Joe Keighley, Will James, Jacob Marling (Deputy Heads of House) Muriithi Kibuchi (Head of House)
1. WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF HOUSE TEAM
Hello boys, my name is Muriithi and I’m going to be the main person to speak to when it comes to help with your transition into the great life of boarding and being at Monkton!
My main focus at the start of the year is to make sure new boys such as yourselves feel comfortable and happy in the house and just settle in. For those boarding, the first week of boarding may seem difficult but everyone has been there and everyone in the house, especially the year 13s (House Prefects), will try and welcome you and get you used to the life in Farm (still the best house). I started boarding this September so I understand the difficulties you may face but the boys will take good care of you.
The House Prefect team is a mix of day, weekly and full boarders. Joe has a role to look out for boarders, Jacob for day borders, Will for Year 9s and I for boarders coming from overseas, but, at the end of the day, if you need someone to help you out or even just chat with you any of the Prefects would be happy to help.
Finally, the first event that comes up after the first two weeks is something called House Music which some of you will be aware of, but for those who aren’t, it’s a night where all the houses practice and perfect a song to perform in a competition against each other. If anyone would like to be involved with one of the bands let me, Toby Johnson, or any of the year 13s know as soon as possible so we can include you straight away.
See all of you guys soon.
Muriithi, on behalf of Joe, Jacob and Will Head of House and Deputies
2. WELCOME FROM THE HOUSEPARENTS
Sam and Alex Palmer
Sam grew up in Bristol and Wiltshire, with his formative years living in a boarding house. Sam studied Politics and History at Exeter University and on completion found himself at Monkton where he was a GTA in Farm House in 2010. It is through this year that he came to faith and also realised he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and teach.
Sam trained in History and taught at Monkton until 2018 where he was involved in the boarding life. Between 2018 and 2023, Sam taught at various schools across the state and independent sectors and was, most recently, head of Year 10 at Birkenhead School. An ‘enthusiastic’ sportsman, Sam has coached rugby and cricket throughout his years in schools.
Alex grew up in Berkshire but studied in Bath, and it was in her final year that she met Sam at church and subsequently married him at Monkton chapel in 2015.
Since graduating with her degree in Politics with International Relations, Alex has worked across the public and private sector. Initially, Alex worked in lobbying but since 2016 she has pursued a career in the charitable sector and has worked for a variety of causes including; women, mental health and the homeless.
Alongside work, Sam and Alex spent five years supporting a new church in Liverpool and have two little boys, Asher and Jesse.
Sam and Alex have been Houseparents of Farm since September 2023. They are passionate about creating home for others - a place where individuals feel valued, cared for and encouraged, as well as encouraging the boys to make the most of all of their various talents!
WELCOME FROM THE ASSISTANT HOUSEPARENTS
Nick and Anna Baker
Nick is the current Head of Rowing at Monkton. He was a successful junior oarsman representing GB at the Junior world championships. He studied Biology at Oxford Brookes University, where he met his wife Annabelle, before becoming the High Performance Coach for the British Paralympic Rowing Team. Over his 11 years at the team he coached athletes to 4 Paralympic gold medals, 1 Paralympic bronze medal and 6 World Championship gold medals. He is passionate about developing character and moral integrity in all aspects of school life. Annabelle studied Nutrition at Oxford Brookes University and has played table tennis to an international level. Currently working as a Construction project manager with the NHS, Annabelle is looking forward to supporting Farm boys with all aspects of school life including healthy eating at in house events! Nick and Annabelle move to Farm to support the Palmers in September 2025 with their 1 year old Son Stanley and two Alaskan Malamute's Taro and Bella.
Email is the most effective way for parents to contact the Houseparent team. If you need to chat, then we will arrange a time that is mutually convenient. However, if time is pressing or you feel an urgent conversation is needed, please call the Farm phone on 07760785829
The Farm House email address is: farm@monkton.org.uk
Some pointers for parents:
• You are never bothering us if you make contact.
• Don’t let any frustrations you might have grow. A problem dealt with quickly can make all the difference.
• Don’t assume we know everything. If there’s something we should be aware of, PLEASE let us know. It will help us understand how best to care for your son.
