BOARDING

SCHOOL HOUSE HANDBOOK

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Welcome to boarding at Sevenoaks. I am delighted that your son will be joining Sevenoaks School as a boarder. We have a strong boarding community, who contribute to all aspects of school life. As well as all the information that is relevant to the school day, I am sure that you have many questions that relate specifically to boarding. This booklet aims to answer as many of those questions as we can, by first addressing things common to all boarders, and then with a section specific to your child’s boarding house. If you have any questions that are not covered here, then please get in touch with your child’s boarding housemaster or mistress. Warm wishes Nichola Haworth Head of Boarding

Girls’ International House International Centre Johnsons Lambardes Park Grange School House Sennocke

Mrs Nichola Haworth Dr Steve Owen Mr Sébastien Coquelin Mrs Caroline Dyer Mrs Elizabeth Bassett Mr Gareth Willis Mrs Kris Lewis

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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SCHOOL HOUSE HANDBOOK Contents Page Welcome to boarding at Sevenoaks Information common to all boarding houses The Sevenoaks Boarding Ethos The Tutoring System 1 Communication 2 Matrons 2 Safety and Security Medicines 3 Electrical Appliances 3 Property 3 Other Information Newsletters 4 Start and end of terms/half terms 4 Holiday Lettings 4 Further information 4 Information specific to School House School House Boarding House 5 School House Staff 6 Post 6 Telephones 6 6 Academic Matters House Facilities 7 Student Body 8 8 Daily Routine Suggested items to bring 9 Expectations 10 Money and Valubles 10 Computers 10 Kitchen 10 Laundry 10 Luggage 11 11 Travel Arrangements Meals 11 Rooms 12 12 Breakages and Defects Sleep 12 12 Study Time 12 House Meetings Visitors 13 13 Signing Out House Events 14 Staff Photos 15 3

SCHOOL HOUSE HANDBOOK

Information common to all boarding houses

The Sevenoaks Boarding Ethos The school aims to provide its pupils with a happy and secure learning environment. Sevenoaks hopes to furnish its boarders with a structured, relaxed, consistent and friendly home in which to develop into young adults, full of self-esteem, with a developed sense of responsibility and a deeply held academic rigour. It is our belief that young people thrive on high expectations and plenty of justified praise. Our many boarding staff are genuinely conscientious, committed, caring and approachable. We expect our pupils to: • be courteous • be respectful of others and their environment • be supportive of others • be tolerant • show a commitment to all that they do • play an active part in the school community Communication is the key. We encourage our pupils to speak up about anything that is of concern to them. They are made aware of the channels of communication open to them at the beginning of the academic year. Parents must feel free to contact House Staff at any time about any matter. The Tutoring System Housemasters/Housemistresses, their Assistants and the resident and non-resident House tutors are all tutors for boarders in their respective Houses. Every pupil in the school is allocated a tutor. A personal tutor has two main functions: 1. he/she oversees academic and extracurricular progress. 2. he/she is another “listening ear” for them, and can help them deal with problems or concerns.

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Communication Communication between school and parents is a key contributing factor to a successful boarding experience. Any academic matters are best addressed to your child’s tutor, who will work closely with the Boarding Housemaster/mistress (BHM). Other issues could be addressed to either the tutor, or the BHM, as you feel is most appropriate. Matrons Each house has either a matron or two matrons who share this role between them. Matrons work with the BHMs to ensure the smooth running of the House. The matron is on duty during the day in the House. The matron’s role is a wide one, although a key part is to look after the health and welfare needs of the students. Matrons have daily contact with the Health Centre. If a student is unwell, they will make sure that they are looked after in the House, and that medical attention is sought when necessary. Matrons also arrange dental appointments, and will hold the hands of nervous patients if asked! They will chase lost luggage, arrange taxi transfers at the beginning and end of term and order and monitor house food stores. In short they have a large responsibility for the domestic arrangements of the House. Matrons are not resident but have close contact with the boarders on a day to day basis. They can be contacted directly by phone or email, the details of which are in this booklet.

