Westonbirt School Student Handbook by Westonbirt School

Student Handbook 2021-22 1

CONTENTS

PAGES

Welcome The School Day What to bring with you to school (all pupils) Uniform, Dress Code and Games Kit Communication Who to contact Key Members Of Staff Keeping track of your academic progress -Homework (Prep) Reports and Assessments ELT and Learning Support Extracurricular Subjects and Activities Finding your way around Looking after your health and safety Meals The Westonbirt Pupil The House System School Rules Complaints Behaviour and Sanctions What to do if you are worried Faith Boarding

3 4-5 6 7-12 13-14 15-16 17 18-23 -19-20 -21-22 -23 24-25 26-32 33 34 35 36 37-38 38 39 40 41 42-52

Welcome to Westonbirt I am so glad you are coming to join us and I hope you are looking forward to starting in September. I hope your first term at Westonbirt will be full of excitement and surprises. You will make new friends, explore new places and be able to show us all how well you can apply yourself in the classroom and beyond. Education here is very much about developing you as an individual and you have a responsibility in that, so I hope you take this opportunity and grasp it with both hands.

This handbook will help you become familiar with all the things that form part of daily life at Westonbirt. I suggest that you read the handbook before the start of your first term so that you will find it easier to settle in when you arrive at Westonbirt. You might like to share this with your parents too, but they also have their own handbook! We hope this will make it easy to look up anything that you need to know, but if you can’t find an answer to your question, please do ask! The staff and students here are all really friendly and they have all been new here themselves once, so they will know how you feel and be very happy to help you.

Mrs Natasha Dangerfield Headmistress

Enjoy your first term and I look forward to getting to know you!

Mrs Dangerfield Headmistress

THE SCHOOL DAY The First Day of Term Boarders should arrive by 5pm the day before the first day of term. If your parents are bringing you by car, they are welcome to have tea here between 4pm and 4.30pm. You may arrive in home clothes provided that your uniform is at school or with you ready for the following morning. New day pupils will be met in the great hall on the first day of term and taken to their tutor room. The Normal Working Day All pupils should register with their tutor group by 8:15. Day pupils enter the school at either the main door, Yeoman’s door, or the Sixth Form arch, depending on your age group. Your parents or the school bus will simply drop you in the morning in the main car park. Parents must follow the one-way system round the school grounds. Any pupils arriving later than 8.20 should sign in with Mrs Austen at Reception in the Marble Hall. If you are going to be absent through illness, your parents must let the school know by phone 01666 880333 or by email office@westonbirtschool.uk by 8.30am at the latest. For security and safeguarding reasons, you must inform Reception if you leave school at any point during the day for an emergency or pre-arranged appointment (also as and when you return).

Collection from school Pupils in Years 7-11 have the option to be collected early (at 16:30) if you do not have an activity or other commitment, but we must be informed in advance by your parents. If an activity or early collection is not selected for the final period of the day, you will be expected in supervised Prep until 17:30. The school buses leave at 17:40 sharp.

TIMINGS OF THE SCHOOL DAY MONDAY TO FRIDAY

SATURDAY *subect to change according to fixtures

8.15 - 8.20am

Registration

8.40am

Registration

8.25 - 8.40am

Chapel / Tutorials / Notices

9.00 - 10.15am

Period 1

8.45 - 9.20am

Period 1

10.15 - 10.45am

Break

9.20 - 9.55am

Period 2

10.45 - 12.00

Period 2

10.00 - 10.35am

Period 3

12.00 noon

Lunch

10.35 - 11.10am

Period 4

11.10 - 11.30am

Break

11.30 - 12.05pm

Period 5

12.05 - 12.40pm

Period 6

12.45 - 1.55pm

Lunch 1

1.20 – 1.55

Lunch 2

2.00 – 2.35pm

Registration and Period 7

2.35 – 3.10pm

Period 8

3.15 – 3.50pm

Period 9

3.50 – 4.25pm

Period 10

4.25 - 4.40pm

Tea

4.45 - 5.30pm

Activities & Prep

Timetable Before & After Lessons The school day starts at 8.15am and finishes at 5.30pm on Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, the day starts at 8.40 and finishes at 12 noon, though pupils taking part in extra-curricular activities or sports fixtures will often stay for the afternoon. The Saturday programme will be shared with you via your Year Group Team and sports fixtures and team sheets are found on the pupil portal (and the Games noticeboard in school).

Matches

Afternoon

Outings

In House events

Timetable for Lessons The normal school day is divided into 10 equal periods, plus 45 minutes at the end of the day for activities or prep. Most of your subjects will be assigned double periods to allow longer projects to be undertaken, so you will not have 10 different subjects every day! Your tutor will help you fill out your personal planner timetable so that you will always know where you should be for each period. Each classroom is given a name e.g., Courtyard Room A so you know 5 where to go.

Personal Items All your personal possessions and items of uniform should be clearly marked with your name. Required daily are: Westonbirt School Bag (Y7-9) - own school bag from Y10 IPAD/Laptop and protective case Water bottle (there are several refill stations around the school) Pencil case, including pencils and pens (a black handwriting pen is required for public exams in Key Stage 4 and 5), an eraser and pencil sharpener, ruler, scissors and a glue stick. Geometry set including a protractor and compasses Scientific calculator

Optional: Music instrument and case Tennis racket or other sports kit for private lessons Games Kit Pupils must keep their games clothing in school, except when taken home for washing. Games kit may be worn only for fitness or games. All kit must be labelled.

UNIFORM and DRESS CODE The school has a uniform and pupils are expected to wear it with pride and respect for the environment it represents. Your presentation should be important to you, and you will be asked to make sure that your shirt is tucked in, your skirt is not too short, and your tie is tied. Please do adhere to the school rules in support of this. All uniform must be correctly worn and in a good state of repair. If hair touches the shoulders, it must be tied back when in uniform. All personal possessions and items of uniform should be clearly and permanently marked with your name. No valuable jewellery should be brought into school other than a watch, which should be engraved with the owner’s name. Mobile phones are not permitted, so watches are encouraged. No jewellery may be worn with uniform except a cross (or religious equivalent) and plain stud earrings. Make-up and nail varnish are not allowed. You should keep your games clothing in school, except when taken home for washing. Games kit may be worn only for PE or games and all kit must be clearly labelled inside.

