Downside School Parent Handbook 2026 by downsideschool

Dear Parents

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you all and to give you an outline of the ethos and culture of Downside as an introduction to this handbook.

Downside’s foundations are rooted in Christian values, specifically Catholic and Benedictine values. They are the basis for our school, which provides support and challenge in equal measure for our pupils.

We aim to work in partnership with families and to provide an environment which nurtures young people of integrity, who can think for themselves and stand up for their beliefs so as to make a positive difference in the world. The strength and confidence, which both pupils and staff draw from belonging to a community and such a clear sense of shared purpose, encourages them to strive to achieve their potential and to support others to do the same.

Of course, we celebrate when our pupils get great results and achieve success beyond Downside but most of all we want them to value themselves and others for who they are, not for what they have acquired or achieved. We view those achievements as the by-product of the values and work ethic we encourage as opposed to the singular aim. Resilience is the quality we most want for our pupils as they move through Downside and on into the world outside. We want them to be open to and embrace growth and change, to have the confidence to take on a challenge and do their best. Resilience is nurtured in individuals who are part of a community in which kindness and looking to the needs of others is the currency. At Downside, we strive to be just such a community.

We hope that this handbook will prove a useful reference guide as you and your family prepare for the beginning of next term. It is intended to give a sense of what day-to-day life at Downside is like and details the policies and procedures of the School.

Best wishes

MIKE RANDALL Interim Head

The Houses and House Teams

THE HOUES AND HOUSE TEAMS

There are six Houses for pupils in Downside School, two for girls, three for senior boys and one for junior boys. Each House is run by a resident Housemaster or Housemistress (HsM), together with an Assistant Housemaster or Housemistress and, in some Houses, an additional resident House Tutor. Boarders and day pupils are fully integrated into the same Houses, each forming part of a Tutor Group, under the care of one of the House Tutors who also spends at least one evening a week in the House. Each House has a Housemother, whose role is to support the pupils day to day needs.

Girls Houses

There are five Houses for pupils in Downside School, two for girls ansd three for boys. Each House is run by a resident Housemaster or Housemistress (HsM), together with an Assistant Housemaster or Housemistress and, in some Houses, an additional resident House Tutor. Boarders and day pupils are fully integrated into the same Houses, each forming part of a Tutor Group, under the care of one of the House Tutors who also spends at least one evening a week in the House. Each House has a Housemother, whose role is to support the pupils day to day needs.

Caverel House

GIRLS’ HOUSES

HousemistressMrs Anna McGarry

Assistant HsMHannah Alcantara

Caverel House Housemistress: Mrs Anna McGarry

Assistant HsM: Ms Molly Orme

Caverel House is home to girls aged 13 to 18. Younger girls share four-bed rooms or two-bed rooms, Fifth and Sixth Form girls (Years 11, 12 and 13) have their own study bedrooms. Caverel House is named after Abbot Philip de Caverel. Born in 1555, he became Abbot of St Vedast’s at Arras in Normandy and later provided the monastic community with its first home at Douai.

Caverel House is home to girls aged 13 to 18. Younger girls share four-bed rooms or two-bedrooms, Fifth and Sixth Form girls (Years 11, 12 and 13) have their own study bedrooms. Caverel House is named after Abbot Philip de Caverel. Born in 1555, he became Abbot of St Vedast’s at Arras in Normandy and later provided the monastic community with its first home at Douai.

Mrs Anna McGarry – Housemistress of Caverel House amcgarry@downside.co.uk

Isabella House

HousemistressAmanda Ball

Assistant HsMLisa Packer

Isabella House

Housemistress: Ms Amanda Ball

Assistant HsM: Ms Lisa Packer

Isabella House is home to girls aged 13 to 18 with a selection of shared bedrooms and study bedrooms for older pupils. Isabella House is named after Infanta

Isabella House is a light modern purpose-built home to gir ls aged 11 to 18 with a selection of shared bedrooms and study bedrooms for older pupils. Isabella House is named after Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia of Spain and Portugal who gave permission for the establishment of the English Benedictine community of St Gregory’s, Douai, in 1606, and promised it protection.

Isabella Clara Eugenia of Spain and Portugal who gave permission for the establishment of the English Benedictine community of St Gregory’s, Douai, in 1606, and promised it protection.

aball@downside.co.uk

Anna McGarry – Housemistress of Caverel House

Amanda Ball – Housemistress of Isabella House

Anna McGarry – Housemistress of Caverel House

Amanda Ball – Housemistress of Isabella House

Barlow House

Senior Boys' Houses

Housemaster Mr Simon Potter

Smythe House

Housemaster Mr David Pollard

BOYS’ HOUSES

Barlow House

Assistant Mr Connor O'Rourke

Housemaster Mr Simon Potter

Barlow House

Assistant Mr Connor O'Rourke

Housemaster Mr Simon Potter

Barlow House

Fourth Form boys (Year 10) share a comfortable dormitory, Fifth and Sixth Form boys (Years 11, 12 and 13) have their own study bedrooms.

Smythe House

Assistant Mr Ian Ramsden

Housemaster Mr David Pollard

Smythe House Housemaster Mr David Pollard

Assistant Mr Ian Ramsden

Smythe House

Housemaster: Mr Simon Potter

Assistant Mr Connor O'Rourke

Assistant: Mr Conor O’Rourke

Fourth Form boys (Year 10) share a comfortable dormitory, Fifth and Sixth Form boys (Years 11, 12 and 13) have their own study bedrooms.

Barlow House is named after St Ambrose Barlow, a monk of the community of St Gregory the Great, who was martyred in 1641.

Fourth Form boys (Year 10) share a comfortable dormitory, Fifth and Sixth Form boys (Years 11, 12 and 13) have their own study bedrooms.

Housemaster: Mr David Pollard

Assistant Mr Ian Ramsden

Assistant: Mr Jamie Goslow

Barlow House is named after St Ambrose Barlow, a monk of the community of St Gregory the Great, who was martyred in 1641.

Fourth Form boys (Year 10) share a comfortable dormitory, Fifth and Sixth Form boys (Years 11, 12 and 13) have their own study bedrooms. Barlow House is named after St Ambrose Barlow, a monk of the community of St Gregory the Great, who was martyred in 1641.

Simon Potter – Housemaster of Barlow House spotter@downside.co.uk

Roberts House

Housemaster Joshua Freeman

Roberts House

Assistant Dr Jesus Tapia Amador

Smythe has large distinct rooms, a variety of dayrooms. Fourth Form boys (Year 10) share a modern and comfor table dormitory, Fifth and Sixth Form boys (Years 11, 12 and 13) have their own study bedrooms. Sir Edward Smythe, a Catholic and former student of St Gregory’s, offered the community shelter at his own house, Acton Burnell Hall, in Shropshire, after they were forced to flee from Douai in 1795.

Smythe accommodates both boys from the junior years (Years 7, 8, 9) and older boys. Junior boys share a modern comfortable dormitory, and Fourth Form and above (Year 10) share twin bedrooms or have their own study bedrooms as they progress through the school.

VISION AND AIMS

Downside School’s vision – as a Catholic and Benedictine school with Christ at its centre, is to be a bright light in education and to inspire service in our world.

OUR AIMS

1. To guide pupils and staff to encounter Christ through experience of a Benedictine community of faith

2. To be uncompromising in the pursuit of academic excellence

Housemaster Joshua Freeman

Roberts House

Assistant Dr Jesus Tapia Amador

Housemaster Joshua Freeman

Housemaster: Mr Joshua Freeman

Assistant: Mr Matthew O’Neill

Fou r th Form boys ( Year 10) share a modern and comfo r table dormito r y, Fifth and Sixth Form boys ( Yea r s 11, 12 and 13) have their own study bedrooms. Roberts House is named after St John Roberts, a member of the Downside community now at Downside, who was martyred in 1610.

Assistant Dr Jesus Tapia Amador

Fourth Form boys (Year 10) share a modern and comfortable dormitory, Fifth and Sixth Form boys (Years 11, 12 and 13) have their own study bedrooms. Roberts House is named after St John Roberts, a member of the community now at Downside, who was martyred in 1610.

Joshua Freeman – Housemaster of Roberts House jfreeman@downside.co.uk

David Pollard – Housemaster of Smythe House

David Pollard – Housemaster of Smythe House dpollard@downside.co.uk

David Pollard – Housemaster of

3. To foster a culture of unselfish love, integrity, humility and leadership through service

4. To develop the character and confidence of young people through sport and extra-curricular opportunities

5. To develop the school community’s facilities and resources through strategic stewardship.

Simon Potter – Housemaster of Barlow House

Joshua Freeman – Housemaster of Roberts House

Smythe House

Simon Potter – Housemaster of Barlow House

Joshua Freeman – Housemaster of Roberts House

Simon Potter – Housemaster of Barlow House

Joshua Freeman – Housemaster of Roberts House

David Pollard – Housemaster of Smythe House

STATEMENT OF BOARDING PRINCIPLES

Introduction

Downside is a traditional, Catholic, family orientated boarding School, and as such, the values and ideals of the Gospel and the Rule of St. Benedict lie at the heart of the community here. Whilst Downside is a strong academic School, our aim is to develop the character of our boarders and day pupils alike, where the importance of moral courage, integrity and service is emphasised.

