone cards can be purchased from there. Stationery and stamps must be paid for on collection, but all other items can be bought on account and are added to the bill at the end of the term.

AM I ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE COLLEGE GROUNDS WHENEVER I WISH?

Boarders may only leave College grounds after school hours with the express permission of the Duty Tutor. During the school day, no-one is permitted to leave the grounds without the express permission of the Head of Year.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ME?

During the school day boarders are the responsibility of the teachers and at lunchtime boarding staff are on duty in the boarding house. Outside of school hours there is a tutor on duty in the boarding house. The Houseparents are resident in accommodation adjacent to the houses and are responsible for your welfare outside of College hours and are on call 24 hours. Roll call is taken regularly and the house is locked and alarmed at night.

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?

King William’s College does not provide insurance for personal items such as stereos, computers, clothing, etc. Parents are encouraged to make their own arrangements to insure personal items. A lockable facility is provided for each boarder and they are constantly warned to guard against leaving personal possessions unattended.

AM I ALLOWED TO KEEP A MOTOR VEHICLE IN THE COLLEGE GROUNDS AND GIVE LIFTS TO FRIENDS?

Application must be made to the Principal to keep a motor vehicle in the College grounds. If the Principal gives approval, the driver may transport friends in his/her vehicle on condition that his/her insurance allows it and his/her parents have given written permission, lodged with the Principal, for named persons to travel in the vehicle.

Similarly, any pupil wishing to travel in that car as a passenger, must have express written permission from his/her own parents, also lodged with the Principal, allowing him/her to travel with a named driver in his/her own vehicle. Only Sixth Formers may keep a vehicle in the College grounds.

WHAT ARE THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR WEEKEND VISITS TO FAMILY OR FRIENDS?

Boarders are allowed to leave the College over the weekend to visit family or friends. If visiting a friend, written permission (by email is acceptable) from both sets of parents must be given by Thursday at 6pm for that weekend.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR MY PARENTS TO CONTACT ME OR MY HOUSEPARENT?

The best time to contact boarders, or their Houseparent, is after the end of the school day and before supper (4.45pm to 6pm) or after Prep (9 to 9.30pm). Parents are welcome to visit at any time, but should contact Reception or the Houseparent on arrival.

There are also a large number of computers in the College library, which are all child protected and connected to the Internet. Email addresses can be set up by the College if your child does not already have an address.

WHAT HAPPENS TO TICKETS AND PASSPORTS?

Passports and tickets must be handed in to the House staff upon arrival and are kept in the safe. All international student’s parents or guardians must confirm all travel arrangements at least two weeks in advance of all travel with Houseparents.

WHAT WILL I DO OVER WEEKENDS?

Whilst recognising that boarders need time to themselves, the Head of Boarding organises outings, for example to the cinema, Wildlife Park, walks, go-karting, shopping trips, horse riding, golf, swimming, etc. There are also sporting facilities in the College grounds and nearby, of which the boarders can make full use. All boarders are involved in the choice of activities.

There are churches of various denominations in Castletown and arrangements can be made for boarders to attend.

TO WHAT DEGREE IS SOCIAL MIXING BETWEEN GIRLS AND BOYS ALLOWED?

Boys and girls have separate houses and socialising within the House is permitted in the main social areas, during specific times.

ARE THERE FACILITIES FOR MAKING DRINKS, MEALS, ETC.?

Each boarding house has kitchens for boarders to use, which have kettles, toasters, microwaves, fridges and hot plates. Boarders are expected to attend all meals, except at weekends, when they have a choice of cooking for themselves or attending the meals provided. Basic food and drink supplies are refreshed in each House daily.

ARE THERE PUBLISHED ANTI-BULLYING, SMOKING, ALCOHOL AND THEFT POLICIES?

Yes. These form part of the College rules and are prominently displayed around the school and boarding houses.

IS HOMEWORK (PREP) SUPERVISED?

Yes. The Duty Tutor monitors the prep for Fourth and Fifth Form boarders in the Dr Scholl Library and/or in House. Sixth Formers may choose to work either in their study/bedrooms, the library or in the Sixth Form Centre.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

Please see page 18 for a full list. Casual clothing of your choice may be worn outside of the school day.

