ZETLAND HOUSE
BoardingHandbookforYears10-11 2025/2026
StatementofBoardingPrinciplesandPractice
ThisstatementshouldbereadinconjunctionwiththeMissionStatementoftheSchool,whichembodiestheoverallaimsandobjectivesof RMS.TheSchoolcatersforgirlsaged2–18andtheresidentialdepartmentmeetstheneedsofgirlsagedfrom8–18.TheSchooltherefore hasEarlyYears,primary,secondaryandpost16phases.PupilsareadmittedaccordingtotheAdmissionsPolicyoftheSchool.ThePreSchoolcatersforgirlsandboysaged2-4.
Full,weeklyandflexi-boardingatRMSofferopportunitiesforgirlsfromtheageofeighttodevelopsocialskillsandpersonal independencewithinacaringandsupportiveresidentialenvironment.
RMSprovidesboarderswithavariedrangeofexperienceswithinastructuredframework,sothatgirlslearntobecomeresponsiblefor themselvesandtheirlearning.Boardersareencouragedtodevelopgoodpatternsofself-studyandthisisbalancedbymanyopportunities forextracurricularactivity,tocaterfortheinterestsofdifferentgirlsofallages.
Outcomesforboarders
1.RMSaimstopromoteboarders’personaldevelopmentbytheirboardingexperienceandthisisapparentinqualitiessuchas confidence,self-reliance,integrityandtolerance
2.RMSaimstoensureboardersenjoybeingpartoftheircommunityandmakeapositivecontributiontoit
3.RMSaimstoensureboardershavepleasantandconstructiverelationshipswithoneanotherandwiththeboardingstaff.
4.RMSaimstosupportboardersacademicallytoenablethemtoreachtheirfullpotential
Qualityoftheboardingprovisionandcare
1.Boardersarewellcaredforandtheboardingprovisioniseffectiveinsupportingtheirindividualneedsandhelpingthemkeepsafe,fit andhealthy
2.Boardersbenefitfromsuitablefacilitiesandopportunitiesforrecreationalanddevelopmentalactivitiesintheeveningandat weekends,includingsufficientself-directedtime
3.Boardingaccommodationiscomfortable,secureandwell-maintained
4.Boardersareabletomaintainregularcontactwiththeirfamilies,andtheschoolcommunicateseffectivelywithparents,carersand guardians
Theeffectivenessofarrangementsforwelfareandsafeguarding
1.ArrangementsareeffectiveinensuringcompliancewiththeNationalMinimumStandardsforBoardingSchools,particularlyinmatters ofsafeguardingboarders’welfare,staffing,managementofbehaviourandpreventionofbullying
Theeffectivenessoftheleadershipandmanagementoftheboardingprovision
1.Boardingprioritiesareclearandhousesarewellrun,inlinewiththeaimsoftheSchool,andwithacommitmenttoself-evaluationand improvement
OrganisationofBoarding
Girlsagedbetween8-14liveinHarrisHouse,girlsfrom14-16liveinZetlandHouseandSixthFormboardersareinConnaughtHouse. BoardersaregivengreaterfreedomastheyreachYears10&11andSixthForm.Thisgradualacknowledgementofapproaching adulthoodenablesgirlstolearnhowtobalancethedifferentaspectsoflife.SixthFormboarderstakegreaterresponsibilityfor themselves,thuspreparingforlifeatuniversity.ZetlandandConnaughtHousesarestaffedbyaHousemistress,AssistantHousemistress, HouseTutorandtwoGAPAssistants.HarrisHouseisstaffedbyaHousemistress,HouseParent,HouseTutorandthreeGAPassistants.
