We are thrilled to welcome you all to Park House this year.
It is very much a home away from home just with a huge extended family; pupils, parents and staff are all part of the team and we don the electric pink tops with pride.
We want to encourage the girls to be sparky individuals with kindness at their core. We want them to be happy in themselves, graciously confident in their abilities and secure in their emotional intelligence. It’s an incredible team who help support the girls throughout their time here, but the Matrons, Heather & Amanda, make the house a home. Our team is brilliantly supported by Tutors and an amazing group of Sixth Form prefects and leaders. Your girls will work closely with our Head of House and Deputy Head of House.
If you ask someone to describe a Parkie, they will use words such as Positivity, Acceptance, Resilience and Kindness. We are known for our empathy, inclusivity, our collective compassionate voice and our ability to make change.
Park girls challenge themselves in academics, co-curricular and pastorally. We will continue to build excellent A2RH (Attitudes, Approaches, Routines and Habits), but also encourage them to take advantage of stretch and challenge opportunities and the wider enrichment/outreach that is on offer here. Lastly, we at Park believe that ‘success breeds success’; happiness is infectious after all. So, we celebrate the big and the small wins, the collective and the individual, whilst encouraging the girls to be graciously confident in their abilities.
With best wishes,
Holly Hunter-Wright Houseparent
Hello from our Head of House
Welcome to Park House!
My name is Labelle, and I am your Head of House for this year. Upon arriving at Park, you will meet our two outstanding matrons, Heather and Amanda, who are an absolute godsend. They are always here to help us with any issues we might face. Together with Libby, our Deputy Head of House, we are dedicated to making your time at Park as comfortable and fun as possible.
There are so many opportunities to get involved like art, academic, music, drama competitions as well as interhouse events. For socials we have our annual zorbing socials, water fights, Christmas gingerbread house competition, Fluro-tennis and we make use of our garden as much as possible, especially in the summer for outdoor games and BBQ’s.
In and out of house, all the girls are encouraged to be their unique selves with kindness at their core and to take advantage of new opportunities whether academically, pastorally, enriching all possibilities. Park stands for Positivity, Awareness, Resilience and Kindness; happiness is infectious, so we always celebrate even the small achievements!
I’m a full boarder, so I’m always there and available if you need help academically or just someone to talk to and I’ll do everything in my power to make you feel valued and heard and there are many people in house who will look after you. Asking for help doesn’t make you incapable, it makes you brave.
Anybody that joins Park will have an amazing time, lifelong friendships and unforgettable socials. Can’t wait to meet you all!
Labelle Head of Park House
Our Waymarkers
The future does not come with a map.
That is why we use Waymarkers. They are not rules. They are bearings — principles that help pupils orient themselves when the path ahead is unfamiliar, uncertain or still unfolding. They shape everything here: our curriculum, our pastoral life, our co-curricular programme, our boarding community, our relationship with the land around us. If our mission is to widen worlds, our Waymarkers show how.
Character & Compassion - Who you are when no one is watching
Achievement matters. Effort matters. Ambition matters. But none of it means much if it collapses under pressure.
This Waymarker is about what remains when outcomes wobble and confidence takes a knock: how you treat others, how you respond when things do not go your way, and how you carry yourself when the easy options disappear.
Rooted in our Foundation, this belief runs deep. We have always known that real strength is often quiet, and real confidence does not need an audience. We want young people who are capable, yes, but also grounded, humane and reliable. Because character travels further than talent alone.
Connection & Service - Perspective is a team sport
It is tempting to stay inside your own world. It feels efficient, controlled and safe. It is also limiting.
This Waymarker asks pupils to step beyond themselves: to notice how ideas, people and experiences interlock, and to gather points of view from different disciplines, backgrounds and perspectives, then connect them in ways that create meaning.
Service, here, is not a badge. It is a habit of attention. Whether supporting the local community, contributing to school life or engaging with wider questions, pupils learn that the fullest lives are rarely lived alone.
Our Waymarkers
Mastery & Imagination - Get good. Then get curious.
Depth matters. This Waymarker is about learning things properly: taking time, practising, building fluency and knowing that excellence is rarely accidental.
