Westal Handbook 2023-2024

Westal

Pupil Handbook

2023-2024

Thirlestaine Road

Cheltenham

Gloucestershire

GL53 7AH

Duty mobile

07767 272 803

Office telephone

01242 265 677

Twitter

@WestalHouseCC

Instagram

@westalhousecc

Conten t s

W elcome

This handbook has been compiled to help you familiarise yourself with the procedures and rules of the House and College. Whether you’re returning after the long Summer break or this is your first term in Westal, do refer to it to guide you through the House routines and expectations. Every year that you move up through the school, you gain more privileges, particularly those of you stepping up from Lower College into Upper College (Sixth Form). Make sure you read and understand your new guidelines and rules, be it uniform, boundaries or bedtimes!

New joiners

To our new third form, the thought of moving from being the biggest and oldest at your Prep School to then being the youngest of them all in a new boarding house and school is a daunting one; but please do not worry! All current Westal girls were once in your position and will tell you it really isn’t as difficult as you think. As soon as the induction program begins in the first week, time will fly by and, before you know it, the Christmas holidays will be here. Upon arrival you will be shown to your dorm where you will be able to move all your belongings. You share with 3 or 4 other girls; this gives you the chance to really get to know your own year group within the house and a room change each term allows a change of scenery. Your dorm is a place that you can really make your own, but still be amongst your peers. You will be expected to keep it tidy and contribute to some of the house chores, such as kitchen duty. The Third Form prep area is separate to where you sleep and is known as the Function Room.

To our new Fourth Form and Lower Sixth, welcome too. We understand that joining a year group can be a challenge but the Westal girls are a very friendly bunch who pride themselves on looking after each other, whatever your year group Look out for the Prefects and Peer Mentors who will make themselves known to you in the first week, and do not hesitate to ask anyone for help if you need it. There will be a number of events for you to join in with, particularly in the first couple of weeks of term and we encourage you to make the most of these opportunities to help you settle in.

House History & Ethos

Westal takes its name from the family home of former pupil and notable polar explorer Dr Edward Wilson, who died alongside Captain Scott on the fateful Antarctic expedition of 1912. His intrepid and inquisitive nature is reflected in the way the girls approach many aspects of school life, be that academically, socially or through the co-curricular programme. In keeping with Dr Wilson's Antarctic connections, the Westal emblem is a penguin and the House colour is turquoise. You will see Dr Wilson’s photographs around the house along with a number of his paintings and drawings. All Westal girls are referred to as ‘Jacksonites’ after Mrs Susan Jackson, the founding Housemistress.

The current Westal building was opened in September 2013 and is a custom-designed building that provides a contemporary yet comfy ambiance and its location within the campus puts it adjacent to the thriving sports complex where you can really sense the captivating buzz of College life. The girls are the very heart of the house and are welcomed as part of the family. Much emphasis is put on ‘giving it a go’, whether it be a new evening activity, representing in House Pots Sport competitions or a new academic endeavour. We value characters who show confidence and curiosity in taking up the vast number opportunities on offer yet cherish those who can also show compassion and empathy in supporting others around them to do the same. Evenings and weekends involve a variety of activities and the vertical families, known as ‘Huddles’ , across all year groups ensure that Westal is renowned for being a close-knit and supportive community with tremendous House spirit.

� # $ A word fromMrsLang

We are very excited for our sixth year at the helm of the wonderful Westal, and hope that you are too. Put 100% into everything and you will benefit enormously from all that there is to offer at College and in Westal particularly.

Try to remember the House values: Willingness, Empathy, Support, Teamwork, Achievement, Loyalty, all with a sense of fun! The Upper 6th are a super bunch who will help you through the year here Westal is a wonderful home, where everyone supports each other, tries their best and has a lot of laughs and giggles along the way – we hope you will make many, many happy memories here.

Westal Staff

Resident Staff

Role Housemistress Assistant Housemaster 5F Tutor

Resident Tutor 4F Tutor

Resident Tutor

Name Mrs Amy Lang Mr Tim Lang Mrs Holly Brooke Miss Rebecca Norval

Initials AEL TL HEB RJN

Department Biology Head of Tennis & Assist. Director of Hockey Head of Business Studies Sports Professional

Other Residents

Mr & Mrs Lang’s son, Oscar.

Mrs Brook’s husband, daughter Coralie

Miss Norval’s dog, Mackintosh

House Tutors

Wonderful Matrons

Mrs Jordi Matthews Tuesday-Friday Mrs Trish Wright Monday & Saturday

Role Name Initials Department

3F House Tutor Miss Lucy Manning LEM Chemistry

4F House Tutor Mrs Clare Bentley CB MFL, German

5F House Tutor Mrs Saskia Nishimura SJN EAL

5F House Tutor Miss Suzanne Marquis SJM Head of Learning Skills

House Tutor & UC Tutor Mr Nick Nelson NN Director of Internationalism and Culture, Head of History of Art

House Tutor & UC Tutor Miss Rebecca Evely RXE Textiles, Design and Technology

House Tutor & UC Tutor Mrs Sarah Gillender SVG Maths

House Tutor Mr Graham Cutts GJC Head of Lower College, Design and Technology

Photo

Boarding House Principles

HousePrinciples

Cheltenham College aims to provide an environment in which each pupil in its care can flourish and grow in all spheres of their school life in a safe and secure environment. The relationship between pupil, parent and House, will be fundamental to this and communication is encouraged to be frequent and open.

A Cheltenham College House should be a place where all pupils can study, play and rest, and there should be a real sense of community and mutual respect. Pupils should develop responsibility for themselves and others, fostering their individuality whilst respecting the individuality of others. We encourage all to be resilient and to develop a growth mindset, to be confident but not arrogant, to respect and show consideration towards the immediate and wider community in which we live, and to take advantage of the opportunities offered to them.

JWH/ AVC

August2023

Review:August2024

Antibullying pledge: ‘Say you’re in, Call it out’

Here at College, and in Westal, we are committed to ensuring that all members of our community feel welcome, safe and valued. Following the disruption of the pandemic, the Pupil Leadership Team (PLT) have been committed to reinstating the sense of community. The ‘Say you’re in, call it out!’ was designed to empower pupils to call out any unkind behaviour, supporting all member of our community to be themselves. Heads of Houses present in House meetings at the start of term and pupils are encouraged to sign pledges showing their committed towards the campaign. This pupil planned initiative has had a powerful impact and is central to house culture

Westal House Charter

2023-2024

Charter.

/ˈtʃɑːtə/ noun

A written grant by the legislative power of a country, by which a body such as a city, company, or university is founded or its rights and privileges defined.

Our Values: Willingness, Empathy, Support, Teamwork, Achievement, Loyalty

House Ethos - Here in Westal we endeavour to…

• Say hello to each other, staff and visitors – manners make a difference and can really make someone’s day.

• Be open to and embrace other cultures – we celebrate and learn from our differences.

• Model that it is ‘cool to try hard’ – we aim to do our best in all that we do, whatever the outcome.

• Huddle together and look after each other – we aim to support each other whatever year group you’re in.

• Accept responsibility for our actions – we aim to learn from mistakes and recognise that it is the reaction not the action that is most important.

• Ask if you are ok, and then we will ask again – we recognise that it is not always easy to open up about our worries and that knowing someone cares really can help.

The girls request that you…

• Say you’re in, call it out! Don’t be a bystander to bullying, unkind language or behaviour

• Respect people’s personal space and always knock on their door before entering.

• Leave public spaces as you wish to find them, especially the kitchen.

• Support each other’s achievements and be inclusive to everyone in our community.

• Recognise that constant enthusiasm will go a long way – we are proud of our House and of each other’s achievements. Just give it go!

• Keep the volume down before 7:15 and after 9:30 (bedtime).

• Be on time for sign-ins.

• Respect other people’s belongings, especially food and laundry.

The staff encourage you to…

• Say hello to us when you see us out and about!

• Give us opportunities to praise you, rather than nag you i.e. persistent uniform, jewellery offences are really damaging to relationships. We want to celebrate you and praise you every time we see you.

• Trust us and work with us – we only want to help! Please know that we hold your best interest at heart and that we are here to support you

• Communicate with us – we cannot mind-read so will sometimes need you to bring your challenges to us.

• Surround yourself by positive people – be a radiator, not a drain!

Pupil Signature: ………………………………………….……… Date: ………………………………………………………………….

Westal Prefect s & Pupil Leadership

Head of House, Deputy Heads of House & College Prefects

Andrea - Head of HouseandCollegePrefect

Hello! I’m Andrea and I can’t wait to be your Head of House for this year. For my A-level subjects I take English, Politics and TPE with hopes of doing Criminology or Sociology in university. I am an international student who lives in Kenya so I am a full border. I joined Westal in 3rd form and was able to make friends around me even though I thought boarding for the first time would be difficult. Westal is a very welcoming and kind-hearted boarding house and will always help make everyone to feel at home. In Westal, the girls and staff have been my constant support, and I'm confident they'll be there for you too. From sports to music, academics to friendships, Westal offers a vibrant and exciting college life with endless fun activities, as well as a second family where we hope you make it your home There is always something fun going on in Westal such as sushi making, huddle competitions, movie nights and much more. For those joining Westal, regardless of the year, seize all opportunities and never hesitate to seek help. We can't wait to have you join us in Westal in September! If you ever need anything, myself and the Prefect team and the rest of the upper sixth are here to help you with a smile!