Housestaffplayacentralroleinthelivesofboardersandstaffareencouragedtotreadacarefullinebetweenfirmnessand approachability.Boardersshouldbe“athome”intheirhouse,sothattheyfeelsecureandvalued.RMSiscommittedtotheongoing professionaldevelopmentofallstaffsothatboardingstaffarewelltrainedandsupportedtofulfiltheirroleseffectively.Thereisan inductionpolicyforboardingstaffandappraisalprocedures.AllHousemistressesmeetweeklywiththeDirectorofBoarding.TheDirector ofBoardingmeetsweeklywiththeDeputyHeadPastoral.Readycommunicationbetweenboardingstaff,teachingstaff,medicalstaffand theschoolcounsellorwhereappropriateareessentialforthewellbeingofeachboarder.Thenamesandrelevantqualificationsofthestaff teamaretobefoundonthewebsite.TheHealthCentreisstaffedby2registerednurses.Oneschoolcounselloroffersappointments specificallyforboardersonenightaweek.Boardershaveaccesstoasilentlistener.
TheBoardingDepartmentcatersforapproximately100pupilsoneachnightoftheweek.Accommodationtakestheformofsingle,shared roomsandsmalldormitories.
TheSchool’sDesignatedSafeguardingLeadistheDeputyHead,AlisonDavies.TheSchool’sDeputySafeguardingLeadsareAssistant Head,DesmondCox,HeadofSeniorSchool,RachelBailey,HeadofSixthForm,ClareFreeman,DirectorofBoarding,FionaJones,Deputy HeadofSixthForm,JennieSimmoniteandHeadofCadoganHouse,MelanieHorn.Thesestaffarealwayscontactableoutofhours.
TheSchooliscommittedtoaccommodatingpupilswithaphysicaldisabilitywherepossible.
WelcometoZetlandHouse
DearZetlander,
IextendaverywarmRMSwelcometoyouandthankyouforjoiningusherein ZetlandHouse.PerhapsyouarejoiningusfromHarris,orareadaygirlwanting moretimeinschoolasyoucompleteyourGCSEs;youmayevenbecompletelynew toRMSandjoiningusfromafar,orvisitingforaterm.Whateverthereason, ZetlandisyournewUKresidenceandwehopeyoufeelrightathomehere.
AsoneoftheoldestschoolsforgirlsintheUK,youarejoininganestablished community,richwithhistoryandbeautifulscenery.Everwonderedwhyourhouse iscalledZetland?"Zetland"isactuallyanoldnamefortheShetlandIslandsin Scotland.ThenamecomesfromtheEarlofZetland,andhisfamily,theDundas family,ownedlandintheShetlandandOrkneyislands.Theyareoneofthe foundingfamiliesofRMS,whichwasoriginallycreatedtoprovideeducationforthe daughtersofFreemasons.Nowadays,wewelcomeeverygirlwhoembodiesour valuesofinclusivity,courage,ambition,kindness,perseverance,andintegrity, whichishowyouarehere!Withinthehouse,youwillseeflamingoeseverywhere! ThisisourmascotwithinZetland,andtheybringusjoyandluckwhereverwego. Thereareplentyofopportunitiestoearnflamingostickersandbadgeswithin boardingforyourhardworkanddedication.
SowhoaretheZetlandteam?MynameisMissStephensandIliveinZetlandwith you,alongwithmyfamilyMrCreedandJackthedog.IamyourHousemistress firstandforemost,butalsoteachEnglishandEALinPALS.Iloveteachingand livingherebecauseIgettoknowyouaspeople,notjustasstudents.Iworkduring termtimealongsideawonderfulteaminZetland,whocan’twaittogettoknow you.Findusallonthestaffpagewithalittlebitofinformationforconversation starters.
Together,wewillhelpyoubeginorcontinueyourjourneyofstudyingforyour GCSEs,buildingfriendshipgroupsanddevelopingstudyroutines.Sometimes,days willbelong,andtimeswillgettoughasyoulearntonavigatethework-lifebalance ofstudy,extra-curricularandboarding;nottomentionbeingateenagerisatimeof growthandchangeinitselfwithincreasedresponsibilities.Justremember,weare allheretohelpandguideyouthroughthistime,andshouldyoueverneed anything,weareallheretohelp:TheGAPs,HouseTutors,Assistant HousemistressandIallwantyoutohavethebestboardingexperiencehereat RMS,soshouldyouhaveanyquestionsorconcerns,comeandseeoneofus.