But mastery without imagination is brittle. We want pupils who can take what they know and apply it somewhere unexpected. Pupils confident enough in their craft to question assumptions, challenge conventions and explore unfamiliar territory.
Some problems do not come with instructions. Some futures will not look like the past. This is where imagination earns its keep.
Vitality & Adventure - Energy changes everything
There is a particular kind of confidence that comes from doing hard things in the real world. This Waymarker is about building that confidence physically, emotionally and mentally: discovering that discomfort is survivable, effort can be joyful, and uncertainty can even be enjoyable.
Across our 1,200 acres, pupils learn by moving through the world, not just thinking about it. From endurance challenges to quiet moments outdoors, they develop the energy, resilience and perspective needed to keep going when things get demanding.
Not every lesson happens at a desk. Some of the most important ones happen on your feet.
Stewardship & Legacy - Think beyond yourself
None of this exists in isolation. This Waymarker is about understanding consequence: that choices ripple outward through communities, landscapes and generations.
We encourage pupils to think carefully about what they consume, what they create and what they leave behind. Not as an abstract principle, but as a lived responsibility.
Progress that narrows the world is not progress worth making. Our aim is to help pupils leave people, places and possibilities better than they found them, and to pass on a world that feels bigger, fairer and more hopeful than the one they inherited.
Daily Routine | Monday to Friday
Monday to Friday
7.00-7.30 am Time to get up and about
8.20 am All boys gather in the Common Room for morning roll call and announcements. On a Monday morning we have House Assembly after roll call at 08:20am. Monday to Friday:
8.35 am Assembly or Tutor Session according to daily timetable
9.00 am Period 1 - First lesson of the day & Period 2 (9.55-10.45 am)
10.45 am Break
11.05-11.55 am Period 3 - First lesson after break & Period 4 (12.00-12.55 pm)
12.55-2.00 pm Lunch
2.00 - 2.50 pm Period 5 - First lesson after lunch & Period 6 (2.55-3.45 pm)
3.45 pm End of lessons and tutor time
4.15 pm Activity Session 1 starts
5.15 pm Activity Session 2 starts
5.10 - 6.30 pm Tea (time depending on year group)
We fully encourage all pupils (including day pupils) to stay for tea and prep - we believe this is when a young person will get the most from the wonderful opportunities on offer. However, pupils who are not boarding that night may leave after their last school commitment. On occasion, there are some compulsary evening enrichment activities. These will be communicated in advance.
WHAT TO WEAR
You should wear your full school uniform or sports kit during the school working day, so until 4.00pm or the end of your activities. The dress code for tea is ‘relaxed’ BUT please do not wear dirty sports kit.
Exeats and Half Terms
It is also worth remembering College finishes at 4.00pm (or after your activity) on exeat or half terms.
Daily Routine | Evenings
& Saturdays
EVENING ROUTINE
ROUTIN
Activities may run at any time in the evenings between 4.00pm and 9.00pm. These may be academic, cultural or sporting. These are voluntary, but pupils (including day pupils) will be expected to attend some specified compulsory enrichment or school events, and are expected to attend rehearsals, etc. to which they are committed.
You may be collected at any time in the evening, but you must sign out and turn your T Card before you leave.
6.50 pm Registration in House with the duty tutor
7.00-9.00 pm Quiet time in House in which prep is to be completed.
Prep in House / Work to be completed quietly in rooms
9.30 pm 3rd Form should be in rooms ready for bed with a book to read
9.45 pm 3rd Form lights out
8.00-9.15 pm Evening co-curricular activities should be in rooms ready for bed
4th Form should be in rooms ready for bed with a book to read
9.45 pm 3rd Form lights out should be in rooms ready for bed
10.00 pm 4th Form lights out
5th Form should be in rooms ready for bed with a book to read
10.00 pm 4th Form lights out
10.15 pm 5th Form lights out
5th Form should be in rooms ready for bed
Sixth Form must be back in house
10.15 pm 5th Form lights out
External doors are locked.
