downside SCHOOL

Parents handbook contents

Mission Statement & Rule 2 Welfare Pastoral Care 18 Foundation 3 Money 19 Telephones 20 Staff 4 Food 20 Pupils’ Accident Insurance 21 House Structure Fees Protection Scheme 21 St Oliver’s House 8 Dental & Optical Schemes 21 Powell House 8 Medical Care 22 Senior Girls’ Houses 8 Medical History Record 23 Senior Boys’ Houses 9 Inoculations 23 Day Pupils 9 Travel & Absences 24 Academic Structure

The Forms 10 Exeats 25 contents Preparation 11 Examinations 12 Extracts from Regulations Reports 13 Dress & Appearance 26 The Tutorial System 13 Visitors 27 Conduct 28 Extra-Curricular Life Games 14 Discipline 29 Music 14 Activities 15 Complaints Procedures Parents 30 Spiritual Life Pupils 33 Downside Ideals 16 Sacramental worship 16 Term dates 34 Prayer 17 Sodalities 17 Local Information 37 Charity work 17 Useful Contacts 38

1 Mission Statement Foundation

In partnership with families, guided by the Gospel and inspired by the Rule of The Benedictine community of St Gregory the Great was founded at , St Benedict, the monks and staff aim to educate the young people entrusted France, in 1606 by a group of English and Welsh monks who were in exile to their care to achieve the highest possible academic standards, according to because of the penal laws in against Catholics. The community received their ability and to develop their gifts for the good of themselves and of others, the permission and protection of the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia of so that they may become more fruitfully committed to Christ and his Church, and Portugal, the joint ruler of the Spanish Netherlands, and they were and to the service of His people. furnished with buildings by Philip de Caverel, Abbot of St Vedast’s in Arras. By 1617 English Catholics were sending their boys across the Channel to be educated there. The School has been in existence since that time, with the monks engaged not only in teaching but also in scholarly work, writing and The Downside Motto and Rule lecturing, and in priestly and pastoral work.

Apud bonos iura pietatis: In the 17th century, the death penalty was inflicted on Catholic priests found For good people, loyalty is the lawgiver in England. Many members of St Gregory’s nonetheless came to England to exercise their priestly duties, and six of them have been recognised as “Our task then is to establish a school of the Lord’s service” – Rule of St Benedict by the Church. Two of these, St John Roberts and St Barlow, were f oun da canonized as in 1970. Another who has yet to be canonized te m ent The priority of a Gregorian is duty to others. He or she is obliged to act with is Blessed Philip Powell, who was put to death in 1646. In 1681, St Oliver a courtesy and common sense for the good of the community. Any behaviour Plunkett, the Irish Archbishop of Armagh, was executed in . Before his that causes discomfort, distress or danger does not conform to the rule. execution he was helped by an English Benedictine, Dom Maurus Corker, who t i on Our ethos is one of self-discipline. At Downside the collective mentality is later took care of his body. His are now housed in the principal shrine in discouraged. Everyone should be their own person: responsible for others . St Oliver was canonized in 1975. rather than merely taking their tone from them. One of the aims of education M i ss on st is to help children understand that the rules of living are necessary for human By the beginning of the 18th century the School was held in such high esteem happiness. Downside takes the word intelligence as including the ability to in England that Queen Anne ordered the Duke of Marlborough to spare it understand others and communicate with them. when he stormed Douai in 1710. In the 1790s, however, French revolutionaries plundered the Abbey and School, but the monks and boys were allowed to escape to England in February 1795. After nineteen years at Acton Burnell in Shropshire, in the house of Sir Edward Smythe, a former pupil, the Abbey and School moved to Downside and the present buildings were begun. The School has therefore been on its present site since 1814. The cedar tree near the main entrance was planted in that year.

2 3 Staff

The Governing Body The Director of marketing & admissions The Board of Governors, appointed by the monastery, has responsibility for The Director of Marketing & Admissions is responsible for admissions and for overseeing the management of the School. It is under the chairmanship of the marketing the school. He is also responsible for publications, the website and Abbot of Downside. for public occasions. He works with the Registrar and the Marketing Assistant.

The Trustees of Downside Abbey, under the chairmanship of the Abbot, have The Director of development financial responsibility for the School, and the day-to-day control of finance and The Director of Development is responsible for encouraging the involvement expenditure is in the hands of the Bursar. of alumini, parents and friends in the life of Downside and fostering their interest in sustaining the School’s future. She works with the Development The Head Master Assistant. The Head Master is appointed by the Abbot and Governing Body to be in overall charge of the school. Appointments to see the Head Master in private The Bursar must be arranged through his Secretary. The Bursar is responsible to the Abbot for maintaining the fabric of the School and its physical resources. He is also responsible for the catering and domestic The Deputy Head Master services and the budgetary system. The Deputy Head Master is responsible for all School matters and deputizes for the Head Master in his absence. Normally, issues should be raised with the The School Chaplain and the Chaplaincy Team st aff

aff Deputy Head Master before they are addressed to the Head Master. He is also The School Chaplain sees that the School provides for the spiritual needs and

st the Child Protection Officer. development of its pupils and staff and that the Catholic faith, with its worship and sacraments, is central to the education which provides. The Director of Studies He is assisted by the team of Chaplains. The Director of Studies is responsible for all academic matters, including the curriculum, timetable, examinations and placement of teaching staff. He is the The House Masters/Mistress and their Assistants general overseer of academic progress. The House Masters or Mistresses are responsible for the care of the pupils in their charge while they are at Downside. All members of the staff share in this The director of Pastoral Care responsibility, especially in their role as Tutors. The Director of Pastoral Care is responsible for the pastoral side of the School. He oversees the House structures and is line manager to the House The House Masters or Mistresses are in loco parentis and their responsibility is Masters/Mistresses and the Head of Nursing Care. He deputizes for the Child for the moral and social life of the pupils, as well as their academic progress. Protection Officer. House Mothers The Director of Activities and games The House Mothers help to organize the pupils in the Houses. They work The Director of Activities oversees the extra-curricular activities that form an closely with the House Master/House Mistress in order to ensure the smooth integral part of the education provided by Downside. He is also line manager to running of the laundry arrangements, ensuring that the pupils keep their rooms the Games Department. neat and tidy, and they help by doing much of the House shopping.