Thisbookletaimstolayoutthebasicsofboarding,inparticularhowZetland worksincomparisontotheotherboardinghouses,introduceyoutokey peoplewithwaystocontactthemandoutlinewhattoexpectonceyoulive here.Zetlandstaffadvisethatyoukeepholdofthisbookletandrefertoit regularlyduringyourfirstfewweeksasyougetusedtoyournewroutines andfreedoms!Thereisspaceatthebacktomakenotesofyourown,but shouldyouwishanyotherusefulinformationtobeincludedfornextyear, pleaseletusknow.
Nowallthat’slefttosayisenjoyyourtimeinZetlandHouse!
MissJoniStephens
HousemistresstoZetlandHouse
jstephens@rmsforgirls.com
ZetlandHouseemailandphonenumber: zetland@rmsforgirls.com 07540018340
Zetlandpostaladdress: (Yourname)
ZetlandHouse
RMSforGirls
RickmansworthPark
Rickmansworth
Hertfordshire
WD34HF
UnitedKingdom
ZetlandHouseStaff,AssistantsandPrefects
MrsAlisonDavies|DeputyHead,Pastoral
MrsDavieshasworkedatRMSforsometimeandisnow overseeingourboardingprovision.Sheisakeencollectorof fashionableclothesandhastwodogs.Shelivesontheedgeof campusandworksintheSeniorSchoolasahistoryteacher. HerofficeisinTheResourceCentre,justoppositeZetland House.
MissJoniRoseStephens|HousemistressofZetlandHouse
MissStephensstartedatRMSasaHouseTutorlivinginHarris whoworkedacrossallthreeboardinghouses.Asof September,shewillliveinandrunZetlandHouseasthe Housemistress.OutsideofZetland,you’llseeherwalkingthe fieldswithJackandMrCreed,ormaybeupinPALSteaching English.Youmightevenhearherpractisingukulele!
MissCelineBrugel|AssistantHousemistressofZetland
MissBrugelisoriginallyatranslatorfromFrance,soknows exactlywhatit’slikelivingabroadandusingEnglishasan additionallanguage.SheisalsonewtoRMSthisyearsoyou shouldfindlotstotalkabout!LikeMissStephens,shealso liveswithyouinZetlandHouse.
MrsClaireHawkins|HouseTutor/DirectorofLearningSupport
MrsHawkinsenjoyswalkingandreading.Shehasthreechildren andachocolatecockapoocalledNiya.Sheishappytosupport youwithanyacademic,socialandemotionalneeds.Herofficeis alsointheResourceCentre.
Ms
Yvonne
Mackey|HouseTutor/HeadofFood&Nutrition
MrsMackeylovescooking,swimmingandyogaatRMS,the gymandspendingtimewithherthreegrownupsons.Sheis happytohelpwithanyfoodornutritionquestionsyoumay have.
MissRobertaDuffin|HouseTutorandHeadofYear11
MissDuffinusedtobeaHouseTutorinConnaughtandisan RMSalumnisoknowstheropeswhenitcomestoRMS boarding.Shelovesplayingboardgameswhenondutyand walkingherdogIvy.
MrsRachelDobson|HouseTutorinZetland/Connaughtand BoardingMentor
MrsDobsonhasworkedinRMSboardingforalongtime.She isagreatlistenershouldyouwishtochattoherinthesnug, andanexcellentsewerifyoueverneedsomehelpwithaprom dressorschoolskirt.SheusedtoliveinSouthAfricaandloves agoodBBQ!
MrsCathyMaher|DayAssistant
MrsMaherhelpskeepalltheboardinghousesrunning smoothlyduringtheday,whilewe’reallatschool.Shehelpsin theoffice,withlaundry,andsometimesyouwillseeherin houseduringGCSErevisionperiods.Shelikestosayhelloand isveryfriendly.
MrsKDixonandMrsJRingland |HousekeepingStaff
TheZetlandhousekeepingteamhaveworkedhardforover30 yearstokeepRMScleanandpresentable.Theyarelovely ladies,whoareakeypartofZetland’steamanddeeply appreciateyourdailyeffortstoleaveyourroomtidyandclear.