Edie - DeputyHeadofHouse

Hi, my name is Edie, and I am the deputy head of Westal this year! I am studying English, Classics and Textiles as my A levels and hope to go on to study Textiles at university. I joined college in third form as a flexi boarder after attending Beaudesert Park School. There is so much to love about Westal but, my favourite is the warm and homey feel that Westal always has. When I joined, I found that everyone was so welcoming, and I soon felt at home. Westal and college offer so many different activities, societies, and clubs that it is easy for anyone new to find something they are interested in to take a part in. I know that the whole U6 group will help in any way possible to make you all feel very comfortable here in Westal and we are all really excited to introduce and welcome you to our lovely house. I hope you have loads of fun here and are so excited to see you in September!

The PLT , School Council and Committees

College seeks to promote leadership opportunities using its Pupil Leadership Team, lead by the Head Boy and Girl. The School Council consists of two 3F reps and one rep from each of the other year groups.

These pupils meet with Mrs Huggett (the Head) and Mrs O’Bryan on alternate weeks, on a Saturday morning 7.508.30am Minutes are taken by Deputy Heads of School, are approved and circulated to Hsms for display on house boards by end of Monday.

Standing items on the agenda include:

• Wellbeing (wellbeing/welfare nature/health centre/discipline/opportunities for improvement);

• Health and Safety plus facilities;

• Food;

• Activities (range, ideas, popularity);

• Topical issues (one per year group per meeting, chosen by the group to raise and to be discussed by all, e.g environmental strategies, theme weeks);

• AOB

Action points taken forward by Deputy Heads of School either themselves or by year group prefects or staff as decided in school council.

The Deputy Heads of School represent pupils on Food Committee meetings with Catering Manager, Deputy Bursar.

Liv Holly 3F Prefect 3F Prefect &3FCollegePrefect

Lilli Gracie Emily L6 Prefect&College WellbeingPrefect International Inclusion Prefect(Food&Social) Prefect

Pupil Voice and Year Group Committees

In addition to the school council, College have initiated a new Pupil Voice action plan where each year groups will have the opportunity to share views, raise issues and suggest improvements via the Pupil Voice Committees. These committees meet on alternate weeks as coordinated by their year group leads and the College Prefect will record notes and follow up any actions:

• 3F Committee: one representative per house who meet every 2 weeks with Mrs Checketts and 3F College Prefects.

• 4F & 5F Committee: one rep per house who meet every 2 weeks with Mr Cutts and Lower College Prefects

• L6 Committee: one rep house who meet with Mr Hollingbury and Upper College Prefects every 2 weeks

• U6 Committee: one rep per house who meet with Mr Bass and Heads of School every 2 weeks

House Huddles

The House is split into vertical communities with members from each year group. These family groups, named as ‘Huddles’in a nod to our penguin emblem, and are led by a member of the Upper Sixth, supported by a member of the Lower Sixth. The purpose of the Huddles is to help you integrate with other years and have friendly faces to go to if needed. The Huddles will be participate together in a for a range of activities and also form teams for our Westal Family Days You also compete for Huddle of the week in both the Commendation Queen competition and the Huddle Challenges.

House Huddles will be displayed on the notice board in House when you return in September.

Shape of the Year

Please see below an outline of the school year, term and weekend dates. The termly House Diary will be emailed at the beginning of each term with the most up to date events.

* Please note that these dates and times are correct at the time of publishing, but can change due to unforeseen circumstances *

Autumn Term 2023

Fri 1 Sep – INTERNATIONAL INDUCTION BEGINS

Sun 3 Sept – NEW PUPIL INDUCTION BEGINS

Mon 4 Sept – BOARDERS RETURN 20:00

Tues 5 Sept – TERM COMMENCES 8:00

Sat 9 Sept – CLOSED WEEKEND

Safari Suppers and Year Group Pairs

Sun 10 Sept – CLOSED WEEKEND

Westal Family Day

Fri 22 – Sun 24 Sept – FIRST EXEAT 13:00

Fri 20 Oct – Sun 5 Nov HALF TERM 11:00

Sun 13 Nov – Remembrance Sunday Service (all pupils to attend)

Fri 24 Nov – Sun 26 Nov – SECOND EXEAT 13:00

Sun 3 Dec - Advent drinks party for parents in House & Advent Service

Fri 8 Dec - 3F, 4F & 5F Social / Upper College Feast

Mon 11 Dec - House Christmas Dinner

Weds 13 Dec - TERM ENDS 11:00

Spring Term 2024

Sun 7 Jan – BOARDERS RETURN 20:00

Mon 8 Jan – TERM COMMENCES 8:00

Sat 13-Sun 14 Jan – CLOSED WEEKEND

Westal Family Day

Fri 26 – Sun 28 Jan – FIRST EXEAT 13:00

Fri 9 – Sun 18 Feb - HALF TERM 11:00

Fri 8 Mar – Sun 10 Mar – SECOND EXEAT 13:00

Fri 22 Mar TERM ENDS 11:00

Summer Term 2024

Mon 15 Apr – BOARDERS RETURN 20:00

Tues 16 Apr – TERM COMMENCES 8:00

Sat 20-Sun 21 Apr – CLOSED WEEKEND

Westal Family Day

Sat 4 May 13:00-Mon 6 May 20:00 – EXEAT

Fri 24 May SPORTS DAY

Sat 25 May SPEECH DAY & HALF TERM 16:00 – Mon 3 Jun 20:00

Sat 29 Jun – LEAVERS DAY & TERM ENDS

Shape of Week

Below you will see the College ‘Shape of the Week’ 2023-2024. It looks complicated but you’ll soon get used to it and there will be lots and lots of help in those first few weeks to get things you to speed!

Map of College

House Routines

Weekday Routine (Monday – Friday)

07:00 – 07:15 Wake up! (please shower before breakfast)

07:30 – 08.00

07:45 – 08:10

07.30 – 08:00

08:00 – 08:15

08:30 – 13:30

13.30 – 14.00

14:00 – 14:10

14:00 – 17:30

LC Breakfast in Dining Hall.

Upper College (UC) Breakfast in Dining Hall or In-house breakfast on a Wednesday/Saturday

Last breakfast food service is at 8:10. Dining hall clear by 8:20.

3F / 4F /5F pick up laptops from office

Surgery for dispensing of medications in Office

Make bed, tidy room and take everything you need for lessons. Depart for reg & school

Tutor, Chapel, Lessons 1-5

3F may collect mobile phones but must return before lessons (max 1 hour a day)

Afternoon Sign-in (common room)

Lesson 6-8 or games, followed by activities

Evening Routine (Monday – Friday)

17:30

3F & 4F supper

18:00 5F & UC supper

3F & 4F Prep 1 begins – quiet in house

18:45 House Meeting (common room)

19:00

3F & 4F Prep 2 begins – 4F dorm doors wedged open

UC Prep begins – quiet in house

End of Prep 2 for 3F & 4F

3F & 4F extra study (30 mins) for anyone on academic sanctions in the Prep Room

20.00

3F pick up mobile phones from office for (max 1 hour a day)

UC Prep continues

Optional evening activity

UC & 5F Prep ends

20:45 – 21:30

21.00

UC extra study for anyone on academic sanctions (30 mins) in Prep Room

UC may go to Bath Road, the Gym or the pool. Back in by 21:30.

3F Sign-in with Duty Tutor & hand in mobile phones & laptops (foyer)

21.15 4F Sign-in with Duty Tutor & hand in mobile phones & laptops (foyer)

All girls in house

5F hand in mobile phones

21.30

21.45

5F & 6F Sign-in with Duty Tutor (foyer)

3F settled in bed reading

3F lights out (Duty Sixth)

4F settled in bed reading

22.00 4F lights out

5F settled in bed reading

L6 quietly in rooms

22.15 5F lights out (House Prefect)

22.30 U6 quietly in rooms

22:45 Upper College lights out

Saturday Routine

07:00 – 07:15

07:30 – 08 00

07:45 – 08:00

07.30 – 08:00

08:00

08:00

13:00

17.45

19:30

20.00

21:00

Wake up! (Shower before breakfast)

LC Breakfast in Dining Hall.