Aims

At Downside we aim to provide a safe, nurturing environment and strong close-knit community where all pupils actively live out the values and aspects of a Benedictine and Catholic education. Pupils have opportunities to develop their faith and spirituality and are guided to encounter Christ throughout all aspects of school life. The experience of living and working together helps pupils to develop personal discipline, active listening and social skills, self awareness, confidence, independence and compassion. Community life affords pupils opportunities to develop deeper cultural understanding and respect for those from different beliefs and traditions and to celebrate diversity.

We aim to cultivate a culture of unselfish love, integrity, humility and leadership through service and responsibility. Each pupil is challenged to embrace the numerous academic, sporting and co-curricular opportunities and to contribute purposefully for the benefit of the School and wider community.

Practice

Boarding, whether as a full boarder, or day+ boarder, is an inclusive and progressive community. Boarders are encouraged to embrace and celebrate diversity and to recognise the unique value of each individual.

The boarding environment actively promotes mutual respect, Benedictine values, compassion, and concern from the individual and pupils are expected to act with courtesy and good manners at all times.

Downside offers a rich and vibrant co-curricular programme through the week and at weekends to

provide opportunities for fun, challenge, celebrations, experience, teamwork, community building and socialising.

The boarding houses at Downside are split as follows:

• Smythe House is home to boys from First to Upper Six (Year 7-13); Roberts and Barlow Houses are home to boys from Fourth To Upper Sixth Form (Years 10-13)

• Isabella is home to girls First to Upper Sixth form (Years 7-13).

• Caverel is home to girls Third to Upper Sixth form (Years 9-13).

Each house is run by an experienced pastoral team, led by the House Master or House Mistress (HsM). They are supported by assistant HsMs, tutors and house parents. The Health and Wellbeing Centre supports the pupils and houses. It is staffed by experienced nurses and Health Care Practitioners and runs regular GP surgeries. There are three counsellors offering a range of different support for groups or individuals. Pupils also have access to an independent person. HsMs work closely in partnership with families to give individual, holistic care to each pupil. Downside’s boarding provision is managed by the Senior Leadership Team to ensure consistency and the highest standards in boarding and safeguarding systems, protocols and procedures.

Community worship through Mass, retreats, house prayers and Lectio Divina allows pupils to develop their faith and spirituality. The School chaplaincy includes an ordained Chaplain, a lay Chaplain and members of the St Scholastica community. They play a central part in the lives of pupils and the School community, promote service opportunities and raises awareness of the needs of the vulnerable through charity work.

Pupil voice plays a crucial part throughout all aspects of the School. Pupils are encouraged to provide feedback and ideas for improving the quality of provision through student voice boxes in each house, prefect meetings, house councils and the School council.

THE SEVEN ASPECTS OF A BENEDICTINE EDUCATION

The seven aspects provide a valuable perspective on the key qualities of a Benedictine education.

1. Welcome and hospitality are key elements in a school where pupils and staff work together to form a kind, mutually supportive community, based on the core principle of Christian love. Careful, active listening is an essential part of positive human relationships, and this is emphasized at Downside, as young people are guided in how to live together within their houses and within the school community as a whole.

2. Reverence , as an intrinsic part of regular school worship, and as part of respect for each person’s individual human dignity, is a hallmark of life at Downside as a Benedictine school; it is part of the worship and love of God in Christ. This divine and human love draws the School into a communion whose members grow together in the love of truth and of one another. Humility enables people to live truly, communicating honestly with each other and God, enabling this love to develop.

3. Teaching and learning are central because of the need for our pupils to be skilled and educated people in a competitive world but also because our higher purpose is to grow in the knowledge of truth, which leads to God.

4. Personal discipline is something essential for the wellbeing of the individual and the community. It means that we are not enslaved to the world’s distractions but free to pursue higher ambitions, such as service and the positive pursuit of knowledge.

5. Downside emphasizes the importance of living within a nurturing spiritual community; concern for the individual enables groups of individuals to live and grow together in a manner that fosters human flourishing.

6. Harmonious community life is the consequence of building communion while there will always be some difficulties within communities, a spiritual purpose means that communion between people and with God is made possible.

7. There are many gifts in human life, if people are prepared to receive them. Through the Holy Spirit, the world is made full of beauty and wisdom; the stewardship of gifts , from the natural environment to human abilities, means that the whole world can benefit.

SCHOOL REGULATIONS

THE DOWNSIDE RULE:

The priority of a Gregorian is duty to others. He/she is obliged to act with courtesy and common sense for the good of the community. Any behaviour that causes discomfort, distress or danger does not conform to the rule.

REGULATIONS

Dress – Regulation Dress

1. Girls: School blouse, jacket and skirt/trousers as supplied by the School Shop. Instead of the jacket, a maroon V-necked sweater may be worn. All girls in the Sixth Form may wear a black sweater. Tights should be black in winter but flesh coloured tights may be worn during the summer. Girls in Forms 1 to 5 must have their hair tied back when in regulation dress.

Boys: Black shoes, a suit as supplied by the school shop, and a white shirt, to be worn with a tie and the collar buttoned. Instead of the jacket a black sweater, V-necked showing the collar and tie, may usually be worn. Any school tie to which the wearer is entitled is permitted. Prefects have the privilege of wearing their own ties. Socks are to be black or grey or in colour. Two pairs of regulation trousers are necessary.

2. The School jacket is necessary for all pupils. It is worn at Mass and on other formal occasions.

3. Shoes must be flat, smart, black polished leather (not suede) with black soles.

4. Full regulation dress is to be worn during the working day. On Sundays it must be worn until after Mass. This includes pupils in the Schola Cantorum and those serving at the altar unless given special permission by a member of staff. Girls should have their hair tied back.

5. In the Refectory during the working week (Monday to Friday) for breakfast and lunch the appropriate clothing is regulation dress, subject to any exceptions issued from time to time by the Deputy Head or the Director of Pastoral Care. For supper during the working week the appropriate clothing is regulation dress, smart casual wear. At Saturday breakfast, regulation dress must be worn. Regulation dress / smart casual wear may be worn for meals from Saturday lunchtime through to Sunday supper.

6. During the Michaelmas and Lent Terms, no one may enter the Refectory wearing shorts, and hats are never to be worn indoors. At other times, shorts and trainers may be worn. Dirty, muddy clothes will not be permitted at any time.

7. All clothes must be marked with the owner’s name. Unmarked clothes (regulation and casual) will be disposed of by the Laundry after a short period.

8. Hair styles must be appropriate: for boys, cut neatly, short enough to show the collar and not to fall over the eyes. Shaven heads, and No. 1 haircuts, are not permissible. Pupils are expected to have neat, clean and presentable hair. Tinting or dyeing is not allowed, and yellow bleaching is not permissible. Extremes of hairstyle are not acceptable. Boys must be clean shaven. For safety reasons, girls may have to have hair tied back for certain lessons, e.g. games. Girls’ hair should be tied back when in full regulation dress.

9. While in regulation dress, and during the working day (7.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.), pupils below the Sixth Form may not wear visible make-up or nail varnish. Sixth Form pupils may wear discreet make-up, and clear nail varnish, if they wish.

10. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings or studs in School. Pupils are permitted to wear one stud in each ear lobe. In regulation dress, bracelets may not be worn. In the Sixth Form, one discreet ring may be worn. Other than in ears, no piercing should be on display at any time. For reasons of safety, all jewellery may have to be removed at certain times, e.g. for games and sports.

11. Headphones or earpods should not be worn by pupils when in regulation dress during the working day unless a pupil requires them for studying.

12. Items of regulation dress may not be worn in combination with casual clothes. When regulation dress is worn it must be worn smartly.

13. Tattoos are not permitted.

PUPILS’ CONFIDENTIALITY

A conversation in which pupils make a safeguarding disclosure of a child protection nature, about themselves or someone else, to any member of staff, including the school’s designated safeguarding lead (DSL) or the deputy designated safeguarding leads (DDSLs), will be kept private. These persons may include the social services, the police, parents or other responsible persons. The DSL will tell the pupil involved to whom they will have to refer the matter, and will try to achieve the pupil’s agreement.

A conversation of a health and medical nature with a School nurse or doctor in the Health Centre will be kept confidential to the persons involved, unless in the opinion of the nurse or doctor the safety of children means the matter must be referred to the School’s DSL. In these cases, the nurse will tell the pupil concerned that such a referral will be made.

If a priest feels that a matter brought up under the seal of confession suggests that they or another child is a risk of harm, he will suggest that the pupil should discuss the matter with him or another member of staff outside the seal of confession.

In none of the situations above is confidentiality binding on the pupil who gives the confidence, though discretion is always important; a pupil may speak to another person about anything that happens in any of the situations above, especially if they feel they have been unfairly treated.

In all situations regarding sensitive pupil matters, staff must respect the confidentiality of anything said to them by a pupil, and only speak of the matter to the proper persons responsible for the pupil, i.e. the Head of Nursing Care, the pupil’s tutor, Housemaster/ Housemistress, the Director of Pastoral Care, the Deputy Head, or the Head. It is essential that, when information should be passed on to another person for the good of a pupil, it is passed on.