OtherBoardingStaff
Wecurrentlyhave8GAPAssistantswhoworkacrossallthreeboardinghouses. TheyusuallycomefromAustraliaforayear,andliveineachboardinghouse. Youwillalsocomeintocontactwithothermembersoftheboardingteamandwill seethesemembersofstaffonaregularbasisatmealtimes,boardingeventssuch asFamilySuppers,boardingactivitiesandonoutingsandvisits.
HousemistressofHarrisHouse:MissChristineDoherty
HouseparentofHarrisHouse:MsNaomiRoughley
HouseTutorsinHarrisHouse:MissElisaMartinSevillaandMissNikitaSullivan
HousemistressofConnaughtHouse:MissMariahSummers
AssistantHousemistressinConnaughtHouse:MrsSusanDennis
HouseTutorsinConnaughtHouse:MrsDobson
BoardingPrefects
TheDeputyHeadGirlforboardingleadsateamofprefects.Thesestudentsarein Year13,liveinConnaughtandareallexperiencedboarders.Theirroleisto representboardingwithintheschoolandcultivateaspiritofmutualrespectwithin theentireboardingcommunity.Eachprefecthasresponsibilityforaparticular Housewhichtheyvisiteachweek.Prefectsholdregularmeetingsandarealway partofsocialevents.Thesestudentsareincrediblygoodatlistening,advisin
BoardingRepresentatives
Year10and11willselectarepresentativetobeonthe boarders’councilandfoodcommittee.Wewanttomakesure eachyeargrouphasavoiceandthesegirlswillplaya significantrolesuggestinganddiscussingchanges, maintaining,reviewingandenhancingthequalityoflifefor boarders.
InternationalBoardingCommittee
Theinternationalboardingcommitteeactsasaforumforallinternational boardersandissupportedbyMrsDobson.
Nitya MarketingPrefect
Elene InternationalPrefect
ImportantInformation
PackingtheEssentials
Washitems(includingsanitaryitemsifnecessary)
Pyjamas
Underwear
Dressinggownandslippers
Homeclothesforafterschool,includinganoutfitforformaloccasions
Coat/Jacket
Towels(theseareprovidedbutbringyourownifyouprefer)
Bedsheets,pillowcaseandbottomsheets(theseareprovidedbutbringyour ownifyouprefer)
Decorationsforyourroom/posters
Picturesoffamilyandthingstodecorateyournoticeboardwith
Bookstoreadbeforebed
Stationeryforschool
Netbagsforunderwearwashing
Pleaseremembernottobringtoomuchwithyouasyouwillhavetopackitall awayeveryhalfterm!Youwillalsohavetheopportunitytobuyitemswhileyou arehere.
everyhalfterm!
SpeakingEnglish
OurstudentsareactivelyencouragedtospeakEnglishasitisacommon languageinwhichallboarderscancommunicateandthusfeelincluded. SpeakingEnglishcouldputyouatadistinctadvantagewithregardstofuture universityinterviewsandemployment.
Thisdoesnotmeanyoucannotspeakyourownlanguageasweareawarethata dayofschoolthinkingandcommunicatinginEnglishistiring,howeverin communalareasyoumustspeakEnglish.
BothyourHousemistressandAssistantHousemistressare(orhavebeen) teachersofEnglishasasecondlanguageandspeakotherlanguagestoo,so shouldyouneedanyhelpatall,youareingoodhands.
DailyRoutine
7:00am Wakeup.
7:20am
AllregisterforbreakfastinCommonRoom.
7:30am BreakfastintheDiningHall.
8:00am Returnfrombreakfasttogetreadyfortheschoolday.
8:20am Leaveforschool.
Noboardersshouldbeinthehousebefore4pm.
4:00pm Returnfromschoolandfreetime.
Studentsmayattendafterschoolactivitiesorleavethe schoolpremises,howevertheymustalwayssigninandout fromtheHouseandletstaffknowwheretheyaregoing, returningforschoolsupperby6:00pm.
5:45pm AllregisterfordinnerinCommonRoom.
6:00pm DinnerintheDiningHall.
7:00pm Studytime.
TheHousemustbesilentduringstudytime.Studentsmay studyintheirrooms,ortheZetlandICTroom,orpractisein Alex,signinginandoutofZetland.