4 5 Academic Administrator UCAS Officer The Academic Administrator is responsible for the administration of the The UCAS Officer deals with University applications for current students academic side of School life. and by agreement with those who are applying after a Gap year. He helps with personal statements and is responsible for sending off the completed Heads of Departments application forms. He will liaise with the UCAS team as necessary. Each Head of Department is responsible to the Head Master, through the Director of Studies, for the efficient running of his or her department; for Careers Guidance Co-ordinator allocating the teaching within the department and deciding on which pupil The Careers Guidance Co-ordinator ensures that all pupils receive advice goes into which set; for controlling the budget of the department; for arranging about their career intentions and that they are properly equipped and qualified the setting of internal examination papers at appropriate times of the year and for the next stage in their development. consulting with the Director of Studies on all matters concerning curriculum and examinations. Learning Support Co-ordinator The Learning Support Co-ordinator has special responsibility for pupils who Departments are arranged into seven Faculties: require extra one-to-one tuition because of a special need, such as dyslexia, or English and EAL in order to provide other learning support. She liaises with staff to keep them Mathematics, ICT, Design up to date about pupils who may require special consideration in the delivery Modern Foreign Languages (French, German, Spanish) and Classics of the curriculum. Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) and Physical Education ST AFF

AFF Religious Studies head of EAL

ST Humanities (Business Studies, Economics, Geography, History) A small number of pupils each year require extra English teaching, because Art and Music English is not their native tongue. They are given extra lessons in English, in small groups, to help them access the curriculum. This is co-ordinated by the Teaching Staff Head of EAL in liaison with the Director of Studies. The teaching staff at Downside is drawn partly from the monastic Community and partly from outside. There are, therefore, a mixture of young and old, The Director of Women’s Welfare monastic and lay, married and single, men and women. Most of them, in addition The Director of Women’s Welfare helps members of staff who are experiencing to their teaching duties, act as Tutors to specified pupils, as well as supervising difficulty, especially female members of staff. and organizing extra-curricular activities. Head of Staff Induction Examinations Officer The Head of Staff Induction is responsible for the induction of new members of The Examinations Officer liaises with Heads of Departments and Examination staff, for Newly QualifiedT eachers and for PGCE students. Boards. He is also responsible for external examinations.

6 7 House Structure

The House Master/Mistress (who lives in the House) is in overall charge of Senior Boys’ Houses: Barlow, Roberts & Smythe each House, helped by an Assistant, a team of Tutors and one or more The choice of Senior House is made by the Head Master in the summer before House Mothers. boys join Powell House or the School. Family tradition and parental wishes are, if at all possible, taken into account. St Oliver’s House This is the preparatory department for boys and girls aged between nine and Boys go into the Senior Houses in the Fourth Form. Fourth Form boarders thirteen. They live separately but within the grounds of the school and have sleep in the House dormitory, with their own personal space of bed and study their own pastoral and social life. They use all the main school’s facilities where area. Fifth and Sixth Formers have single study bedrooms. Day pupils have appropriate and are subject to similar rules. similar provision for the working day, if space allows, and this differs slightly according to House. Powell House On joining the Senior School at 13+ all boys enter Powell House. Senior House Each House has its own spirit, character and traditions. They are not greatly allocations (see below) are made by the Head Master in the summer before different, and are subject to overall School rules and discipline. Pupils have h ouse S t r boys join the School. friends across the Houses but compete in games, music and drama. The Chaplaincy Team, under the School Chaplain, assists House Masters and Powell House has its own dormitories and living areas. Being in a single Mistresses in providing for the spiritual needs of the pupils.

uctu r e House enables all the boys in the year to get to know each other and live as a community. Within this structure the House staff are able to be dedicated to Each House has its own kitchen and day room. Pupils are obliged to be in their the boys’ welfare and development at this critical stage. Houses after Prep for Assembly and night prayers. Lights are turned out in the uctu r e dormitories at 10.15pm. Fifth Form pupils must be in their rooms with lights The House staff consists of the House Master, the Assistant House Master, out by 10.30pm. Sixth Form pupils must be in their Houses by 10.30pm, with and the House Mother. In addition there is a Tutor for about every ten boys. lights out by 11.00pm. h ouse S t r The Tutor monitors the boys’ academic progress as well as assisting in House duties. The Tutors meet formally with their tutees at least once a week. Day Pupils Assembly and night prayers are at 9.00pm. Lights are turned out at 9.45pm. Each day pupil is a member of one of the Houses, which is their base while they are in school, with facilities for them to work (if space allows) when they Senior Girls’ Houses: Caverel and Isabella have study time. They may stay for evening preparation. Their obligation is to Girls enter Caverel or Isabella House at 13+ and remain throughout their sign out with their House Master/Mistress when they leave the premises. Day Senior School career. The choice of House is made by the Head Master in the pupils register their presence everyday at 8.25am and 2.20pm with their House summer before the girls join the Senior School. Family tradition and parental Master/Mistress or the Travel Secretary, if they arrive late. wishes are, if at all possible, taken into account. If a day pupil is absent because of illness or for some unexpected reason, then In the Third and Fourth Form, girls share bedrooms. Fifth and Sixth Formers their parents are required to telephone the Head Master’s Secretary or the have single study bedrooms. Day pupils have similar provision for the working Travel Secretary by 9.00am on the first day of absence and, on the pupil’s day, if space allows, and this differs slightly according to House. return, to confirm in writing the reason for the absence in a letter addressed to the Director of Pastoral Care.

8 9 Academic Structure

The Director of Studies has overall responsibility for ensuring that each pupil Sixth Form follows a suitable course of study. He supervises and sanctions all the individual Students normally prepare for four AS levels in the Lower Sixth Form, each choices within the curriculum. selected from a different option block. The option blocks and subjects offered vary slightly from year to year. Currently the subjects offered are as follows: First & Second Forms Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Classical These pupils are in St Oliver’s House. On entry into the Lower First Form, Greek, Design, Economics, English, French, Geography, German, History, Latin, their studies are in line with the National Curriculum guidelines on literacy and Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Religious numeracy, in a curriculum that includes Art, Design, English, Geography, History, Studies and Spanish. ICT, Mathematics, Music, Religious Studies and Science. In addition they follow a Classical Civilization course to prepare them for studying Latin, and a European This is the normal curriculum, but variations can be made, especially in the Studies course which is a preliminary to studying modern languages. number of courses followed, to fit in with individual requirements. In the Upper In the Second Forms these two subjects are replaced by the actual study of Sixth Form, students may carry all four subjects through to A Level, or may drop A

Latin and French, with all the other First Form subjects continuing to Senior one subject if this is judged to be desirable. C

School Entrance and Scholarship level. AD E MI C S t r In addition each student attends one period of Religious Studies and one period All pupils have an extensive Physical Education and games programme. of General Studies each week. All pupils have an extensive activities and games uctu r e programme. Candidates hoping to enter Oxford and Cambridge are given Third Form special classes in addition to the normal curriculum. Pupils study Art, Biology, Chemistry, Design, English, French, Geography, History, uctu r e ICT, Latin, Mathematics, Music, PHSCE, Physics and Religious Studies. A third Preparation language is also studied, which is chosen from Classical Greek, German and In St Oliver’s House there is a one-hour preparation period set aside each