UC Breakfast in Dining Hall or in house Surgery for dispensing of medications in Office

3F & 4F pick up laptops from office

5F pick up mobile phones from office

Make bed, tidy room and take everything you need for lessons

House Meeting (common room). Leave for school promptly for 8.30 lesson start

Lunch Sign-in (common room)

Afternoon Sign-in (common room)

Evening Sign-in (common room)

U6 & L6 may go into town if (see Bounds, Curfews & Authorised Venues page)

3F may collect mobile phones (reviewed Aut half term & possible extended)

3F & 4F hand in mobile phones & laptops

22:00 L6 return and sign in with HsM / Resident Staff College socials may be 10.30

22.30 U6 return and sign in with HsM / Resident Staff

Sunday Routine

10 00-12 00 Brunch in Dining Hall

Lunch Sign-in (common room)

12:00

UC may go into town

3F may collect mobile phones

16.00 All 3F & 4F back in House

3F & 4F sign with duty staff (office). 3F phones in

17:30 All 5F & 6F back in House

17:45

5F & UC sign with duty staff (office) Supper

19:00 House Meeting – dressed for Chapel with collection money

19:30-20:00 Chapel (a few times a term there will be a morning Chapel service with different timings)

21:00 Sign in after Chapel

House Huddle Clean Up – each Huddle to tidy an area of house and take bins out Normal beds

Sign-in times – a reminder!

Remembering the sign-in times can be one of the most difficult things when you first start at school or back after the holidays! It is very important that you turn up on time as staff have 73 girls to keep track of! If you have a commitment that extends into sign-in time, you must ensure the member of staff on duty is informed

Monday- Friday Saturday Sunday

• Afternoon Sign-in 14:00

• House Meeting 18:45

• 3F Sign-in 21:00

• 4F Sign-in 21:15

• 5F / 6F Sign-in 21:30

• House Meeting 08:00

• Lunch Sign-in 13:00

• Afternoon Sign-in 17:45

• Evening Sign-in 19:30

• Brunch 10:00-12:00 (if Chapel)

• Lunch Sign-in 12:00

• 3F & 4F Afternoon Sign-in 16:00

• 5F & 6F Afternoon Sign-in 17:45

• House Meeting 19:00

• Bedtime Sign-in 21:00 (if Chapel)

House Rules

Boarders are expected to take responsibility both for themselves as individuals, and as members of the boarding house. Here in Westal we expect you to maintain a high level of personal integrity and moral standards; you should conduct themselves in a courteous and thoughtful manner which contributes positively to the harmonious day-to-day running of the house. Good manners and an awareness of the rights and needs of others are encouraged. These rules help to make the house a place of which we are all proud and within which we can live happily and safely. You should arrive prepared to abide by all expectations and rules as they are intended to be beneficial to all who are part of Westal.

SigningInandOut on theiPad(Orah)

• You must sign out if you are leaving House and then back in again when you return

• You must sign out during prep break, even if you are staying on campus e.g. if you are using the gym, music practice, going to field or a society

Dorms

• We encourage you to decorate your dorms but please be respectful and be careful not to damage the walls

• House rules, in accordance with College rules, explicitly forbid the consumption or storage of alcohol

• Strictly no smoking or vaping is allowed at any time and no materials or such sorts are allowed in the House.

• No candles, oil burners, lighters, matches or incense sticks are allowed at any time.

• Rooms should be kept tidy! There are rewards for the best dorms and chores for the worst!

Kitchen

There is a microwave, two ovens, toasters, fridge-freezer, dishwasher & kettle in the kitchen. Every day fresh bread and fruit is available along with milk, butter, tea, coffee, sugar, cereals, spreads and a snack at break time.

• After you have used the kitchen, please make sure you keep it clean and tidy

• If you have used crockery, cutlery or kitchen utensils, you need to wash up, dry up and put things away

• Wipe the work surfaces and make sure that the floor is clean.

• The kitchen is locked over lunch time and between 17:30-20:00, during prep time.

Common Room

• The common is available for use throughout the day with the exception of prep time

• Please do not leave personal belongings in the common room.

• Newspapers and magazines are kept in the foyer for everyone’s enjoyment. Please return them if removed.

Mobilephones&Laptops

• All pupils should adhere to ICT acceptable Use Policy and M obile Phone Guidance issued by the school

• Some teachers may invite 5F and 6F pupils to use them in lessons or for helping to record prep, but you must have the express permission of the teacher to do this.

• For the LC, teachers will communicate directly with House Staff if a mobile is needed for a special educational purposes

• You should not be wondering around College on your phone and must not be using it in the dining room.

• Your phone will be confiscated if you are found using it inappropriately in College.

• The House keeps a record of all mobile phone numbers and Matron may contact you using the Duty phone.

Laptops may be collected at 8:00 for lessons Laptops should not be taken to dorms

Following prep, they will be locked away from 20:00 until the following morning

3F

Mobile phones: Mobile phones will be restricted to an hour a day, typically between 20:00-21:00.

International pupils will be allowed access according to country of origin.

4F During the day, mobile phones must remain in House at all times. Mobile devices and laptops will be handed in by 9:15pm.

5F Mobile phones will be collected by 9:30pm until the following morning as above. Laptops may be kept overnight, however we will monitor responsible use and sleep.

6F Mobile devices may be kept at all times, however we will monitor responsible use and sleep

Take-aways

Girls may purchase take-aways for delivery from the local area on Sateveningsonly,from17:30 .

Pupils may eat out in town on a Sunday afternoon so no takeaways should be delivered to house on a Sunday, All other meals are to be eaten in the dining hall. You should not eat on the street when in uniform or kit.

Visitors&Security

In order to ensure the safety and security of all Westal girls, it is essential that no one, other than Westal girls have access to the House without the express permission of the Staff member on duty. Please never give your fob wrist band to anyone outside of the Westal community

• If someone comes to the House and asks to be let in, politely ask them to wait until you have called the staff member on duty. If you cannot find the duty person, ask them to go to College Reception

• At the beginning and end of term, family members are very welcome to help drop off or pick up luggage, with permission of the HsM.

• Visits by male friends are permitted, but you may only entertain them in the reception, common room and kitchen area. You must get permission from the staff member on duty, to invite them into the House and sign them in

• We have automatic security alarms so never open the door at night. If you are concerned, call the duty staff

Valuables

• Please do not keep large sums of money in the House. We recommend a maximum of £20 in your purse

• Ensure that you keep your valuables locked in your drawer/locker. If you have sums of money, please hand them to the HsM for safekeeping

• Make sure that any valuable items are labelled and have markings that you can identify as your own

• We have a missing items protocol that we will follow when any valuable item is reported as missing (see page 19)

FireSafety

• When the fire alarm sounds, everyone should vacate the building quickly and calmly through the nearest exit and assemble on the grass access area to the front of the Sports Centre.

• At no point must any girl enter the building unless directed to do so by the HsM, or duty member of staff

• There will be a number of practice drills each term, including a waking from sleep drill.

Damages&Breakages

If you damage or break anything in the House, then please report it immediately. Own up straight away and we can sort damages that could potentially be dangerous. Please be honest; owning up makes for a happier environment!

Medication

• You should not keep any medication in your room as a matter of safeguarding others in the house.

• All medicines must be handed in to the HsM or Matron for safe keeping in the medical cabinet or medical fridge.

• Your name will be put on it and you will have access to it whenever you need it. It is a little inconvenient for you, but it is unsafe for us to have medication lying around the house.

• Morning (in house) surgery is at 7.30-7.45am every morning and in the evening for the dispensing of regular medication. You should avoid busy sign-in times for any additional medication as staff will be occupied with other responsibilities.

• You will be expected to sign a form saying you do not have medication in your room - breaches will be taken very seriously

• Some pupils may have the opportunity to sign a self-medication form but this must be authorised by the Health Centre medical staff.

Storageofbelongingsovertheholidays

• Trunks and large bags can be stored on the second floor

• We have limited capacity for storage, so space is prioritised for pupils who live abroad. Each pupil should store no more that one large suitcase and two storage boxes.]

• Westal is regularly let out during the holidays so there will be occasions when all belonging need to go home.

Alcohol

• The College prohibits the consumption and purchase of alcohol by all pupils and therefore no alcohol can be stored in house by any pupil - any breaches are taken extremely seriously.

• U6 (who are 18) may consume wine, cider, or beer in an approved pub on a Sat eve with the HsMs approval.

• There will opportunities for 6F (who are 17) to enjoy wine or beer in the company of their HsM or House Staff

• No pupil in Lower College should drink any alcohol whilst at College.

PATTesting&SafetyofElectricalEquipment

• Pupils may wish to bring electrical appliances for use during term time. It is parents' responsibility to ensure that electrical equipment brought into House is safe and in good working order. Checks will be done early each year

Weekend Leave & Invites

Long gone are the days of being packed off to boarding school at the beginning of term and collected at the end! We welcome parents to visit, lunch invites out on a Sunday and, of course, for girls to spend the occasional weekend at home. That said, it is important to remember that we are a full boarding school and expect our pupils to be in school on weekends more often than they are out. We therefore respectfully ask that the following rules are followed:

• Full boarders may only go home for a maximum of 50% of weekends in a term

• Third Formers in their first term, should not go home for the first two weekends.

• Pupils must tell Mrs Lang by 08:30 on Thurs morning. They will be reminded of this in Weds evening House meeting.

• Parents/guardians must confirm arrangements with Mrs Lang via Orah by 21:00 on the Thurs evening

• If girls are staying with friends, Mrs Lang will need to hear from their parents’ too by 21:00 on the Thurs evening

• Pupils may leave after sports commitments on the Saturday afternoon, but not before games has finished (this may be late for away matches so choose invite weekends wisely!)