9:00pm FreetimeandsupperinCommonRoom.
Onaschoolnightstudentsmustsignat9pmwiththe memberofstaffondutyandarerequiredtobeintheHouse.
9:45pm AllstudentsarerequiredtobeinPJshavinghadashower. Thereshouldbenoshowering,orvisitingeachother’srooms after10pm.
10:00pm AllstudentsareintheirownroomsandtheHouseissilent. Staffwillcomeroundandcheckyouareinbed.Theywill turnoutYear10’slights;Year11youwillturnyourown lightsout.
GoingOut:DuringtheWeek
Year10and11cangotoRickmansworthonceaweek.Therearethingstoremember:
Youmustgoinpairs
Youmusttellamemberofstaffyouaregoing
Youmustsignout
Yourphonemustbecharged,andyoumustanswerifitrings.Youmustalsohave theZetlandphonenumbersavedonyourphone.+447540018340
Youmustbebackby5:45pm
SignintotheHouseandtellamemberofstaffyouhavereturned.
Anyproblems,howeversmall,callZetlandimmediately.
Weekends
Friday Weeklyboardersleaveforhomeat4pm.
Year10and11signinwithamemberofstaffby9pm. Ifyouhavegoneoffsiteyoumustreturnby9pm.
Saturday
8:30am Wakeup.
8:50am RegisterandgotoBreakfast.
9:45am Freetimeoropportunitytogoonatrip.
12:20pm RegisterandgotoLunchinDiningHall.
2:00pm Freetime.
5:50pm RegisterandgotoDinnerinDiningHall.
7:00pm Freetime.
9:00pm SigninandsupperinCommonRoom.
10:30pm Allstudentsareintheirownroomsand theHouseissilent.Staffwillcomeroundand checkyouareinbed.Youwillturnyourown lightsout.
Sunday 11:00am Register.
11:30am Brunch/Cafe.
12:15pm Freetimeoractivities.
5:50pm RegisterandDinner.
9:00pm RegisterandSupperinCommonRoom. Weeklyboardersreturnbythistime. Preparefortheweekahead.
10:00pm Aschoolnightsonormalroutinesapply
GoingOut:OvertheWeekend
Thesamerulesapplywithphonesandsigningout,andparentsmusthavesignedthe formonMySchoolPortal.
Year10cangotoRickmansworth,HarroworWatfordforamaximumof 4hours.
Year11cangotoRickmansworth,Harrow,WatfordandLondonforamaximumof 5hours.
youmustsignoutoftheHouseandalsoatreception.
IfyouareleavingtheHouseatanyothertimeandforanyreasonyoumustsign outoftheHouseandmustsigninonyourreturn,alwaystellingamemberofstaff whereyouaregoing.
Nogirlshouldsignanothergirlinoroutforanyreason–thisincludesvisiting anotherHouse,thegym,RCetc.
Girlsgoinghomeoroutfortheweekendmustsignouttoshowtheyhaveleftthe schoolsite.Thereisaformyouwillcompleteforthis(seepermissiontogoout). Weeklyboardersorthosewhohavebeenoutfortheweekendmustsigninand sayhellotothememberofstaffondutyintheHouse.
PermissiontoGoOut
Permissiontogooutneedstobegivenbyyourparentorguardianusingtheformon MySchoolPortalunderBoarding/BoardingForms.
Pleasereadthisformcarefullyandcompleteasappropriate.Ifyouareinvitedtostay
Invitations
Ifaboarderisgoingoutfortheweekend,writtenpermissionmustbesoughtfrom yourparentsandaninvitationfromthefamilyyouarevisiting.Thisshouldbe receivedbytheprecedingThursdayandsenttoMissStephens.
16thBirthdays
Studentsmaycelebratetheir16thbirthdayonaweekdayeveningwithmembersof theirfamilyorguardians.Celebrationswithfriendsshouldtakeplaceattheweekend.
PermissionmustbesoughtfromhomeandtheHousemistressandaformshouldbe completedonMySchoolPortal.StudentsshouldreturntotheHouseby9.00pm.