AD E MI C S t r Spanish. Academic Societies are organised for the ablest pupils. In addition weekday, with work set in two subjects. C

A all pupils have one period of Physical Education each week and an extensive activities and games programme. In the Senior School there is a fixed time for preparation from 7.30pm to 9.00pm from Monday to Friday in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms, and from Fourth and Fifth Form 7.20pm until 8.50pm for the Third and Fourth Forms and until 9.20pm for the Pupils follow courses leading to the award of between 8 and 10 GCSEs. The Fifth and Sixth Forms in the Summer Term. compulsory curriculum is made up of English (with the majority being prepared for both English and English Literature at GCSE), Mathematics, Religious Studies Third Form pupils have three 30-minute Preps each evening, and Fourth and and Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). In addition it is usual to choose Fifth Form pupils have two 45-minute preps each evening. However, this is one subject from each of four option blocks, to include at least one modern regarded as the minimum, as extra study will be required in revising for tests language and either Geography or History or both. The blocks are liable to and examinations. Sixth Form Preps are set at the discretion of the A level alteration each year and contain the following subjects: Art, Classical Greek, teachers, but pupils are expected to be doing a minimum of five hours’ work Design, French, Geography, German, History, Latin, Music and Spanish. Academic a week per subject. Societies are organised for the ablest pupils. Preps must be finished in all circumstances: if necessary work must be In addition all pupils have one period of Physical Education each week and an completed in the pupil’s own time or if he/she is on exeat. extensive activities and games programme.

10 11 Examinations Reports Internal examinations are an important part of the assessment procedure Interim reports are internal assessments for pupils, with gradings for effort and and progression from one academic year to the next is partially dependent achievements. There is one set of interim reports per half term, in addition to on satisfactory results. The internal examinations take place in December and Half Termly and Termly Reports. in June. Half Termly Reports are gradings for effort and achievement, used by the The mock GCSE examinations are sat at the beginning of the Lent Term. School to monitor progress and sent to parents as an assessment during These give an opportunity for the candidates to appreciate the conditions the term. under which they will be sitting the real papers in June. They also help to determine finally which examinations, and at what level, the students should Termly Reports are in the form of comments from subject teachers, Tutors be entered for. and House Masters/Mistresses. Parents are strongly encouraged to respond to both Half Termly and Termly Reports by contacting their child’s Tutor, or A failure to perform at a reasonable level at this stage may mean that the House Master or House Mistress, if there is anything they wish to discuss. If A

School is not prepared to enter a student for a subject, or that he/she is it is a query about specifications then it should be addressed to the Head of C

entered at a lower level, which has a ceiling of maximum grade that can be Department concerned. Any comment or question of a more general nature AD E MI C ST R achieved. Parents are kept informed of any decision not to enter a pupil for should be addressed to the Head Master or House Master/House Mistress. any subject. Progression to the Sixth Form is also partially dependent on UCTU R E satisfactory results. The results of the mock examinations are sent to parents The Tutorial System at the beginning of February. Tutors are appointed by the Director of Pastoral Care, and they are attached to Houses, where they work in conjunction with the House Master/Mistress in UCTU R E At AS and A Level, mock examinations take place at an appropriate point in the the provision of pastoral care. year prior to the modules being sat.

AD E MI C ST R The Tutor is responsible for the overall supervision and guidance of a pupil’s C

A academic progress, in addition to the monitoring of the their whole School commitment. The Tutor helps the House Master/Mistress with supervisory duties, and so gets to know not only his/her own tutees, but also other members of the House.

A pupil is seen by his/her Tutor at least twice a week and his/her work is monitored. Other functions of the Tutor include the provision of PHSCE, the giving of advice on how to work, how to organise time, how to make choices of GCSE and A level subjects, and ensuring that a pupil is not falling behind or producing unsatisfactory work. The Tutor also checks a pupil’s Prep. schedule.

12 13 Extra-curricular Life

For pupils to concentrate and mature effectively, stimulation and the ACTIVITIES excitement of valuable projects outside the classroom as well as inside are Activities take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons in the needed. At Downside, the pupils are encouraged to participate in the full range Senior School, and on Fridays for St Oliver’s. Pupils are required to participate of extra-curricular activities available. on one, two or three afternoons depending on age and academic commitments. Recent activities (which are not available to all age groups) have been: Games All pupils are required to follow the extensive games programme. St Oliver’s Abingdon Croquet Jazz Politics pupils have timetabled games at least twice a week, Senior School pupils have Art Debating Jewellery design Polo games timetabled three times a week, and all pupils may be required to play in a Aviation Design Justice and Peace Schola Cantorum School team on Saturday afternoons. Badminton Dining Kayaking School Council Ballet Drama Knowles Scrabble

The major games for boys are rugby in the Michaelmas Term, hockey and Band Duke of Edinburgh Lamda Speech and Sevens E xt ra -cu rri cul ar Lif e football in the Lent Term, and cricket and tennis in the Summer Term. For girls, Basketball EcoSchool Drama Shooting hockey is the major game in the Michaelmas Term, netball in the Lent Term, Bede Fencing Latin Slaughter House tennis and rounders in the Summer Term. A large range of minor sports is also Beekeeping First Aid Life drawing Seven available and might be played by pupils not required for the major sports. Bridge Flyfishing Mandarin Songwriting CCF French Martial Arts Spanish MUSIC Chamber Choir Gardening Mathematics Sports Leadership All pupils are encouraged to learn an instrument and time for lessons is Chanter German Model United Squash provided within the School timetable. Tuition is available in a full range of Chess Gliding Nations Tarantula instruments. There is a small stock of instruments available to hire although Community Golf Music Catalogue Tennis pupils are encouraged to have their own instruments. Lessons cost £196.00 per Service Greek Orchestra Theatre term. The Schola Cantorum, Britain’s oldest Catholic school choir, the chamber Conspirators Hebrew Parachuting Ulysses E xt ra -cu rri cul ar Lif e choirs, the concert, jazz, marching and pipe bands, and the orchestra, string Cookery History Philosophy Weight training quartet, brass and woodwind groups all meet regularly and normally comprise Court of Earls History of Art Photography Woodwork boys and girls of all ages. Craft Horseriding Pipeband Vintners’ Cricket Indoor football Plunketeer Young Investigators