Confidentiality of pupils’ records: pupils’ medical records are confidential to them and the Health Centre staff, and are not shown to other persons, apart from those who have to check that the records are being properly kept (i.e. the School doctors).

PASTORAL AND SAFEGUARDING LEADS

Mrs Michelle Pye Head of Nursing, is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at Downside School and can be contacted via mpye@downside.co.uk 01761 235128.

Mr Michael Randall Interim Head and can be contacted via mrandall@downside.co.uk 01761 235102/101, is a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs Claire Murphy Director of Pastoral Care, is a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) at Downside School and can be contacted via cmurphy@downside.co.uk and 01761 235116.

Mr Ben Edge Head of Academic PS, is a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) at Downside School and can be contacted via bedge@downside.co.uk and 01761 235100.

Mr Oliver Simper Deputy Head (Co-Curricular), is a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) at Downside School and can be contacted via osimper@downside.co.uk and 01761 235100.

Mrs Terri Wilcox is the Governor with responsibility for Child Protection at Downside School (twilcox@downside.co.uk , 07853 804716).

KEY NUMBERS

Somerset Direct: 0300 123 2224

Designated Officer at the Local Authority (formerly LADO) via Somerset Direct: 0300 123 2224

DBS confidential checking service: sensitive@dbs.gsi.gov.uk

DBS referrals helpline: 01325 953795

HEALTH CENTRE

WELCOME TO THE HEALTH CENTRE

We provide Health Care services to the pupils seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day during term time. The team of Health Care Practitioners are available for routine clinics through to medical emergencies. We have eight beds in the Health Centre. In addition to the expected medical provision, we can help with general health support and advice, and use a holistic approach in the delivery of care. We provide health education through a variety of means, including 1:1 and small group discussions, alongside patient information leaflets and health education resources which are available for pupils to take away.

We encourage parents to meet the staff in the Health Centre at the beginning of a child’s first term and discuss any concerns they may have about their child’s health. Please disclose any ongoing health issues for your child or past significant events.

All new boarders are invited to a medical and any pupil with pre-existing medical conditions e.g. asthma/diabetes will be referred to the School Doctor shortly after joining the School.

General Information

It is School policy that a pupil cannot keep their own medication. Some pupils are able to self-administer in House but this is only after agreement with a member of the Health Centre team. All medication needs to be handed into the Health Centre and we will arrange for the pupil to access them as necessary. Your support in this matter is vital for the individual and the wider School community.

Services

We hold three General Practitioner clinics per week within the Health Centre, these appointments are booked by the Health Centre staff and are available to all boarders and any day pupils who are registered with the Oakhill Surgery (www.oakhillsurgery.co.uk). All boarders will be registered at Oakhill Surgery at the start of their time at Downside.

Asthma

All pupils with asthma will be offered the opportunity to attend regular asthma reviews with the practice nurse at Oakhill Surgery.

Physiotherapy

The School provides access to a private sports injury specialist who is able to meet with pupils at a time to suit them and who will liaise directly with parents. There is also access to the NHS Physiotherapy Service for those who would prefer.

School Psychotherapist

The School provides access to a Consultant Psychotherapist who runs weekly ‘drop-in’ clinics Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and by appointment at other times. This is a confidential service and allows pupils the opportunity to address any issues which may be impacting on their emotional health and wellbeing.

Accidents

We can arrange for pupils to be seen at the Minor Injuries Unit in Shepton Mallet or at the Emergency Department in Bath, if necessary. During the Michaelmas term, a paramedic is available every Saturday by the sports pitches at Downside School.

Off Games or Restricted Games

If you have a concern regarding your child’s fitness for games, please contact the Health Centre. We are able to give permission for a pupil to be off games if they are unwell or have sustained an injury. Please can you inform the Health Centre of any accidents or incidents during the holiday that require further care and please send any supporting documentation.

Admission to the Health Centre

If a pupil is unwell during term time they may have to stay overnight in the Health Centre. This will be decided after being assessed by the Health Care Practitioner in charge. The parent or guardian will be informed.

Prescriptions

If your child has a regular prescription, please can it be in the original packaging, clearly prescribed to the child and have a supporting consultant’s or doctor’s letter attached. We order repeat and new prescriptions and collect them from the surgery when they are ready. If your child requires regular medication which is on repeat prescription, we ask that you share any information regarding the diagnosis at the time of application to ensure the Health Centre are able to support this when required.

Confidentiality and Consent

As health care practitioners, we work under a professional Code of Conduct, which states we offer a confidential service to patients in our care. However, if information has been disclosed which indicates that a pupil is at risk of harm and/or is at risk of harming another we have a duty of care to share that information as part of our Safeguarding Practice. The pupil’s consent is not required in these circumstances, but we will always try to discuss it with the pupil first.

Health Needs

When a pupil first joins the School the parent will already have filled out and returned the medical history and signed consent forms for treatment and medication. Please update the Health Centre as a matter of priority, if your child develops a medical condition, illness or injury during the course of their time spent in the School. If the medical condition, illness or injury occurs during a school holiday, please make sure to inform the Health Centre staff before your child returns to School.

Vaccinations

The Health Centre runs a vaccination programme in line with the NHS routine immunisation schedule. Any gaps identified in your child’s immunisation history will be discussed with you and/or your child. Travel vaccinations are available through the local surgery and parents are asked to fill out a travel health questionnaire and a consent form six weeks before travel. All pupils with a chronic illness e.g. asthma, diabetes, will be offered a yearly flu vaccination free of charge. Other pupils will be offered this vaccination for a small fee.

Dental Care

There is no School dentist, but the School includes all pupils in the Denplan insurance scheme at £2.00 per pupil per term to cover all emergency dental treatment including broken braces. Boarders are expected to have routine dental treatment at home in the holidays.

Sports Mouthguards

All pupils will need a mouthguard for contact sports. These can be of the self-mouldable form, provided by OPRO. Parents wishing to take up the OPRO service must confirm this direct with OPRO via the web link provided in the online Downside School joining forms. An email will be sent to you regarding OPRO orders before term starts.

Sun Protection

We recommend that pupils provide their own sun protection lotion, no less than SPF30 for sports and on school trips during the warm weather.

Transport

Transport to medical appointments is organised through the Health Centre. Pupils will be accompanied by an official school escort (DBS checked) either in a taxi or transported via the escort; parents will be billed for any travel costs incurred. Alternatively, if parents live locally they may wish to take their son/daughter themselves.

The NHS for pupils with EU Settlement Scheme or Child Student Visa

For pupils who are currently under the EU Settlement Scheme, please note that you will be entitled to use the NHS Services. For those who are studying in the UK with a Child Student Visa, you will have been asked at the time of application to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of the application process which entitles your child to access the NHS and wider services.

Contact: HCentre@downside.co.uk

TERM DATES AND ARRANGEMENTS

At the beginning of each term pupils are expected to be back in their boarding house in the window of time as indicated on the website. The duty Housemaster will be in the boarding house from the time indicated. If your child is returning in advance of this time, please ensure you have made a prior engagement. We have three terms in the academic year: the Michaelmas Term (September-December), the Lent Term (January-March) and the Summer Term (end of April-early July).

At the end of term , arrangements are usually as follows:

Michaelmas Term ends with the School Carol Service in the Abbey Church, followed by a Reception. Parents are very welcome.

Lent Term ends at 11:30.

The final day of the Summer Term is Speech Day. There is a service and Prize Giving Ceremony that takes place on the day; all parents are welcome to join the event and bring a picnic and enjoy meeting their children’s friends and families. For the Upper Sixth pupils and parents there is a Leavers’ Ball in the evening.

Half Terms

Half Terms begin at 11:30 and pupils may be collected at this time. The School will arrange transport for those needing to travel to airports. All pupils are to return at the time stated overleaf. The Duty Housemaster will be in the building from 14:00 and the School can accept no responsibility for pupils before this time unless prior agreement has been made with your child’s HsM.

Requests to leave early or return late can only be granted if there is particular travelling difficulties, for example long-haul flights. Requests must be made in advance to the HsM.

Early/late arrival accommodation in Plunkett house will be charged at £50 per night. Subject to availability.

Exeats

We hold two Exeat weekends in the Michaelmas Term, two in the Lent Term for First and Second Form only, and none in the Summer Term, as this is shortest in the academic year.

Exeats are not mandatory for boarders who live outside of the UK. The School offers a programme of sport, culture and local activities (with plenty of rest included) for those who wish to remain in School. Parents will be very asked at the start of each term to book their child’s places in advance. This will be for a fee of £225 per child, per weekend.

Authorised Weekend Leave

If a pupil wishes to go out of School during Saturday or Sunday but does not wish to be out for the night, they are required to seek permission from the Housemaster/ Housemistress, who must know the proposed times of departure and return.

Any absence from School which falls outside the above times, or which involves missing any class, or prevents a pupil from attending a sports fixture or other commitment, demands a special exeat. This is given only in exceptional circumstances following a written request to the HsM.

All transport requested of the School is to be paid for, even if, in the event, it is not used.

Exeats are not mandatory for international pupils. Instead we offer a weekend of activity, cultural trips and rest. Emails will be sent to parents and guardians ahead of each break and bookings must be made to secure your child’s place.

