Boarding at Gordon’s School

A Guide for

Pupils and Parents

2014/15

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BOARDING AT GORDON’S SCHOOL

A GUIDE FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS

CONTENTS

Aims Introduction Houses

1. Behaviour and Discipline 2. Bullying 3. Child Protection / Safeguarding 4. Communication / Pupil Diaries 5. Complaints Procedure 6. Daily routine 7. Drill 8. Drugs 9. Electrical equipment 10. Environment 11. Fire drills 12. Food and drink 13. Forbidden items 14. Guardians 15. House prefects 16. House staff 17. Illness 18. Inter-House competitions 19. Leaving the school site 20. Meal times 21. Medical Centre information 22. Mobile phones 23. Out of bounds areas 24. Period 7/Saturday morning school 25. Personal appearance 26. Personal Social and Health Education 27. Pocket money 28. Prep 29. Pupil Voice 30. School Counsellors 31. Security of possessions 32. Sixth Form 33. Social activities 34. Support for Boarders 35. Transport 36. Visitors

KEY POLICIES

Behaviour and Discipline Bullying / Cyberbullying Complaint Procedure (Boarders) Electrical Equipment Form Guardians Trips and Visits

Other policies can be found on the School’s website: www.gordons.surrey.sch.uk

BOARDING AT GORDON’S SCHOOL

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A GUIDE FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS

AIMS

1. To create a happy, safe family atmosphere within each boarding House, which is supportive of the school as a centre for teaching and learning.

2. To develop a culture in each boarding House:

in which each pupil is treated as an individual, and with respect by other pupils and staff

which is based on good discipline, and high standards and expectations

which is both caring and demanding at the same time. Good parents are both caring and demanding of their children

which is based on tolerance, openness and trust in which teasing, harassment and bullying are not tolerated

where there is equality of opportunity and respect for all boarders, regardless of background or culture

which enables boarders to feel that they can turn to staff for advice and support during time of difficulty.

3. To develop boarders’ responsibility for self, for others, and for his/her environment.

4. To develop in boarders qualities of leadership, as well as being able to work as part of a team.

5. To provide opportunities for boarders to develop their individual talents through well structured

prep, private study and participation in house and school activities in an atmosphere which values effort and involvement.

6. To provide, particularly at weekends, a range of activities, hobbies and pastimes that will assist in the

personal, social, spiritual and moral development of each boarder.

7. To encourage pupils to have a pride in their House, both its physical condition and the achievements of its members.

8. To provide accommodation that is comfortable and suited to the needs of boarders according to age and

maturity.

9. To provide an environment that is, as far as possible, free from physical hazards and dangers of any sort. 10. To enable students to fulfil their academic potential through monitoring their progress, support and

intervention as appropriate.

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BOARDING AT GORDON’S SCHOOL

A GUIDE FOR PUPILS AND PARENTS INTRODUCTION This guide is intended to provide key information for pupils who are residential boarders at Gordon’s. The Houseparents are responsible for a pupil’s well being, safety and progress at school and parents are encouraged to contact them if they have any queries/concerns. HOUSES Augusta Stephen and Stella Long 01276 859716 augusta@gordons.surrey.sch.uk Balmoral Jamie and Tavia Duffield 01276 959719 balmoral@gordons.surrey.sch.uk Sandringham Simon and Helen Moore 01276 859724 sandringham@gordons.surrey.sch.uk Windsor Sue and Colin Broughton 01276 859727 windsor@gordons.surrey.sch.uk 1. BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE (Policy attached) Gordon’s School has an outstanding reputation for good discipline and the politeness of its pupils. This is partly because of the excellent quality of relationships between staff and pupils, our close contact with parents via the school diary system, and our very high expectations of pupil behaviour.

The School Policy on Behaviour and Discipline outlines the key principles and Houseparents have a major role in carrying out this policy. The policy has clear guidelines for rewards and sanctions.

The following sanctions are specifically excluded at Gordon’s: corporal punishment, deprivation of food, drink or sleep, the imposition of fines, intimate body searches.