• The pupils’ welfare is our most important concern and it’s important that you encourage your son to speak to us whenever they have an issue that they need help with. We are on their team!
Beyond the pointers above, we ask you to trust that we will do our very best by your son. It means a lot to us that you have entrusted them to us and our care will be most effective when we show mutual trust and reinforce the collaboration between parent, pupil and staff.
3. FARM HOUSE TEAM - WHO’S WHO?
Mr and Mrs Palmer - Houseparents
Candy DurbinHouse Supervisor
Wendy EveredHead Cleaner
Duty tutors
Mr McHugh
Mr Abington
Mr Worsman
Mr Jardine (joining in September)
Mr Haley (joining in September)
Mr Heslop
Mr Thomas (joining in September)
4. YOUR WEEK AT MONKTON
Each day starts at 08:10 with a brief morning meeting in Farm House Common Room before then heading to the chapel for 08:20 for Chapel, Principal’s Assembly or Singing Practice or by staying in the Common Room for House Meeting or House Prayers. We also register each afternoon in the Chapel Quad at 13:50 Evening registration takes place in the Common Room at 18.25 followed by prep.
Prep
Prep is from 18:30 until 20:30 most days with an optional short break between 19:20 and 19:30. Year 9s can finish at 20:00, and are supervised by a duty Prefect to help. For clarity, we have produced Prep time expectations that will be on your desk.
After Prep
Mondays - Voluntary year group Bible studies.
Tuesdays - In-House social for the whole house
Wednesdays - Christian Union (18:15) (No prep scheduled)
Thursdays – In-House by year groups at the either Mr/Mrs Palmers or Mr/Mrs Bakers
Friday - Sports Centre open for a range of different sports.
Bed Times
Saturdays
There are different social events in school each Saturday night. Year 9-11 are expected back in houses by 22:00. Year 12 and 13 students can stay in the Pearce Centre until 22:30 on most Saturdays.
Sundays
The boys can arrange leave into town on Sundays, as long as they are in groups of 2 (6th Form) or 3 (other years). They must ask permission and sign in and out with the duty member of staff.
5. CONTACTING HOUSE STAFF
Members of the Houseparent team are always available to be contacted outside of lessons. If you want to speak to Mr or Mrs Palmer you can contact them by ringing the doorbell on the door connected to the boarding house, or by calling the house phone. If Mr or Mrs Palmer do not have the house phone, another member of the boarding house team will have the phone. For example, the Assistant Houseparents Mr and Mrs Baker.
Mr and Mrs Palmer (Houseparents) / House phone
6. STUDENT LEADERSHIP
07760785829
Alongside the House staff, there is vital leadership from the students. There is a Head of House and Deputies from the Year 13s and most of the Year 13s also serve as House Prefects, supporting the younger boys with completing prep effectively and getting to bed in a timely manner.
Each boy in the house is also placed into a ‘Herd’. These are named the bulls, the bucks, the roosters and the stallions. There are a small number of boys from each year group in these herds which are designed to be a ‘family within the family’. We spend time in these ‘Herds’ at least once a fortnight so that the boys can become known better and that the older boys can support the younger ones.
7. WEEKEND ARRANGEMENTS FOR FULL AND WEEKLY BOARDERS
There are Saturday night activities but boys can choose to go home any Saturday once they have finished all their school commitments (games, fixtures etc…) They need to be back by 21.00 on Sunday (or by Monday 08.10, if agreed in advance).
Please contact us by Thursday night if your son is planning to being away on Saturday evening. If your son is staying with a friend or relative then we need email permission from yourselves and from the people he is staying with. There may be follow up questions around travel, supervision etc.
Weekly Boarders should be picked up after Saturday afternoon or evening activities and return to school in time for 08.10 Monday morning. If you wish them to board that weekend, please let us know in advance.
8. CHURCH
On Sundays, going to church is not compulsory but there is a minibus that takes students to some different churches in Bath. At the moment, there are trips to St Bart’s, Holy Trinity Combe Down and Life Church.
