Statement of Boarding Principles and Practice for Kings at Downside

Introduction Kings at Downside is an International Study Centre based at Downside School. The Benedictine Community of St Gregory the Great on which Downside is based was founded in France in 1606 and by 1617 English Catholics were sending their children across the channel to be educated there. Downside moved to its present site in South West of England in 1814. Kings at Downside is independent of Downside but there is close and regular communication between the schools. Both schools share similar values and this is reflected in the policies.

Kings at Downside will take its first pupils in September 2017. In the first year it is anticipated there will be approximately 20 children but rising to a maximum of 50 in subsequent years. All pupils will be from overseas and be between 11 and 14 years of age. Courses will be of one-year duration. However, some children may be here for just one or two terms. The expectation is, that by the completion of their course, the pupils will have achieved sufficient language skills and familiarity with British Culture to move successfully and confidently to other UK schools to continue their education. However, some may return to schools in their own countries to complete their studies.

In the first year boarding and academic life will be based at Kings House, which is situated in the extensive grounds of Downside. There will be many opportunities for Kings at Downside pupils to integrate and enjoy facilities within the main school. Pupils will be from a variety of different faiths but will be expected to attend Mass in the Abbey on Sundays and festivals and uphold Christian values.

The aims of Kings at Downside are to provide a safe, happy, caring and disciplined learning and boarding environment in which boys and girls from around the world can grow and mature. Pupils will be encouraged and supported to achieve personal growth alongside the best learning outcome for their individual circumstances, ability and needs.

We will do this by  Providing an environment where pupils can develop their English language skills and also enjoy a full and varied curriculum in Science, Mathematics, Creative arts, Humanities and Sport.  Having a well-managed Boarding House that meets both the physical and emotional needs of young people whilst they are in our care.  Guiding pupils in cultural, social, spiritual and moral areas as well as providing a programme for personal development.  Encouraging pupils to take a full and active part in the school community and become responsible, self-disciplined and respectful young people.  Fostering pupils’ own talents and encouraging them to aspire to individual high achievement in all areas.

of 4 Page 2 of 4 Enrolment

Pupils will be tested in both Mathematics and English before they are accepted onto the programme. The children will also be interviewed with their parents and assessed for their suitability to benefit from the Kings at Downside life. They will be made aware that Downside School is based on a Catholic foundation. Pupils will be provided with relevant pre-arrival details and advice before they leave their own country. Relevant information concerning health and educational history will be obtained prior to arrival.

Staffing

Kings at Downside will be led by the Centre Director who will work closely with each child to monitor progress and well-being. In the Boarding House a House Parent (reporting to the Centre Director) and her deputy will be responsible for the children. Evening and weekend supervisors may support the House staff (depending on pupil numbers). Each pupil will also have a Tutor who will be responsible for guiding the learning and pastoral care of each child in his or her care. There will be regular staff meetings involving both boarding and academic staff and care will be taken to ensure parents and guardians are kept up to date with academic progress and all relevant pastoral matters. There will also be regular meetings between the Centre Leader and the Senior Leadership Team at Downside school. At all times staffing at Kings Downside will follow statutory guidelines for pupil staff ratios for supervision.

Boarding Accommodation Accommodation will be on the second and third floors of Kings House where pupils will be separated by gender. There will be communal rooms and classrooms on the ground floor. Rooms will usually be either double or triple with adequate room and opportunities for each pupil to personalise their own area. The House Parent and his or her deputy will have appropriate accommodation close to the children. Breakfast will be taken in Kings House but other meals will be taken in the main school dining room. There will be a number of choices at each meal including a vegetarian option. Special diets for health or religious reasons will be provided as required. Rooms are cleaned (but not tidied) Monday to Friday and laundry is collected every weekday and returned within 24 hours. Bedding etc. is changed weekly.

All meals, laundry and school uniform are included for in the fees

Daily timetable

Lessons will take place from 8.30am until 3.15pm every weekday and until 1 pm on Saturday

Classes will be divided by pupil age and there will be enough flexibility in the timetable to allow effective differentiation in learning.

Supervised Prep will take place Monday to Friday before supper. After supper there will be a variety of supervised and organized activities, some in house and some shared with similar aged children from the main school

Saturday lessons are followed by games. All pupils attend Mass on Sunday mornings and special festivals. There is a programme of activities on Sunday

of 4 afternoons shared with Downside children of a similar age. Although the weekly and weekend schedules are busy they allow pupils regular free time.

Children will not be allowed off the school premises unless an approved adult accompanies them.

Medical facilities Kings at Downside children have access to the main school medical suite which is supervised by qualified nurses 24 hours per day 7 days per week. All pupils are registered with the local GP. Parents or guardians will provide a relevant medical history to the medical centre before the pupil arrives in the UK. Within Kings House there are sick rooms for children who need regular supervision but are not ill enough to spend the night at the main school medical centre.

Exeats and Half terms Kings House will be open throughout the term. Exeats will be scheduled twice a term but are not compulsory. At half term the children will be given the option of staying at Kings House where there will be full supervision and a programme of activities throughout half term.

Other There is a full induction programme to introduce and welcome children to Kings House.

All children have an approved guardian within the UK.

All children at Kings at Downside are full boarders.

All children are expected to communicate with their parent or guardian at least weekly. They have access to the Internet for emailing and are allowed their mobile phones at appropriate times during the day.

Pupil handbooks are made available to everyone. In the handbook the staff are introduced, and important rules and expectations are outlined together with what a child can do if they are worried or wish to complain. The handbook forms the basis of several PHSE lessons where tutors can check on understanding.