Girls Y7-11 You will need kit for the following main sports:

Autumn Term: Lacrosse, Netball, Swimming, PE and Health Related Fitness

Spring Term Lacrosse, Netball, Swimming, PE and Health Related Fitness Summer Term Tennis, Athletics, Cricket

Games Kit – Boys (Y7-11) You will need kit for the following main sports: Autumn Term Rugby, Basketball, Swimming, PE

and Health Related Fitness Spring Term Hockey, Football, Swimming, PE and Health Related Fitness Summer Term

Tennis, Athletics, Cricket

SIXTH FORM DRESS CODE It is a sixth form privilege to wear your own clothes, rather than school uniform, but dress still needs to adhere to certain standards and set a good example to younger pupils.

• ixth form students are expected to be dressed in business suits from Monday to Friday and at various school events. A top of any colour can be worn under the jacket and shoes must be smart. Boys should wear a tie. We recommend having at least two suits. A warm coat in navy or black is also a necessity. 12

SPORTSWEAR for SIXTH FORM From September 2021, the sixth form will be required to wear school sports kit in both their PE lessons and at any Westonbirt sporting events. Sixth form students may continue to wear their original (Year 11) kit, but should otherwise order from the website below: http://www.dbasportsapparel.com/westonbirt-school/

Students do not need to purchase everything but will need at least one set of kit. The website allows students to personalise their kit: you can choose what sport you would like written on your garments and can also choose to have your initials on the sleeve or leg. Students who represent the school will still be required to wear the Stevenson's school playing shirt and girls will need a skort and boys the school shorts.

COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION 14

Up to date information about school events and activities is provided via: The School Website - www.westonbirt.org The site is regularly updated with all kinds of information about life at Westonbirt School. You might like to give this address to your parents, friends and relations so that they can pay a “virtual visit” to your school. During the school year all pupils are expected to attend all formal end of term events, school concerts and plays, inter-house competitions and occasionally other events. This information will be available to you and shared with your parents but is also available on your and your parents’ portals. If you are a day pupil you are welcome to stay for supper or for Saturday lunch to enable you to take part in evening or weekend activities. If you wish to do so you must inform your tutor. The Pupil Portal - https://westonbirt.students.isams.cloud/api/homepage/ This is where you can view your timetable, house point record, school reports and other useful pieces of information. You will be issued with a login before the start of term. Your School Email/User Account Before you start school, you will be issued with your school user account (for Office 365) and email address. You should log in at http://www.office.com with the provided email address and password. Email is accessible via the Outlook icon and you will be added to your year’s Teams group. Noticeboards There are various noticeboards around school detailing events, clubs, teams for sports fixtures and upcoming trips. Mobile Phones Mobile phones are not allowed during the school day and the school sees no reason for them to be in at all, as there are plenty of phone lines you can use in case of emergency. IF you do bring your phone in, it should be left in your locker or boarding room and may not be used between 8.15 am – 5.30 pm. In the main school, mobiles must be handed in to house staff at bedtime and may be collected during morning inspection. 15

WHO TO CONTACT – Lower School (Years 7-9) Your first point of call will usually be your tutor. The tutors for September 2021 are listed below with their email addresses. Some tutors share a group so you might have two teachers looking after you. Tutor

Year Group

Mrs Enel

Year 7

angela.enel@westonbirtschool.uk

Miss Crowley and Mrs Bell

Year 7

Catriona.crowley@westonbirtschool.uk / Joy.bell@westonbirtschool.uk

Mr Hopkin

Year 7

David.hopkin@westonbirtschool.uk

Miss Marsh

Year 7

Lucy.marsh@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Pyne

Year 8

Katie.pyne@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Stockwell

Year 8

josie.stockwell@westonbirtschool.uk

Mr Raw

Year 8

john.raw@westonbirtschool.uk

Mr Chatterjee

Year 8

somen.chatterjee@westonbirtschool.uk

Miss Fabre

Year 8

valerie.fabre@westonbirtschool.uk

Miss Cooke

Year 9

amy.cooke@westonbirtschool.uk

Mr Kimpton and Ms Millar

Year 9

hallam.kimpton@westonbirtschool.uk / nina.millar@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Joynson

Year 9

jane.joynson@westonbirtschool.uk

Mr Wilson and Mr Williams

Year 9

peter.wilson@westonbirtschool.uk / luke.williams@westonbirtschool.uk

Mr Hooper

Year 9

tim.hooper@westonbirtschool.uk

Each year group is also looked after by a Head of Year and then the Key Stage Lead. Heads of Lower School

Mr Jack Nichols

Head of Year 7

jack.nichols@westonbirtschool.uk

Miss Pilar Lop Gargallo

Head of Year 8

Pilar.lopgargallo@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Victoria Lander-Gray

Head of Year 9

victoria.landergray@westonbirtschool .uk

Miss Lisa Allen

Head of KS3 (Years 7-9)

lisa.allen@westonbirtschool.uk

Your subject teachers are detailed in your timetable and on the pupil portal (and you can email them directly from there).

Senior Leadership Team

Mrs Dangerfield

Headmistress

head@westonbirtschool.uk

Mr Balderson

Deputy Head (Academic)

simon.balderson@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Bradbury

Deputy Head (Pastoral), Head of Boarding

lisa.bradbury@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Gill

Assistant Head, Safeguarding

nicola.gill@westonbirtschool.uk

Ms Rogerson

Assistant Head, Teaching & Learning

helen.rogerson@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Shea

Director of Character Education

alexis.shea@westonbirtschool.uk

WHO TO CONTACT – Upper School (Years 10-13) Your first point of call will usually be your tutor. The tutors for September 2021 are listed below with their email addresses. Some tutors share a group so you might have two teachers looking after you. Tutor

Year Group

Mrs Ash

Year 10

hannah.ash@westonbirtschool.uk

Mr Ahmed

Year 10

imran.ahmed@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Griffin

Year 10

jannet.griffin@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Johnson and Ms Evans

Year 10

lizanne.johnson@westonbirtschool.uk / celia.evans@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Wagner

Year 10

rosemary.wagner@westonbirtschool.uk

Mr English

Year 11

andrew.english@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Marka

Year 11

rosa.marka@westonbirtschool.uk

Ms Murch

Year 11

sarah.murch@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Downer

Year 12

amy.downer@westonbirtschool.uk

Mr Mew

Year 12

alex.mew@westonbirtschool.uk

Mr Holland

Year 12

paul.holland@westonbirtschool.uk

Ms Sheehan

Year 12

tabatha.sheehan@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Price and Mrs Pople

Year 13

sally.price@westonbirtschool.uk

Mr Kendry and Dr Stimpson

Year 13

jon.kendry@westonbirtschool.uk / jane.stimpson@westonbirtschool.uk

Each year group is also looked after by a Head of Year and then the Key Stage Lead. Heads of Upper School and Sixth Form