14 15 Spiritual Life

Downside ideals Prayer The Catholic faith is central to a Downside pupil’s education not only in terms Houses make their own arrangements for prayers in the morning and evening. of the knowledge he/she acquires, but also in terms of his/her personal and The Old Chapel is always open for those who want to go in and pray or be spiritual life. quiet. The Abbey Church is also open during most of the day until after Vespers. Pupils and other visitors are always welcome to attend the times of prayer The Chaplains are members of the monastic community entrusted with overall celebrated by the monks daily in the Abbey Church. responsibility for helping members of the School, both pupils and staff, in the process of spiritual growth. They are always available in the centre of the One-day Retreats are organised every year separately for each year group. School for people to come and talk about what is important to them, whether There are meditation workshops for those who want to come after Prep. privately or with others. Downside has produced its own prayer book, the Catholic Prayerbook from Downside Abbey, which is available form the Abbey bookshop. The School Chaplaincy also seeks to provide a point of reference for the families of pupils, and to maintain contact with them and their home parishes Each half-term there is one day pupils’ evening service. where appropriate. It is a contact for Old Gregorians when needed. Sodalities: St Benedict and Our Lady S PIRI TU Sacramental worship The Sodality of St Benedict was started recently for pupils in the Fourth and On Sundays and Holy Days, the whole School celebrates the Mass in the Abbey Fifth Forms to provide a point of fellowship, prayer and discussion. For pupils A L IF E Church with the monastic community. Mass is said on weekday mornings at in the Sixth Form, the Sodality of Our Lady, which was founded in Douai in the A L IF E 7.40 am in the Old Chapel. Third Form pupils attend the Wednesday morning 17th century, meets under the care of the Head Master. Mass. Arrangements are made for Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation to

S PIRI TU be celebrated regularly by individual houses. A system of Tutoria is being established to encourage older pupils to become spiritual mentors to the young. Confessions are heard before all School Masses in the Abbey Church, and on Thursday evenings. Charity work The whole School regularly keeps the Family Fast Days to support the work of The Bishop of Clifton celebrates Confirmation in the Abbey Church every CAFOD. Other charitable fund-raising events stimulate a wide range of popular Summer Term. Pupils in the Third Form and above are invited to come forward activities in the School such as concerts, plays, and the sponsored walk for the for Confirmation in the second half of the MichaelmasT erm when the course Save the Children fund. of preparation begins. They are encouraged to discuss this with their parents and to come forward when they feel ready to undertake full responsibility for Particularly important is the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes organised by the their faith. Many do so in the Third Form, but others prefer to leave it until Order of Malta Volunteers. Sixth Formers are invited to help in this, and a large later. number of Gregorians have found this to be one of the memorable experiences of their lives. Provision is made to prepare pupils for Confessions and First Communion where this is necessary. Many pupils devote some of their Gap year to work for people in different kinds of need. The School tries to maintain pupils’ awareness of such needs and a sense of their responsibility towards those who need help.

16 17 Welfare

Pastoral Care Money Each pupil is expected to begin the process of taking responsibility for The normal way for a pupil to organise his/her money at Downside is to themselves from the moment they start at Downside. The School, for its part, deposit a cheque with his/her House Master/Mistress at the beginning of term. has the duty to safeguard the pupils’ welfare and to take immediate action for This should be for the whole term’s amount. It can be replenished with a later their protection in cases of suspected danger or abuse. Danger may include cheque from parents if necessary. threats to health, physical safety or general well-being. The Head Master and the Deputy Head Master reserve the right to remove immediately from Pupils in the Sixth Form may have bank accounts, and the responsibility falls on the premises any pupil whom they suspect to be a threat to other pupils parents to monitor how much is being spent, and, most importantly, what it is of the School, and to make the removal permanent if they are satisfied that being spent on. the suspicion is justified. Abuse may include physical or emotional abuse, harassment because of race or colour, or different kinds of bullying. These too It is appropriate in a Benedictine school that a pupil should learn the value of are possible causes of a person being excluded from the School, permanently if money, the dangers of misspending it and how it ought to be used. Parents are the offence is serious enough. asked to exercise particular caution and to set a realistic limit on how much money their child may spend during each term. The exact amount is clearly All allegations of abuse are taken seriously. Everyone has occasional worries a parental decision, but guidance on a suitable figure can be sought from the or problems that can affect their lives. In a boarding school, such matters can House Master/Mistress, but £1 a day is considered normal for younger pupils. W el far e often be dealt with by talking to friends or to any member of the staff. The House Masters/Mistresses, Assistant House Masters, Chaplains, School Doctors, No House Master/Mistress advances money or goods to a pupil ‘on account’ - Director of Pastoral Care, Director of Activities, Director of Studies, Deputy that is, for inclusion in the end-of-term bill. If a pupil runs out of money, he/she e W el far Head Master and the Head Master are always available and ready to listen. can telephone his/her parent or guardian and a cheque or inter-bank transfer The School’s pastoral and counselling system is there to support a student can be sent to the House Master/Mistress. throughout their time at Downside and to deal with any matter that disturbs them. Parents are requested to keep their child’s House Master/ Mistress fully Purchases from the School Shop are normally put on the pupil’s account. If a informed of any matters for concern. parent wishes to set a credit limit, this can be done by a letter to the House Master/Mistress, and the limit will remain in force until cancelled in writing. Telephone numbers of the various outside agencies who counsel young Purchases of over £5 from the Shop need written permission from the House persons in distress can be found in the Blue Book, which is issued to every Master/Mistress who may contact the parent or guardian. The School allows pupil and contains the lists of staff and pupils, telephone numbers and other travel expenses to be put on pupils’ accounts. Driving lessons must be arranged useful data about Downside. by parents, directly with the driving instructor concerned.

The School has published statements of its policy for protecting its pupils from It is recommended that any expensive item of equipment should be registered bullying, narcotics, sexual abuse, and from the dangers of alcohol and tobacco. with the House Master/Mistress, who will make note of the make and These are available on request from the Deputy Head Master. serial number. The Security Officer will mark any item on request. It is also recommended that parents arrange insurance cover for clothing and personal effects.