OutingsandVisits
Awidevarietyofactivities,outingsandvisitsarearrangedeachtermanddetailsare displayedinthehouse.Ifyouwishtoparticipate,speaktotheHousemistressthenthe costisaddedtoyourschoolbill.
Zetlandgirlsareexpectedtogoonatleasttwoboardingtripsaterm.Itisgoodtogo onasmanyoutingsasyoucan,especiallyoutsideofMocksandexamsseasons,as theyprovideagoodwaytointegratewithotherboardersfromacrossallthehouses andmakefriends. acrossallthehouses
Meals
Year10and11arerequiredtoattendallmeals.Snacksareprovidedintheevenings. Thefoodmaybedifferentbuttherearealwaysmultiplechoicesandthecatering departmentareveryhelpfulincateringfordifferentdietaryrequirements.Shouldyou feeltheneedtoeatintheQuietDiningRoomatlunchtime,pleasecontactyourHouse TutorMrsHawkinsaboutgettingapass.
HouseKitchen
Thekitchenisformakingdrinksandsnacks.Thereisalwaysmilk,squash,tea,coffee, cereal,bread,ham,cheeseandvariousspreads,freshfruitandbiscuitsarealso readilyavailable.
Zetlanderscanbuyandkeeptheirownsnacksinalabelledplasticboxintheroom nexttothekitchen.
Weinsistthatgirlsdonotstoresnackfoodintheirbedrooms.
Anysnacksshouldbeeatendownstairsinthesnug,commonroomorkitchen;anyhot foodmustbeeateninthekitchen.
Fullmealsandtakeawaysarenotpermittedunlessagreedbypriorarrangementwith theHousemistressforaspecialoccasion.
Thekitchenmustbekeptcleanandtidy,foodmustbedisposedofinthecorrect colouredbin,andcrockeryandutensilsmustbewashedorputinthedishwasher. Thisroomisusedbylotsofstudentsandeveryoneshouldbeabletoenjoyit,andits facilities.
Pleaseensurethatyoucleanupafteryourselfanddo notleaveitinamess.
GoodieBox
Housestafforderbasicfoodstuffsfortheweekends. Anyfoodyoupurchaseforyourselfmustbe appropriatelysealedandlabelledwithyourname.
Anyfoodthatisnotinappropriatelystoredcontainers willbedisposedof.
PersonalFoodItems
Anyitempurchasedbyyouandputinthefridgemustfollowthefollowingrules:
1.Allitemsinthefridgemustbeinthecorrectplace-pleasefollowthefridgesafety layout
2.Allfoodsmustbeinsealedboxes,namedandlabelled(labelswithHousestaff).
3.ItemsopenedforlongerthanthreedaysMUSTbethrownaway.
4.Noleftovertakeawayfoodcanbeputinthefridge.Itmustbethrownaway. Alldriedfoodsmustsealproperlyandbelabelledwithyournameandputonthe shelvesinthekitchen.
Youmustbeawareoftheallergenfoods(postersinkitchen)andmakesuretheseare clearlylabelled.WeDONOTallowanyformofNUTStobeinoraroundtheHouse.
HouseDuties
TherearedutiestobeundertakenbyallZetlandersonaweeklyrotationalsystem, completedinpairs.Itisimportantthatyoufulfilyourdutyasitensuresthesmooth runningofthehouse.However,ifthereisareasonwhyyoumaynotbeabletocarry itoutyoumustnotifythepersoninyourpairorspeaktotheHousePrefect(Minika).
HouseMeetings
YouwillhavehousemeetingsonceaweekintheCommonRoomwithyour HousemistressandAssistantHousemistresswhereinformationwillbesharedand discussed.ThisinformationwillalsobesharedontheHouseGoogle Space/Classroom.ThisislikelytotakeplaceonaFridayeveningataround8-9pm.
Ourhouseprefectwillalsoorganiseregularmeetingstoallowyoutovoiceideas, concernsandsuggestionswhichshewillthensharewithMissStephens.Thedateof thesemeetingswillbeplacedonthenoticeboardandputontheHouseWhatsapp
UniformandClothes
Allclothesbroughtfromhomemustbeclearlymarkedwiththepupil’sname.