For further information on exeat, half term and end of term travel please find more information on the website: www.downside.co.uk/admissions/travel

Heathrow Airport Collection Point: A School chaperone will collect students from Terminal 3 from the designated meeting point at the collection time detailed in the termly travel information document. The designated meeting point in Terminal 3 is Cafè Nero, located near arrivals, outside security, Level 0.

A map showing the location of Cafè Nero, Terminal 3, is available here

For flights arriving at Terminal 5, please advise your child to use the free shuttle train to travel from Terminal 5 to Terminal 3. A member of staff will be waiting at the Cafè Nero store (a link can be found above).

This Heathrow Airport map shows where the two terminals are in relation to each other.

Please note: the above are private coach services for pupils of Downside School only.

All bookings made are a personal arrangement/contract of engagement between you as the parent or guardian, and Centurion Coaches, not with Downside School.

Taxi transport plans must be arranged directly by parents/guardians with any business you choose

A local taxi company, Atlas South West Ltd, offer service routes to Downside and you can make a booking directly with them via downsidetravel@gmail.com Atlas South West Ltd are familiar with the practice of providing transfers for Downside and have experience of collecting and delivering pupils to our site.

Parents are advised to copy in your Housemaster / Housemistress to email communications so that they are fully informed of your children’s travel plans.

OTHER SCHOOL INFORMATION (A-Z)

Alcohol and Tobacco

On formal occasions, which involve a set meal, pupils in the Sixth Form may be served wine or beer with the meal. Otherwise alcohol is forbidden. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to anybody under the age of eighteen except on formal occasions with a sit-down meal. It is against the law for anybody under the age of eighteen to purchase alcohol. Alcohol may not be brought into the School without permission from the pupil’s Housemaster/Housemistress.

Smoking or vaping is not allowed within the School and while the pupils are under the school’s control. It is illegal for persons under the age of eighteen to buy tobacco. Smoking materials and paraphernalia including e-cigarettes must not be brought into School. The School Anti-Smoking Policy must be followed.

Bedrooms & Furnishings

Each child has their own notice board in their bedroom, so please do encourage pupils to bring family photos or any decorations that will fit on a board as it really brightens up their rooms. It is recommended that children bring a bedside light/lamp which can be sent to the School directly to them and taken to their boarding house. Pupils must bring their own duvet and two named duvet covers. The school will provide the bottom sheet, the pillow and the pillow cases. If you would like to bring your own you are very welcome.

Cars & Bikes

No pupil may drive a car during term time, without the permission of the Deputy Head, except for permitted driving lessons, nor keep any motor vehicle at Downside or in the village. Driving instruction is not negotiated through the School. If permission to drive a motor vehicle has been granted by the Deputy Head, the pupil and his/ her parents/guardian must sign and abide by a ‘driving agreement’ document and car keys must be deposited with the pupil’s Housemaster/Housemistress on arrival at School.

Bicycles must have their owner’s name clearly marked on them, and their serial number should be given to the Housemaster/Housemistress. They must be locked when not in use,and kept in approved places. Passengers must not be carried on bicycles. Cycling off site requires both parental and School permission. Please see the Director of Pastoral Care to be placed on the list of approved offsite cyclists. Any pupil riding a bicycle on or off the School site must wear a helmet at all times.

Hitch-hiking is not allowed. No pupil may be driven in a car by any person other than parent, guardian, brother or sister unless his/her Housemaster/Housemistress has given specific permission. If the driver is under 25 years old, then written consent from parents is required.

CCTV

The School does have some CCTV cameras in place to deter theft and assist in its prevention, as well as to enhance security in potentially vulnerable areas of the School. There may be times when covert cameras are required, but they will only be employed where there is reasonable cause to suspect that unauthorised or illegal activity is taking place or is about to take place. Covert cameras can only be set up on the written authorization or request of the Head or Deputy Head. Any such covert processing will only be carried out for a defined, limited and reasonable period, consistent with the objectives of making the recording and will relate to the specific suspected unauthorised activity. Pupils may not set up their own surveillance systems.

Electronic Equipment

Electrical equipment must be marked, PAT tested and be electronically safe with a single British 3-pin plug, and be approved for use. House Staff may wish to ask that items are checked before use. A list of banned electronic equipment will be distributed by the Head of Health and Safety and published in Houses. Cooking devices, heaters and kettles are not allowed to be brought into the School. Each boarding House has a well stocked kitchen and the House teams are always open to new ideas.

All pupils must have a device with a keyboard.

Extra-Curricular Activities

There are a wide variety of extra-curricular activities for your child to be involved in. This includes Combined Cadet Forces (CCF), Duke of Edinburgh Awards and mountain biking, to debating to learning sign language and cooking lessons. These take place during the week and will be offered to your child at the start of each term; and have the opportunity to sign up for their choices and will not need to choose them in advance.

Food and Meal Times

This is an important element to your child’s well being and we are proud of the standard of catering provided by our specialist in-house catering firm, Holroyd Howe. All our meals are eaten together in the Refectory (Ref), with staf in attendance. Saturday nights are the only time we eat in House with specially prepared meals, a change for a more informal House get together. We cater for all tastes and have a wide variety of alternatives for those who have special dietary requirements.

Meals take place at the times published in Houses. Pupils are required to attend all meals, unless given leave of absence by their Housemaster/Housemistress.

Laundry

Each House has its own laundry day when uniform, sports kit and personal clothing may be handed in for washing. All clothing should be clearly named with a name tape. Bed linen and towels will be laundered by the School too. Whilst we take every care to ensure your child’s clothes are laundered carefully, please discourage pupils from bringing expensive clothing to school.

Libraries

The Petre Library is open to all pupils and staffed with a librarian who will support your child in their reading interests. Borrowed books must be removed according to the procedures published in the library.

Each department has its own library and many of the books can be borrowed. Reading lists can be obtained from Heads of Department. All libraries should remain quiet places for study and reflection.

Lost Property

Do not bring valuable equipment to School unless it is essential to studies or approved recreation. If your child has any valuable equipment, they will need to give a description of it that includes its serial number, colour and make to your Housemaster/Housemistress. It is their responsibility, and that of you as a parent to record and insure any valuable items. Any items that have been stolen, should be reported to the Housemaster/Mistress by the pupil. This will be reported to the Director of Pastoral Care.

Mobile Telephones and Devices

Mobile devices may be used with permission from a classroom teacher or Housemaster/ Mistress in order to access approved learning platforms.

Mobile phones should not be used in lessons without permission from the teacher. We work extensively with pupils, through education in PSHE lessons to support the safe use of internet and devices and would expect pupils to treat one another with respect and the School accepts no responsibility for loss, or damage of a mobile telephone or mobile device.

The use of devices and mobile phones is governed by the Acceptable User Policy and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy. (See new joiner forms)

Pocket Money

The best and safest way to provide pocket money is with a prepaid bank card (either Visa or Mastercard). You can set-up the card before travel and pre-load their pocket money by bank transfer. These cards are available for young children and you will be able to set spending limits as well as top up the card and monitor their spending from home. They will be able to use the card to pay in shops or take money from ATMs just like a debit or credit card. If you wish, we can hold your child’s card safely for them while they are in School and issue it to them for excursions and shopping trips. There are many different providers of prepaid cash cards across the world and you will be able to find the most suitable one for you. Any pupil who has more than £20 in cash should hand it immediately to the Housemaster/ Housemistress or Assistant Housemaster/Housemistress. If neither of these is available it should be given to the House Parent.

School Policies

Our policies are available on the website and we would recommend that you take the opportunity to review them. www.downside.co.uk/parent-zone/policies

Uniform

School uniform is purchased through the School Shop’s website, which can be found in the Parent’s section on the school website. The full list of Regulation Dress (uniform) and sports clothing is shared on the New Joiner Forms. There is limited secondhand uniform kept in the School Shop, so if you are interested, please contact Tracy Coles, who manages the onsite School Shop, once you have established your child’s recommended sizes.

In the first instance, you will need to take a few measurements of your child, to input into the website, and you will be given suggested sizes to purchase. Uniform is sent to the School Shop (select ‘collection’ at check out), to have name tapes sewn on, and then it is taken to the boarding house. When your child is trying on their uniform, at the start of term, please ask them to leave the labels on until they have tried the item on, in case it needs to be exchanged. To book an appointment, please email Tracy Coles on shop@downside.co.uk

Parent Portal

All new parents will be contacted with information on how to log onto the School’s Parent Portal. The Parent Portal is an interactive view into your child’s life at the School, including School Reports, Rewards and Sanctions, Timetables and Activities. Information regarding the Parent Portal including your account log-in will be sent at the start of the academic year by the School Office. For enquiries please contact Laura Cray on ncherry@downside.co.uk

Website – Sports Website www.downsidesport.co.uk

Your support and encouragement of our teams and is most welcome both on the touchlines and by reading our published match reports. We hope that our sports website will make this support much easier for you and give you direct access to fixtures, team sheets, results and match results. For more information, please contact Director of Sport, Richard Jones, on rjones@downside.co.uk

Weekends

Weekends are busy and purposeful at Downside. On Saturdays, pupils have a morning of lessons and an afternoon of sport and fixtures against other schools. At the start of every week, our Director of the Cocurriculum, shares the weekend programme which is circulated to all the boarding Houses. Pupils are asked to pick activities to take part in before the start of the weekend. Every Sunday after Mass, an accompanied trip to Bath is organised by a teacher, to offer the pupils an opportunity to get off site and do some shopping or take in the beautiful sights. For our older pupils, the weekend is also an opportunity to get some well deserved rest or catch up with their studies.