Miss McPherson

Head of Year 10

Cassandra.mcpherson@westonbirtschool.uk

Miss Rhead

Head of KS4

Sarahjane.rhead@westonbirtschool.uk

Mr Lloyd

Head of Year 12

Oliver.lloyd@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Barnes

Head of Sixth Form

stephanie.barnes@westonbirtschool.uk

Senior Leadership Team

Mrs Dangerfield

Headmistress

head@westonbirtschool.uk

Mr Balderson

Deputy Head (Academic)

simon.balderson@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Bradbury

Deputy Head (Pastoral)

lisa.bradbury@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Gill

Assistant Head, Safeguarding

nicola.gill@westonbirtschool.uk

Ms Rogerson

Assistant Head, Teaching & Learning

helen.rogerson@westonbirtschool.uk

Mrs Shea

Assistant Head, Character Education

alexis.shea@westonbirtschool.uk

Your subject teachers are detailed in your timetable and on the pupil portal (and you can email them directly from there). 17

KEY SENIOR MEMBERS OFSTAFF Mrs Bradbury Deputy Head (Pastoral) Mrs Bradbury is responsible for the coordination of the school’s boarding and pastoral provision. Mrs Bradbury is also a teacher of art and lives on site with her family. The Pastoral Hub has an open-door policy and Mrs Bradbury believes in empowering pupils in order to help them become confident individuals with sound values.

Mrs Gill Assistant Head (Safeguarding) Mrs Gill's role of Safeguarding Lead means that her priority is the wellbeing of everyone in our community. To achieve this, she has an open-door policy allowing everyone to share their concerns. Mrs Gill teaches Geography and leads our Mindfulness Club.

Mr Balderson Deputy Head (Academic)

As Deputy Head Academic, Mr Balderson is responsible for all academic matters as well as our busy extracurricular programme. Mr Balderson has a particular interest in Artificial Intelligence and teaches Computer Science at Westonbirt.

Ms Rogerson Assistant Head (Teaching & Learning) Ms Rogerson enjoys passing on knowledge about how we learn best to Westonbirt students. Within the school Ms Rogerson leads the construction of the timetable and is the person to speak to about GCSE and A-level options and subject choices. Mrs Shea Asssistant Head (Character Education) Mrs Shea is looking forward to working with the school community to establish our understanding of character education and ensure that all students have the opportunities needed to develop their character.

KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR ACADEMIC PROGRESS The Tutor System You will be assigned a personal tutor, who will help you manage your academic work. The tutor may also teach you for a particular subject. He or she will give you a planner at the beginning of each year to help you organise your prep (homework). Your tutor will also help you sort out your timetable so that you can fit in your prep and any extras you wish to take such as music, tennis coaching or riding lessons.

You will be part of a tutor group of about twelve students from your year. Together you will see your tutor for registration. You will have regular one-toone sessions with your tutor and can arrange to see them at other times if you want to.

ACADEMIC PROGRESS HOMEWORK (PREP) - Key Stage 3 At Westonbirt homework is refered to as Prep. Pupils are set prep weekly acording to a prep timetable and are expected to work independently to complete it to the best of their ability. Prep helps students develop academically by supporting their memory and developing independent study skills and time management.

The table below sets out the prep expectations for each subject in key stage 3. However, this is the maximum and we will build towards this from Year 7.

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Subjects

Lessons per week

Prep time per week (mins)

Lessons per week

Prep time per week (mins)

Lessons per week

Prep time per week (mins)

Art

Computer Science

Performing Arts

20 (optional)

25 (optional)

English

French

Geography

History

Latin / Classics

Maths

Music

PD/Food

PE/Games

Science

Skills for Life

Spanish

Totals

5 hours 40 mins

6 hrs 50 mins

7 - 9hrs

ACADEMIC PROGRESS HOMEWORK (PREP) - Key Stage 4 and 5 At Westonbirt homework is refered to as Prep. Pupils are set prep weekly acording to a prep timetable and are expected to work independently to complete it to the best of their ability. Prep helps students develop academically by supporting their memory and developing independent study skills and time management.

Key Stage 4 The table below sets out the prep expectations for each subject in key stage 4. LESSONS Per Week

PREP TIME Per Week (Mins)

English

105

Maths

105

Science

180

Each Full GCSE Subject

Sport

Careers

SUBJECTS

Totals

Variable from pupil to pupil

Key Stage 5 In year 12, students are expected to do 5 hours of independent study per A -level subject, some of this will be set by the teacher, but students are also expected to work independently reviewing notes and reading around their subject. In year 13, students are expected to do 6 hours of independent study per subject.

REPORTS AND ASSESSMENTS It is important that you are an independent learner, sharing responsibility for your progress with your teacher so that you can achieve your potential. You must act on targets you set and refer back to them regularly.

In assessing your work, we want to help you to achieve your best standard. Our marking policy is designed to help you do just that. You will not receive grades or scores in your marked work at KS3. When we mark your work, we will recognise its positive aspects and give you written or verbal advice about what to do to make progress. We generally use two key phrases to do this: “What went well” and “even better if”. You should always read your feedback and ask your teacher if you are unsure about what to do. Reports and Grade Cards To help you keep track of your academic progress, your parents will receive written reports and grade cards throughout the year. These will focus on your current level of attainment and effort in all your subjects. Your tutor will discuss these with you and together you will set targets and develop an action plan for improvement. Attainment Grades For Years 7-11, these will be the grades you will be expected to achieve in the GCSE examination in each subject, if you continue to work as you are currently. For Years 12 and, these will be the grades you are expected to achieve in the final A-level and BTEC examinations if you continue to work as you are currently.

REPORTS AND ASSESSMENTS (cont.)

Effort Grades These are awarded using the most appropriate descriptors from the following criteria.