Sixth Form must be back in house
10.45 pm Sixth Form should be in their own rooms and be quiet
External doors are locked
10.45 pm Sixth Form should be in their own rooms and be quiet
SATURDAY
8.30—9.15 am Breakfast
9.15 am Latest time to register
9.30 am Activity
11.00 am End of Saturday School
12.00 pm Lunch, leading into afternoon Sports Fixtures
Our Social Vision and Community Beliefs
LWC BOARDING VISION
At LWC, we CARE. We focus on the needs of each of you as an individual, ensuring that people look out for you and that you look out for others. LWC is an environment in which you’ll be encouraged to push yourself by going beyond where you are comfortable in and out of the classroom, knowing you have the support and guidance of your friends and the staff. We will encourage you to work on a range of skills, such as sharing your strengths, keeping going even when things are tough, being curious about your world. Our boarding houses are one of the most important places for you to thrive and develop, and it is our aim to provide an environment in which each of you can do this.
CARE stands for an acronym for our four community beliefs.
COURAGE
I will be courageous in doing what is right.
The community will maintain an atmosphere where positive behaviour and relationships are promoted by ensuring all voices have the chance to be heard.
AWARENESS
I will be aware of and inclusive of others
The community will promote openness and equal opportunities by celebrating the cultural diversity of the boarding community at LWC and by providing appropriate opportunities and activities to support this.
RESPECT
I will respect myself, others and the environment
The community will provide a safe, supportive environment in which all individuals are able to thrive; by fostering one of trust and mutual support which is relaxing, comfortable and suits the needs of all the boarders.
ENCOURAGEMENT
I will encourage others to be who they are The community will support and encourage choices and diversity of others. We will preserve the environment where people trust and help one another to become better people by promoting a spirit of teamwork and communal responsibility within the house.
Boarding Team
MATRONS
Matrons are on duty from Monday to Friday from 8.00am - 9.00pm and on Saturdays from 8.00am - 6.00pm
They:
• look after your laundry.
• will usually be your first port of call for any medical issues.
• are responsible for the domestic side of the House so expect to be chased by them if your room is dirty/untidy or if you haven’t made your bed!
Most importantly, they are:
• a friend
• a listening ear
• a shoulder to cry on and
• someone to be a mum if you need it.
Matrons have their own email address which is: summatron@lordwandsworth.org
House Parent: Mrs Holly Hunter-Wright
Assistant House Parent: Natalie Bastiman
Assistant Houseparent (Non-Resident): James Hine
Matrons: Heather Wollen, Amanda Neale
TUTORS
All pupils are allocated a tutor group.
Your tutor is responsible for monitoring your academic progress as well as your social, cultural and sporting development. Tutors act as a channel of communication between you, your parents/ guardians and other staff. Sixth Form tutors are also responsible for helping you with your university applications.
Tutors additionally help with the running of the House and in particular they take turns to be ‘on duty’ in the House during the evenings.
Your tutor will play a key role in your time at LWC.
LAUNDRY | MATRONS LOOK AFTER ALL THE LAUNDRY IN THE HOUSE
You should take your dirty clothes every day to the laundry room and ensure you put things in the correct baskets.
You will find your clean clothes in the named laundry boxes in the Laundry room.
Washing and drying machines are for use by Matrons and resident staff only.
Any items for dry cleaning should be handed to Matron who will arrange for them to be cleaned.
Full boarders put all their casual, sports kit and uniform clothing in for washing.
Weekly/flexi boarders may put in all school uniform and games kit in for washing. Casual clothes should be washed at home at weekends.
Day pupils’ laundry should be done at home.
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
If you are unable to be in College for any reason, your parents should phone the boarding house by 8.20am to let us know.
Apart from special occasions (e.g. a family wedding), you are expected to be in College throughout the term.
Requests for leave of absence from lessons must be put in writing by your parents/guardians to the Headmaster. The exception to this is an appointment to the dentist, physio etc. where a telephone call or email to your Houseparent (cc-ing Matron) is acceptable.
If the request involves missing an afternoon activity/sport it is YOUR responsibility to obtain permission to be absent from the member of staff who runs the activity that you will miss.
If you have been ill and need to be ‘off games’ on your return, please bring in an explanatory note from your parents/guardian with you.
Leadership & Pupil Voice
HOUSE COUNCIL, PEER MENTORS and HOUSE PREFECTS
The idea of House Council is that you can have input to House routines, make suggestions for House events or facilities and prompt changes for the better regarding our family House life or around the wider College campus.