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Safety and Security

Medicines Students cannot hold their own medication, unless they have been given specific permission to do so. This includes over the counter medication like paracetamol, as well medicine that has been prescribed. If medication is brought from home, it must be declared to the matron, so that an assessment can be carried out. Any information about what it contains or why it is needed will help this process. Medicines of any kind must never be passed to another student. Electrical Appliances We take electrical safety very seriously. To this end all electrical appliances are tested by our qualified Housemen prior to use. They must conform to British Safety standards. (This includes extension leads). Only British 3 pin plugs may be used. A standard 2 to 3 pin converter is not acceptable, but we do provide suitable convertors. Particular care should be taken to avoid overloading sockets, and ancillary cooking or heating equipment is not allowed (for example kettles, coffee makers, electric blankets etc). Fridges are also not allowed in rooms. Please ask for advice if this is not clear. Property Boarding Houses are busy communities, and boarders seem to have an ever increasing amount of personal property. It is vital that everything is named, including school uniform, personal clothes, bedding, sports equipment and electronic devices. It is extremely difficult to reunite students with their possessions unless everything is named, and dealing with lost property takes up a lot of time. Ideally bedding should be named with a large label near the opening of the duvet cover/pillow case, while clothes should be labelled inside the collar or inside the waistband, so that identification is easy to find. It is also a good idea to send your child to school with extra labels. Any type of label would be fine, but we have found these to be quite effective and discreet enough that teenagers don’t mind. http://www.easy2name.com/product.htm?product=easy2name-stickeasy The loss or damage of personal items is not covered by school insurance, and it is a good idea to arrange this privately. There are a number of companies that provide suitable student insurance.

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Other information

Newsletters Houses produce regular newsletters to keep parents informed about events in the boarding houses. Copies of old newsletters are available at sevenoaksschool.org/boarding1 Starts and end of terms/half terms Boarders are due back to their houses by 9pm the evening before the term half term starts, so that they have enough time for final unpacking before lessons the following morning. To allow for overnight flights, houses will open at 0700 the day before lessons commence. Similarly, at the ends of terms and half terms houses will stay open until 9am the following day to allow for flights that depart in the morning. If at all possible, please book flights that do not interrupt teaching. When boarders depart early it disrupts not only their own education, but also that of others in the same class. Holiday Lettings Sevenoaks School reserves the right to let out boarding accommodation during holiday periods. Boarders must be prepared to clear their bedrooms of all belongings at the end of every term, and occasionally at half term. Ideally possessions should be taken home, but where this is not possible boxes or storage bags will be provided and belongings can be stored in the Boarding House. There is, however, only a limited amount of storage space. The Bursar will inform the housemaster/ housemistress well in advance so that they can organise the clearing of rooms, as necessary. Further information You will find the following useful information on the boarding section of the parents’ pages, at sevenoaksschool.org/boarding1 • Bank Accounts • Catering • Common Boarding rules – These apply to all boarders • Councils and committees • Driving lessons • Guidelines for boarders holding/attending a party • Hosting boarders at weekends • Housekeeping • The Health Centre, including how to access the school counsellor • Religion This page also contains links to a list of school policies and copies of forms initially sent out by the admissions department.

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Information specific to School House

School House Boarding House Historically this home of the Sevenoaks boarding community was at the heart of the school situated in what is now known as Old School (Maths department). In the early 1990s School House moved to the impressive Victorian building, formerly the International Centre, on Oak Lane and today continues as a home to 53 talented and energetic boys, aged 13 to 18, who are tightly bonded and proud of their identity and traditions. Situated a short walk from the main school campus the House benefits from being set in beautiful grounds. This slight distance from the campus means that whilst the boys remain as boarders they can still leave some of the stresses of School life behind when they come back to the House. School House provides a place where each person can relax within a friendly and supportive environment. It is a civilised house, where the individual is respected, their talents nurtured and where academic achievement can be fostered. Gareth Willis Housemaster

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School House Staff Weekend duties are shared between the Boarding Housemaster (BHM), the Assistant Housemaster, (ABHM) and the Year 9 Tutor all of whom are resident in the House. Evening duties are shared between the resident staff and two non-resident tutors. Our matron is on duty during the day. During Term the duty member of staff can always be contacted on: +44 7979 746116 Housemaster Assistant Housemaster Resident Year 9 Tutor Non resident Tutor Non resident Tutor Matron