Grade 1 pupils always work very hard and concentrate in every single lesson. They: - are always punctual - are always fully equipped for all lessons - are always eager to share their ideas and contribute to class discussions - always challenge themselves - can work independently for a sustained period - always take great care with the presentation of their class work and prep - ensure that prep is always completed to a good standard and handed in on time Grade 2 pupils usually work very hard and concentrate well in most lessons. They are: - are usually punctual - are usually equipped for all lessons - are usually willing to answer questions and share ideas - usually try hard with the work set and ask for help when needed - can work independently for a limited period of time - usually take care with the presentation of their class work and prep - ensure that prep is usually completed and handed in on time

Grade 3 pupils sometimes work hard and concentrate well in some lessons. They: -are sometimes late for lessons -sometimes fail to bring all the equipment needed for lessons -sometimes need to be encouraged to answer questions and share ideas -complete the work set but don’t always try their hardest or work as quickly as they should -have difficulty working independently -do not always present work at the expected level -make an effort but prep is sometimes handed in late or incomplete Grade 4 pupils have significant issues that are impeding their learning. They: -are often late for lessons -rarely have all the equipment they need for lessons -often do not pay attention in class -rarely complete a task as well as they could or as quickly as they should -do not make enough effort to work independently -make little effort to present their work as well as they could -often hand their prep in late in late and/or not completed

Obviously, you should aim to receive the highest grade possible! 23

ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRAINING (ELT) If you are an international student, you will have extra lessons in English language in order to improve your language skills and help you with your lessons. You will be tested during the first week of school to determine an appropriate schedule of lessons. You will then be prepared and entered for the Cambridge English Language Assessment examinations appropriate for your level. Please visit the Cambridge website for more information about these examinations – http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/ ELT is a requirement for all overseas pupils until you have acquired complete proficiency in all the skills of the language. You will continue with ELT until the completion of Year 13. Sixth Form - IELTS Preparation for the IELTS examination is part of your Sixth Form commitment and training begins immediately on arrival with the aim of achieving the required score towards the completion of Year 13 or before. Please visit the IELTS website for more information about this examination - http://www.ielts.org If you have any questions about ELT, please contact Mrs Enel: angela.enel@westonbirtschool.uk

LEARNING SUPPORT Some pupils will have additional sessions in their schedule to give them extra help with lessons. All pupils will be assessed in the first week of term to see if they would benefit from additional support. If you have any questions, please contact Ms Reuter, Head of Learning Support: polly.reuter@westonbirtschool.uk

EXTRACURRICULAR SUBJECTS, ACTIVITIES AND PREP

Extracurricular Tuition Extra-curricular subjects are those you take outside of your usual timetable of lessons. At Westonbirt, you can take extra lessons in Speech and Drama, Speech Improvement (Public Speaking), Music and Singing, Tennis, Cricket, Golf, Horse-riding and Polo. You can take lessons on your own, in a pair, or sometimes in small groups. These lessons are charged, so your parents have been sent the details of how to sign up. Once you have found out when your lessons are, you must add them to your planner in order to make sure you remember to attend on time!

An additional activities programme is run at Westonbirt with clubs such as the Debating Club, Astronomical Society, Breakfast and Politics, Science Club, Cricket Nets, Duke of Edinburgh, Running, Rounders, History of Art, Calligraphy, Eco Club, Programming, Yoga and Mindfulness taking place at lunchtimes and in the final period of school (P11). You will be emailed an electronic form to choose your activities before the start of term. You are expected to select at least three balanced activities each term and commit to attending these. These activities will be added to your timetable. Any pupils in years 7-11 that have not selected an activity for the last period of a day can register for early collection or will otherwise be expected in supervised prep in the room allocated to them in their timetable. 26

FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND We are lucky to have such a big and impressive building with beautiful grounds, but when you first come here you may wonder how you will ever find your way round. You may also hear some unfamiliar names used for some of the building which may confuse you.

Once you’ve been here a little while you’ll soon get to know where everything is, and it will quickly become your second home. Most of your lessons will take place in the classroom courtyard and so you’ll only have to walk a few metres between classes. If you’re coming into Year 7, you’ll even be escorted from one lesson to the next for the first week so you shouldn’t have the chance to go astray! If you do get lost, don’t panic - just ask another pupil or member of staff and they’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. If you can’t find anyone to ask, knock on the nearest door, until you find someone who can help. Here are some of the more unusual names of parts of the building, followed by some detailed maps, which we hope will help you get to know your way round without too many problems.

Chapel The school Chapel is St Catherine’s, which was once the parish church for Westonbirt village. It is in the school grounds, near the main school building. When we talk about going to church here, we mean going to one of the school’s services in the Chapel.

Clock Door This is the doorway under the clock tower in the kitchen courtyard. It has a keypad for entry 24 hours a day and the code is changed each term. If you get locked out, use this door, or you can always ring the doorbell, and someone will let you in.

Confiscation Cupboard This is where lost or confiscated property is taken and can be found next to the Safeguarding office (across from Computer Science). It remains open and operates based on trust.

Great Hall This is the main school hall, with the organ at one end.

Hades This is the name given to one of our locker rooms, so named because it can seem like the underworld!

Health and wellbeing centre (HWC) This is the school’s medical centre, staffed by resident qualified nurses to look after your healthcare needs. There is always a nurse on site, at any time of day or night. The Nurses will decide when you need to see the school doctor, who is based just down the road in Tetbury, and, if you are a boarder, will also make appointments for you to see other specialists, such as an optician or dentist. The HWC is found in the Main House on the 3rd floor. Italian Gardens These are the walled gardens behind the Camellia House and out of bounds unless you are in Sixth Form.

Lake This is a stunning area of the school site, but is out of bounds to students, except for the sixth form, or when visiting with a member of staff. Marble Hall This is the main entrance hall where visitors are greeted at the reception desk. The hall gets its name from the marble used to decorate the room. Your parents should use the Marble Hall entrance if they are coming to visit you. Please go to the Receptionist, Mrs Austen, to register if you are late in the morning, or if you have any general questions. North Lodge This is the main entrance gate into the school grounds, opposite Westonbirt Arboretum, the start of the one-way system.

Oak Stairs These are next to the Great Hall and are out of bounds to all students.

Orangery This is our theatre, in the Drama Department. It used to be a conservatory where oranges were grown which is how it got its name.

Piccadilly This is the name we use for the car park in front of the school. Your parents or the school bus will drop you off here.

Red Stairs These stairs lead from the Head’s offices to Badminton House. They are out of bounds to all students. Tetbury Door

This is the door next to the drama studio which leads to the path that goes down to the school Chapel. We call it this because the steps there came from what used to be Tetbury Railway Station. Westonbirt Prep This is our prep school for day boys and girls aged from 2 to 11 and is housed in buildings between the classroom courtyard and the Sports Centre. The Prep School often use the main school building for their events. Yeoman’s Entrance

This is the black door leading from Piccadilly into the main school building. This is the door used by day students. It is in the left corner of Piccadilly when you stand facing the school. It has a Keypad for entry and the code is changed each term. If you are a day student, you will most likely enter the school via this door each morning.