The Council meets every week. It consists of one or two pupils per tutor group. You will vote for your year group representative(s) at the start of term. The Council is chaired by the Head of House.
The minutes are submitted to your Houseparent whose responses will be published on the House notice board. Items regarding the College in general will be brought up by the Head of House when the prefects have lunch with the Head of Sixth Form.
House Prefects also meet once a week, you may take issues to them where they can raise it with the Houseparent.
You may also speak to or email suggestions to the Head of House or Deputy Head of House, if you have any good ideas or concerns.
Each year group in House will also have a Peer Mentor that they can speak to, to voice concerns or express feelings. Each Mentor (including all Sixth Formers) will have mentor training and guidance beforehand, provided by the College Chaplain.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
Mental health provision is organised through the Health Centre and includes access to our two in-house counsellors as required. Referrals can be made through Houseparents or tutors and triaged by the nursing team.
We also have two Youth Workers who are available to provide a different kind of support. In addition, our nurses can also provide more informal regular one-to-ones as well as ad hoc drop-ins to support mental as well as physical health.
House Life
House Life
CARS
From the Summer Term of Lower Sixth, Sixth Formers may be allowed to drive their cars to school if they have been granted permission by the Senior Deputy Head. Permission forms are available from the College Office.
You may not travel in a car driven by another pupil unless we have received written or emailed permission for you to do so from your parents/guardians and also the parents/guardians of the driver of the car so that all parties are aware.
Your parents/guardians must give permission in order for you to travel with the parents/guardians or friend of another pupil. Keys will be handed in and locked safely in Matron’s office until you need to return home. Parking is available in the main College car park.
FOOD AND KITCHENS
• The kitchen facilities in House are not provided as an alternative to attending meals.
• Milk, bread, spreads, fruit and squashes are provided in the House daily—check with Matron for the times when these are available.
• Do not bring in large quantities of food from home — particularly perishable products.
• You may bring tuck in however you must keep it in your own secure tuck box. If you put something in the fridge do not forget to name it! Space is limited.
• Follow instructions when using the microwave or oven and be careful as food and drinks can get very hot.
• Toasters are for toasting bread only—please do not try and cook anything else in them!
GAMES AND ACTIVITIES IN HOUSE
The House has lots of facilities: three tv’s, board games, Wii, pool/table tennis table, trampoline, outside gazebo and quiet room. Please make sure you look after these so that everyone can enjoy them.
HAIR
Your hair should be kept neat and tidy. It should be natural in colour—any highlights should be subtle in nature and professionally done. Your hairstyle should not exhibit any extremes of fashion. Hair must be off the collar.
ENTRANCES, EXITS & SHOES IN HOUSE
So that we do not get mud trailed through the House, all 3rd to 5th Form must take off their shoes on entering the House. Shoes should be stored in students’ rooms. You may wear slippers or sliders in House, so long as they are used indoors ONLY.
SIGNING IN AND OUT
We need to know where you are AT ALL TIMES in case you need to be found urgently or if there is a fire alarm, etc. so...
You must ALWAYS turn and/or move your T-Card when entering or exiting the House. You must sign out with Matron or the member of staff on duty when going home at the end of the day or at the weekend.
Between tea and prep time make sure you fill in the signing out sheet so that we know where we can find you. In the autumn and spring terms you may not be outside but you can sign out to visit another House. You must be back in House by 6.45pm.
In the autumn and spring terms—3rd-5th Formers are not allowed out of the House after prep time without specific permission.
TAXIS
You may not hire a taxi without permission. The College Office can arrange a taxi for you and the fares can be put on your school bill if your parents agree.
ROOM CHECKS | TIDINESS/BED MAKING
You are expected to keep your room tidy. The cleaning staff are here to clean not to tidy up your mess! You must make your own bed every morning. You will change your bedding each week when Matron asks you to. Usually sheets and pillowcases weekly, duvet covers fortnightly.
House Life
VISITORS
You must get permission from a member of the House staff if you wish to bring any guests, other than parents or relatives, onto the estate.
• Members of other Houses are welcome as guests during free time. You must inform Matron and they must be signed in and out of House on the sheet. You must accompany them at all times.