Mr Gareth Willis ([email protected] ) +44 1732 455016 Dr Tom Findley ([email protected] ) Mr Oliver Russell ([email protected]) Mr Daniel Whiffin ([email protected]) Dr Mark Parsons ([email protected]) Ms Louise Everitt ([email protected]) +44 1732 462719

Post Letters and parcels for both staff and students should be addressed to: School House Oak Lane Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1UF Telephones If you are trying to contact a student directly, please avoid using the staff numbers. There is a land line available for incoming calls +44 1732 454396 Please do not call between 19:00 and 21:00 Monday to Friday. This is the evening study period and during this time the House should be as quiet as possible. Academic Matters Our intention is to make your son’s time here as happy and as successful as possible. Academic achievement is a key part of this. There is a great deal of support available to help our students, but a positive attitude is vital. Academic progress is monitored by the Housemaster and the tutors. Regular subject grades and reports are issued to parents and you are, of course, welcome to discuss your son’s progress at any time. If you are unable to attend parents’ evenings it is often possible to arrange another time to meet with tutors. Your first contact is your son’s Tutor although the House is a close community and the duty member of staff is available for any concerns.

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House Facilities Study bedrooms accommodate between one and four boys. The rooms are full of character and are highly individual but with similar fixtures and fittings. Numbers per room decrease with progression through the academic years with pairs sharing in Year 11 and Lower Sixth. We are fortunate enough to be able to offer most boys their own room in the Upper Sixth depending on the size of the year groups. It is important for boys to feel that their room is personal to them and they are invited to bring rugs, posters, plants etc. for decoration. Notice boards are provided with this in mind. Except for Year 9, the boys change rooms and room mates each year. They can submit room requests and the Housemaster will always try to accommodate these. Year 9 pupils change rooms regularly during the year and will share with everyone in their year group by the end of the year. Other rooms available to members of the House include a comfortable ‘Quiet Room’ for newspaper reading, holding meetings and social events. There is a large kitchen where boys cook for themselves and congregate. We are fortunate to have a TV Room/Den as well as a Games Room, Snooker Room/ Library and a Music Room. The beautiful and extensive grounds are solely for the use of House members. The outside space is ideal for teenage boys. In fact it is these areas that are valued most: the football pitch, tennis court, croquet lawn and volleyball areas. Library - We are always keen to update the house library and all boys may make suggestions for further purchases. Each term, each tutor group will select a book to be read during the course of the term. Near the end of term the group will meet to discuss the text. Computers - As well as a fully equipped computer room the House has wireless connection to the school network, enabling boys to use laptops in their study areas.

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The Student Body All members of the House have the opportunity to influence house life. There are regular House meetings where important notices are given and items raised. On alternate weeks the House Council sits to discuss issues in greater detail. The Council consists of the House officials plus one elected member of each year group. The House Captain, Vice Captain and Secretary (the House Officials) - The House Officials, in the final term of their Lower Sixth year, are appointed by the Housemaster, in consultation with the boys in the House, to hold these positions for twelve months. These students are crucial to the running of the House and their opinion is often sought by the Housemaster on matters of administration or general morale. Official duties for the House Captain include leading the student body and being a role model for the House. One Vice Captain is responsible for mentoring pupils who are new to the House, the other is responsible for social and sports events whilst the Secretary arranges duty rotas and administration. All members of the House undertake regular House duties. Daily Routine 07:15 08:00 08:30 09:00 16:10 17:30 17:45 18:45 19:45-20:00 21:00 21:30 21:45 22:00 22:15 22:30 23:00

Morning call All members of the House must have left for breakfast House Meeting Time for lessons to begin School day ends - boys may change to casual clothes All boys to return to main campus from Sevenoaks town or from after-school activities, including sport, music and drama rehearsals. Boarders’ supper First homework starts in the House Homework break Formal homework time ends (20:30 for Year 9) Year 9 to bed Year 9 reading; Year 10 to bed Lights out for Year 9; Year 10 reading, Year 11 to bed Lights out for Year 10; Year 11 reading Lights out for Year 11; Lower Sixth to bed Upper Sixth Form boys in rooms ready for bed Lower Sixth lights out

Weekends Bedtime for all is 23:00. Evening study time is altered slightly in the summer term, after exams, to take advantage of lighter evenings outside.