• Please note that there is a wide range of weekend activities on offer. If pupils sign up for one and then subsequently go home on an invite they will still be charged, so plan ahead

• Pupils must be back on Sunday before 19:00 in time to change into Chapel suits and get to Sunday Evening Chapel

• Tuesday night is “House night”. Day boarders are required to stay in House and Upper College are not allowed up to Bath Road/Library/Gym. There will often be year group, Huddle or committee or meetings on Tuesday

Closed Weekends

A ‘closed weekend’ is a weekend when all Day and Full Boarders across the whole school are expected to stay in school for the weekend. These typically fall on the first weekend on each term and are highlighted in the ‘Shape of the Year’ page of this handbook.

There will be a House activity put on or even a school wide event. Each house may have an additional weekend throughout the year for a Charity event of house activity. The date can vary but will be publish with good time.

There will be other occasions in the year when you are expected to take part in House activities. There are compulsory events such as Family Day, Remembrance Sunday and House Christmas Dinner but many others are optional. You are encouraged to attend many of the concerts and plays to support your peers.

Third Form

1. Keep busy!

Toptipsfromourboarders

2. Bring photos/pictures or things from home and hang them in your room/dorm.

3. Go and get involved in an activity for the term: yoga, hip-hop dancing, play in a band, join another sports team. Do this in the mornings and afternoons so you don’t have time to think about home and feel sad.

4. Give yourself a treat to eat – some sushi, some lovely fresh fruit, a hot chocolate

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, cry or seek comfort from your friends or staff in the boarding house, they understand what you’re going through and can suggest some things to take your mind off it.

Third Form are asked not to go home for the first two weekends (until exeat) in September, but they are going to be pretty busy anyway. This can be daunting, but experience has shown us that it is critical in helping forge friendships in school and house, and also teaches the pupils to turn to older pupils and staff in school rather than calling home straight away! For the first Saturday night and Sunday there are compulsory House events. These aim to be fun and a chance to get to know the rest of the team in Westal. There are series of compulsory trips for new 3F which play an important part in bonding with pupils in other houses. We know that you can get tired and are sometimes frustrated by the compulsory nature, but we ask you all to trust us that these trip are very important to the settling in process!

Copingwiththefirstcoupleofweeksandcommunication home:

Homesickness affects people in different ways and often at different times. Sometimes it’s fleeting, other times it can hang around for a while. Everyone experiences it at one point or another and it is completely normal. But it can lead you to be tearful, upset, grumpy, moody and off your food. The most important things to remember is that you should talk to someone at school about it, it doesn’t matter who it is!

Try to avoid texting or calling home too much in the first week of the new academic year. You will be very busy during this time and it is important to try to settle into your new home and school life. House staff will be in regular contact with you parents during this time with updates and photos and will of course pick immediately pick up the phone if there are significant issues.

Guidelines on p arties

College policy advise that parties are not held during term time due to the extremely busy nature of boarding school life. Exeats also are designed to give you an opportunity to catch up on sleep: parties then defeat the object of the exercise. Parties should therefore only take place during the holidays and half terms.

On appropriate occasions, Housemasters and Housemistress will make exceptions when parents to organise small dinner parties for College pupils provided that they are on a Saturday night, parents are in attendance and they give the Deputy Head (Pastoral), Senior Housemaster and the Housemistress all the proposed details (including the invite list), ten days in advance.

For clarity the College Policy on Invites and Parties is copied below:

Invites and Parties

1. Invites

1.1 Boarders may request to go home for an invite on any Saturday, any Sunday or overnight any weekend in term time unless it is a designated ‘closed weekend’: we do however expect them to spend more Saturday nights in College than out and therefore would not expect them to go home on consecutive weekends unless there is an exceptional circumstance Saturday and overnight invites should not begin until all College commitments have been fulfilled: Sunday and overnight invites should be over by 7pm if there is evening chapel so that pupils have adequate time to change for House assembly and to attend the evening service. If there is no chapel it may be permissable for pupils to return on Monday morning in time for registration.

We ask that pupils put in requests for invites for any weekend by the preceding Thursday. Parents should confirm this requesting an Orah pass from their Housemaster or Housemistress (HsM) by 9.30pm on the Thursday. A pupil may go on invite with another pupil’s parents provided both sets of parents notify the HsM. Should an invite be spent with friends in or around Cheltenham normal College Rules regarding the town apply. Any boarder on invite behaving in town in such a way as would incur a sanction were he or she in College, will receive the same sanction. We also expect our Day pupils to abide by the same town rules, with regards to pubs and clubs, as boarders.

2. Parties

It is not sensible for pupils to attend parties during term time: late nights and the busy College schedule do not make happy or constructive partners. Exeats also are designed to give the pupils an opportunity to catch up on sleep: parties then frankly defeat the object of the exercise. We do ask parents, therefore, to make sure that parties only take place during school holidays and half terms. In line with Safeguarding and Child Protection Association best practice for allegations management, parents and pupils should be aware that behaviour taking place outside College, such as at a party, can be dealt with by College.

The one exception to the term time parties rule applies to birthday dinners. It is perfectly acceptable for parents to take their son or daughter out for dinner on their birthday with a friend but relevant permissions must be put in place first and parents must be in attendance. Parents may organise small dinner parties for College pupils provided that they are on a Saturday night, the parents are in attendance and the Senior Housemaster is given all the proposed details a week in advance. School rules will still apply, even if pupils are on an invite, and behaviour can still be dealt with by College even though there may be delegated parental supervision.

The SeniorHsm,JamesHayden,canbecontactedbyemailingj.hayden@cheltenhamcollege.org

Reviewed June 2023

Next Review: June 2024

Mobile Phones , Laptops & Tech Free Evenings

• Most pupils have a mobile phone, and they are very useful for contacting parents to let them know your plans or when you need to be picked up

• You may be invited to use them in lessons or for helping to record prep, but you must have the express permission of the teacher to do this.

• You should not be wondering around College on your phone and must not be using it in the dining room.

• Your phone will be confiscated if you are found using it inappropriately in College

• The House keeps a record of all mobile phone numbers and Matron may contact you using the Duty phone

• Hotspot transmitters, dongles or any other devices, which bypass the College Internet, are strongly discouraged and possibly confiscated. Each individual case will have to be assessed by the HsM.

• Any pupil found to breach the above will be liable to confiscation of the device(s)

Weekday Saturday Sunday

Access to phones for 1 hour a day* (between 20:00-21:00 but this can vary if needed)

3F

Laptops may be collected at Phones handed in at 21:00 overnight

Laptops in overnight

In house only

(phones to stay in house and not taken into school)

4F

Phones to be handed in for prep.

Phones & laptops to be handed in at 21.15 overnight

May take phones into school but must not be seen in use outside (phones will be confiscated if seen out)

5F

Students may be requested to hand in phones for prep if not used correctly

Phones to be handed at 21:30 overnight but laptops may be kept

Students may be requested to hand in phones or laptops for prep if not used correctly

L6

No phones on buses to fixtures

Mobiles for 2 hours in the evening to suit House programme

Phones & laptops to be handed in at 21:30 overnight

Phones allowed on buses if permitted by sports staff

Phones and laptops available around games commitments

Phones & laptops to be handed in at 21:30 overnight

Phones & laptops available between 12:00 – 16:00

Phones & laptops to be handed in at 21.30 overnight

Phones allowed on buses if permitted by sports staff

Phones may be kept overnight

Phones handed in at 21:30 overnight

U6

May take phones into school but must not be seen in use outside

Phones will be confiscated if seen out:

First offence in Autumn Term: warning. No warnings in Spring/Summer

Second offence: 24hr confiscation of all electrical devices (mobile and laptop)

Third offence: 48hr confiscation (resident staff will notify Parents)

Fourth offence: 5 day (as above)

Students may be requested to hand in phones for prep if not used correctly

* Tech-freeEvenings

In the past year we have followed 'Tech Free Tuesday's or Thursday’s’ for 3F across all houses in College. This starts as compulsory rule for 3F and optional for other years. We aim to promote positive wellbeing behaviour, and this was a suggestion from last years’ Student Leadership group. Some pupils embrace this idea and welcome the breaks from the screens whilst others find it much more difficult to adapt. This does not affect the girls contact with home as they are welcome to phone home at any point and should simply ask a member of staff; we just want to avoid too much screen time and the inevitable lack of talking and bonding that results because of it We are all very aware of the benefits of tech free time and our aim is to try and promote more socialisation in house between friendship groups.

Mobile Phone Acceptable Use

Cheltenham College recognises that for most Cheltonians mobile phones are considered not only a vital part of their social life but also become, as they go through the school, a necessary means of helping with routines and organising and storing information. When used creatively and responsibly, phones have great potential to support pupils’ learning experiences.

However, there are associated risks with mobile phones, and these do need to be balanced against the benefits in providing a guidance framework that is both responsible and practical.

YearGroupRules

3rd Form: Mobile phones should never leave the House except when given permission to do so by the HsM. Boarders only have use of their phone for one hour a day during the working week.