9. THINGS I SHOULD BRING
You are allowed to make your room unique by putting posters and photos up on the notice boards. LED lights are only allowed if attached to these notice boards. Remember to bring a desk lamp but don’t bring anything that can heat up or cool down, such as, heaters, electric blankets, kettles or fridges. The school provide fitted bed sheets, a pillow and pillow cases but you need to bring a duvet and two duvet covers. All school uniform is bought through School Blazer and can be delivered directly to school. The final essentials are a watch and an alarm clock!
10. PERSONAL POSSESSIONS
You will also need to have a padlock for your lockable space. Number combinations are better than key ones, as keys tend to get lost.
If you lose anything, please let the Houseparent team know as soon as possible. You should also check with the House Supervisor and reception - they can lend you spare kit for a short period of time if needed.
11. MONEY AND VALUABLES
We will collect in your passport, visa and medical insurance documents (if you have them) and keep it safely locked up for you. When you do need them, you can sign them out. Sums of money should also be left with us and not kept on you.
Money: Wherever possible - please use a debit card or travel card (like GoHenry, Monzo, Revolut etc.) for pocket money. The house tuck shop and school cafe use card machines now so cash isn’t accepted.
12. OCCASIONAL BOARDING
Day boarders are entitled to board three times per annum (two blocks of two nights and one block of five) and we would encourage them to use them! After this there is a nightly fee. Please contact us in advance in that hope that we will be able to accommodate day boarders when asked.
We recommend that day borders consider staying for prep on a regular basis – it is especially helpful at the start when social groups are being formed. Tuesday and Thursday ‘In House’ nights are great days to stay in for.
13. STAYING OVERNIGHT AWAY FROM SCHOOL
If a full or weekly boarder wants to stay overnight with a friend or relative on the nights they usually board, then we need email permission from yourselves and from the people he is staying with at least 48 hours in advance. There may be follow up questions around travel, supervision etc.
14. PHONES AND ELECTRICALS
The phone reception around school can be a bit patchy and at present the most reliable network appears to be Vodafone, although a lot of boys have other networks.
All phones will be handed in overnight. For 6th Form, phones should not be visible during the school day with the exception of the Pearce Centre where they may be used. For years 9-11 students will not be allowed them during the day. Boarders will be given their smartphones at 6pm. Day boarders must not bring a smartphone into school. Day boarders may carry a ‘brick’ phone (no internet ability) in school with Houseparent permission. More information is in the school’s phone policy. As phones will not be accessible for timekeeping or alarms, please bring a watch and alarm clock with you.
Please note that apart from phones, Years 9-11 should only bring chromebooks to school and not other laptops or computers. These chromebooks will also be locked away overnight
15. MEDICAL
What to do if you are unwell and what to do with your medication? If you are too ill to go to lessons or need medication during the daytime, you will be taken to the Medical Centre. If you are ill during the evening or night, then ring the doorbell of the Houseaparents or Assistant Houseparents or find the Head of House. We will make sure that you don’t feel alone and that there is someone to take care of you. If you bring any of your own medication into school, the nurses at the Medical Centre need to be aware of this. You are not allowed to keep medication in your room and are not allowed to share your medication with anyone else.
16. LAUNDRY
There is a school laundry service. You need to make sure things are labelled and you will have to wait three days for your clothes to return. They will be returned to your shelf in the Linen room. If you would like to do your own washing then there is a washing machine provided and tumble dryer, as well as an iron and ironing board but you will need to bring your own laundry detergent capsules.
17. FIRE ALARM
At some time every term there will be a fire practice.
Whenever you hear the fire alarm (a very loud, continuous bell!):
• leave your room immediately
• make sure your roommates leave the room immediately
• go into the rooms either side of your room and make sure the boys there are awake and leaving their room
• If at night, you may grab a dressing gown and shoes
• walk (don’t run) quickly and quietly
• leave the House by the nearest available exit
• go straight to Farm Lawn, where you will be registered
• wait for further instructions from a member of staff
18. ROAD SAFETY
Pupils must observe the following for Road Safety:
1. Always use the path alongside Shaft Road and in front of Grange House. Never use the road.
2. At crossing points outside Grange, outside Eddystone and outside Nutfield, always STOP, LOOK, LISTEN before crossing. Do not cross in large groups.