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Suggested items to bring • Duvet, pillow, two sets of bedlinen and towels. These can be purchased in Sevenoaks or ordered online so there is no need to transport bulky items if this is a problem. All bedlinen is washed off-site, and students collect their sheets when they are returned on a Tuesday. Coloured or patterned bedlinen is easier for students to identify than plain white or blue, although it is entirely a matter of personal choice. • A water bottle is very useful although not essential Combination padlock • • Spare name tapes • Ipod and headphones or equivalent • Alarm clock • Umbrella • Wellies or similar waterproof footwear • Gloves and a scarf for winter • Pictures and photos for your noticeboard. Please do NOT fasten items to walls. All items must be named including travel bags, chargers and electrical leads.

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Expectations Boarding is a wonderful experience that will give your son many opportunities, but living in a community requires a great deal of consideration for others. These guidelines are based on the fundamental principle that each member of the House should have respect for the others. Absence from the House - Curfews are common to all Houses and are detailed in the common boarding rules (see parent pages or Firefly). Outside of lessons and at weekends, boys must obtain permission from the duty staff for all activities outside the House, including the use of school facilities. You must sign out, sign in, and report to the duty member of staff on each occasion. It is absolutely imperative that the signing out rule is followed. Anyone found to be abusing these guidelines will, in the interests of their own safety, have their freedom curtailed. Permission to take leave from the House or go into town must be obtained from the duty member of staff. Parental permission is needed to be in another adult’s care or to visit a day pupil’s home. A telephone call or note from the host will also be necessary. Money and Valuables Boys are expected to be financially independent and to open a bank or building society account before they arrive. Every boy has a lockable cupboard in his room but we would advise strongly against holding large sums of money or other valuables in rooms. Passports and large amounts of money may be deposited in the Housemaster’s safe. Computers All boarding pupils are subject to the IT Code of Conduct for Students. Boarders must use their mobile computing devices sensibly, considerately and legally, and appreciate that care must be taken to avoid loss or damage. Desktop computers are available in the Birkett Room, however, many students wish to bring their own laptop and make use of the school’s wireless system, available throughout School House. Further details of this system are available on request. We strongly recommend that personal computers are insured. Kitchen It is essential that everyone does their best to keep the kitchen clean and hygienic; the House Secretary organises a kitchen rota during the evenings and at weekends. Any personal food should be labelled and kept in refrigerators or on the shelves in the kitchen. For hygiene reasons, food should not be prepared, consumed or kept in bedrooms. Laundry Please make sure that all items of clothing and linen are clearly named. The Matron arranges for uniform (jackets and trousers) to be dry cleaned and pressed; the charge for this is added to the school bill termly. Towels and bed linen are sent to an outside laundry once a week. The sixth form take responsibility for their own clothes; we will help them learn to use the washing machines and tumble dryers in the house laundry. The Housekeeper attends to Middle School clothing.

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Luggage It is best to use several small cases as these are much easier both to carry up and down the stairs and to store safely. In particular it is best to avoid trunks. Boarders living abroad or at a great distance from the School are able to store some belongings at School House. Those boarders who live closer at hand in the UK will be expected to take most belongings home at the end of term. Therefore, we advise boarders to bring as little luggage as possible at the start of terms Please name travel bags clearly. Travel Arrangements Although many boys are used to travelling independently it is prudent to confirm travel plans with the matron and/or Housemaster to ensure timely departures and alert for early arrivals. Taxis can be arranged via matron for longer journeys or airport runs. Each house tends to use one company where drivers are known and verified by the school. The drivers are aware of our level of expectation and are accommodating of teenagers. Any requirements for unaccompanied minors should be notified to the matron, however parents are expected to make arrangements directly with the respective airline. Meals To maintain health it is important that students have a balanced and varied diet. All members of the house must attend all school meals with exceptions at weekends. After homework and at weekends boys can choose to cook in house.