WiFi

As you would at home, sensible practice is put in place to ensure that your child has access to safe and filtered Wi-Fi. If your child enjoys audio books, it may be beneficial to have an eBook device to avoid being distracted by a mobile after lights out. The use of mobile phones is discouraged after lights out; and HsMs adopt practices that are appropriate to different year groups.

ONLINE SAFETY AND E-SAFETY POLICY

All pupils must read the School’s Acceptable Use Policy and must sign a letter to say that they will abide by it and this should be done in line with the E-Safety Policy. (Found in the online joiner forms)

In particular pupils may not:

a) Use proxy servers or VPNs to bypass the School’s ICT security system

b) Log-in using another person’s username and/or password

c) Download Zip (*.zip) files or executable (*.exe) files

d) Download illicit material

e) Make contact with anyone on the Internet, whose identity is unknown

f) Run any executable file, or any program capable of affecting the system registry

g) Run any hacking software, including those searching for files or passwords

h) Attempt to modify any computer in any way

i) Abuse copyright, or attempt to pass off downloaded work as their own

j) Use the dark web or Tor browsers.

All children at Downside School will have the opportunity to explore online safety as part of whole school initiatives, such as Safer Internet Day, or within PHSE and other lessons. Your child will be educated in the safe and respectful use of technology in a planned and progressive way, to help them understand how to make the most of digital opportunities while keeping themselves and others safe. This will include learning about online bullying, sexting and sharing of other inappropriate content, understanding their digital footprint and keeping personal information safe.

All networks in the school are subject to web filtering to reduce access to inappropriate content. However, due to the complexity of the Internet there is always a small chance that undesirable material may get through these filters and your child will therefore be educated about how to respond appropriately in such instances. Staff are also trained regularly in understanding online safety issues that pupils may face as part of our safeguarding training programme. Where online safety issues occur, staff will support pupils to manage and provide relevant education.

We would appreciate you taking the time to read through the User Acceptance Policy with your child, to reinforce the importance of following these guidelines, so that your child can make full use of the ICT provision within our school in a safe and responsible manner. These guidelines will be displayed across school and regularly referred to by staff when using digital technologies. Please note that it is School policy that pupils’ mobile phones should not be visible, distracting or used in lessons. If pupils use their phones in lessons, teaching staff have the right to confiscate the device. Any exception to this, is at the discretion of the member of staff.

This E-Safety policy has been developed by the Downside School E-Safety Committee which, at the time of creation, comprises of:

• E-Safety Officer

• DSL

• Deputy Head

• Teacher Representative

• Network Manager

• Pupil Representative

Consultation with the whole school community will take place through the following:

• Staff Meetings / INSET Days.

• School Pupil Council

• Appointed School ICT Council

• School Website / Newsletters to Parents.

Scope of the Policy:

This policy applies to all members of the Downside School community (including staff, pupils, volunteers, parents/carers, visitors,) who have access to, and are users of, school ICT systems, both in school and out of school where actions relate directly to school set activity or use of school online systems.

The Education Act 2011 empowers the Head, to such extent as is reasonable, to regulate the behaviour of pupils when they are off the school site and empowers members of staff to impose disciplinary penalties for inappropriate behaviour.

This is pertinent to incidents of cyber-bullying, or other ESafety incidents covered by this policy, which may take place out of school, but is linked to membership of the school. The school will deal with such incidents within this policy and associated behaviour and will, where known inform parents / carers of incidents of inappropriate ESafety behaviour that take place out of school.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The following section outlines the roles and responsibilities for E-Safety of individuals and groups within the school:

Governors:

The Governing Body is responsible for the approval of the E Safety Policy and for reviewing the effectiveness of the policy. The review will be undertaken by the Governor’s Education Committee (GEC).

Head and SLT:

• The Head is responsible for ensuring the safety (including E-Safety) of members of the School community, though the day-to-day responsibility for E-Safety will be delegated to the E-Safety Officer.

• The Deputy Head is responsible for ensuring that the E-Safety Officer and other relevant staff receive suitable CPD to enable them to carry out their E-Safety roles and to train other colleagues, as relevant. The Head and members of the SLT will receive a termly report from the E-Safety Officer prior to the GEC meeting.

• The Head and members of the SLT are aware of the procedures to be followed in the event of a serious E-Safety allegation being made against a member of staff or pupil. (Appendix 2 of the Child Protection Policy p.32)

E-Safety Officer :

• Chairs the E-Safety Committee.

• Takes day to day responsibility for E-Safety issues and has a leading role in establishing and reviewing the school E-Safety policies / documents.

• Receives reports of E Safety incidents and creates a log of incidents to inform future E-Safety developments.

• Reports termly to the Senior Leadership Team.

• Liaises with Downside School Network Manager. Network Manager: The Network Manager takes every precaution for ensuring:

• That the school’s ICT infrastructure is secure and is not open to misuse or malicious attack.

• That they keep up to date with E-Safety technical information in order to carry out effectively their E-Safety role and to inform and update others as relevant.

• That the use of the network, and emails are appropriately monitored in order that any misuse / attempted misuse can be reported to the E-Safety Officer for investigation / action / sanction.

Teaching and Support Staff:

These users are responsible for ensuring that:

• They have an up to date awareness of E-Safety matters and of the current school E-Safety policy and practices via training and Inset sessions.

• They have read, understood and signed the school Staff Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

• They report any suspected misuse or problem to the E-Safety Officer for investigation / action / sanction.

• Digital communications with pupils will always be undertaken on a professional level and in accordance with the Downside School Staff Code of Conduct.

• E-Safety issues are embedded in all aspects of the curriculum and other school activities.

• Pupils understand and follow the school Acceptable Use Policy.

• Pupils have a good understanding of research skills and the need to avoid plagiarism and uphold copyright regulations.

• They monitor ICT activity in lessons, extra-curricular and extended school activities.

• They are aware of E-Safety issues related to the use of mobile phones, cameras and devices and that they monitor their use and implement current school policies with regard to these devices.

• In lessons where Internet use is pre-planned pupils are guided to sites checked as suitable for their use and that processes are followed for dealing with any unsuitable material that is found in searches.

• At all times, they take care to ensure the safe keeping of personal data, minimising the risk of its loss or misuse.

• They use personal data only on secure password protected computers and other devices, ensuring that they are properly “logged-off” at the end of any session in which they are using personal data.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

The DSL is trained in E-Safety issues and is aware of the potential for serious child protection issues which can arise from the use of the internet and ICT. They will act in accordance with the procedures described in the Child Protection Policy and the South West Child Protection Procedures should any issue arise, particularly in relation to:

• Sharing of personal data

• Access to illegal / inappropriate materials

• Inappropriate on-line contact with adults / strangers

• Potential or actual incidents of grooming

• Cyber-bullying

• Sexting

• The Prevent Duty

E-Safety Committee:

Members of the E-Safety Committee will assist the E-Safety Officer with the production, review and monitoring of the school E-Safety policy and associated documents.

Pupils:

• Are responsible for using the school ICT systems in accordance with the Pupil Acceptable Use Policy.

• Have a good understanding of research skills and the need to avoid plagiarism and uphold copyright regulations.

• Need to understand the importance of reporting abuse, misuse or access to inappropriate materials and know how to do so.

• Are advised with regard to Downside School policies on the use of mobile phones, digital cameras and handheld devices. They are also advised with regard to Downside School policies on the taking / use of images and on cyber-bullying.

• Should understand the importance of adopting good E-Safety practice when using digital technologies out of school and realise that the school’s E-Safety Policy covers their actions out of school, if related to their membership of the school.

Parents / Carers:

Parents and Carers, as Primary Educators, play a crucial part in keeping their children safe and are responsible for:

• Encouraging their child / children follow the Pupil Acceptable Use Policy at home.

• Encouraged to discuss E-Safety issues with their child / children and monitoring their home use of ICT systems (including mobile phones and games devices) and the Internet.

Policy Statements: Education – Pupils:

Whilst regulation and technical solutions are very important, their use must be balanced by educating pupils to take a responsible approach. The education of pupils in E-Safety is therefore an essential part of our school’s E-Safety provision. Children and young people need the help and support of the school to recognise and avoid E-Safety risks and build their resilience. E-Safety education will be provided in the following ways:

• A planned E-Safety programme is provided as part of a broader Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education programme which is delivered formally through Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) lessons and is regularly revisited. This is outlined in our scheme of work which covers each year group. This ensures that pupils are taught in all lessons to be critically aware of the materials they access online and be guided to validate the accuracy of information. It also covers both the use of ICT and new technologies in school and outside school.

• Pupils are helped to understand the need for the pupil AUP and encouraged to adopt safe and responsible use of ICT, the Internet and mobile devices both within and outside school.