• Guests should be entertained in the public rooms only, no-one else upstairs or in dorms or studies.
• You are responsible for the behaviour of your guests. The contact rule remains in effect (see College rules).
POST
Post is delivered to the House daily and can be collected from Matron’s room. If a parcel is delivered, you are required to open it in front of Matron. You can leave letters for posting with Matron, you can also buy stamps and hand in letters to post at the main College reception.
SATURDAYS AND WEEKENDS
On Friday evenings you will be asked by the duty staff as to your weekend arrangements, including the day/time you intend to return to College after the weekend.
Full boarders may visit friends at weekends if your Houseparent is given approval from the parent/guardian of the full boarder and from the parent/guardian of the host family. This approval needs to be given by the end of Friday pm, either by letter, email or by phone.
Weekly boarders may stay in House over the weekend by arrangement with the Houseparent and with approval from home. If you are staying for the weekend you must still remember to sign in and out of the House. Keep an eye on the notice boards for trips and events happening at the weekends and make sure you sign up early so that you don’t miss out on anything!
Attendance on Saturday morning is encouraged to enable you to take advantage of the varied array of additional activities and clubs which take place over the two sessions. Attendance is optional but if a pupil is in College, they must be attending a Saturday morning activity.
You may go home after your last activity if you have no afternoon commitments. All pupils must stay on Saturday afternoon if they are required for a College commitment. Dress code for Saturdays is smart casual. No fancy dress please. Sunday night boarding is only for full and weekly boarders.
There are a few things which have relevance mainly to day pupils:
1. Do not forget to sign out in person and turn your T Card, before you go home each day.
2. We would like our day pupils to stay on after school to socialise, take part in House activities and prep—all we ask is that you let us know each day if you are staying for the evening routines.
3. Please do not leave your belongings/home clothes around the House.
4. If you are going home with someone other than your parents/guardians you must let us know.
DRESS AND UNIFORM
All information about uniform and dress guidelines can be found in the College’s Uniform and Equipment Guide on the website.
Here are some key points:
• You should wear your uniform from 7.45am until the end of the working day.
• You should wear College games kit for all sports and activities.
• You may only attend lessons in casual clothes or in games kit if you have a specific reason, even then, only with the permission of the person in charge of the outing or the teacher concerned.
• Dress for outings and events will often be ‘smart casual’ - you need to make sure you have suitable clothing in school for just such events. Jeans, ripped trousers or tracksuit trousers will not be considered smart casual!
• You must not go to tea in your games kit, although you may put your tracksuit on over it and wear clean trainers if you are in a rush.
• In House you must not wear shoes, but can wear slippers or sliders ONLY for indoor use.
House Life
DUTIES
3rd Form
4th Form
5th Form
Sixth Form
Tidying social spaces and kitchen (on a rota)
Tidying social spaces and kitchen (on a rota)
Tidying House Kitchen and loading the dishwasher (on a rota)
Supervising bedtimes (7.00pm-10.00pm on a rota)
GUIDING PARENTS
You will occasionally be asked to show prospective parents around the College. When you are asked to do this, make sure you excuse yourself from any lessons being missed in good time. You should wear your best uniform; shoes must be clean and your hair neat and tidy.
PREP (Homework)
Prep time is a time for individual work.
You should have all the stationery and equipment ready to start prep on time. Throughout prep time you should be working at a desk. It is a quiet time and therefore you are not allowed to be chatting or wandering around the House.
3rd & 4th Formers may listen to music on headphones. 5th & Sixth Formers may play music on speakers quietly, so long as it is not audible outside your room.
Make sure you record your prep tasks on OneNote so that you know what work has been set. Preps may also be set on Teams, but do not rely on it every time, make a note of it as well.
House Life
FIRE
& SAFETY PROCEDURES / FIRE & SUPPORT IN HOUSE
If you discover a fire:
• Inform a member of staff immediately.
• If it is not safe to reach a member of staff, raise the alarm by shouting ‘FIRE’ or if you are near a red alarm box, break the glass and sound the alarm.
• Do not try to put out the fire yourself!
WHEN YOU HEAR THE FIRE ALARM
• Stop what you are doing immediately.
• Leave the house quickly and quietly by the nearest fire exit and go to the assembly point.