All incidents are recorded in the House diary which will be monitored periodically by the Deputy Head (Pastoral). More serious incidents are also recorded in the pupil’s file and parents and Head Teacher informed.

In addition to the sanctions listed in the policy, sanctions specific to residential boarders include the following:

gating to the House Office

withdrawal from House activities/events

House detention

confiscation of property eg mobile/electronic game (usually for 24 hours)

extra House duties

temporary exclusion from boarding (usually 1 or 2 nights)

We have to be able to trust boarders even when we cannot see them. Any boarders who breach that trust may lose their boarding place.

2. BULLYING/CYBER BULLYING (Policy attached) At Gordon’s we believe that the starting point for combating bullying is to create a ‘culture’ where bullying is unacceptable. Every pupil has a right not to be bullied. Every pupil has the right to be safe and happy in the school, and to be protected when they are feeling vulnerable.

At Gordon’s the prevention of bullying is particularly important. At a day school victims can get away from the bully at the end of the day. In a boarding school they cannot. The school has therefore adopted a strong anti-bullying policy and it is a vital role of all House staff to enforce this policy. The school will take action if a pupil is found to be bullying or using social media to send unpleasant/offensive messages even if this takes place outside school.

3. CHILD PROTECTION/SAFEGUARDING Information on this is detailed in the Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy and Rob Pavis, Deputy Head (Pastoral), is the designated member of staff responsible for Child Protection Procedures.

Any complaint about staff behaviour should be made to the Head Teacher. Complaints which raise child protection issues will be reported by the school under local inter-agency procedures.

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4. COMMUNICATION/PUPIL DIARIES All pupils at Gordon’s School are issued with a pupil diary at the beginning of each term. The diary is an integral part of pupil life and an important vehicle for communication with parents. Houseparents have a particularly important role in monitoring the diaries of full boarders.

The diaries of weekly boarders are signed by parents/guardians each week and the diaries of full boarders by Houseparents.

House staff monitor and sign all pupil diaries weekly.

Houseparents should ensure that full boarders take their diaries home at exeats and half terms for signing by their parents/guardians. It is extremely important the parents of full boarders do see their child’s diary and this aspect requires close monitoring.

Parents are encouraged to contact House staff by telephone or email.

5. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE (attached) Boarders have the legal right to make a complaint if they feel they are not being treated fairly. Full details on this are explained in the complaints procedure pamphlet which is given to all boarding pupils at the beginning of the academic year. It includes contact numbers for an independent listener who can be contacted at any time (copy attached).

6. DAILY ROUTINE

Monday – Friday

7.00 am Wake up 7.30 am Roll call/registration 7.30 – 8.00 am Breakfast 8.20 am – 3.30 pm School day 3.50 – 4.50 pm Period Seven 4.50 – 6.00 pm Tea/free time 6.00 – 7.30 pm Prep (5 minute break at 6.45 pm) Roll call/registration Friday: 6.00-7.00 pm 7.30 pm onwards Free time 7.45 pm Evening snack in the Dining Hall 9.00 pm Roll call

Bedtimes Year 7 9.00 pm (lights out 9.30 pm / Saturday 10.00 pm ) Year 8 9.15 pm (lights out 9.30 pm / Saturday 10.00 pm ) Year 9 9.30 pm (lights out 10.00 pm / Saturday – 10.30 pm ) Year 10 9.45 pm (lights out 10.00 pm / Saturday – 10.30 pm ) Year 11 10.15 pm (lights out 10.30 pm / Saturday – 11.00 pm) Sixth Form in rooms by 10.30 pm

Saturday 9.00 am Breakfast 10.00 – 12.00 pm Saturday Morning School

Saturday/Sunday (full boarders only) Mealtimes may vary depending on activities, parades etc taking place.

7. DRILL All pupils in Years 7-11 have drill practice every Friday at 4.00 pm. Parents are requested not to make appointments etc at that time. 8. DRUGS There is a total ban on the possession or use of illegal drugs in the school. Any pupil found possessing, using, supplying or otherwise being concerned in any way with any illicit drug, or other harmful substances,

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may be permanently excluded. Pupils found to be supplying or selling drugs will also be reported to the police.

9. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (attached) All electrical equipment must be PAT tested for health and safety reasons. In order to keep a check on this parents are asked to complete a form detailing equipment brought in.

10. ENVIRONMENT Boarders share personal and collective responsibility for the environment of their House.

Each boarder is responsible for making his/her bed every morning and for keeping his/her personal area tidy and for cleaning up after him/herself in common rooms etc.

Pupils share responsibilities for general care of the communal areas which include hoovering dorms, emptying bins, loading dishwasher etc.

Houseparents are responsible for drawing up rotas to cover the above.

The kitchen is locked at night. Food and hot drinks must not be taken into the dorms.

A laundry system is in place which is organised by Heads of House.

11. FIRE DRILLS There is one night time fire drill and one day time fire drill, each term.

12. FOOD AND DRINK

Food and hot drinks should only be consumed in designated areas within the House and must not be taken into the bedroom areas. Pupils are responsible for washing up their own plates, mugs, cutlery, etc. Pupils are allowed to bring in their own tuck which is kept in tuck boxes/lockers.

13. FORBIDDEN ITEMS

The following are forbidden at Gordon’s School: alcohol, tobacco, drugs, pornography, knives/offensive weapons. Pupils found with these in school are likely to be excluded.

Aerosol cans can be a fire hazard and are therefore forbidden. Chewing gum is also forbidden.

14. GUARDIANS (Policy attached) All boarders, weekly and full, even if parents live close to school, are required to have a guardian who will collect the child and look after them if the parent is unable to do so. This might arise in case of illness, a disciplinary matter or at exeat weekends if the parent is unable to do so. 15. HOUSE PREFECTS

The role of House Prefects is to help in the efficient running of the boarding House and Houseparents are responsible for the selection and training of House Prefects. Prefects are not allowed to give pupils sanctions but may refer a pupil to House staff.

16. HOUSE STAFF

Each House is staffed by residential Houseparents, House Tutors (who are also teachers), a Graduate Assistant, a Gap Assistant and a Housekeeper. All these staff work together to supervise and support boarders during their time in the House. The expectation is that all staff should be treated with the same degree of courtesy and respect.

17. ILLNESS

If a pupil feels unwell, or has an accident, he/she must report to a member of the House staff who will decide whether to administer medication or send the pupil to the medical centre, doctor or hospital. If a pupil feels ill during the school day, he/she should report to the School Office (see Medical below).

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18. INTER-HOUSE COMPETITIONS

A wide range of Inter-House competitions are held across the year including all the major sports, Art, Music, Drama and the Drill Competition. All boarders are encouraged to participate in these teams as competition is fierce!

19. LEAVING THE SCHOOL SITE

Pupils in Years 7–11 are not allowed off the school site at any time (unless they are taking part in a school activity or specific permission has been given by their parents).

Parents of boarders in Years 7-9 who wish their child to attend a party and return to the House, must complete a permission form. Pupils in Years 10-13 who wish to go to a party may not return to the boarding House.

Year 10 and 11 pupils may go to the local shop (Shivs) between 4.50 and 6.00 pm on a Friday afternoon. They must ask permission from House staff, sign in and out, and must go in pairs. Pupils who breach this rule will be gated to the House for 2 nights from 7.30 pm to bedtime. If they repeat the offence, parents will be contacted and further sanctions may be imposed.

Heads of House and House staff are responsible for ensuring that all pupils (including the Sixth Form) sign in/out in the House Signing In Book. The log must be dated and previous records kept. Pupils must not sign other pupils in/out.

House staff take a roll call/registration at 7.30 am, during prep and at 9.00 pm. All boarders must be present at these times.