CLASSROOM COURTYARD

LOOKING AFTER YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY There are lots of people at school who will help you look after your health. The following notes tell you what to do if you have a particular health worry. Accidents If you have an accident during the school day any teacher will help you, then send youto the Health and Wellbeing Centre which is located on the top floor next to Beaufort House. If you are a boarder and have an accident outside of the school day, tell a member of your house staff i.e., your Housemistress/Housemaster or the House Assistant. Fire Procedure All students must acquaint themselves with the fire exits and observe the fire procedure as outlined on the house or class notice board. When the fire alarm sounds, evacuate the building in silence and go promptly to Piccadilly car park where you should line up for registration with your tutor group. If you discover a fire, do not attempt to tackle it yourself. Exit the room, close the door behind you (if you can) and break the glass in the nearest red alarm box and then follow the normal procedure and evacuate the building. Illness If you feel ill during the school day you should go to the Health and Wellbeing Centre at either 8.00 am, lunchtime, break, or teatime. Only emergency cases, i.e. students who are really to poorly to carry on with their lessons, will be seen at other times. If you start to feel unwell during the evening tell your Housemistress or Assistant Housemistress, who will arrange for you to go to the Health and Wellbeing Centre if necessary. Allergies If you have any allergies, your parents should have notified the school. Your Housemistress, the catering staff, and the Health and Wellbeing Centre will keep all the details. If you are worried about your allergies, please tell your Tutor, Housemistress/master or Health and Wellbeing Centre staff.

MEALS, SNACKS and SPECIAL FOOD NEEDS

The Weekly Menu An interesting, varied and healthy menu is always available from our in-house caterers, Holroyd Howe. The current week’s menu is displayed on notice boards outside the dining room and on the Parent Portal, giving details of breakfast, lunch and supper. There is something different for every meal every day and repetition is kept to a minimum.

Special Note, re Nut Allergies There are students in school with severe nut allergies and therefore food containing nuts is not allowed in school.

Snacks Students are welcome to bring a small amount of nonperishable food from home, for storage in a tuck box. To supplement this, you may also use your pocket money to buy snacks from the school tuck shop, including sweets and crisps.

How Main Meals are served The meals are served in the dining roomas follows:

Special Requests If you have special dietary needs, e.g. an allergy to or dislike of a particular food – don’t worry, you won’t be made to eat it! Tell your Housemistress or Tutor before the beginning of each term and they will arrange for you to be served a balanced diet taking into account this need throughout the term. If you are given anything that you do not think you should eat, don’t be shy - tell a member of staff straight away. Vegetarians and vegans find our menus extremely varied and tasty.

Breakfast is a buffet style meal and you have your name ticked off on a register. Clear some of the table before you go; the last person to leave must clear it completely. Lunch is served buffet style and pupils sit on year group tables.

Supper is served buffet style. The Food Committee A group of students meet with a member of Study One and the Head Chef twice a term to discuss the menu. You will have the opportunity to contribute your ideas via food reps before the meeting even if you do not join the committee yourself.

THE WESTONBIRT PUPIL At Westonbirt, all pupils develop to be:

•Independent - to be able to make their own decisions and to be responsible for themselves •Confident - to engage with new life challenges and to learn to thrive in a safe environment, pushing their own boundaries •Compassionate - towards those around them and their environment •Resilient – to be secure in their abilities and prepared to meet the challenges ahead •Tolerant – to be glad to live and work in a global community •Respectful - of others socially, culturally and spiritually

•Dignified - in their attitude towards others and confident in their own beliefs and welcoming of those whose cultural values may be different from their own

•Reflective - thinking carefully about their actions and supportive of others •Intellectually curious – to be interested in the world and desiring to achieve academic excellence •Leaders - with opportunities for all to develop leadership skills and take responsibility •Determined and driven, passionate about learning and confident in their future. 36

THE HOUSE SYSTEM At Westonbirt there are four academic houses that you could be assigned to: Beech, Cedar, Maple or Oak. Each of these houses is made up of pupils from Year 7 all the way up to Year 13 who will become your housemates. You and your housemates will compete against other houses for house points in inter-house competitions such as sport, drama and music. You can also earn house points individually for good work and deeds, and for doing well in class. These points will contribute to your house totals and whichever house has the most at the end of the year will win the house cup! Debits are minus house points and can be given for poor behaviour in school. You should try not to receive any debits! You will find out which house you have been allocated to in your first week of school and will meet your House Staff Lead and your House Captain. You will also be given a pin badge that is to be worn on your school jumper to represent which house you belong to.

Being in an academic house is like being part of a team and you will feel a real sense of belonging. The allocation process is an exciting time with much anticipation as you find out your academic housemates for the first time. You will stay within your allocated house for the duration of your time at Westonbirt and if you have a brother or sister already in the school, you will be joining the same house as them.

SCHOOL RULES Classroom Code of Conduct – we expect students to follow these guidelines in all their lessons: •To arrive on time •To bring all relevant equipment and ensure you have your planner with you •To enter the classroom quietly •To sit where instructed •To use IT equipment as guided •To not use tippex; mistakes are part of our learning process •To listen carefully and follow instructions •To put hands up and to wait until you are invited to speak •To not interrupt a teacher or a student •To respect the views of others •To respect all property and equipment in the class or that which belongs to others •To leave in an orderly fashion at the end of the lesson •To work hard, to challenge ourselves and to meet deadlines for work set Bullying Bullying is behaviour by an individual or group that intentionally hurts another individual or group, and can be physical, verbal, mental or emotional and can be done in person or online. Whatever its nature, bullying is treated seriously as Westonbirt and never tolerated because: •It is against our ethos and values •It it hurtful to others and to the school community •It can cause great distress, unhappiness and damage. •It can also be a criminal offence

Courtesy We expect pupils to be compassionate, courteous and respectful towards others. We expect good manners towards staff and fellow students at all times. We do not accept bad language at any time. We would expect doors to be held for people behind you, litter picked up if you pass it, and the chewing of gum is strictly forbidden.

Fire All studentsneed to be familiar with the fire exits and understand the fire procedure as outlined on the House notice boards. When the fire alarm sounds, evacuate the building in silence and go promptly to Piccadilly car park where you should line up for registration with your House, in your dorm group. If you discover a fire, do not attempt to tackle it yourself. Leave the room quickly, close the door behind you (if you can) and break the glass in the nearest red alarm box and then follow the normal procedure and leave the building.

Locker Rooms You will be provided with a locker in which to store school items such as textbooks, files, PE kit and equipment. All items should be named.

Lost Property If your school items are not named and you do not store them in your locker, you will probably find them here, or ask your tutor.

Meals Attendance at all meals is compulsory, and registers will be taken by house staff. No food, cutlery or plates should be taken from the dining rooms.