• Pupils are taught to acknowledge the source of information used and to respect copyright when using material accessed on the Internet.

• Rules for use of ICT systems / Internet are posted in all ICT rooms and displayed on log-on screens.

• Staff act as good role models in their use of ICT, the Internet and mobile devices.

Education – Parents / Carers:

Parents and carers will have varying degrees of understanding of E-Safety risks and issues, and in some cases their understanding may be only limited, yet they play an essential role in the education of their children and in the monitoring/regulation of the children’s on-line experiences. Parents may either underestimate or not realise how often children and young people come across potentially harmful and inappropriate material on the Internet and are often unsure about what they would do about it. “There is a generational digital divide”. (Byron Report).

The School therefore seeks to provide information and awareness to parents/carers through:

• Regular parent consultation

• Information sent in the Head’s Newsletter

• Information sent by the E-Safety Officer

Technical – Infrastructure / Equipment, Filtering and Monitoring

The school is responsible for ensuring that the school infrastructure / network is as safe and secure as is reasonably possible and that policies and procedures approved within this policy are implemented. It also ensures that the relevant people named in the Roles and Responsibilities sections are effective in carrying out their E-Safety responsibilities:

• School servers are securely located, and physical access is restricted.

• All users are provided with a username and password by the Network Manager who keeps an up to date record of users and their usernames. Users are required to change their password on a regular basis.

• School ICT technical staff may monitor and record the activity of users on the school ICT systems and users are made aware of this in the Acceptable Use Policy.

• Actual / potential E-Safety incidents are reported immediately to the E-Safety Officer who will arrange for these to be dealt with immediately in communication with the Network Manager/DSL, reporting to the Head.

• Appropriate security measures are in place to protect the servers, firewalls, routers, wireless systems and work stations from accidental or malicious attempts which might threaten the security of the school systems and data.

• The school infrastructure and individual workstations are protected by up-to-date anti-virus software.

• Advice is given to staff and pupils about ensuring they have password protection on mobile devices. Curriculum

• Where pupils are allowed to search the Internet, eg using search engines, staff are vigilant in monitoring the content of the websites the young people visit and encourage pupils to use specific appropriate search terms to reduce the likelihood of coming across unsuitable material.

Curriculum

• Pupils are taught to be critically aware of the materials / content they access on-line and be guided to validate the accuracy of information.

• Pupils are taught to acknowledge the source of information used and to respect copyright when using material accessed on the Internet

Use of Digital and Video Images - Photographic, Video (To Correspond with Digital Images Policy) The development of digital imaging technologies has created significant benefits to learning, allowing staff and pupils instant use of images that they have recorded themselves or downloaded from the Internet.

However, staff and pupils need to be aware of the risks associated with sharing images and with posting digital images on the Internet.

Those images may remain available on the Internet forever and may cause harm or embarrassment to individuals in the short or longer term.

There are many reported incidents of employers carrying out Internet searches for information about potential and existing employees. The school informs and educates users about these risks and implements policies to reduce the likelihood of the potential for harm:

• When using digital images, staff should inform and educate pupils about the risks associated with the taking, use, sharing, publication and distribution of images. They should recognise the risks attached to publishing their own images on the Internet eg on social networking sites.

• Staff can take digital / video images to support educational aims, but must follow school policies concerning the sharing, distribution and publication of those images. They are advised that they should not store pictures of pupils on school or personal devices but should copy them on to the School’s network for storage and then delete them from their personal device.

• Care should be taken when taking digital / video images that pupils / pupils are appropriately dressed and are not participating in activities that might bring the individuals or the school into disrepute.

• Photographs published on the website, or elsewhere that include pupils will be selected carefully and will comply with good practice guidance on the use of such images.

Data Protection:

Personal data will be recorded, processed, transferred and made available according to the Data Protection Act 1998 which states that personal data must be:

• Fairly and lawfully processed

• Processed for limited purposes

• Adequate, relevant and not excessive

• Accurate

• Kept no longer than is necessary

• Processed in accordance with the data subject’s rights

• Secure

• Only transferred to others with adequate protection.

N.B. Staff must have regard to the section on roles and responsibilities in which it states that they must:

• Acknowledge by signature their acceptance of the Downside School Acceptable Use Policy.

• At all times, they take care to ensure the safe keeping of personal data, minimising the risk of its loss or misuse.

Communications

A wide range of rapidly developing communications technologies have the potential to enhance learning. When using communication technologies, the school considers the following as good practice:

• The official school email service may be regarded as safe and secure and is monitored.

• Users need to be aware that email communications may be monitored.

• Users must immediately report the receipt of any email that makes them feel uncomfortable, is offensive, threatening, extreme or bullying in nature and must not respond to any such email. They should not delete it.

• Any digital communication between staff and pupils or parents / carers (email, chat etc) must be professional in tone and content. It should be only via school approved systems.

• Pupils should be taught about email safety issues, such as the risks attached to the use of personal details.

Personal information should not be posted on the school website and only official email addresses should be used to identify members of staff.

Responding to Incidents of Misuse:

It is hoped that all members of the school community will be responsible users of ICT, who understand and follow this policy. However, there may be times when infringements of the policy could take place, through careless or irresponsible or, very rarely, through deliberate misuse. Listed below are the responses that will be made to any apparent or actual incidents of misuse.

If any apparent or actual misuse appears to involve illegal activity, such as:

• Indecent images of children.

• Adult material which potentially breaches the Obscene Publications Act.

• Criminally racist material.

• Other criminal conduct, activity or materials.

• Radicalisation

Responding to use of a VPN:

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) within the school is seen as a deliberate attempt to circumvent the safeguarding filters put in place. As such, a pupil is exposing themselves to inappropriate content including (but not limited to) radical material, pornography and grooming.

It is more likely that the school will need to deal with incidents that involve inappropriate rather than illegal misuse. It is important that any incidents are dealt with as soon as possible in a proportionate manner, and that members of the School community are aware that incidents have been dealt with. Incidents will be dealt with, in the first instance, by the HsM and, where appropriate, the school sanctions for unacceptable behaviour will be applied.

However, if any illegal misuse is detected or reported action will be taken in accordance with the guidance contained in the section entitled ‘Procedures for dealing with Inappropriate/Illegal Internet Access or Material’ in the Child Protection Policy (Appendix 2 – Safeguarding and ICT)

Digital/mobile communication between Pupils / Downside Staff

Communication between pupils and staff, by whatever method, should take place within clear and explicit professional boundaries. This includes the wider use of technology such as mobile phones, text messaging, emails, digital cameras, videos, web-cams, websites and blogs.

All communications between staff and pupils via social media will be performed using an account which is not the member of staff’s personal account. If a member of staff is unsure how to set up a business/professional account they should first gain permission from the Deputy Head and then seek guidance from the External Communications department.

EDUCATION GUARDIAN –GUIDANCE NOTES

Education guardianship

Parents of pupils at Downside School (the School) who are resident outside the UK must appoint an Education Guardian for their child in the UK. This is the case for all pupils, irrelevant of age, even for those aged 18 or over by the time they leave the School.

Why must an Education Guardian be appointed?

It is usual for independent schools to insist that overseas parents appoint Education Guardians for their children whilst they are at school in the UK. This is to ensure that there is somebody in the UK who can take responsibility for the child or young person and provide them with care and support when they are not in the care of the School. The Education Guardian should also be given legal authority to act on behalf of the parent(s) in all respects.

Who can be an Education Guardian?

An Education Guardian may be a family member, a family friend, a guardianship agency, a host family, or other responsible adult based in the UK. The Guardian must be aged 25 or older, unless a brother or sister of the child, when they must be over 21 years of age. The Guardian cannot live in university halls or shared accommodation with any other adult under 25 years of age.

Most overseas parents use a guardianship agency to act as Education Guardian.

Guardianship agencies typically arrange accommodation as well as acting as Educational Guardian for their students. Guardianship agencies will usually arrange accommodation for their students through host families, although sometimes other accommodation options will be used. Host families will then be responsible for providing the day to day care of the student, accommodation and meals. If the guardianship agency arranges accommodation for the child or young person, the agency will be responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of the accommodation including the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

An Education Guardian must be resident in the UK at a suitable proximity to Downside School, preferably within 90 minutes travel, but no more than two hours, and be capable of providing care for a child in a happy home environment as would a responsible parent.

How is an Education Guardian appointed?

The responsibility for choosing an appropriate Education Guardian rests solely with the pupil’s parents. The parents are responsible in each case for satisfying themselves as to the suitability of an Education Guardian.

It is important to note that the School does not recommend any specific agency and parents are required to make their own checks into the suitability of any agency. The School is not able to arrange the appointment of an Education Guardian and is not able to arrange accommodation for any pupils (except when they are boarding at School).

It is expected that, other than when appointing a relative or close family friend, the pupil’s parents will appoint an Education Guardian via a reputable organisation, preferably a member organisation of the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students (AEGIS). AEGIS is the authoritative association for inspecting and accrediting guardianship agencies in the UK. AEGIS can be contacted via their website: www.aegisuk.net

Informing the School of a change of Education Guardian Parents MUST inform the School as soon as possible if there are any changes to any details relating to the Education Guardian, including any change in Guardian. This is especially important if your child holds a student visa.