Leaving the site at weekends All pupils leaving the school site must inform House staff and sign in and out. They must follow the guidelines below, seek permission from House staff and sign in/out. At least one pupil in the group must carry a mobile. Year 7 – to West End in groups of at least 3 Years 8/9 – to West End and Lightwater in groups of at least 3 Years 10/11 – as above and Camberley, Woking in groups of at least 3. They may also request

permission to go to Guildford and this may be granted to suitably responsible pupils at the Houseparents’ discretion.

20. MEAL TIMES

Meal times are posted on the House notice board each week. The bell is rung five minutes before meal times and pupils wait for a member of the House staff to lead them to the dining room.

When the school is in session normal school uniform is to be worn for meals.

21. MEDICAL CENTRE INFORMATION STAFFING: Mrs Julie Unsworth (RGN) (Senior Nurse) Mrs Jenni Beresford (RGN) Mrs Jackie Monk (RGN) Mrs Sharon Fox (First Aider) HOURS: MONDAY to FRIDAY Staffed from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm SATURDAY Staffed from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm PARADE SUNDAYS Staffed from 9.30 am to 12.00 midday

Outside these times cover is provided on an ‘ON CALL’ basis. Contact numbers and other details of the on call service are published weekly in ‘THE BULLETIN’.

SURGERY HOURS MONDAY to FRIDAY 8.00 – 8.30 am 10.30 – 10.45 am

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12.40 – 1.25 pm 3.30 – 3.45 pm 4.50 – 5.50 pm

SATURDAY 9.30 am – 12.00 pm Outside surgery times pupils should not attend the Medical Centre without prior telephone contact from the house staff or school office staff.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES

All medication must be handed to Houseparents or to Medical Centre staff unless otherwise agreed

by all relevant parties.

All medication brought from home should be in its original container and must be clearly labelled with the child’s name and accompanied by written authorisation and instructions from the parent/guardian including full details of: dosage and method, timing, any special precautions and side effects.

Gordon’s School will only accept responsibility for medicines brought in to school which are approved by the Medical Centre. The school cannot accept responsibility for medicines brought from abroad or herbal remedies.

22. MOBILE PHONES/IT EQUIPMENT

Pupils in Years 7 and 8 hand in their mobiles at night while older pupils are allowed to keep theirs. However, if they abuse this privilege it will be withdrawn. Any pupil who abuses the use of mobiles/IT equipment after lights out may have the item confiscated for 48 hours. Repeated offences will lead to further sanctions.

Parents must ensure that any devices which allow access to the internet have filters to prevent viewing inappropriate material. This is to protect the owner of the IPhone etc and other pupils.

Mobile phones/IT equipment are the responsibility of pupils and unless they are handed in to House staff, the school cannot be held responsible for their loss or theft.

23. OUT OF BOUNDS AREAS

These are displayed on notices in the Houses. Pupils must not go into the out of bounds areas at any times for health and safety reasons.

24. PERIOD 7/SATURDAY MORNING SCHOOL

All pupils participate in these activities which are led by Ms Cath Holmes (Director of Co-Curricular). Midweek pupils wear either green school uniform or school PE kit; on Saturday Mornings, pupils wear school PE kit or House hoodies/school tracksuit bottoms.

25. PERSONAL APPEARANCE

Gordon’s School has an outstanding reputation for high standards and expectations. This also applies to school uniform. Pupils are expected to adhere to these standards and school uniform is to be worn during normal school hours and during prep.

The following details should be noted:

BOYS

Hair must not be too long or excessively short, shaved or coloured.

Boys’ trousers should be light grey and not tapered.

Shoes should be formal and not “fashion” or pointed.

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GIRLS

Girls’ skirts must be at least knee length at the beginning of each term to allow for growth.

Hair should be neat, not excessively coloured and should be tied back with a plain band.

Make-up/nail varnish is not allowed. This includes mascara and foundation/face make-up.

Girls are only allowed one earring in the lobe of each ear – no other piercings are allowed.

Jewellery is not allowed.

Shoes should be robust, plain and formal, of matt black leather (not patent). “Ballet” style shoes are not allowed.

Girls should wear white ankle socks in Summer and 70 denier tights at other times.