4th Form: Mobile phones should never leave the House except when given express permission to do so by the HsM. Phones may be used during free time in Houses during the working week and pupils may use their phones in College after the working day when in mufti.

5th Form and Upper College may have their phones with them during the working week but they should switched off in lessons and should not be used when moving around the College site.

AdditionalRulesforallYeargroups

Cheltonians must not be on their phones when walking on public footpaths or crossing roads. Being on phones is distracting and therefore there are associated risks to other members of the public, themselves, and other road users. This includes using earphones or airpods to listen to music.

Phones should not be used in the dining hall during breakfast and lunch. Phones may be used in the dining hall at supper when not in College uniform.

It is completely unacceptable to use a phone to record a lesson or conversation with a member of staff without their permission.

ExamplesofMobilePhoneMisuse

• Online bullying by text, image and email messaging

• Taking and sharing inappropriate pictures or films

• Access to inappropriate websites bypassing the school filtering system

• General disruption to learning caused by pupils accessing phones in lessons

• Making disrespectful comments, misrepresenting events or making defamatory remarks about teachers or other pupils

• Phoning parents immediately following an incident so that the ability of staff to deal with an incident fairly and in accordance with our procedures is compromised

• Posting material on social network sites with no thought to the risks to their personal reputation and sometimes with the deliberate intention of causing harm to others

• The deliberate engineering of situations where people's reactions are filmed or photographed in order to humiliate, embarrass and intimidate by publishing to a wider audience such as on Snapchat or TikTok

• Publishing photographs of vulnerable pupils, thus putting them at additional risk

• The use of a mobile phone for ‘sexting’ (the deliberate taking and sending of provocative images, nudes and semi-nudes, or text messages)

• Photographing or filming staff or other pupils during the school day and on organised school events

• Photographing or filming in toilets, swimming pools, changing rooms and similar areas

• Bullying, harassing or intimidating staff or pupils by the use of text, email or multimedia messaging, sending inappropriate messages or posts to social networking or blogging sites

• Refusing to switch a phone off or hand over the phone at the request of a member of staff

• Using the mobile phone outside school hours to intimidate or upset staff and pupils will be considered a breach of these guidelines in the same way as unacceptable use which takes place during College hours

Sanctions

Pupils and parents are notified that appropriate action will be taken against those who are in breach of the acceptable use guidelines. In addition:

Pupils and their parents should be very clear that the school is within its rights to confiscate the phone where the guidelines have been breached. If a phone is confiscated school will make it clear for how long this will be and the procedure to be followed for its return.

Sanctions continued…

Pupils should be aware that the police will be informed if there is a serious misuse of the mobile phone where criminal activity is suspected.

If a pupil commits an act which causes serious harassment, alarm or distress to another pupil or member of staff the ultimate sanction may be permanent exclusion. School will consider the impact on the victim of the act in deciding the sanction and parents will be involved.

Guidance On Confiscation

DfE Guidance in Screening & Searching – What The Law Allows:

“Schoolstaffcansearchapupilforanyitembannedundertheschoolrules,ifthepupilagrees.”

“Schoolstaffcanseizeanybannedorprohibiteditemfoundasaresultsofasearchwhichtheyconsiderharmfulor detrimentaltoschooldiscipline.”

See below for full document: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/pupilsupport/behaviour/f0076897/screening

AVC 2023

Online Safety

It’s likely that the internet and social media will be a part of your daily life. It can also be a hugely valuable educational tool so here at College, we aim to strike the balance between education, trust and restriction to enable everyone to develop a healthy relationship with technology.

There’s no doubt your skills differ from those of your teachers and that you’ll adapt quickly to new technology and use it to communicate, socialise and create. We understand that most teenagers have access to the internet using a smartphone or tablet, and use a wide range of social networking sites as a vital part of their relationships with others.

It is, however, essential that you are responsible and aware of the risks when using these devices, and that you utilise suitable protective measure to prevent harm. You will have lots of opportunities to explore this topic in College but here are 5 key safety tips that we advise all Westal girls to follow

Dormitories & R oommates

Here in Westal the girls are blessed with excellent facilities. Our 5F and 6F typically have an ensuite bathroom whilst the 3F and 4F Form share a bathroom just off their corridor. Rooming is organised as written in the table below throughout the year:

For the incoming 3F in the first term, dorms will be organised to ensure an appropriate mix of full boarders and day boarders, and to make sure that girls from the same school are not together for the first few weeks. Whilst this may evoke a few nerves, it is absolutely critical in allowing everyone to form new friendships and to get to know each other. Both the 3F and 4F will change dorms each half of term. You will be asked to complete a confidential form with your preferences, so we can consider your views and choices, but House Staff will form combinations to ensure optimum harmony, experience, and opportunity for all those involved.

Dorm combinations can often cause the biggest concern for you and fuels frequent communication between house and home. Rather than immediately calling home, you are encouraged to discuss any issues with us directly as we are the ones that can help. It can be an impossible jigsaw puzzles at times and we cannot guarantee that you will always get to share with their first, second or event third choice! It is important to remember that you are never more than 6 weeks away from a swap and there is huge amount to be learnt from living with different people and persevering when things are not exactly as you’d like them to be. This is, after all, partly what the experience of boarding offers!

Bounds , Curfews & Authorised Venues

• All members of the College may use the local shopping i.e. Suffolk Road, Suffolk Parade, Great Norwood Street, Bath Road (but not beyond the junctions with Oriel Road), London Road, between the junctions with Keynsham Road, and Old Bath Road, and Montpellier Terrace (but not beyond the junction with Montpellier Grove) at the times stated in section below. A map of the bounds is shown on page 23 and the house notice boards.

• Pupils must not enter any parks or gardens with the exception of Montpellier Park where the café and Tennis courts can be used on a Sunday afternoon only.

• The hospital grounds (unless visiting someone in hospital or for an appointment) and all alleyways off Bath Road and Suffolk Road are out of bounds at all times.

• You may use cafes in town and on Bath Road in accordance with the approved list and the bounds map.

• Members of the College are not allowed to leave the College campus at any other time unless they have permission from their HsM

• The U6 and L6 both day and boarding (only on occasions when there is not a social) may, with their HsMs permission may go into town for a specific purpose of having a meal or going to an approved establishment.

• Members of the College are not to enter the Prep School grounds, except when they have permission from their HsM or have games on the Prep School pitches. You can get to Bath Road through the Science gate if open.

• Members of College can go to the Theatre and Cinema with their HsMs permission

• A bounds’ map and list of authorised establishments is on displayed on the next page and on the noticeboards.

Boundaries Map

Bath Road Times

There is no access to Bath Road on Monday or Wednesday afternoons for any year as it is assumed that you will either be in an activity (LC) or working (UC)

(activity/match practice must be honoured)

13:00-17:30 (sport must be honoured)

Aut: only Sat/Sun Spr 1: only Sat/Sun Spr 2: 14:15-16:00 Sum: 14:15-17:15

Aut: only Sat/Sun Spr 1: only Sat/Sun Spr 2: 14:15-16:00 Sum: 14:15-17:15

(activity/match practice must be honoured) 13:15-17:30 (sport must be honoured)

No Bath Road

12:00-16:00 (not in Aut Term for 3F)

No one is allowed into Bath Road during study periods. You must wear either full uniform, full games kit or mufti on Bath Road - a mixture must not be worn. At all times you must sign out from House via Orah.

Town Times

Tues afternoon Thurs afternoon Sat Sun

U6 may go into town on Sat eve if:

- inform duty staff signing out & in

U6

With HsM / Matron permission and chit Sports must be honoured

Wearing mufti and be back by 5.15pm

- minimum of 2 & names of all group members

- venue on authorised list (notice board)

- back by 22:30

L6 may go into town on Sat eve if:

12:00-17:30

With HsM / Matron permission and chit Sports must be honoured

Wearing mufti and be back by 5.15pm

- notify the HsM of a restaurant booking by Weds evening

Must sign out & inform duty staff L6

- inform duty staff signing out & in

- minimum of 2 & names of all group members

- provide receipt

- back by 22:00

12:00-16:00

With HsM permission

Groups of 3 minimum 3F (threes)

* College Prefects may go into town on Tues, Thurs and Sat as long as they sign out

Rewards & Sanctions

Rewards

We endeavour to reward good behaviour and achievements in a variety of ways. Girls often request specific items, such as a continental breakfast in house, or Saturday night take-aways, which have proved very popular! The tutors also have a small budget to entertain their tutees.

Commendations

These are awarded to pupils, for appropriate work, by members of Common Room, who teach you. It may be for consistency in preps or a particularly impressive piece or test mark. When you receive one, it is entered onto the database and you, your tutor and Housemistress will receive notification of the award by email. The Head gives an award to students who receive a specific number and, along with ATL scores and grade cards, these contribute toward Academic Colours and Half Colours

Here in Westal we awards prizes for:

• Every individual commendation - a sweet handed out after House Meeting 19:45

• Lower College Commendation Queen – each week the top scoring girl earns a breakfast in house (awarded at Tuesday’s House Night)

• Upper College Commendation Queen - each week the top scoring girl earns a breakfast in house (awarded at Tuesday’s House Night)

• The Huddle scoring the most commendations each week or most improved will earn a breakfast in house

At the end of each half of term there will also be rewards for the huddle with the most commendations and at each grade point, there will be a prize for the top ATL score per year group.