THE DUTIES OF AN EDUCATION GUARDIAN

An Education Guardian must:

• Be aware of all travel arrangements of the child at the beginning and end of every term, each half term and each exeat. And, within this, to be available to host the child in any planned or emergency situation in which the child will return to School later than 10:00pm on any of the start of term, return from half term, return from an exeat or from an extraordinary time away from school (such as at a weekend, university visit, etc.).

• Collect, if required, and accommodate the child in their home at half term, at exeats and at the beginning and end of term, if the child is unable to travel home and, if necessary, for the School holidays for the same reason or for other exceptional reasons.

• Collect and accommodate the child in their home in the event that the child is excluded for non-payment of fees or suspended or withdrawn from the School for disciplinary or other reasons.

• Collect and accommodate the child in their home in the event that the School has to take emergency action, such as in the case of a pandemic, damage to part of the school or a partial closure of the School.

• Liaise with the Housemaster/Housemistress, Head of Nursing or other senior member of the School staff in connection with matters related to the health, welfare, travel plans and education of the child.

• Attend the School premises or any other location in case of emergency or if the child is unwell and if deemed necessary by the School, provided that the Education Guardian immediately informs the Parent(s) of what has happened.

• Collect and accommodate the child in their home in the event that the child is unwell and unable to attend School.

• Attend medical appointments with the child, if requested by the parent(s) to do so.

• Provide consent for the child to receive emergency medical treatment if necessary and only if the School is unable to contact the parent(s).

• Should the parent(s) request, the Guardian is welcome to attend, as appropriate, School events such as parents’ Conferences, Prize Day, Carol Service, House at Home, Sports Fixtures, Concerts and other instances in which the child is participating. In such circumstances, the Guardian is requested to inform the Housemaster/Housemistress in advance.

PROCEDURES FOR VISITORS

Downside takes the following steps to ensure that its premises are secure:

1. All staff and volunteers (recruited in accordance with Safer Recruitment Procedures) wear identity badges at all times.*1

2. ‘Visitors’ includes all persons arriving on the School site, who are not governors, members of staff, volunteers (for whom there are separate arrangements), or pupils of the School.

3. All visitors must report to Reception in the Old House of the Main Quad.*2 (Reception is staffed on weekdays between 8am and 6pm and on Saturdays between 8.30am and 2.30pm)

4. Visitors must display the visitor’s badge given and must sign the visitor’s book in Reception.

5. Visitor’s badges must be returned to Reception just before departure.

6. Visitors must be accompanied by a member of staff at all times.*3

7. Boarding Houses:

The boarding Houses are normally closed to visitors.

However, parents visiting their own children in their boarding House may do so after checking in with a member of the House staff and signing the House visitor’s book.

Parents are advised to contact the House to inform the House staff of the time they are arriving.

*1 Coloured lanyards are as follows: Black

Staff

Yellow

Contractors White

Governors

Monastic Community / Abbey Staff

Residents

Volunteers

Visitors

Downside Association

*2 Exceptions:

1. Parents visiting their children in Caverel, Barlow or Isabella Houses, and who are not entering the Main School buildings. Parents visiting these Houses must report directly on arrival to the House staff on duty in the House at the time.

2. Parents visiting their children outside the hours when reception is staffed. Parents are advised to contact the House to inform the House staff of the time they are arriving.

3. Visitors to the Sports Hall or Swimming Pool for an external club or county event.

Visitors should make their way to the Sports Centre/Swimming Pool via the path from the Main School Quad.

Sign the register on arrival at the Sports Centre/ Swimming Pool.

Visitors should remain in the area designated for the activity they are attending.

*3 The exception to this is prospective parent visits who are given a school tour by a senior pupil (Sixth Form). These pupils are briefed by the admissions team. During examination periods or under special circumstances First and Second Form pupils may be asked to take a tour.

It is also recognised that there are certain times when parents and other visitors will enter the School without having to wear badges eg match teas, concerts, plays and other such events. On these occasions visitors should remain in the area in which the event is taking place.

It is also important to remember that at the start and end of term and at exeats parents/guardians can often be present on site without having to sign in and wear a badge, as they drop off or pick up pupils. Staff and volunteers are asked to be sensitive and polite in questioning those without badges to ascertain who they are and their reason for being on the School site. Concerns should be reported to a member of the SLT.

Pupils are advised never to pass on the School or House entry codes to visitors, whilst being at all times courteous. They are asked not to allow admittance to people who do not have a school identity badge or are unaccompanied. They should direct such visitors to reception or to a member of staff. If they are at all concerned about an unidentified stranger on the School site, they should report the matter to a member of staff immediately.

SCHOOL POLICIES

Downside School’s policies are available to download on our website: www.downside.co.uk/parent-zone/policies

Academic and Curriculum Policy

Accessibility Plan

Admissions Policy

Anti-bullying Policy

Attendance Policy

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

Concerns and Complaints Policy

COVID-19 Policy

COVID Risk Assessment

Data Protection

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Equal Opportunities Policy

Expulsion Removal and Review Policy

Fire Policy & Procedures

First Aid Policy

Health and Safety Policy

Physical Restraint Policy

PSHEE Policy

Pupil Behaviour Policy

Risk Assessment Policy

Relationships & Sex Education (RSE) Policy

Safeguarding Statement

Statement of Boarding Principles

Supervision of Pupils Notice

If you require any further School information copy please contact the School Office via hmpa@downside.co.uk

PERFORMING ARTS AT DOWNSIDE SCHOOL

Perform: Inspire: Serve

The Performing Arts Faculty is based in the O’Flaherty Music School and is the hub for all music, drama and dance activities that take place at Downside. Our experienced team of staff deliver academic music and drama lessons alongside individual instrumental, singing, dance and drama (LAMDA) lessons. We support our pupils in their development as performers in our bands, choirs, orchestras, other ensembles, plays, productions and events.

I hope the information which follows will help to guide you through the day-to-day practicalities of individual music/dance/drama lessons, private practice and membership of the ensembles.

KAREN RANDALL

Director of Performing

Arts

Ensembles and events

Downside offers a wide range of musical ensembles, and pupils will be encouraged to join those that best suit their voice or instrument. Singers can take part in Schola Cantorum (the main school choir), the Mixed Chamber Choir, Boys’ and Girls’ Chamber Choirs, and our close harmony group. Instrumentalists have options including String Ensemble, Concert Band, Orchestra, Brass Group, Pipe Band and Jazz Ensemble. For our rock and pop musicians we run a rock band mentoring group and a function band. Smaller chamber groups—such as String Quartets and the Junior Piano Trio—are formed as needed, providing further opportunities for collaborative music-making.

Throughout the year, the calendar is full of performance opportunities, with events such as the St Cecilia Concert, House Music Competition, Band Nights, Choral Concert, Music for a Summer’s Evening, regular Abbey services, and a variety of special one-off performances featuring professional musicians. We also run a more informal lunchtime concert series, known as Cloister Concerts, which offer pupils of any ability the opportunity to perform to a small and supportive audience.

Individual Music/Dance/Drama (LAMDA) Lessons

What do we offer?

We offer weekly lessons of 35 minutes for the following:

Music: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, French horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Piano, Organ, Harp, Guitar (Classical, Electric, Bass), Ukulele, Bagpipes, Singing, Songwriting, Drum kit, Tuned percussion.

Drama: Individual or paired LAMDA lessons

Dance: Ballet, Modern Jazz, Recreational Dance

How much do lessons cost?

Individual lessons: £44.44 per lesson

(£399.96/term for 9 lessons)

Lessons taught as a pair*: £22.22 per lesson

(£199.98/term for 9 lessons)

Lessons taught in groups*: £14.81 per lesson

(£133.29/term for 9 lessons

*Not all instruments are suitable for paired or group lessons. Where this option is available, it is dependent on another pupil of a similar standard also requesting shared tuition. All arrangements are subject to availability and staff agreement.

Lessons are billed termly in arrears.

If a pupil uses a school instrument the hire charge is £40.00 per term.

Where do lessons take place?

All lessons take place within the Performing Arts Centre. Organ lessons take place in the Old Chapel or the Abbey Church as appropriate.

Lesson times and where to find them. Timetables are published weekly on Friday afternoons on SOCs and displayed on the noticeboards in the Performing Arts Centre, the main school corridor and in houses. All lessons are shown in the SOCS School App for pupils. This will be explained to your child in their induction. Parents can also view this on My School Portal.

For pupils in the First to Fifth Form, lessons are rotated through the academic timetable, where possible, to avoid pupils missing the same academic lesson more than once either side of the half term holiday.

For Sixth Form pupils lessons are timetabled during study periods.

Performing Arts staff and House staff are all glad to help pupils to find out their lesson times and where lessons take place.

Clashes

If for any reason your child can’t make it to their lesson, they should see Mrs Maggs (Music Administrator) or email her at music@downside.co.uk k at least 48hrs beforehand and she will do her best to rearrange the lesson.

Missed Lessons

Whilst we do our best to locate pupils if they do not turn up to a lesson, please be aware that parents will be charged for missed lessons unless this is caused by a clash with another school event.