Mobile Phones Mobile phones are not allowed during the school day and the school sees no reason for them to be in at all, as there are plenty of phone lines you can use in case of emergency. IF you do bring your phone in, it should be left in your locker or boarding room and may not be used between 8.15 am – 5.30 pm. In the main school, mobiles must be 38 be handed in to house staff at bedtime and may collected during morning inspection.

SCHOOL RULES continued Safety If you are going to leave the school site for a pre-approved appointment, you must sign out at Reception (and back in again when you return). All medicines brought to school must be handed in to Health and Wellbeing Centre or the Housestaff on duty.

Tidiness All litter must be placed in the bins provided and you should leave areas you use in the manner you would expect to find them. Any damage should be reported immediately. If you break or damage anything, please tell your Tutor or House staff.

Silence Pupils should be quiet at the following times: •during prep •when the fire alarm sounds •after lights out •as you enter Chapel •when you see the exam silence notices

Valuables Please do not bring anything of value into school, apart from yourself, or your laptop / tablet. Everyone is provided with a locker in which to store belongings safely, and if you look after your belonging and everything is named, we will generally manage to get things back to you.

Smoking and Drinking Cigarettes, vapes and alcohol must not be brought into school or used by students on school premises or when out on any school related trip or occasion. Use of them carries significant sanctions. Drugs are unacceptable and will result in immediate expulsion.

Boarders’ valuables should be stored in a lockable box or drawer. Cash, passports and tickets should be handed to housestafffor safekeeping when you arrive back at school.

Complaints Procedure If you feel that you have told a member of staff about a problem and it has not been resolved, you may want to make a formal complaint. There is a special procedure laid down for this which you should follow: 1.Discuss with your tutor or housemistress first. 2.If you are still not satisfied, you may take it further by discussing with your head of year or Key Stage Lead 3.If you still feel your complaint has not been heard, you may write formally to the Deputy Head Academic (Mr Balderson) or Pastoral (Mrs Bradbury), who will then register your complaint formally. 4.Within two days of registering the complaint, the Deputy Head Academic or Pastoral will speak to you to let you know that it is being attended to.

5.You may be asked to talk the matter through with the Headmistress. You may invite a member of staff of your choice to come to this meeting with you. This meeting should resolve the complaint. 6.If your complaint is about the Headmistress, you may address a letter to the Proprietor, Mr. S. Antrobus. 39

Behaviour and Sanctions Students who do not behave in a way befitting a Westonbirt pupil can expect the following sanctions: Sanction 1.

Types of Offence

DEBIT (minus house point)

Debit

Poor behaviour, lateness, missed prep, lack of equipment, incorrect dress etc.

Letter to parents

Accumulation of five debits in a term.

DETENTION

Key Stage Lead Detention

More serious offence / repeated debits, as appropriate. Poor work standards. Repeated debits over the course of a term, or three debits in a week.

Deputy Head Pastoral and Academic Detention

More serious offence / repeated debits, as appropriate. Missed academic lesson, prep., games, activities. Rudeness and anti-social behaviour. Repeated debits over the course of a term or three debits in a week.

Saturday Detention

Saturday detentions may be given for repeated or more serious misdemeanours.

3. REPORT CARD

Offences of more serious nature than the above, or persistent infringement. Smoking Unsupervised drinking (Sixth Form) Serious Anti-Social Behaviour Missing lunchtime or Saturday detention. Repetition of detentions. Rudeness to members of staff. Bringing the School into disrepute. Dangerous behaviour.

4. SUSPENSION

Significant instance of poor behaviour. Drinking alcohol (Years 7 to 11) Unsupervised drinking involving excessive consumption or supply. Vaping, smoking. Insolence or insubordination to members of staff. Bullying. Theft. Excessive physical violence. Significant abuse of IT facilities. Significant dangerous behaviour.

5. PERMANENT EXCLUSION

Sustained bullying or any serious act of bullying. Consumption of illegal drugs. Any offence deemed by the Headmistress to be incompatible with membership of the School.

SUPPORT CARD

A support card will be issued if it is felt a pupil would benefit from regular feedback and assistance if their behaviour requires. A support card is not considered a sanction. 40

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT SOMETHING We can all have worries, problems or difficulties from time to time which could be major or minor and which may affect either an individual or a group. You may sometimes feel upset by different things and feel you cannot manage alone, such as:

•problems with your work •difficulties with your friends •bullying or abuse by another person •suggestions or behaviour that make you feel uncomfortable Sometimes just talking to your friends, a member of study one (our prefects), to your parents or to a particular member of staff will help. Your Tutor, Housestaff or Head of Year will always be ready to listen. Reverend Alice, the School Doctor, the Health and Wellbeing Centre team, the Deputy Head - Pastoral, the Assistant Head – Safeguarding (DSL), and the Head are also available.

Some problems are best dealt with by individual contact with one person, but others may need to be dealt with by several people. It is entirely up to you to choose who you would like to speak to and you do not have to tell anyone else what you are doing. All of the people listed here would rather you spoke to one or more of them about your problem rather than worrying about it by yourself so please do not be shy of approaching them! If you feel that none of these can help or if you want to ask for help from someone who doesn’t know you, you may like to contact other people who are not involved in the day to day running of the school:

School Counsellor Annie Honeyborne is our school counsellor and appointments can be made via the HWC or by email: counsellor@westonbirtschool.uk / annabel.honeyborne@westonbirtschool.uk

School Listener Sam Hillier is the school listener and she runs regular drop-in sessions throughout the week.

If you’ve got something on your mind that’s worrying, however big or small, then you can come to one of the drop-in sessions or make an Support appointment via listener@westonbirtschool.uk. Childline

Contact Details 0800 1111 (Free phone)

Childrens Commissioner for England

0207 783 8330

Samaritans

Text: 07725 909090 08457 909090 (Free phone)

Young Minds

www.youngminds.org.uk

Mindfull

www.mindfull.org

Rethink Mental Illness

www.rethink.org Text: 07537 410022 0808 801 0606 (Free phone)

FAITH At Westonbirt we cherish opportunities for spiritual development. We are a Church of England School and so all pupils join in with our school acts of worship. Through the course of the week, we will gather with you for chapel, assembly or hymn practice. If you are a boarder, you may want to be part of the Sunday service too. Our Sunday services vary in style, and we often invite interesting guest speakers to these services.