Westal also has a system of Prefect & House Staff commendations to encourage and recognise excellent behaviour towards one another and following on the Westal values of;

Willingness Empathy Support Teamwork Achievement Loyalty

House Colours & Ties

To earn the coveted House half and full colours, (which are rewarded by a presentation of a House tie), participation and attitude in the following are taken into consideration the following:

• House pots (including sports teams, quizzes, drama)

• Music / Plays

• Supporting of friends and Westal girls at events

• Helping at, preparing for and organising House events

• Welcoming and looking after new pupils

• Showing leadership in committees and families

The application form is key as it is your opportunity to show us where you Have made significant contributions in line with the House and College values.

Full Colours Half Colours Prefects Tie

Westal House Ties

Whocanapply?

HalfColours:4th – U6th FullColours:SixthForm

WhendoIapply?

halfYouwillbeinvitedtoapplyat termoftheAutumn,Spring &SummerTerm

HowdoIapply?

applicationMrsLangwillpostalinktoan formtocompleteonTeams.Wealsooperatea pointssystemtoassess contributiontohouselife Whenaretiesawarded?

Typicallytieswillbeawardedat thestartoftheAutumn,Spring applicationsandSummerTermviaprevioussubmittedinthe term.

Sanctions

There are some consequences that you could encounter should you infringe any of the College or House regulations.

Sanction Explanation

Issued to pupils who have behaved badly or inappropriately

Behaviour Demerits

• Normally result in a behavioural detention which will feature a small amount of community service activities (rubbish clearance, notice boards, minibuses, lost property) then a period of academic work

• Those in behavioural detention will not attend social events on Saturday night

• 2 Academic Demerits (or many alerts) within one week = Saturday detention

Issued for misdemeanours relating to schoolwork e.g. not handing in or late prep

Academic Demerits

• Results in Extra Study rather than Prep Break in the evening

• 3 Academic Demerits (or many alerts) within one week = Saturday night detention

College Prefects’ Caution For misdemeanours which a College Prefect thinks needs further attention from HsM HsMs Caution For behavioural misdemeanours which teachers deem necessary to be brought to HsMs attention.

HoDs Caution

Deputy Head’s Caution

Gating

House gating

Full House Gating

Deputy Head’s Gating

House Sanctions

For academic misdemeanours which teachers deem necessary to be brought to HoDs attention.

• For more serious misdemeanours or infringements

• Pupil meets the Deputy Head after Chapel

• Will possibly lead to a College sanction and/or DHs gating / withdrawal of privileges / suspension

• Matters beyond this will be referred to the Head and could lead to suspension. This can lead to a formal/final warning from the Head and ultimately expulsion

• Issued by the HsM or Deputy Head

• Used for major discipline indiscretions or specific infringement of the rules

• Issued, by the HsM, to any pupil caught in breach of the College and House rules:

o you are restricted to College grounds during the school day

o you are to sign in and out at House throughout the day on the hour

o unless you are in lessons, games, activities or meals you must be in House

o social club or invites will not be granted, and you have no access to town

The following principles are to be followed:

2) You are totally restricted to College grounds - excluding the sports facilities and the Junior School

3) You are to sign in at the following places at specific times

a) The House every hour

b) No activity is to be attended (with exception of music lessons/commitments)

c) Saturday afternoons are to be restricted to the House

d) Day Boarders may go home at 9.00 p.m. Monday to Friday

e) Saturday evening must be spent in Detention 19:30-21:30

f) Sunday must be spent in House

Rare & ranks next to rustication or suspension. Used whenever a very serious offence has occurred. It is only issued by the Deputy Head or Head.

You will report to the Deputy Head’s Office at regular times

You will also receive a Saturday night detention as part of the gating

The House staff strive to develop a relationship based on courtesy, mutual trust and open communication with the students in their care. Our discipline is based on care, concern and mutual responsibility. House Sanctions are decided in partnership with the HsM & the House Prefects at the beginning of the year and all the appropriate sanctions are agreed. Typical misdemeanours can include missing breakfast, being late for roll-call, misbehaving during prep, late return on Saturday night, missing or talking in Chapel, chewing gum, untidy room or incorrect uniform (no blazer, top button undone, too much make up/ jewellery). This may seem little and appear insignificant, but they can lead to bad habits and a poor reputation! We expect high standards from every Jacksonite and any infringement is taken seriously.

Lost Property

All valuables and personal items must be clearly labelled and kept secure when not in use. Small items may be stored the Lost Property Jar in the Duty Office. Unlabelled lost clothing is collected and placed in a box in the Lost Property Box in the House laundry. Unclaimed items are donated to charity at the end of every term. Lost items of significant value e.g. wallets, phone, jewellery are kept in the duty safe until collected.

In a house of 70+ teenagers, it is unfortunately inevitable that items can go missing. Boarders are discouraged from borrowing other girls clothing, jewellery and other personal belongings. Girls who lose borrowed items are liable for the replacement value of the item. While every effort is made to ensure the safety of articles, the House does not hold any responsibility for lost or stolen items. Whilst in most cases, items reappear quite quickly, in the unlikely event it does not, the missing item should be reported to the duty member of staff as soon as possible. The protocol for valuable items missing from house is as follows:

Valuable Missing Items Protocol

1. Pupil to notify House Staff of missing item asap

2. Pupil to check the following areas: dorm, kitchen, common room, function room, duty office, foyer, laundry room, boot room, last known whereabouts

3. Please write a ‘post’ on the “Lost Property’ channel on the House Teams

4. Pupil to announce missing item at next sign in

If the item has not be found or returned in the next 24 hours, then the follow action should be taken:

1. Re-announced at House Meeting by Pupil

2. Pupil to ask duty staff to send an email to other HsM / Resident Staff if there is a possibility it is not in house

3. If suspicion of theft, then HsM to consider room search

Whilst undesirable, searchesof boarders’ possessionsandpersonal belongingsmaywell benecessarytonegaterisk, harmtopupilsorstaffortohelpinreturning‘lostitems’.Inthese situations, Staff will be careful to follow the school search policy. Room searches may be required when there is suspicion that stolen items are being concealed or if materialsthatareeitherillegalorareagainsttheCollegerulesarebeinghidden.

If the item is found or returned:

1. To be announced at House Meeting that item is returned

2. Valuable missing item log updated

If the item is not found or returned:

1. Valuable missing item log updated

2. Half termly review of missing items (Exeat / Half Term / Exeat / End of Term)

3. Any items still missing to be announced in final House Meeting before the break in term

Survey s and Suggestion Boxes

By the laundry room door on the ground floor you will find the ‘Westal Suggestion Box’. This is a useful tool to share ideas or concerns confidentially. Whilst we hope that you will feel able to talk with us, we do find that an anonymous tool is very useful. We do ask that your comments are respectful and polite, and that they give us relevant information to make the changes that you desire.

Each term, the House will be sent a survey to canvas ideas and suggestions about life in Westal. It is an opportunity to let us know what you are enjoying and if there is anything else you may like to introduce in house. Obviously, we are limited by budget and time, but we are always keen to hear your ideas and action change. This should not be the mechanism to confront whole school rules; pupils should utilise their Pupil Voice Committees and School Council to this effect.

Day Board ers Information

Day Boarding at College is designed to give parents who live fairly locally some flexibility in having their child at home as well as giving them a boarding experience. Currently Day boarders can board for up to 44 nights in the Autumn term, 35 nights in the Spring term and 32 nights in the Summer term. The distribution of the allocation is based on the length of terms. ‘Unused Nights’ cannot be carried over from one term until the next. Additional nights can be added but there will be an additional charge of £37.00 per night. All Day Boarders have their own bed (it is not used by other Day Boarders when they are not in) and have their own study in the 6th Form. Parents will receive an electronic form at the beginning of the year to complete your regular boarding nights but for any changes to your normal routine please let us know the plan for the coming week by Thursday the preceding week.

HouseNight - We have a House night when everyone is in House this is a Tuesday, so we request that this is one of your regular nights in school.

Signing in and out - All day boarders must use the iPad in the foyer to sign in and out when coming back to school or going home. Matron will check at 8:15 and Resident Staff in evening to confirm that everyone is where they are meant to be. To avoid any phones calls home, do get into this habit quickly. We will use sanctions if you keep forgetting as this is essential to your safety!

Absence - All day pupils are responsible for letting their Housemistress know by 8.00, via their parents, of any absence. Parents should email Mrs Lang, your tutor and westalmatrons@cheltenhamcollege.org.

Weekends - Day Boarders may return home after their Sport Commitment on a Saturday. Thereafter, given the fundamental nature of the College as a boarding school, they must respect the limitations placed upon boarders and recognise that, if they do not do so, they will be treated in the same way as boarders. We have a maximum of 4 closed weekends a year where, barring an important prior commitment, it is the expectation that all Day Boarders stay for the weekend. There are a number of compulsory Chapel Services that all Day Boarders are expected to attend e.g. Remembrance Sunday.