Practice

Pupils may practise in any free room in the Performing Arts Department during the day (0830 - 1800). Pupils will be issued a swipe card so that they can access the facilities in the evenings and at weekends.

Notice to Stop Lessons

In the event that your child no longer wishes to continue with their Performing Arts lessons, parents are required to submit a request to stop in writing to the Director of Performing Arts, Mrs Karen Randall: music@downside.co.uk

The notice period is 9 lessons from the date that notice is received, this is because we have to give appropriate notice to the respective teacher, and continue to pay them throughout the notice period. Fees will be charged in lieu of notice.

Useful Contact Information

Director of Performing Arts: Mrs Karen Randall krandall@downside.co.uk

Director of Choral And Liturgical Music: Mr Peter Thomson pthomson@downside.co.uk

Music Administrator: Mrs Caroline Maggs music@downside.co.uk

DOWNSIDE SPORT

Our sports development philosophy for players and coaches is based on a positive mental attitude and exceptional work ethic, and this is expected from all pupils participating in Sport and Physical Education at Downside School. Our aim is to coach the whole child to ensure that they find a sport in which they can participate, excel and learn the values of being part of a team.

Discipline | Honesty | Stewardship

These foundational values of Downside Sport are derived from our Benedictine traditions and underpin an integral framework of sports coaching at our school that aims to develop young people as strong, resilient leaders of character that can excel in sport, school and life. Our emphasis on ‘Talent Development’ recognises the power of teamwork and the importance of moral and performance character. All pupils at Downside, regardless of ability, will participate in sport and physical activity during their time here, affording us the opportunity to offer all pupils a foundation of sporting experiences, leading to a development of ability/interest and culminating, for those who represent the school competitively, to an attitude focusing on the fulfilment of talent.

Ideologically, ‘Talent Development’ remains central to our mission. Our sports coaching staff are committed to developing the potential in each and every pupil. By way of emphasising this pursuit of the best that we can be, the notion of establishing a positive coaching climate has been paramount. Whilst some schools may adhere to a ‘win at all costs’ mentality, the Benedictine values to which we hold so dear have supported Downside’s staff and pupils in developing a sports coaching philosophy that has prioritised attitude and effort in both training and competitive performances, above simplified performance values such as winning and losing. It is nice to have both of course, but it is much easier to realise the latter if you can first develop a culture that celebrates the former.

We believe that in these changing social times, the significant majority of young performers will recognise the value of attitudes and behaviours that are indicative of a climate of development in sport. These include effort & improvement, a growth mind-set, sense of belonging and fundamental movement skills. It is our aim to establish

this climate of development in all areas of sport at Downside School. Our most able or more senior pupils, in a representative pathway for their specialist sport or fortunate enough to play for their respective ‘A’ or 1st team in school might experience attitudes and behaviours indicative of a climate of performance, e.g.: performance training & specialisation. We are justifiably proud of the culture of sport at Downside School and we are equally proud of the achievements of our talented performers and the growing reputation of our sports teams.

Downside School believes that physical activity plays an important role in every child’s development. The aim of Sport & Physical Education at Downside School is to provide a high quality balanced curriculum of team and individual activities which allows each student to gain understanding of his or her own physical ability, to provide experiences which help to promote character and provide the opportunity for high levels of performance. ‘Sport for All’ is a central part of the school’s philosophy as is the desire for every pupil to enjoy physical activity and achieve their own personal best. Whilst our curriculum distinguishes between Physical Education and Sport, the notion of excellence permeates throughout. We are unashamedly aspirational for all our sports performers and challenge all our pupils to be “the best me I can be” in every aspect of school life.

Our Athlete Development Programme has been designed to support Scholarship holders and other talented pupils, ensuring that every lesson, coaching session and mentoring meeting is designed to reinforce and support attitudes and behaviours that will create excellence and high performance conditions that are full of challenge, creative thinking, critical thinking, problem solving and student choice. Adhering to the core Downside Sport values participants will have access

to subject specific mentoring and support from our experienced team of outstanding coaches. They will be expected to participate in enrichment extra-curricular/ co-curricular activities, receive and offer feedback and share personalised objectives and targets that will ensure that a climate of development leads to an effective climate of performance, further endorsing Downside School’s desire to be:

‘TO BE A BRIGHT LIGHT IN THE WORLD OF EDUCATION,

ILLUMINATING THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND INSPIRING SERVICE IN THE WORLD THROUGH EXPERIENCE OF BENEDICTINE CULTURE’

Responsibility and leadership for the major sports in the school is assured by our outstanding team of experienced education professionals and highly respected Development Lead coaches, all of whom have played/ coached at the highest levels representatively. Substantial support is provided by a large team of additional Level 2

and Level 3 specialist female and male sports coaches and academic staff who deliver excellent coaching throughout the school and across the age range.

The School is a full member of the Bristol Corinthians Sailing Club which is located at the Cheddar Reservoir in Somerset. The club is affiliated to the RYA and pupils have access to a wide range of water sport activities there, including sailing, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding. Downside has an excellent fleet of Topaz Argo sailing dinghies and, for those pupils who wish to progress and either enter sailing races or gain qualifications from the RYA, including Instructor Award, the Royal Navy section of the Downside CCF is open to all.

Alongside timetabled Games sessions three times per week for all pupils, there are a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities throughout the year. These include, but are not limited to scuba diving, kayaking, fencing, archery, 5-a-side football, cross country, badminton, basketball, table tennis, swimming, .22 rifle shooting, clay pigeon shooting, sailing, touch rugby, squash, horse riding, yoga and fitness training.

SPORT & GAMES PROGRAMME AT DOWNSIDE SCHOOL

The following sports or games are available during the three terms of the academic year, as follows:

Michaelmas Term

Year Group Boys

Girls

1st & 2nd Form Rugby Hockey

3rd & 4th Form Rugby Hockey

5th & 6th Form Rugby Hockey

Cross Country, Swimming Cross Country, Swimming Badminton, Football, Squash Badminton, Health & Well-Being, Squash

Lent Term

Year Group Boys

Girls

1st & 2nd Form Hockey Netball

3rd & 4th Form Hockey Netball

5th & 6th Form Hockey Netball

Cross Country, Swimming Cross Country, Swimming Football, Table Tennis, Squash Health & Well-Being, Table Tennis, Squash

Summer Term

Year Group Boys

Girls

1st & 2nd Form Cricket, Tennis Cricket, Tennis

3rd & 4th Form Cricket, Tennis Cricket, Tennis

5th & 6th Form Cricket, Tennis Tennis, Athletics, Athletics, Swimming, Badminton, Swimming, Health & Well-Being

Volleyball, Sailing, Squash Badminton, Volleyball, Sailing, Squash

SCHOOL TIMETABLE

DURING THE WORKING WEEK

7.15pm-8.30pm 3: Prep

7.30pm–9.00pm

70 Min Lessons: Master Timetable 2026-2026 (blank = academic lesson except where stated; grey = no academic lessons)

CO-CURRICULUM

CCF

CHAPLAINCY

Mass is celebrated in the Old Chapel on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7.40 a.m., except on days when Mass is celebrated with the School in the Abbey Church. Anyone who would like to assist with reading or serving at the morning Mass is asked to see one of the Chaplains.

On Thursday evenings at 9.00 p.m. in the Old Chapel there are House Masses or House reconciliation services.

CONFESSIONS are heard before Sunday Mass in the Abbey Church in St Benedict’s Chapel (from 9.40 a.m. when the Mass is at 10.00 a.m.). Confessions are heard on Thursdays before and during the evening Mass in the Old Chapel, or at other times by private arrangement with one of the Chaplains.

LECTIO DIVINA groups meet once a week, arranged by the Leader of the Group.

The ROSARY GROUP meets every Tuesday in the Old Chapel at 9.15 p.m.

DAY PUPILS attend a weekly service with the Chaplains.

OLD GREGORIANS OF ST GREGORY’S SOCIETY

Alumni from Downside School are called “Old Gregorians”. The first recorded meeting of St Gregory’s Society was in 1843. Today St Gregory’s Society comprises around 5,000 Old Gregorians and it is thriving.

Dinners in London, Hong Kong and Brazil remain regular annual fixtures and events are held every three years in Dublin, Madrid and Malta.

Sport also flourishes under the auspices of the Society through the Wanderers Cricket Club, the OG Golfing Society and more recently, OG Rugby. The Society publishes a monthly newsletter sent via email and there is an active group on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Old Gregorians provide invaluable careers advice and assistance to current pupils and have a wealth of experience in a wide range of professions, which they are very happy to share with current Downside pupils.

One of the great privileges of members of the Society is that we are remembered in the Masses and prayers of the Community at St Gregory’s.

The Development Office at Downside supports St Gregory’s Society by managing all administrative tasks. The Office holds the OG database if you are looking for old friends, run the on-line shop for memorabilia and events, keep this website up to date and if you want to visit Downside we will ensure you receive a warm welcome.

GREGORIAN PRAYER Almighty Father, by the power of your Holy Spirit, grant that the whole Downside community may prosper in its devotion to you. Through Christ our Lord.

reception@downside.co.uk www.downside.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1761 235100