On Tuesday and Thursday evenings we have a short service called ‘Vespers’ in the Great Hall before supper. We welcome all faiths; Catholic pupils may go to Mass in Tetbury on Sunday mornings and if you have another faith, arrangements will be made to support you. Christian Union meetings are held during Monday lunchtimes. All are welcome to come and explore how to grow as a Christian. During Lent we have a special weekend of activities to explore the Christian faith in more depth, but we work with all faiths to support the development of all our community. Religious Education is taught by Miss Allen and Miss McPherson. Our School Chaplain is the Rev Alice Monaghan. She is in school on Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays and for the Sunday Service. If you are thinking about being Confirmed, she will run the Confirmation Classes, which are normally offered to pupils in Year 8 and above. The Bishop of Gloucester or the Bishop of Tewkesbury will then visit us to take the Confirmation Service in Chapel. A similar arrangement can be set up for Catholic confirmation.

The Boarding Community 43

The Boarding Community Through boarding, pupils receive an enhanced education, which offers greater access to school facilities and a wide variety of activities. Boarders form a cooperative, tolerant and purposeful community where valuable skills such as leadership and teamwork are developed. Our aim is for every pupil to develop the confidence, independence and self-awareness needed to enable them to play an active and positive part in an ever-changing world.

Aims •To encourage, challenge and value each individual; promoting honesty, openness, tolerance and understanding. •To maintain a happy, disciplined and structured environment and to promote dignity, equality and respect.

•To cultivate self-confidence, independence and responsibility, with pupils being encouraged to always think about others. •To support the growth, development and needs of the whole person.

In Boarding we promote these aims by: •Producing an open and trusting ethos in which each boarder feels able to approach any other member of the community, staff or pupil, confident in the knowledge they will be treated and respected as an individual.

•Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of each boarder, by providing an environment that is safe and secure. •Providing accommodation that is suited to the needs of boarders, according to age and maturity, that provides adequate levels of comfort and privacy. •Providing a stimulating, enriching and forward-thinking environment for all pupils, where achievement, enterprise, creativity and leadership are nurtured and developed. •Providing pupils with the opportunities and structure in which to develop their own moral, spiritual and social values.

•Providing a range of activities, hobbies and opportunities related to age and maturity that will assist in the personal, social and cultural development of each boarder. •Providing opportunities for leadership and responsibility within the boarding house.

BOARDING AT WESTONBIRT 2021- 2022 KEY MEMBERS OF STAFF Mrs Bradbury – Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Head of Boarding lisa.bradbury@westonbirtschool.uk Tuesday AM off

Miss Sally Gould – Dorchester and Badminton Housemistress sally.gould@westonbirtschool.uk Wednesday Day Off, Friday AM Off

Mrs Stephanie Barnes - Sixth Form Housemistress and Head of Sixth Form stephanie.barnes@westonbirtschool.uk Tuesday Day Off, Thursday AM off

Miss Catriona Crowley - Sixth Form Housemistress catriona.crowley@westonbirtschool.uk Monday Day Off, Wednesday AM off

Mr Somen Chatterjee - Assistant Housemaster Somen.chatterjee@westonbirtschool.uk Saturday Day Off

Mr Simon Balderson - Assistant Housemaster Simon.balderson@westonbirtschool.uk

Miss Imogen Morris – Assistant Housemistress imogen.morris@westonbirtschool.uk Thursday Day Off

Dorchester & Badminton Housemistress, Miss Gould I have been at Westonbirt for nearly 28 years, and it seems so much shorter! I have a real passion for my role as Houseparent and the school as a whole. My Springer Spaniel, Strumble, and I live in the middle of the boarding house, and he loves nothing better than a walk around the lake with the boarders.

I have lots of different interests including History of Art, classical music, and the theatre in all its forms. I love nothing better than a trip to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival every year. Strumble and I spend our free time in Pembrokeshire, and he has already learned to chase the seagulls off the beach!

I look forward to welcoming you to Dorchester House where I foster a sense of living as a family. If you have any questions prior to your arrival, please do not hesitate to email me. sally.gould@westonbirtschool.uk 46

Assistant Housestaff

Mr Chatterjee Mr Chatterjee is our Head of Mathematics alongside his role in the boarding house.

Mr Chatterjee has three children and likes to cycle, swim and play chess!

Mr Balderson Mr Balderson is our Deputy Head Academic as well as Assistant Housemaster. Mr Balderson has a particular interest in Artificial Intelligence and teaches Computer Science at Westonbirt. He is also responsible for our busy extracurricular programme.

Miss Morris Miss Morris has recently moved from Edinburgh where she was studying for a Masters in Ancient History and Latin. Imogen enjoys kayaking, running, listening to music, baking and reading.

SIXTH FORM HOUSE Housemistress, Mrs Barnes Having worked at Westonbirt school since September 2018, I took up the position of Head of Sixth Form in September 2019 and assumed the care of the Sixth Form boarding in April of 2021, alongside teaching English and Media Studies.

I live in New Block (a Sixth Form boarding house) with my husband Ben, our two children, Sam and Chloe, and our two dogs, Teddy and Evie. Westonbirt's boarding community has always had a feeling of family, and this is something I am keen to ensure has longevity in this rapidly changing world. Pastoral care and the understanding of every pupil as an individual has always been what has made Westonbirt so special, and the care delivered by the boarding team really emulates this. I firmly believe that every pupil has the right to a good education and, more importantly, the right to happiness; that happiness cannot always be achieved solely by the individual and most often it takes a team, and a solid collaboration with home, to raise happy and confident young people - this ethos sits at the heart of the Sixth Form house.

SIXTH FORM HOUSE Housemistress, Miss Crowley I live in Old Block with my dog Hosta, who is an old man of a dog but hasn’t got the memo and continues to bounce around like a puppy! Within school I am also a Year 7 tutor and I teach product design and textiles. I also spend a lot of time working on the boarding calendar, making sure there are activities and excursions aplenty and that there is something for everyone to enjoy in the evenings and weekends. I love working in boarding because every day is different and it’s such an amazing opportunity to form relationships with pupils beyond what you would in a classroom. Outside of school I am a huge fan of adventure, I spend a lot of time plotting and planning trips to the west coast of Scotland which is where home is for me. I wild camp and have beach BBQs and explore little islands with my kayak. This year I started an adventure club at school, dragging not just club members but also boarders out to make fires in the woods and camp overnight. You don’t have to go far to have an adventure, sometimes all you need is your backyard and we’re very fortunate to have a pretty amazing ‘backyard’ at Westonbirt!

I am really looking forward to welcoming the next cohort of Year 12s into 6th Form and alongside Mrs Barnes I aim to create a busy, fun, social environment where 6th formers can feel an ownership of space and their time as they prepare for lives beyond Westonbirt. 49

House Facilities and Entertainment Each house has its own drawing room and kitchen as well as the dormitories. The drawing rooms include a television and DVD player. You may watch television after lessons & Prep on Monday to Saturday and at any time on Sunday. Each house kitchen has a microwave, toaster and kettle for you to use and a table to sit at.