H ouse Charity

Each House at College has the opportunity to support a charity or two. These are student run initiatives and the Prefect will lead of fundraising and awareness campaigns. Here in Westal we aim to support two charities, one through raising funds and awareness and the other through charitable service

Sadly our Westal community has been deeply affected by the devasting effects of meningitis and as a result we have been committed to supported a small local charity which feeds into the work of Meningitis Now ‘A Life for a Cure’ was founded as both a legacy and to help raise valuable funds in search of the ultimate vaccine and making others aware of how meningitis can affect young adults. This Bristol charity run purely on a voluntary basis is simply about working together to stop other amazing young lives being lost to meningitis. So far the charity has raised over £563,065.30

https://ryanbresnahan.org/

The second charity is a new initiative instigated by the House Prefects to encourage Westal girls to volunteer and give back to the community, helping to combat some of the negative impacts of the pandemic. Springbank Community Group CiC established in March 2020 as a result of the emerging Coronavirus Pandemic that was sweeping the United Kingdom.

Initially making up and delivering food parcels to families and individuals in need across Cheltenham and Tewkesbury, Springbank Community Group CiC now runs a successful Community Food Pantry, Community Cafe, Cheltenham Household Essentials Project and are delivering open access Youth Work provision in parts of Cheltenham.

Huddles will help the directors across a range of tasks on a bi-weekly basis.

https://www.springbankcommunitygroup.org/

Health Care

Illnessintheschoolday

• If you are feeling unwell when you wake up in the morning, then you must inform Matron by 8:00am.

• If you are ill or injured in the house during the day, you must go and see Matron or the resident staff asap.

• If you need medical attention whilst at College, then you should go straight to the Health Centre.

• The House Staff and Matrons all have First Aid training

Illnessinthenight

If you are ill during the night, it is essential that you report to somebody and do not simply go to bed. We have a commitment to infection control, so you should also speak with a member of staff – don’t be embarrassed, we’ve all been there!

We may move you into ‘Sick Bay’ where you have your own bathroom or isolate you to your room for a period of time. Don’t worry, Matron will help provide meals in House and will be there to look after you.

If you need a member of staff in the night, please

• Check the duty board by the duty office to see who is on duty and then knock/ring their doorbell

• Upper College, you can ring the duty phone – please avoid texting as we may not hear this! If you do not get an answer straight away, keep trying. We work long hours and can get very tired so please persevere to wake us up!

• 3F & 4F – you are advised to wake a friend or older girl as they can help you get a member of staff and use their phone to call the duty mobile.

Duty Mobile: 07767 272 803

Importantmessage:

• We do not mind being woken up!

• If you can’t wake us, keep trying and get a friend to help you. Knock loudly and ring the duty mobile!

• You’re best to speak with us before ringing home as we are the ones that can help you first!

HealthCentreopeningtimes

Monday – Friday 08:00 – 18:00

Saturday 08.00 – 17:00

Please make appointments to see the doctor, dentist, optician etc out of school time, whenever possible.

Medication

*** You must not keep any medication in your room ***

• You must not keep any medication in your room as a matter of safeguarding others in the house

• All medicines must be handed in to the Housemistress or Matron. Your name will be put on it and you will have access to it whenever you need it.

• We have in house surgery at 7.30-7.45am every morning and in the evening for the dispensing of regular medication

• You will be expected to sign to say that you do not have medication in your room and any breaches will be taken very seriously

Off Games

• Off games permissions can only be issued by the Housemistress, Matron or the Health Centre.

• Anybody off games is not allowed into Town or Bath Road and should attend injury rehab clinic, rehab swimming or supervised study as required.

Who can I talk to ?

We all have worries from time-to-time, and sometimes it is good to talk to someone about them

Peer Mentors

Our peer mentor system and the family ethos of our House structure encourages you to look after each other! Each year group has a dedicated peer mentor who receives specialist training about safeguarding and confidentiality. You will find a list of peer mentors and their pictures on the ‘Support’ notice board in house. They will also make themselves available to you and meet you in the first week of term.

StudentLeadership&Prefects

The team of House prefects are vital to the running of the house and are always on hand to help out when they can. All members of the U6 will take all the sign-ins and help with putting everyone to bed at night and making sure people are up for breakfast. The Prefects are also, most crucially, the link between the members of Westal and Mrs Lang. They are always more than happy to listen to what you have to say if you do not want to talk to house staff, or just want a chat.

Matrons

Here in Westal we are hugely fortunate to have two wonderful Matrons; Mrs Matthews (Mon, Weds, Thurs & Fri) & Mrs Baikie (Tues & Sat). The Matrons are responsible for your health, hygiene and laundry. There are surgeries in the morning and they deal with all medical issues as they arise and teach you how to look after your clothes but most importantly there to support you, not to pick up after you! Westal would not run without these wonderful ladies and you will get to know them very well.

Housemistress, & Resident Staff

Your Tutor

Tutors are fundamental to your successful settling, organisation and support. Your tutor groups will meet daily for registration and to touch base and have two longer sessions (30 mins) each week as part of ‘Floreat’ You will have a one-to-one meeting for 20 minutes fortnightly with your tutor. Mrs Lang will maintain an overview of the whole year group, and all Resident Tutor’s will be a daily point of contact. For the majority of your academic concerns (sets, homework, progress) your tutor is generally the main member of staff to speak with.

Ifyouareunhappyorbeingbadlytreated

This is very unlikely, but should it occur, tell someone. Do not suffer in silence. Tell Mrs or Mr Lang, Head of House, Matron, Tutors, Prefects, friends or anyone you feel happy talking to. We are all good listeners and are here to help. Everyone gets a little nervous and upset from time to time. A problem shared is a problem that can be solved. We all want you to enjoy your time in House. If you have a specific complaint about a member of staff, a prefect or another pupil you should see Mrs Lang who may refer the matter to the Deputy Head Pastoral or the Head. Guidelines for the College complaints procedure are outlined in the Pupil Planner, College Handbook and on the College Website.

Miss Norval

Resident Tutor

Mrs Lang

Housemistress

Mr Lang

Assistant Housemaster

Mrs Brooke

Resident Tutor

Student Support Services

DirectorofPupilWelfare

Mrs Michelle Lucas-Halliwell

Psychotherapists(CollegeCounsellors)

College provides a counselling service that is open to all students and pupils. The service is free for at least the first three sessions, and from thereafter by negotiation, depending on the issue. DHP will provide a poster for the House noticeboard to display times and contact details of our College counsellors.

Mrs Rachel Melville-Thomas & Mr Stuart Hannah

IndependentListener

Mrs Fiona Wormsley

Advice

0808 800 2222

http://familylives.org.uk/how-wecan-help

Switchboard

https://teen.smokefree.gov/quitvaping/how-to-quit-vaping

a confidential listening service for the LGBT+ communities

https://switchboard.lgbt/

Young Minds Mental Health Support

https://youngminds.org.uk/

The Mix

a support service for young people under 25

https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support/speak-to-our-team

The MeeToo App

The MeeToo App provides a safe and secure forum for teenagers wanting to discuss any issue affecting their lives.

https://www.meetoo.help/

Whisper

If you have a problem or concern in school or at home, you can report it to a member of staff anonymously.

ChaplaincyTeam

Senior Chaplain

Assistant Chaplain

Chaplain

Confidentiality

Dr Adam Dunning a.dunning@cheltenahmcollege.org

Dr Adrian Samuel a.samuel@cheltenhamcollege.org

Dr Kerry Samuel k.samuel@cheltenhamcollege.org

Confidential means that you do not tell other people. It is an important principle that enables people to feel safe in sharing their concerns and to ask for help. However, the right to confidentiality is not absolute. Sharing relevant information with the right people at the right time is vital to good safeguarding practice. The only time we will break confidentiality and tell someone is if we think that you or someone else might be in danger, or if you give us permission. We would have a duty to tell someone to make sure that everyone is safe but we would talk to you about this before we do anything.

CollegePolicies

The school has many policies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils. The following policies can be found in the ‘Policies’ file in the Duty Office, online and some are displayed on the House notice boards. Some of the policies that pupils may wish to view include the following. Should you wish to view any of these, please ask a member of staff.

• Pupil Whistleblowing policy

• Alcohol policy

• Smoking & Vaping policy

• College Rules

• House Principles & Westal Charter

• Controlled Drugs policy

• Parent Complaints Procedure

• Policy on Searching a Pupil

• Pupil ICT Acceptable Use Policy

• Pupil Behaviour Policy

• Rewards & Sanction Policy

• A Pupil’s Guide to Dealing with Bullying & Cyber-bullying

• Relationships Policy

Whistleblowing

Cheltenham College is committed to the highest standards of openness, honesty, integrity and accountability. All pupils have the right to enjoy their education at College, free from fear of any form of abuse, whether that be physical, emotional or sexual. We expect all staff and pupils to maintain the high standards in accordance with our policies. However, all organisations face the risk of things going wrong or of unknowingly harbouring illegal or unethical conduct. A culture of openness and accountability is essential to prevent such situations occurring or address them when they do occur.