18 19 Telephones Pupils’ Personal Accident Insurance Scheme Mobile telephones may be used by pupils in certain areas of the School and All pupils at Downside are automatically enrolled in this scheme and the cost grounds outside class or Prep. Parents are asked to warn their children of the is included in the basic fees. This recommended scheme is used by the majority dangers, yet unconfirmed, of using mobile telephones for long conversations. of Independent Schools. It provides compensation in the event of most forms The School accepts no responsibility for loss, detriment or injury attendant on of permanent disability resulting from an accident at any time, even during the the use or possession of a mobile telephone. School holidays. It is not specifically related to medical treatment although its benefits may be used for this purpose. Parents receive a full explanatory leaflet Pay phones are available to the pupils, and they may be used at any reasonable with their child’s joining papers. time except during class or Prep or after Lights-out. School Fees Protection Scheme Parents are asked not to telephone their children on the House staff phone, The absence of pupils does not lessen the cost of running the School, but a because the telephone is used for internal and external calls in the routine partial refund of fees is possible through this scheme if a pupil is away from organization of the School. School, because the School has an insurance policy which can cover the costs of making such refunds. The cost is approximately £16 per term for boarders Communication with parents and £11 for day pupils. An explanatory leaflet is available from the Registrar. Communication and openness between School and parents are essential in ensuring a successful education. Regular discussions of any problems with the Dental and Optical Treatment schemes W el far e House Master/ Mistress and Tutor are the norm. The House Master/Mistress The School includes all pupils in the ‘Denplan’ Insurance scheme at has direct responsibility for the boys or girls in his/her House. The Director approximately £3.50 per pupil, per term, to cover all emergency dental of Pastoral Care, Director of Studies or Deputy Head Master may also be treatment at school, including broken braces. A pupil will be included in this e W el far involved, as indeed will be the Head Master, should a matter of serious scheme automatically, unless the School is notified in writing to the contrary. concern arise. Routine eye tests should be arranged during the School holidays, but an emergency visit can be arranged to one of several good local opticians. Food The School aims to provide the pupils with a healthy, balanced diet. The School Student Council meets weekly and discusses food with the catering staff. Sensible suggestions are taken up and it is a continual aim to ensure a balance between what the pupils want and what they need. Vegetarian diets are offered and special diets can usually be accommodated.

20 21 Medical Care Under the terms of the Family Law Reform Act of 1969, the admission to the Each pupil is given a brief medical examination by one of the School Doctors School of any pupil, and his/her continued presence in it, is conditional on on arrival at Downside. It is vital that at this stage any important information acceptance that, throughout his/her time as a member of the School, the School concerning a pupil’s past or present health and constitution is fully disclosed Medical Officer shall have the unlimited right to give to that pupil’s parents (see below), in order that he/she may be given the best possible care while in or guardians, or to the Head Master, his Deputy or the pupil’s House Master/ the School. Mistress, any confidential information about the pupil, if he/she considers that it is in the pupil’s own interest or necessary for the protection of other members The Infirmary is open 24 hours a day, with well qualified staff able to deal with of the School community that this should be done. all aspects of primary care. One of the School Doctors visits three times a week, with appointments possible at any time when necessary. There is a female Medical History doctor in the local surgery and appointments with her may be made upon Pupils who have treatment and are prescribed medication during the holidays request. must notify the medical staff immediately upon their return to the School. Failure to do this can result in problems should a medical condition recur or Pupils at Downside will be registered as a patient under the National Health further treatment be found necessary for the same or another condition. Service with the School Doctors. Pupils remain registered as their patient until he/she leaves. If a pupil requires treatment by another NHS doctor during the The Medical History form is completed by all new pupils with dates of illnesses holidays, he/she will be treated as a temporary resident. While a pupil remains and inoculations, and returned to the Infirmary not later than the first day W el far e at Downside, it is not necessary to re-register him/her when changing address of joining Downside. Lack of information may lead to delay in registering a or moving abroad as because he/she remains a UK resident for NHS purposes. child with the School Doctors, or to immunisations not being updated. If the Day pupils may remain registered with their own family GP. Infirmary is imperfectly informed about past medical history, this can affect the e W el far way a child is treated in the event of his being ill or injured, and there could If a pupil requires unexpected treatment, parents will be contacted to obtain even be delay in giving appropriate treatment. any necessary consent. If parents are not available, then the School will contact the pupil’s guardian; if over 16, the pupil can make the decision alone. Should Information contained on this form regarding conditions such as diabetes, all these lines of communication fail and the treatment become imperative, the asthma or epilepsy has to be passed to House Masters/Mistresses and to other Head Master, his Deputy, the Director of Pastoral Care or the House Master/ members of staff responsible for pupils in various activities. Competent medical Mistress will act in loco parentis and can give valid consent to the necessary help is always available in cases of emergency, but it is essential that members treatment, including the administration of an anaesthetic or an operation. of the staff are well aware of such medical conditions. Parents’ agreement with this is implicit in accepting a place for their child at Downside. Parents are requested to submit their child’s NHS Medical Card not later than the first day he/she joins Downside. If pupils live overseas application for an Since the Infirmary staff are always available, it is advised that questions or NHS card will be made on their behalf. concerns about a child’s health be directed initially to the Head of Nursing Care. The Doctor will in any case ask her to pass on information to parents Inoculations where necessary. The Doctor can, however, be contacted if any concerns Pupils may receive an inoculation against influenza to prevent epidemics in the cannot be fully dealt with by the nursing staff. Michaelmas Term. There is a small charge for this for which parental consent is asked. Any inoculations necessary for foreign travel should be notified to the Head of Nursing Care as soon as possible.

22 23 TRAVEL AND ABSENCES EXEATS

TRAVEL Non-exeat weekends Downside has a Travel Secretary who arranges pupils’ travel, books all types There are normally four Non-Exeat Weekends a term. They are usually the of tickets and arranges public or private transport. The School runs coaches first and last weekends of each half term. It is a requirement for all boarders to to London Heathrow and also Bath Spa railway station, and other destinations remain in school on these weekends, although exeats are occasionally granted when required, at the beginning and end of term and at half terms. ‘Universal in exceptional circumstances. Aunts’ are used for children in St Oliver’s House who have to travel by air; these services are charged on the School bill. The Travel Secretary arranges this WHOLE SCHOOL exeats automatically when pupils’ flights are booked. All transport requested of the Pupils in St Oliver’s have two Whole School Exeats each term, from 3.30pm School is to be paid for, even if, in the event, it is not used. on Friday until 9.00pm until Sunday evening. Pupils in the Senior School have two Whole School Exeats in the Michaelmas Term from 3.30pm on Friday until No pupil may be driven in a car by any person other than parent, guardian, 10.00pm until Sunday evening. brother or sister unless the his/her House Master/Mistress has given specific permission. If the driver is under twenty-five years old, then written consent All boarders are expected to go home, or stay with guardians or friends, on from parents is required. Hitch-hiking is not allowed. these weekends.

The School does not permit pupils to drive a motor vehicle during term time, SCHOOL exeats: Senior school exe a without the permission of the Deputy Head Master, except for permitted An exeat is formal permission for absence from school, during the period driving lessons, nor keep any motor vehicle at Downside or in the village. between 12.30 pm on Saturday and 10.00pm on Sunday. It is conditional on the Driving lessons must be arranged by parents, directly with the driving pupil having no prior commitment, whether it be games, music, drama, a society ts instructor concerned. The School does permit bicycles but these must have or any other activity which he/ she is expected to attend. The deadline for their owner’s name clearly marked on them, and their serial number should be arriving back from any exeat is 10.00 pm on Sunday. Late arrival back from an given to the relevant House Master/Mistress. They must be locked when not in exeat is regarded as absence from school without leave.