• Do not stop or go back for any personal belongings.
• Shut all windows and doors behind you as you exit.
• At night put on a dressing gown and shoes; do not stop to dress fully; ensure that others in your dorm are awake.
• Please ensure you know where your fire exits and assembly points are.
• You should line up in SILENCE in alphabetical order in your year groups. A roll call will be taken and you should stay there to await further instructions from the member of staff present.
• Do not re-enter the House until told to do so by the member of staff present.
• Formal fire drills are carried out at least twice a term.
MEDICAL MATTERS
DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS: These can be arranged via Matron, Houseparent or directly through the Health Centre.
Doctor’s surgeries are held every Monday and Thursday afternoons. Day pupils should see their own doctor at home unless they are registered with one of the College doctors.
HEALTH CENTRE : Opening times: 9.00am —6.00pm (Mon—Fri) 9.30am —5.00pm (Sat)
IF YOU FEEL UNWELL:
DURING THE DAY TIME: See Matron or any duty staff.
IN LESSONS: Ask your teacher if you can come back to the House to see Matron—if necessary she will arrange for you to see a nurse.
DURING THE NIGHT TIME: Ring the dedicated bell allocated within the house …long enough to wake someone up!
Your parents/guardians will be contacted if you are ill and have to be confined to House for a number of days or need to spend time convalescing at home.
Matrons can usually take you to medical appointments outside school if your parents/guardians are unable to.
DENTAL APPOINTMENTS: These should be made during the school holidays whenever possible. Emergency treatment can be arranged via Matron.
House Life
MINIBUS
(link with train station)
A minibus is available to take pupils to Hook Station on Saturdays at 12:00noon or at 4:00pm on Fridays on exeat or half term weekends.
A minibus also picks up from Basingstoke Station at 8:00pm on Sunday evenings.
If you wish to use this service you need to sign up on the booking sheet by Friday lunchtime, or by Thursday lunchtime for an exeat/half term weekend.
This service is also available at the start and end of each term.
MONEY
We are a cashless House. Any money for tuck or events can be added to the College bill.
We run a House tuck shop which sells some savoury snacks, sweets and drinks, plus a few other bits that may be helpful. Check with Matron for opening times. The Tuck Shop is cashless and charges will be put on your parents/ guardians’ College bill.
OCCASIONAL BOARDING
• If you are a day pupil and you need to stay overnight, your parents/guardian should ask us if it is ok to do so at least 24hrs in advance. This will be subject to an extra charge.
• If you are a day pupil and there are some spare beds in the house, then you may find that you are lucky enough to keep the same bed each time you stay. However, day pupils are not entitled to their own bed and you may have to use any bed which is available.
• You need to bring your own duvet or sleeping bag, pillows and sheets.
• You should not leave your bedding on the bed on nights when you are not staying as the bed may be needed by someone else.
House Life
MOBILE PHONES & OTHER DEVICES
Daily routines
For Years 1 -3, smartphones should not be brought to school. For Fourth Form, Fifth Form and Lower Sixth, smartphones can be brought to school but must be handed into the house staff on arrival at school.
Boarders can have access to their phone in house before morning registration but phones should not be taken out of the boarding house.
Students from Third Form are allowed access to their phones from after tea (18.00) until 18.50, but phones must be kept in the house.
Once phones have been handed in at 18.50, they should not be accessed again unless special permission has been given by the house staff.
All devices for 1st to 5th Form should be handed in 30 minutes before the respective bedtime.
Away Fixtures
Students can take their phones with them in order to communicate about return and pick-up times. During fixtures, phones should not be visible and permission should be sought from a staff member to use a phone for specific communication (not general use).
Trips
Generally, phones should not be needed on trips. During the trip activity, phones should not be visible, even for Sixth form, unless specifically required for an activity or briefly for communication, after staff permission.
For more information on our IT Acceptable Use & Mobile Phone & Device Policy, please click here.
Contact Details
Houseparent: Mrs Holly Hunter-Wright
Email: hunterwrighth@lordwandsworth.org
Assistant Houseparent: Natalie Bastiman
Email: bastimann@lordwandsworth.org
Assistant Houseparent (Non-Residential) - James Hine