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Rooms The house has a team of committed cleaners headed by a Housekeeper. However, in order for them to carry out their jobs effectively, rooms need to be kept tidy. Each boy is responsible for the tidiness of his own area. Breakages and Defects Breakages and Defects - Please report these to the duty member of staff immediately and enter them in the Houseman’s book. Sleep School life is remarkably busy, and students will not achieve their best if overtired. In the interests of the community we ask that students respect their bedtimes. Study Time Weekdays 18:45-21:00. This is a period for formal and quiet private study; the entire house needs to be as quiet as possible to facilitate this. During this time there are to be no telephone calls, nonacademic activities or applications running on laptops/personal devices, no TV and minimal movement from study bedrooms. House Meetings All boys must attend morning House Meetings promptly unless permission to be late has been obtained from the duty member of staff.

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Visitors Parents are always welcome. Other Sevenoaks Students are welcome by invitation during lunchtime (13.40-1420) or between school and supper (16.10-17.45)Monday to Friday. At weekends they are welcome after school until 22:00, on Saturday and until 21:00 on Sunday. Visitors may not be invited into the House or gardens during teaching time. All visitors must sign in and out of the visitors’ book. Female visitors may be entertained in the Quiet Room, TV Room and ground floor kitchen only. Male visitors may be asked up to study bedrooms with the permission of the duty member of staff. Boys are asked to remember that they are responsible for their visitors and their actions. When visiting other boarding houses, boys must comply with the conventions of those houses. Signing Out The following rules are designed to facilitate a degree of freedom within the framework that places safety first. The Town - Year 9 and 10 may only go into town at lunchtime with express consent from the Housemaster/Assistant Housemaster. After school, all students must then gain verbal permission from the duty member of staff and report in upon return. They must also fill in the signing out book. Knole Park - Everyone must first gain verbal permission to go into the Park and be accompanied by at least one other. Generally, a time for returning will be given. The Park is out of bounds for everyone after dusk. Again, the signing out book must be filled in. Day Pupils’ Homes - Parental permission is needed to visit a day pupils home. A telephone call or note from your host will also be necessary. Leaving the House after Supper - Permission for this will normally only be given for genuine activities such as sport, music, theatre visits etc. Verbal permission from the duty member of staff must always be requested and you are expected to report back in personally, as well as use the signing out book. All boys must be back in the house by 22:00. Exceptions include a school organised activity such as a teacher trip or a meal with parents. Extension will normally be granted until 23:00. Weekends - At weekends, boys must obtain permission for all activities outside the House, including the use of school facilities. You must sign out, sign in, and report to the duty member of staff on each occasion. No-one is to be out of the House for more than 2 hours without prior negotiation. On Saturdays, Middle School boys are generally expected back in the House by Year 9 18:00, year 10 20:00 and year 11 21:00 and Sixth Years by 22:45. It is absolutely imperative that the signing out rule is followed. Anyone found to be abusing these guidelines will, in the interests of their own safety, have their freedom curtailed.

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House Events Every year the boys and the staff of School House undertake the running and organisation of many social events within the House. The following is a selection of major events which may be expected over an academic year. However, many minor, impromptu events can be organised on request and we are always open to new suggestions and ideas. We aim to post upcoming events on Parent Pages. It is the aim of the House to organise at least one event/outing every weekend. In addition there are evening activities such as 5-a-side football, cricket and Sixth Form social, which take place on a weekly basis. Michaelmas Term New boarder’s BBQ at IC (L6), New Joiners Camping, House Sunday Trip, Fresher’s Ball (L6), Inter-house football, Carol Service, House Ball, Break up supper Lent Term Inter-house quiz, Inter-house basketball, House Valentines’ Dinner, House Theatre trip, Break up supper Summer Term Boarders’ Olympics, Almshouse Tea Party, Strawberry Picking, House BBQ

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Staff Photos

Gareth Willis - Housemaster

Tom Findley - Assistant Housemaster

Dan Whiffen - Assistant Tutor

Oliver Russell - Resident Tutor

Mark Parsons - Assistant Tutor

Louise Everitt - Matron

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