3. Never congregate in the road - this applies especially outside Grange & by the Chapel.
4. Only cross the road at the following places: opposite Grange, Eddystone and Nutfield.
19. SCHOOL ABSENCES
For all absences, permission to leave school early or approval to attend a special function during term then permission must be granted by the school via the Houseparent team (farm@monkton.org.uk). This often requires approval from the Deputy Heads, so please do this as far in advance as possible.
If your son is ill on the day, please email the Houseparent team (farm@monkton.org.uk) as well as the school register (mssregister@monkton.org.uk).
20. SIGNING IN AND OUT AND LEAVE
Your school keycard will allow you to sign in and out on REACH, using the kiosk at the entrance to the house. All boys should swipe into the house and swipe out of it when returning home, or going elsewhere.
If you want leave to the local shop, permission must be obtained from Houseparents or Assistant Houseparents. Other staff are not able to grant this. They will then make arrangements with you about signing back in on your return.
21. PARENTAL ACCESS
Parents and guardians have full access to the house at the beginning and end of terms to deliver and collect their children. However, in accordance with the school’s Safeguarding Policy, they may not visit unsupervised in term time as there are many times during the week where this would not be appropriate. If parents or guardians wish to visit they should contact the Houseparents.
22. IT SUPPORT
On arrival at school, new students receive their chromebook and guidance from the IT department. If you have any issues, please contact itsupport@monkton.org.uk
25. FARM CULTURE AND VALUES
Farm is a house that has a tradition of being run by values, rather than rules. You will hear us, and the older boys, use the language of our values a lot!
Underpinning everything we do in the house are the FARM values of Family, Ambition, Resilience and Modesty.’
F - Family We look out for and care for each other, creating a loving and accepting home for all. We show kindness by encouraging community while respecting boundaries.
A - Ambition We all seek, and encourage each other, to do as well as we can in all of our pursuits, from academics to co-curricular and beyond. This is not about being the ‘best’, but the ‘best we can.’
R - Resilience We recognise that we will all struggle and get things wrong. We help each other to ‘bounce back’ from setbacks, seeing failure as an opportunity to learn, improve and grow.
M - Modesty When we are successful, we are not arrogant. We accept praise but acknowledge the vital roles that others played in getting us there.
The boys the come to Farm are afforded a privilege that is not afforded to many. Therefore, Farm boys are expected to embrace their opportunities and make good use of their privileges. Further to this, all boys are expected to help with the smooth running of the community by carrying out various duties and rotas are published for this.
At House Prayers every week, the Head of House team award a chocolate bar (Flake, Aero, Rolos and Mars…) to a boy in the house who it has been noticed has displayed that value. It might be that has been noticed by the Farm team, that we have heard about from other staff in the school or, as often happens, the boys nominate each other for these awards.
Who will I share a room with?
Each year we change the rooms and also do so termly, especially for younger students, but you are placed with your own year group. We try and give 6th formers the option of their own room
Who will look after me?
Older boys are keen to help new boys to settle in and feel ‘at home’ in the House. New boys will be placed in a vertical group, called a ‘Herd’ led by one or two Year 13s. There are lots of members of staff on duty to talk to and to ask for help as well. Most of the boys go first to the Houseparents or their Tutor about any problems. There is also a School Listener, nurses or you can see the Doctor at the Medical Centre.
Where will I eat?
All meals are in the Dining Hall. The food is great and Farm is the closest house to the Dining Hall…
When do I get up?
Around 7am. Wash, have breakfast and register at 08:10 in the Common Room.
Can I choose clubs?
These happen before supper and you get to choose your clubs. But in the first term activities don’t start until after House Music
What happens instead of some clubs in the first weeks of September?
House singing practise for House Music Competition.
Do I have to sing?
Yes - don’t worry ‘we are all in it together!’ It is led by Year 13 and is a lovely way to get to know everyone and the competition is good fun!
What happens at the weekend?
On Saturday, there are 3 lessons in the morning then in the afternoon there is games or fixtures – most boys play for a team. On Saturday evenings, we do activities with other houses. Sunday tends to be a quieter day - a number of boys sign up for a lift to church. There is also a minibus in the afternoon to allow boys to go into Bath for a few hours. There are also a number of trips organised.