D AB SENCES A N D EL T RAV use, and kept in approved places. Passengers must not be carried on bicycles. Exeats are only given with parental consent, which should be given either to ABSENCES the House Master/Mistress by email, fax, letter, telephone or in person. An Pupils may not return to school before the first day of term without the exeat also requires permission both from the House Master/Mistress and from permission of the Head Master. Pupils must report to their House Master/ the Director of Pastoral Care. It must be asked for and granted by Thursday Mistress by 20.00 on the day term begins. A day pupil is obliged to register evening. Pupils are not given an exeat if he/she has been gated that weekend. everyday at the School at 08.25am and 2.20pm. Pupils are able to go out of school during Saturday or Sunday, but not staying Any absence from school which falls outside the above times, or which involves overnight, if he/she receives the permission of his/her House Master/Mistress, missing any class, or prevents a pupil from attending a sports fixture or who must know the proposed times of departure and return. other commitment, demands a special exeat. This is given only in exceptional circumstances, following a written request to the Deputy Head Master from parent or guardian. Procedures for day pupil absences are listed on page 9.

24 25 Extracts from the Regulations

Dress While in Regulation Dress, and during the academic day, pupils below the Sixth School Regulation Dress for boys consists of a jacket and trousers as supplied Form may not wear visible make-up. Sixth Form girls may wear discreet make- by the Tailor, and a white shirt, which has to be worn with a tie and the collar up, and discreet nail varnish, if they wish. While in casual dress, and outside buttoned. Instead of the jacket a black sweater (dark blue in St Oliver’s), the working day, Third to Fifth Form girls may wear clear nail varnish and only V-necked and showing the collar and tie, may usually be worn but the jacket minimal, natural make-up. remains necessary as it is required for Mass and other formal occasions. Any school tie to which the wearer is entitled is permitted. Shoes are to be black Boys are not permitted to wear earrings or studs in School. Girls in the Third and socks are to be black or grey in colour. Every boy needs two pairs of to Fifth Forms are permitted to wear one stud/sleeper earring in each ear lobe, regulation trousers and at least two pairs of black shoes (not boots) in good a thin chain necklace and one discreet ring. Sixth Form girls may wear discreet condition and of polished leather with black soles. earrings (one earring in each ear lobe). In Regulation Dress, bracelets may not be worn. Other than in ears, no piercing should be on display at any time. While School Regulation Dress for girls consists of a jacket and skirt, and a white in casual clothes, and outside the working day, sensible norms and limits should blouse, as suppIied by the Tailor. Instead of the jacket, a regulation maroon be observed. For reasons of safety, all jewellery must be removed at certain (dark blue in St Oliver’s) V-necked sweater may usually be worn but the jacket times, e.g. for games and sports. remains necessary as it is required for Mass and other formal occasions. Tights R E G UL A should be black or flesh coloured. Shoes should be black and have a heel of at BOUNDS AND VISITS least half an inch, and heels should not be too high. All girls should have at least Every Downside parent and pupil is welcome to visit the Abbey Church for T I ONS

two pairs of black shoes (not boots) in good condition and of polished leather prayer and to join the monks at Mass and Divine Office. However, it is not T I ONS with black soles. permitted to enter the monastery or guest wing without permission from one of the community.

R E G UL A The Registrar or Tailor distributes a more detailed list of clothing, including sports kit. Regulation Dress is worn during the academic day and until after Pupils may only invite outside visitors, other than their parents, into the Mass on Sundays. Details of dress obligations are published in the School School with permission from their House Master/Mistress. Every School Blue Book. visitor not arriving for school events (e.g. concerts, fixtures or Mass) should be recorded in the Visitors’ Book, which is held in the Travel Secretary’s office. Informal dress must be respectable and not of the kind to make others feel Visitors to the boarding-houses, including parents, must be recorded in the uncomfortable. House Visitors’ Book.

All clothes must be marked with the owner’s name. Unmarked clothes will be Pupils are required to remain within the bounds of the school at all times. disposed of by the Laundry after a short period. However, pupils may go to neighbouring villages with the permission of their House Master/Mistress. Pupils may only visit a private house or residence APPEARANCE without permission from their parents, unless it is the house of a member of Hair styles must be appropriate (for boys, cut short enough to show the collar the School teaching staff. and not to fall over the eyes) and extreme haircuts are not permissible. Pupils are expected to have neat, clean and presentable hair. Bleaching, dyeing or The Houses of members of the opposite sex are normally strictly out of tinting is not allowed. Boys must be clean shaven. For safety reasons, girls may bounds. Permission to go into the House social areas of a member of the have to have hair tied back for certain lessons, e.g. games. opposite sex must be sought from the relevant House Master/Mistress.

26 27 DISCIPLINE

Alcohol & tobacco The most difficult task for all human beings is to resolve the conflict between Alcoholic drinks may be taken in the company of members of the teaching staff doing what they like and doing what they ought. Children do not develop when or their parents on social occasions for pupils eighteen years and over. On formal isolated from others but they must learn to accept the constraints and obey occasions, which involve a set meal, pupils over the age of sixteen may be served the laws in order to become a member of society. This involves discipline: but wine or beer with the meal. Otherwise alcohol is forbidden. It is against the law it must be self-discipline, and it must be internalised. At Downside, the aim is to to sell or supply alcohol to anybody under the age of eighteen except on formal foster this self-discipline among the pupils. Often a word of admonition from occasions with a sit down meal. Alcohol may not be brought into the school a member of staff will be sufficient to modify unwanted behaviour. However, in without permission from the pupil’s House Master/Mistress. more serious circumstances, there is a range of sanctions which may be used. Frequently, restorative punishments may be used or privileges withdrawn. No Pupils over eighteen may go into licensed premises only with the consent of their pupil will be excluded from Downside without grave cause. House Master/Mistress. No such permission will be given during the academic week. For pupils under eighteen, inns, public houses and off-licences are off Details of the School sanctions, together the published statements on its bounds, except in the company of their parents or a member of the teaching staff. policies for the protection of pupils from bullying, narcotics, sexual abuse, and from the dangers of alcohol and tobacco, are available from the Deputy Smoking is not permitted within the school buildings or grounds for parents, Head Master. di sc ip l i ne pupils or staff alike. A full list of rules and regulations can be found in the Blue Book, which is T I ONS Relationships and Sexual Conduct issued to every pupil. The policy of the School reflects the teaching of the . Friendships between boys and girls are firmly encouraged, but intense romances, and the

R E G UL A emotional disturbances they involve, are to be avoided at School. Inappropriate relationships between pupils will not be permitted.