HOUSE ROUTINES - WEEKDAYS

7.15am Rise with the bell

7.30 - 8am Breakfast in the Barrovian Register taken by Prefects (7.30 - 7.45am)

8am Bedrooms tidied, rooms checked daily

8.20am Start of College day/House doors locked

1.45 - 2.10pm Sixth form Boarders may return to House Registration in College at 2.10pm

4.20pm Return to boarding

4.30pm House Prayers. Register taken by Prefects

4.45 - 5.55pm Free time/House activity/After school club

5.55 - 6.30pm Supper in the Barrovian. Register taken by Prefects (6.00 - 6.15pm)

6.40pm Prep begins - Walker Library/Dr Scholl library/Sixth From Centre/in House

7.40pm Prep ends for Fourth Form

8.10am Prep ends for Lower Fifth

8.40pm Prep ends for Fifth Form

9.00pm Sixth Form may finish prep

9.30pm L4, U4, L5 curfew

L4, U4, L5 prepare for bed

Fourth and Fifth Form and surrender all devices

10pm L4, U4, L5 lights out

M5, U5, L6 & U6 curfew

M5 prepare for bed

U5, L6 out of all common areas, into own rooms

Kitchens locked. NO use of showers or laundry after this time Register taken by Prefects

HOUSE ROUTINES - WEEKENDS

SATURDAY

8 - 8.30am Breakfast served in Barrovian or in House Study morning students rise

8.30am Duty Tutor arrives

8.30 - 9am Study morning students register

11am Registration (or when you arise) with tutor on duty

12.30pm Lunch available in Barrovian

5.30pm Supper available in Barrovian

6pm Registration with tutor on duty

10.15pm Curfew

10.30pm Register taken by Duty Tutor - House retires

10.45pm Duty Tutor leaves/overnight staff take over

SUNDAY

10.30am Duty Tutor arrives

11am Registration (or when you arise) with tutor on duty

11.30am Brunch available in Barrovian

5.30pm Supper available in Barrovian

6pm Registration with tutor on duty

8.45pm House Prayers - all weekly boarders must return prior to House Prayers

9.30pm L4, U4, L5 curfew

L4, U4, L5 prepare for bed

Fourth and Fifth Form and surrender all devices

10pm L4, U4, L5 lights out

M5, U5, L6 & U6 curfew

M5 prepare for bed

U5, L6 out of all common areas, into own rooms

Kitchens locked. NO use of showers or laundry after this time

Register taken by Prefects

Weekend activities are planned each week. Boarders are also welcome to spend time sight seeing, shopping or eating out.

Boarders sign off site with permission of the Duty Tutor and must indicate what time they will return.

All meals are served through the weekend and boarders are given the option to sign in, or out, to suit their plans. Weekend meal sign up is completed on the preceding Thursday evening.

CONTACT DETAILS

Houseparents live next to the boarding houses and Housemothers, plus resident tutors, live in each House. House parents, Duty Tutors and Housemothers and are available on the following telephone numbers in an emergency, or should the need arise:

SCHOOL HOUSE

Housemistress

Dr Amanda Barber: +44 (0)7624 484798 amanda.barber@kwc.im

Housemother - Pauline Clark: +44 (0)7624 384508

School House Office:

+44 (0)1624 820456

School House Duty Tutor Mobile: +44 (0)7624 460462

COLBOURNE HOUSE

Head of Boarding & Housemistress

Mrs Susie Parry: +44 (0)7624 483249 susie.parry@kwc.im

Housemother - Wendy Lang: +44 (0)7624 493608

Colbourne House Office: +44 (0)1624 820448

Colbourne House Duty Mobile: +44 (0)7624 314247

MEDICAL CENTRE: +44 (0)1624 820451 medical@kwc.im

MR CORRIE

Deputy Head Pastoral:

+44 (0)7624 451539 stuart.corrie@kwc.im

The best time to telephone the boarding houses is between 4.45pm - 5.55pm, or 8.45 – 9.30pm

Monday to Thursday, 4.30 – 9.30pm Friday, and at weekends from 9am to 9pm

The telephone number for the main College switchboard is +44 (0) 1624 820400.

Office hours are 8.30am to 5pm.