Where an individual discovers information which they believe shows malpractice or wrongdoing within, or associated with, Cheltenham College, or is themselves subjected to abusive behaviours that fall short of standards set out in our policies, then there should be identified procedures to enable the individual to disclose the information without fear of reprisal.

The Pupil Whistleblowing Policy sets out arrangements for you to raise serious concerns about malpractice or serious wrongdoing in ways that will protect you from reprisal, provided that any disclosure is made in accordance with this policy.

This policy applies to all pupils at Cheltenham College. It can be found online, on the House notice board and in the duty office file.

AVC 2023

Communication with House

Houses can communicate in variety of ways with your parents in a variety of ways including email and phone Key contact information and advice is listed below

You and your parents are encouraged to join our private Twitter and Instagram pages; we update this with photos of House events and activities throughout the year.

@WestalHouseCC @westalhousecc

Email

The most convenient way for your parents to communicate with us is by e-mail:

Housemistress Mrs Amy Lang

Assistant Housemaster Mr Tim Lang

Matrons

3rd Form Tutors

Resident Tutors

Telephone

Mrs Jordi Matthews

A.Lang@cheltenhamcollege.org

T.Lang@cheltenhamcollege.org

Mrs Claire Baikie WestalMatrons@cheltenhamcollege.org

Mrs Jordi Matthews

Mrs Holly Brooke

Miss Rebecca Norval

Mrs Holly Brooke

J.Matthews@cheltenhamcollege.org

S.Nishimura@cheltenhamcollege.org

R Norval@cheltenhamcollege.org

H Brooke@cheltenhamcollege.org

Westal Duty Mobile Westal Duty Office

07767 272 803 01242 265 677

Please remember that House staff have substantial teaching commitments and duties with the pupils which take us away from our desks. Time spent on our laptops and mobiles is time not spent with the girls! We will try to always get back to your parents within 24-36 hours, at least with an initial response.

When to call home

• In 3F & 4F please tell you parents not to call between 18:00-20:00 as this is when prep runs

• All electronic devices are handed in, but you have free time, and access to your mobiles, between 20:00-21:00

• You will also have access to their electronic devices between 12:00-16:00 on a Sunday

• House Matrons should be the first port of call for routine matters during the day for your parents as Resident Staff are likely to be teaching or coaching.

• The House Matron will be in touch directly with your parents should you require time off or an appointment with the doctor however low-level illness will be dealt with in house

A phone call home is not always the best option!

Independence of thought and problem solving are two of the key traits that houses work hard to develop in you all. A phone call home is sometimes not the most effective way to overcome a problem or challenging issue. Please speak with House Staff and Matrons or the older pupils, as a first port of call

House staff put your wellbeing and happiness at the very heart of everything they do. There will be times when emotions run high and you may not always agree with decisions taken. However, speaking face-to-face where appropriate, is more often than not, the best way for both sides to listen to one another in order to move forward with a decision that places your best interests at the centre.

House Life Photos

College Glossary

Academic Alert

Academic Demerit

APT

A warning received for poor or late prep giving 24hrs for improvement. Counts 1 point toward a Saturday night detention.

For poor behaviour in class, lateness or missing an Alert deadline. Counts 2 points to the 3 needed for Saturday night detention. For poor standards in class, missing prep deadlines, repeated lateness or not bringing the correct textbooks or equipment to lessons. 1 = ‘extra’ prep, 2 in a week = a Gating, 3 = a Saturday night Detention.

Academic Protected Time, whereby you can drop into a Department for help at various times during the week.

ASP Academic Support Plan: an agreement between tutor and pupil to ensure you are fulfilling your academic potential

ATL Attitude to Learning - the score (1-5) given by each of your teachers, appears on every school report.

Bath Road

Behaviour Demerit

The road running past College which contains local shops and food outlets.

For poor behaviour or attitude. 2 in a week = a Saturday Night Detention.

Block A4 writing paper

Chit A signed slip of paper giving permission for you to go into town

Classroom Re-Sit

Closed Weekends

College Field

Codes

Used by teachers if you are required to re-sit a test.

A weekend when no overnight or invite can be taken except in exceptional circumstances. These include the first weekend of every term and certain House events

The senior sports pitches in the centre of College commonly used for rugby, football and cricket.

For accessing the main and rear doors of the House. Often historically significant! You must keep them to yourselves and always ensure doors close properly behind you. Security is also your responsibility.

Colts 5th Form sports teams

Commendations

Commendation

Given by teachers for excellent effort or attainment. Counts towards House Shields

Queen Book tokens given termly to the girls with most commendations

CPT Creative Protected Time. Windows on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon for drama, music and Sports Science.

CSC College Student Council. Representative pupil body with three member of every House contributing feedback and initiatives.

Duties Chores in the House such as tidying kitchens, recycling or greenhouse duty

Dorm Your bedroom

Exeat Weekend long break to rest. Normally every 3-4 weeks.

Exhibitioner An academic accolade

Extra’ Prep Usually 30 minutes in a House Library to make good on any Demerit received.

Families (Huddles)

The vertical family units in House are made up of girls from every year. Led by a member of the Upper Sixth Full House Book token given to any pupil who gets a commendation from each of his teachers in a single term

House Committees

House Meeting

Groups of boys, one from each year, which meets three/four times a term with U6 Chair to make suggestions for both House and College. Excellent ideas spring from these committees and it is good fun too.

These take place in the Common Room at 18:45 during the week, 17:45 on Saturdays and at 19:30 on Sundays. They are compulsory unless excused for College commitments and a great way to pass on announcements and good new

House Night Tuesday nights when all boarders and day boarders are in House. Often the evening when you will play House sports, have a quiz or eat together.

Gating (weekday) On Tuesdays for Lower College, on Thursdays for Upper College. Supervised working time in full school uniform, in a classroom. No Bath Road time.

Health Centre (HC)

Building which homes the College Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and Student Support Services.

House Pots Inter-House competitions

HsM Housemaster or Housemistress.

Invite

Jacksonites

To go home, to a friend’s house or out for a meal on a Saturday or Sunday. Parents must confirm with AEL and you should be back for Chapel roll call at 1900

All Westal girls are referred to as Jacksonites after Mrs Sue Jackson, the first Housemistress of Westal

Junior Colts 4th Form sports teams

Lower College Third Form, Fourth Form and Fifth Form

Matron

Laundry

Mufti

A member of House staff who is central to helping you settle at College. They will assist with medicines, laundry, travel, appointments and anything else! Refer to them as Mrs (surname) and not ‘Matron’!

A means of keeping healthy and not becoming unpleasantly smelly. Weekly routines and instructions will be clearly explained on the noticeboards and by Matron.

Non-College kit to be worn after College commitments, in the evenings and on Sundays. Don’t bring too much, and make sure it is named!

Notification A notice via email, usually from a teacher reminding you (and alerting your Housemaster and Tutor) of any extension to work given or of first instance lateness or forgetfulness.

Off Games

If injured/ill see Matron at 08:00 and she will arrange for you to visit the Med Centre. If “off games” you will conduct supervised study and will often travel to fixtures to support your team

Post Mail that arrives for you can be found in post cupboard.

Private Side

The Lang’s home. You will be invited here often and should always feel that you can go and see them with any worries or questions

Quad Central area of College encompassing the entrance to the Dining Room, Chapel, Big Classical and the Chatfield-Roberts Library.

Reeves Satellite sports fields used predominantly for rugby, football and cricket.

1:1 Reflection Meeting Bi-weekly meetings with your tutor to discuss progress and potential.

Room Checks

RTs

SATIS

Saturday Night Detention

Carried out by matron every day to assess room standards. Great standards result in Matron's Hero, low standards result in the Dish of Despair.

The Resident Tutors/Assistant Housemasters. The life and soul of the House, responsible for many of your favourite memories and in charge of the House in Mrs Lang’s absence

A card on which teachers comment after every lesson. Used to monitor academic or behavioural underperformance

Supervised evening, in full school uniform, no laptops or mobile phones (usually includes a Sunday House Gating).

Scholar The highest academic/co-curricular accolade recognised with pink tie.

Sign Out

Whenever you leave Westal after 1800, or for any commitment not directly related to College, you MUST sign out in the book ad ensure your registered mobile is switched on.

Sign In Regular times when you need to come and register in House

SLT Shorthand for Senior Leadership Team who run College.

Sunday House Gating

Usually will be given with a Saturday Night Detention. No Town or Bath Road Time on Sunday.

Ties House colours, Prefect ties and “The Penguin Tie” for outstanding contribution

Town Central Cheltenham. Accessible at weekends with permission for recreation or eating out.

Upper College

Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth

Uniform Smart, clean, named, hung up if not worn. Uniform SATIS awaits scruffers

Valens

The lighter lunch option. Can be taken away

Yearlings 3rd Form sports teams

Thirlestaine Road

Cheltenham

Gloucestershire

GL53 7AH

Duty mobile

07767 272 803

Office telephone

01242 265 677

Twitter

@WestalHouseCC

Instagram

@westalhousecc