Pupils found engaged in any form of actual or apparent sexual intercourse must expect to be permanently excluded. Public physical displays of affection are not permitted around the School, and pupils are expected to observe sensible norms of behaviour at all times.

The dormitories and study bedrooms of the opposite sex are out of bounds at all times. Any pupil, who not immediately reporting to a member of staff an intrusion into his or her private area by a pupil of the opposite sex, will be assumed to have colluded in it, and can expect to share the punishment of the offender.

Downside does not tolerate sexual harassment – physical or emotional, verbal or visual. Sexual harassment may include not only direct suggestions or slurs, but also offensive movements or gestures, as well as drawings or posters which may be taken as suggestive or demeaning to either sex.

28 29 Complaints Procedure

Downside School welcomes suggestions from parents, and aims to take Formal stage of complaint appropriate action on any complaint that may be received. If a complainant is not satisfied with the outcome, the Head Master offers to refer the matter to the Chair of Governors. Alternatively, the complainant Aims: may write directly to him. The Chair requests a full report from the Head and • Parents know how to make a complaint examines the matter thoroughly before responding. If this response does not • Complaints are responded to within a reasonable time result in a positive solution, the Chair invites the complainant to a meeting with • Action is taken where appropriate. himself or another Governor. The complainant may wish to be accompanied by another person, but at this stage neither he/she nor the Governor in the making a complaint meeting is accompanied by a lawyer. Parents should contact a member of the staff personally, or by letter, telephone or email. Parents should not hesitate to express the complaint directly but If this meeting does not bring about a resolution, the matter can be referred

should make it clear that this is an official complaint rather than simply the to a committee appointed by the Governors. It is that committee’s task to CO MP L AI NTS PR raising of concerns. look at the issues in an impartial and confidential manner and it will comprise one person who is independent of the running of the School. The committee’s It may be best to start with the person most closely concerned with the issue, convener invites the complainant to a meeting. The complainant is asked if who can therefore remedy the complaint quickly. However, parents may prefer there are any papers he/she would like to have circulated beforehand. As with OCE D U R E to take the matter to a more senior member of staff, for example, the Director the previous meeting, the complainant may be accompanied by another person, of Pastoral Care, the Deputy Head Master or the Head Master. but not a lawyer; the committee does not have a lawyer present either. Every effort will be made to resolve the matter of the complaint at the OCE D U R E informal stage rather than allowing it to pass on to more formal procedures. If the School cannot satisfy the complainant’s concerns, he/she may wish to seek independent legal advice. There are certain circumstances in which the If the informal stage of the procedure has been unsuccessful in resolving the Secretary of State has an interest. If contacted directly, through a solicitor or situation, a more formal procedure exists. A letter of complaint should be sent MP, the Secretary of State can ask the Registrar of Independent Schools to

CO MP L AI NTS PR to the Head Master, stating that this is a formal complaint and outlining the investigate, usually through HM Inspectors of Schools. grievance. A complaint may be addressed directly to the Commission for Social Care Procedure when a complaint is made Inspection. A representative of the Commission can be contacted on The School will contact the complainant within one week, with an explanation 01823 345960 as to how it intends to proceed. Complainants may be invited to a meeting to help resolve the situation, or to give further explanation. After an investigation has been made, a letter or report is sent to the complainant. This will normally be within one month of the letter being received by the Head Master and will explain any conclusion, the reasons for it, and any action taken or proposed.

30 31 Complaints about the conduct of External Exams Making a formal complaint (pupils) If any parent is dissatisfied with any aspect of the school’s administration of The school’s pastoral and counselling system is there to support pupils or conduct of public examinations - including examination entry procedure, through their time at Downside and to deal with most matters of concern the tier for which a candidate is entered, deferment of a candidate’s entry, or (see above page). matters to do with the submission of coursework - they should in the first instance make contact with the Director of Studies. They may then wish to In some circumstances pupils may wish to make a formal complaint in writing, follow the school’s Formal Complaints Policy above. especially if an informal complaint has not been satisfactorily resolved. The following procedures must be used (with or without informing the person who The School Examination Centre number is 63433. is subject to the complaint).

Confidentiality Pupils should write to their House Master/Mistress, the Director of Pastoral Knowledge of a complaint is limited to the Head and to those directly involved. Care or the Deputy Head Master. In practice pupils may have discussed the

The Chairman of Governors may also need to be informed. It is the School’s matter with this person already. CO MP L AI NTS PR policy that complaints made by parents should have no adverse effect on their children. The complaint will then be registered in a spreadsheet kept by the Deputy Head Master. There may be the need to make third parties outside the School aware of the OCE D U R E complaint and possibly the identity of those people involved: for example, if a The Deputy Head Master will speak to the complainant, telling him/her that child’s safety is at risk, or if it becomes necessary to refer the matter to the he has received the complaint and that it is being attended to within four police, in which case the complainant is informed. working days of it having been made. OCE D U R E

Information relating to specific complaints is kept confidentially on file.T he The pupil will then be asked to discuss the matter with either the Head School reserves the right not to pursue anonymous complaints. Action that Master or the Deputy Head Master. The pupil may invite another pupil or a needs to be taken under staff disciplinary procedures is handled confidentially member of staff of his/her choice to come to this meeting.

CO MP L AI NTS PR within the School. If at any stage the pupil are dissatisfied with the procedure he/she may contact the Commission for Social Care Inspection (Tel: 01823 345960). A counsellor will come and speak to the pupil privately at school - again another pupil or member of staff may be in the meeting - and will advise you about what course seems sensible.

32 33 term dates

Michaelmas Term 2008 Lent Term 2009

Term Begins Term Begins Tuesday 2 September All new Senior School pupils by 10.30 am Monday 5 January senior School boarders return by 8.00 pm All new St Oliver’s pupils by 4.00 pm st Oliver’s boarders return by 6.00 pm Remaining Senior School boarders by 8.00 pm Tuesday 6 January senior School day pupils return by 8.20 am Remaining St Oliver’s boarders by 6.00 pm st Oliver’s day pupils return by 8.20 am Wednesday 3 September senior School day pupils return by 8.20 am st Oliver’s day pupils return by 8.20 am St Oliver’s Exeat Friday 23 January st Oliver’s pupils leave at 3.30 pm Whole School Exeat Sunday 25th January st Oliver’s boarders return 6.00 - 7.00 pm Friday 26 September senior School day pupils leave at 3.30 pm Monday 26 January st Oliver’s day pupils return by 8.20 am st Oliver’s pupils leave at 3.30 pm Sunday 28 September senior School boarders return 6.00 - 9.00 pm Half Term

st Oliver’s boarders return 6.00 - 7.00 pm Friday 13 February senior School pupils leave from 11.00 am TE RM DA Monday 29 September senior School day pupils return by 8.20 am st Oliver’s pupils leave from 11.00 am TES st Oliver’s day pupils return by 8.20 am Sunday 22 February senior School boarders return 6.00 - 9.00 pm st Oliver’s boarders return 6.00 - 7.00 pm