PACKING

Packing well for boarding life is critical. Boarders will need a variety of casual clothes to supplement College uniform. Essentials are listed below and should be organised prior to arriving in the Boarding Houses.

Please note: Boarders are now required to pack up all belongings from their rooms for every break. It is therefore highly advisable not to over pack. Ideally, all belongings should fit into the equivalent of 2 large suitcases in total, as storage space is limited. Please also ensure boarders have sufficient luggage allowance booked on all flights to and from the Island. Text books can be very heavy!

Boarders are welcome to bring devices, but please be advised we require all devices to be surrendered overnight at 9.30pm, Sunday – Thursday. These are returned after breakfast each weekday morning. We require that all devices and any valuables are recorded with the Houseparent on arrival. Valuables may be stored in the House safes and there is a lockable space in every boarder’s room - a padlock may be packed for this purpose, or can be purchased on Island.

Please also be advised that whilst we encourage all boarders to bring pictures of family and friends or other small, personal items to decorate their spaces, candles are not permitted, and personal kettles, toasters etc. are not necessary.

All personal items should be clearly labelled before arrival, with either name tapes or a permanent marker.

CLOTHING

• A variety of casual clothes, for evenings and weekends.

• Nightwear/loungewear and slippers, or other indoor footwear.

• One warm coat, preferably waterproof.

• Hat and gloves for Autumn and Spring terms.

• Sixth Form only: One or two formal outfits – ‘black tie’ or smart suit and tie/cocktail dress or evening gown, plus accessories. Sixth Form attend formal College events in December and February, U6 also have two events in the Summer term.

• Sufficient underwear and socks. Recommended minimum 5 pairs of each type of underwear.

• Casual shoes/trainers. Please ensure at least one pair of waterproof shoes or boots.

OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS

• Complete wash bag with all toiletries – including shower and tooth care products, and personal hygiene products.

• Towels – recommended a minimum of two bath towels and two hand towels.

• Personal electrical items – for example hairdryer, shaver, electric toothbrush etc.

• UK electrical adaptor plugs – these adaptors MUST be earthed. If in doubt, adaptors may be purchased on arrival.

• Mobile phone – with translator dictionary and WhatsApp installed.

NON-ESSENTIAL RECOMMENDED ITEMS (AS REQUIRED)

• Personal laptop.

• Swimwear – suitable for the Irish sea and/or the swimming pool.

• Specialist activity equipment and sportswear – for example yoga, gym, dance, golf clubs, tennis racket, crochet hooks, camera etc. If you are planning to join the Duke of Edinburgh Awards programmes, you will need (worn in) walking boots and good quality, light, waterproof clothing.

• Any specialist musical instruments – particularly if signing up for music lessons.

• Boarders may go out for dinner, attend the theatre, or perform, and may need a smart, ‘going out’ outfit also.

• Non-prescribed medicines, vitamins, supplements, or homeopathic remedies –ingredients and descriptions of these items must be translated into English and brought with each item. They will be recorded on arrival. Please note: Our half terms are on average only six weeks in length, and our Houses and Medical Centre are stocked with basic medications. We therefore request that boarders arrive with minimal appropriate quantities.

• National dress for our Taste of Culture event during the Spring term.

All bedding is provided, however Boarders may bring their own to help the feel of ‘home from home’, if they so wish.

Personal items (or the odd treat!) may also be couriered to boarding ahead of arrival, or during term time. If doing so, please ensure that when booking packages, all items are listed on the customs declaration as ‘used personal items’ with ‘zero’ value. For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad. Address these parcels clearly to the named recipient at King William’s College, Castletown, Isle of Man, IM9 1TP.

All essential items can be purchased on island, or online, and Houses keep a small stock of essentials for emergencies. Please allow sufficient time for delivery, or shopping trips, if essentials are not packed for arrival.

TOP TIPS

• Do not pack an umbrella.

• Make sure all footwear is tried and tested.

• Arrive with suitable footwear for College – smart black shoes which can be polished (i.e. not fabric).

• Pack sufficient ‘layering’.

• And perhaps most importantly, remember two large suitcases is the optimum!

For any specific queries or advice on packing, please do feel free to contact Houseparents directly:

Mrs Susie Parry, Colbourne House

susie.parry@kwc.im

Dr Amanda Barber, School House amanda.barber@kwc.im