When do I do my prep?
18:30-20:30 on weekdays other than Wednesday (Year 9 it can finish earlier). There is a short break at 19.20.
What are the main things I should bring?
Bring toiletries, towels, a duvet, and 2 x duvet covers (bed sheet, pillow & pillow case provided), an alarm clock, watch, padlock, casual clothes, school uniform, bank card (if possible), mobile phone with a UK sim and school equipment. There are shops in Bath, house tuck shop and online shopping to buy any missed items so please don’t worry.
What mobile network is best in Monkton?
Vodafone, at the moment. Please try get a UK number even if you keep your international whatsapp account as you will not be able to contact staff by whatsapp.
Do I need to bring a laptop?
In Year 9-11 you are given a Chromebook and are not allowed other computers or laptops. 6th formers can use a Chromebook or another laptop or device of their choice
Do I need to lock my possessions away?
Yes. Please bring a small padlock (combination locks are the best).
Who washes my clothes and makes my bed?
There is a school laundry service. You put dirty clothes each week in to a central laundry basket which is collected and return twice a week. There is also a house washing machine and dryer if needed. Bed sheets are washed every fortnight and you will be reminded to strip and make your own bed.
Can I receive post?
Yes! All letters and parcels should be addressed: Your name Farm House
Monkton Senior School Church Lane
27. INDUCTION CHECKLIST
Week 1
I have met my Mentor and will get help from them to complete this ☐
Emergencies
I know the location of my nearest fire exit ☐ I know the location of all the fire exits in Farm ☐
I know the location of the muster point ☐ I know who to contact in an emergency ☐
House information
I have a copy of the House Handbook and have read it ☐ I know who my tutor is ☐
I know where the HPs (Mr/Mrs Palmer) house and office is ☐ I know where the AHPs (Mr/Mrs Baker) house is ☐ I know who the House Supervisor (Candy) is and have introduced myself ☐ I know that I can contact any of the above in person, by google chat, or by email should I need to ☐
I have met the Head of House and Deputy Heads of House I know which notice boards to look on to find house timings and expectations I know where/how to sign in and out of the house ☐
I know the 3 house registration times ☐ I know what time to attend meals ☐
IT
I can connect to the school Wifi on my chromebook ☐ I know never to share my password/log-in details ☐ I know who to contact if my IT is not working ☐ I know how to use classroom and access my emails ☐
General
I know where to find the A1 boarding poster ☐
I know who to turn to if I need anything and understand that I can turn to any member of staff that I choose ☐
I know that if I am worried about anything I can contact the Chaplain (Rev Hutch) and I know where his office is
INDUCTION CHECKLIST CONT.
Week 2
I know how to sign in and out of the House on Reach – if in doubt, see HPs/AHPs ☐
I know I need to sign back in the evening with duty tutor when back in the house ☐
If I am going to the gym or rowing before breakfast, I know that I must have informed the HPs / AHPs ☐
I know that visitors to the house must sign in on Reach and with duty tutor ☐
I know the process for getting leave to Spa in the week and town on the weekend ☐
I know that if I need to be absent from School during the week then my parents must email mssregister@ and farm@ ☐
If I want to stay away from school at the weekend, then this requires 48 hours notice from both families ☐
I understand the general principle that I need to take responsibility for my own actions and to communicate with the HPs (Palmers), my tutor and my teachers, especially if I need to miss any school commitments ☐
I know the timings for handing in tech ☐
Week 3
I know how to access whisper if I need to report anything anonymously ☐ I know how to use the school laundry or machines in the house and have read the notices in the laundry room ☐
I know how to use the house kitchen safely and have read the notice in the kitchen ☐ I know the address for post ☐
I know the expectations about keeping my room tidy ☐
I know the rules about ordering takeaways during the week ☐ I know about the House Values ☐
I have had a 1-1 chat with my tutor and HPs/AHPs ☐
I know where to find all the information on Socs relating to sports and my activities ☐
I have been able to tick all boxes and have completed my induction: Signed