Half Term Monday 23 February senior School day pupils return by 8.20 am TES Friday 17 October senior School pupils leave from 11.00 am st Oliver’s day pupils return by 8.20 am TE RM DA st Oliver’s pupils leave from 11.00 am Sunday 26 October senior School boarders return 6.00 - 9.00 pm St Oliver’s Exeat st Oliver’s boarders return 6.00 - 7.00 pm Friday 13 March st Oliver’s pupils leave at 3.30 pm Monday 27 October senior School day pupils return by 8.20 am Sunday 15 March st Oliver’s boarders return 6.00 - 7.00 pm st Oliver’s day pupils return by 8.20 am Monday 16 March st Oliver’s day pupils return by 8.20 am

Whole School Exeat Term Ends Friday 21 November senior School pupils leave at 3.30 pm Friday 27 March senior School pupils leave from 11.00 am st Oliver’s pupils leave at 3.30 pm st Oliver’s pupils leave from 11.00 am Sunday 23 November senior School boarders return 6.00 - 9.00 pm st Oliver’s boarders return 6.00 - 7.00 pm Monday 24 November senior School day pupils return by 8.20 am st Oliver’s day pupils return by 8.20 am

Term Ends Friday 12 December senior School pupils leave from 9.00 am st Oliver’s pupils leave from 9.00 am

34 35 LOCAL INFORMATION

Summer Term 2009 Suggested local services when visiting the area

Term Begins Bed & Breakfast in Private Houses Monday 20 April senior School boarders return by 8.00 pm Eastfield Farm Guest House, Peasedown St John 01761 432161 st Oliver’s boarders return by 6.00 pm Mr & Mrs R Mellotte, Oval House, Stratton on the Fosse 01761 232183 Tuesday 21 April senior School day pupils return by 8.20 am (opposite school gates) st Oliver’s day pupils return by 8.20 am Mr & Mrs H Pountney, Melon Cottage, nr Kilmersdon 01761 435090

St Oliver’s Exeat Small Hotels & Inns Friday 8 May st Oliver’s pupils leave at 3.30 pm Glencot House, Wookey Hole, Wells 01749 412305 Sunday 10 May st Oliver’s boarders return 6.00 - 7.00 pm The Holcombe Inn, Holcombe, Bath 01761 232478 Monday 11 May st Oliver’s day pupils return by 8.20 am The Old Priory Hotel, Midsomer Norton 01761 416784 The Vobster Inn, Lower Vobster 01761 812920 LOC Half Term

Friday 22 May senior School pupils leave from 11.00 am Larger Hotels A L I N F O RMA st Oliver’s pupils leave from 11.00 am Babington House, Frome 01373 812266 TES Sunday 31 May senior School Prize Day Centurion Hotel, Charlton Lane, Midsomer Norton 01761 417711 All Senior School pupils by 10.45 am Charlton House Hotel, Shepton Mallet 01749 342008 . st Oliver’s boarders return 6.00 - 7.00 pm The Court Hotel, Lynch Hill, Emborough, Chilcompton 01761 232237 Monday 1 June st Oliver’s day pupils return by 8.20 am Ston Easton Park Hotel, Ston Easton 01761 241631 T I ON TE RM DA The Thatched Cottage Inn, Shepton Mallet 01749 232183 St Oliver’s Exeat Friday 19 June st Oliver’s pupils leave at 3.30 pm Taxis Sunday 21 June st Oliver’s boarders return 6.00 - 7.00 pm 1st Avenue 08704 444500 Monday 22 June st Oliver’s day pupils return by 8.20 am A & B Taxis 01761 233349 Mobile 07989 467072 Term Ends Mendip Chauffeur Hire 01761 233062 Thursday 2 July st Oliver’s Prize Day Phillip Saunders Private Hire 01749 330333 st Oliver’s pupils leave from 3.30 pm Mobile 07855 588128 Friday 3 July senior School pupils leave from 11.00 am

36 37 useful contacts

School Office 01761 235100 House Masters/Mistresses pupils’ telephones in Houses Email: [email protected] Barlow House Barlow Head Master Marketing and Admissions Mr Alistair Falzon 01761 232 354 Dom Leo Maidlow Davis Mr Gordon Pearce 01761 235132 01761 235101 01761 235135 [email protected] Caverel [email protected] [email protected] 01761 232 430 Caverel House Head Master’s secretary Registrar Mrs Belinda Bouchard Isabella Mrs Lyn Payne Mrs Terri O’Shea 01761 235131 01761 239313 01761 235101 01761 235 103 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Powell Isabella House 01761 232 358 use f ul cont Deputy Head Master Academic Administrator Mrs Claire Murphy

cts Mr Andrew Hobbs Mr James Moretti 01761 235143 Roberts a 01761 235108 01761 235192 [email protected] 01761 232 462 [email protected] [email protected] Powell House Smythe Deputy Head Master’s secretary Bursar Mr Simon Potter 01761 232 740

Mrs Sue Corke Mr Richard Rossiter 01761 235133 a 01761 235108 01761 235125 [email protected] St Olivers (Ramsay) cts [email protected] [email protected] 01761 239 031 use f ul cont Roberts House Director of Studies Director of Development Mr Mark Grinsell St Olivers (Ullathorne) Dr Julian Roberts Mrs Jane Vines 01761 235129 01761 233 954 01761 235117 01761 235158 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Smythe House Director of Pastoral Care School Shop Manager Mr Gordon Pearce Mr André Gushurst-Moore Mr Paul Burcham 01761 235126 01761 235183 01761 235138 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] St Oliver’s House Director of Activities Travel Secretary Mr Richard Iago Mr Dominic Grass Mrs Bridget Moules 01761 235160 01761 235169 01761 235104 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

38 39 Chaplains OTHER USEFUL CONTACTs

Dom Raphael Appleby Director of Music 01761 235189 Mr Christopher Tambling [email protected] 01761 235146 [email protected] Dom Anselm Brumwell 01761 235152 Head of Nursing Care [email protected] Sister Anne Hounslow 01761 235128 Dom Boniface Hill [email protected] 01761 235161 [email protected] Head of Boys’ Games Mr Austin Woodin Dom James Hood 01761 235139

cts 01761 235113 [email protected] a [email protected] Head of Girls’ Games Mrs Kate Hornsby 01761 235120 [email protected] use f ul cont

40 Downside School Stratton-on-the-Fosse Radstock Bath BA3 4RJ Tel 01761 235103 Fax 01761 235105 Email [email protected] www.downside.co.uk