The Houseparents and their assistants organise all kinds of entertainment at the weekends, including baking, riding, outings to Air Hop trampolining and the Cotswold Water Park and trips to the theatre, the cinema, for meals or shopping. We also make the most of the beautiful countryside around the Cotswolds including the arboretum next door!

You will be provided with three very good meals each day when boarding and the sixth form also have access to the school’s café and bar. Drinks and snacks are also readily available in all the houses.

All our boarding staff live within the boarding houses and most also teach at Westonbirt. They help to provide a sense of community in a homely environment and are there to personally support you and give you the guidance you require right through until you leave Sixth Form.

Our boarding house staff are all trained in first-aid and work alongside our school nurses to provide day-to-day medical requirements.

Boarding House Rules The boarding house is run mainly on trust and respect; hence the boarding rules are simple and straightforward, but it is important that they are followed correctly. Boarders need to keep all areas of the house clean and tidy regardless of whether they are communal areas or personal bedrooms. The staff will do regular bedroom checks. The boarders will also be required to join a kitchen rota for tidying away dishes.

Boarders can only enter another pupil’s bedroom when the pupil is present, or they have express permission from the pupil to enter the room. After activities/prep (P11), boarders can choose to follow a programme of activities devised for all boarders that includes going to the gym, sports hall, swimming pool etc. This programme is advertised in the house every term.

Weekend arrangements must be clarified in advance and the correct permission must be sought from both the parents of the boarder, the house staff and the parents of the pupils whose house they may be visiting. Under no circumstances must any boarder travel in a car, except for their family car, without the express permission of their parents and Housemistress. Boarders should ensure that they wash their bedding regularly and maintain their own high standards of personal cleanliness. The House signing out book must be used by boarders whenever students leave the school building in the evening or at weekends, e.g., to go to the Sports Centre, the tennis courts or out with parents. Students may only leave the school premises once they have received permission from House staff, and only then in groups of three or more. The main school is locked after supper, and students should then use the clock tower door.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS Your parents or guardians should make travel arrangements for you for the beginning and end of term and for term breaks, including exeats and half terms.

If you live in this country, it is most likely that your parents or guardians will bring you to Westonbirt and collect you by car at the appropriate times. If you live overseas, travel can be easily organised by speaking to your Housemistress. Firstly, at the beginning of term you must give your return details to your Housemistress. The school can organise transport to airports and local train stations at the start and end of term and at the beginning and end of half-term breaks (and at exeats on request). Where possible you will be able to share taxis, minibuses or coaches to keep the cost down, but this is not guaranteed. To book a place, you or your parents should contact your Housemistress and Miss Wilkinson, our Transport Manager, at latest three weeks before you plan to travel. If your parents or guardians wish to make travel arrangements for you at any other time or to other destinations, they should advise Miss Wilkinson of the details. If you are worried about your travel arrangements, speak to your Housemistress.

Your travel arrangements should be made to fit in with the school’s term dates, which are published at least a year in advance. Term dates can be found on the school website. Students are not allowed to return later or leave earlier than these published dates.

To contact Miss Wilkinson, email transport@westonbirtschool.uk.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU All items must be clearly named or labelled.

Home Clothes 1 smart outfit for formal occasions 2 tops 2 pairs of trousers or jeans 2 jumpers Underwear and socks Pyjamas, a dressing gown and slippers Clothing appropriate to the term's weather (warm coat, scarf, hat, gloves and boots, waterproof jacket, shorts and trainers Name tapes (extra)

Accessories 1 linen bag for laundry 2 mesh wash bags for underwear laundry 1 duvet 2 duvet covers, visibly named on outside corner 2 bath towels 2 hand towels 1 mug 1 medium sized 'tuck' box for storing personal items 1 small suitcase or bag for weekend travel 1 hot water bottle 2 plug adapters (overseas students) Toiletries (deodorant, shampoo, shower gel) 1 hairbrush, a shower cap and hairbands/ties as appropriate 1 nit comb (nitti gritti) Family photographs Pocket money!

Accessories for school 1 iPad, laptop or similar for schoolwork 1 iPad or laptop case (we recommend a bumper case) Music instrument and case (insured under your home policy) Water bottle (there are several refill stations around the school) Stationery, writing paper, pens and pencils, scissors, a ruler, eraser and a glue stick Geometry set including a protractor and compasses Scientific calculator

Tuck A small amount of tuck may be brought to school or purchased from the school shop.

Permitted Electrical Items iPads/laptops and their chargers Mobile phones and their chargers Personal music players/speakers Small clocks Hairdryers and hair straighteners Small travel adapters

NOT permitted* Desk lamp Oil filled radiator Fan heater Travel kettle Rice cooker Travel iron Electric blanket Mini fridge *though the school may lend as required 53

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU (continued) No valuable jewellery should be brought to school other than a clearly named watch. No jewellery may be worn with school uniform other than a plain cross (or equivalent) and plain stud earrings.

POCKET MONEY If you are a boarder, you must hand all your pocket money to your Housemistress Housemaster for safekeeping as cash (pounds sterling only please). It is useful for day pupils to hand in some money as it will save you carrying money around if it is needed for tuck, cake sales or non-uniform days.

Your Housemistress will let you take out money when you need it. You may take out small quantities several times a week and a larger amount on Saturday if you are going shopping. You will be expected to pay for the following items out of your pocket money: •items from the school tuck shop •charity collections •spending money for shopping trips •spending money on recreational outings (skating, swimming, cinema, etc)

We suggest that most boarders will need at least the following amounts:

Amount

Year 7

Resident in the UK

£50

Year 7

Resident abroad

£75

Years 8 & 9

Resident in the UK

£75

Resident abroad

£150

Resident in the UK

£75

Resident abroad

£150

Years 10 & 11

Please note: the school cannot accept responsibility for money that is not handed in to House Staff or for cash cards. Your parents may provide more money if they wish but you should all note that too much “topping up” will quickly undermine the principle of teaching you to live within your means!

The cost of transport and tickets for outings will be charged to your termly account, as will any books you buy from the school bookshop and stationery from the stationery shop. Your parents should set a spending limit for this account. Students who are resident in the UK cannot obtain cash from the Bursary. Students who are resident abroad can obtain cash from the Bursary for special needs such as warm clothes for the winter, but their parents must first advise the Housemistress in writing, specifying a termly cash limit.

We look forward to seeing you at school!