ALL PUPILS

The top button of the shirt must be fastened at all times.

Ties should reach the waistband – 7 stripes should be visible.

Shirts must be tucked in, not “folded” or hanging out. Please ensure your child’s shirt is long enough to tuck into the waistband of skirts/trousers.

Boarders are allowed to wear their own clothes after 7.30 pm on weekdays and after Saturday Morning school.

26. PERSONAL SOCIAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION All pupils at Gordon’s have an hour a week of PSHE. Topics covered include ways of combating bullying, sex education, drugs education, social education, citizenship and careers. Many of these impinge on boarding aspects and there is good liaison between PSHE and boarding as they are both mutually supportive.

27. POCKET MONEY Houseparents are responsible for pocket money and establishing an organised and secure procedure for

distributing it. We encourage boarders to have their own bank account before they join us which allows parents to manage their own child’s money. However, parents may prefer to ask the school to administer pocket money and a system is in place to do this. Any money held by pupils is their responsibility.

28. PREP

Prep takes place from Monday to Thursday from 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm (Friday to 7.00 pm) There is a five minute break at 6.45 pm

The dress for prep is school uniform. PE kit is not permitted

Year 11 pupils may do prep in their own rooms at the discretion of Houseparents

29. PUPIL VOICE All Houses hold House Committee meetings which give pupils opportunities to express their views and make requests for changes/improvements to the Houses. We encourage pupils to contribute their views either by acting as a rep or passing views on to other members of the committee

We hold termly meetings with overseas borders and there is a termly meeting of the Boarders’ Council where matters pertinent to boarders can be raised. Other school wide opportunities include Food Committee, Pupil Voice and School Council meetings.

30. SCHOOL COUNSELLORS

We have 3 counsellors who are based in the Medical Centre for 2 days a week. Boarders may self refer or parents/Houseparents who feel counselling would be of benefit may request referral.

31. SECURITY OF POSSESSIONS All boarders are provided with a lockable cupboard and are responsible for the safekeeping of their belongings

Money, jewellery, laptops, mobile phones, musical instruments and appliances, CDs, etc, should not be left lying around - they should be securely locked away by pupils. Parents are advised to take out

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personal insurance to cover these items as the school cannot be held responsible for their loss or theft. Pupils must hand in any valuables eg passports, to House staff for safe keeping

All property must be clearly and permanently named

Borrowing of possessions often leads to difficulties and is discouraged

32. SIXTH FORM – see separate guide 33. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES (attached) Houses organise a range of trips, visits and activities in the evenings and at weekends. Parents sign in advance to allow their children to participate in House trips and visits.Twice a year a “Super Weekend” is held for all full boarders. Pupils are trusted to behave appropriately and safely on these occasions.

34. SUPPORT FOR BOARDERS Pastoral

Where there are specific concerns relating to a boarder the Houseparent puts in place an Individual Welfare Plan which is discussed with the pupil weekly and reviewed half termly.

Academic Pupils whose behaviour, effort grades or progress are giving cause for concern, are placed On Report, where staff comment on their progress in every lesson. An academic mentoring/intervention programme is coordinated by the Head of House to support students who are not fulfilling their potential. Parents are contacted if their child is placed on the intervention programme.

35. TRANSPORT

Organisation of transport to and from scheduled medical/dental appointments is the responsibility of

the Houseparents, Medical Centre staff or Gap Assistants.

Parents/guardians are responsible for organising transport for pupils at holidays/exeats etc although Houseparents will book taxis for pupils from CRB checked approved taxi companies.

We would ask parents to be aware of the drop off and collection times at the beginning and end of terms (Exeats / Half term 3.30 pm / End of term 12.20pm). Return to school 7.00-9.00 pm.

36. VISITORS

Visiting parents should report to House staff before seeing their child. Men may not go into girls’ dormitories.

Boys are not allowed in the bedroom area of girls’ houses and girls are not allowed in the bedroom areas of boys’ houses.

Rob Pavis Deputy Head May 2014