Theschooluniformcanbepurchasedonlinefromtheschool’sofficialsupplier, Schoolblazer.Theuniformcanbedeliveredtoschoolbeforethestartofterm(the secondhanduniformshopinschoolkeepssamplesoftheuniformtotryonforsize).
Zetlandersarerecommendedtohavefourschoolshirtsasthisallowsforaclean shirttobeworneverydayandotherstobewashedintheschoollaundryand returned.Youshouldalsohavetwofullsetsofuniform,onetowearandoneinthe wash.
Youcanchangeoutofyouruniformwhentheschooldayfinishesat4pm.Whennotin uniform,boardersusuallywearcasualclothingsuchasjeansandat-shirtorjumper. Theseitemswillchangewiththeseasons/weatherbutshouldalwaysberespectable. ForChapelandforProm,youwillneedformalattire.TheHousemistressandZetland teamhavetherighttodecidewhetherornotanitemofclothingisacceptableto wear.
Rooms
Youwillbeallocatedasharedorsingle(Year11only)room.Shouldyouhaveyour ownroominYear10,bepreparedtoshareitwithOccasionalboarders,orforanew FullorWeeklyboardertomoveinmidterm.Youmustkeepyourroomneatandtidy. Thereshouldbenodirtylaundryorclothesleftonthefloor,bedsmustbe madeeachday,thefloorclearedofclutter.
Thetidinessofyourroomswillbe monitored.
Zetlandhousekeeperswillcleanyourrooms,emptyyourbinsandvacuumthefloor,
EntrytotheHouse
TheHouseisaccessedbyinsertingtheHousecodeintothekeypad.Thisischanged periodically,atleastonceaterm.Thedoorislockedoncethelastmemberofstaff hasgonetobed.Duringschoolhourstheboardinghousewillbelocked,soplease remembertotakeeverythingyouneedforthedaytoschoolwithyouinthemorning.
WeeklyBoarders
YouarewelcometoreturnanytimeonaSunday.However,9pmisthelatestasthe HouseneedstosettleandgetorganisedforMonday.
PleasenotethatDinnerisat6pm-6:50pmandthehousewillbelockedduringthat period.YouarewelcometojoinusintheDiningHallorwaitoutsidethehouse.
CareofPersonalProperty
ElectronicItemsandUseofDevices
Allelectronicitems(e.g.laptops,phones,tablets,hairdryers,phonechargersand electronictoothbrushes)willbePATtested(UKelectricalsafetytest)everyyear. AtthebeginningoftheSeptembertermyouwillbeaskedtoputalloftheseitemson yourbed,includingextensioncables,tobetested.Ifyoubuyanynewitemyoumust tellyourHousemistress.Thiswillthenbetakenandtested.Youwillnotbeallowedto useituntilithasbeentested.Anyitemthatdoesnotpassthetestorisbrokenwillbe removedfromyourroomandgiventohousestaff.Theywilltellyousoyouare aware.
UnlikeHarrisHouse,boardersinZetland(andsimilarlyinConnaught)areallowed theirelectronicitemsanddevicesanddonothavetohandthemineveryevening. ThisisaslongaseachindividualZetlandercandemonstrateproperandmeasured useoftheiritemsanddevices.Shouldtherebeanyreasontobelievethattheir academicsuccessorwellbeingisatrisk,oriftheyaremisusingelectronicitemsor devicesinanywaythatbreachschoolpolicyand/orUKlaw,theHousemistress wouldmeetwiththeboardertodiscussandimplementareasonableuseplanfor electronicitemsanddevices.Thelengthoftimeitemsarekept,andtheamountand typeofitemsremovedwillbejudgedonacasebycasebasis.
TheHousemistressandAssistantHousemistressreservetherighttoremove electronicitemsanddevicesasandwhentheyseefit.AllZetlandHousestaffcanalso temporarilyremoveandkeepanyelectronicitemsanddevicesintheofficeshould theneedarise.Seealsotheschool'spoliciesrelatingtobehaviourandITusage.
Pleasenoteyoucannottakeyourdevicestomealtimes.
Boarders’PrivacyandRespectforOthers
Duringthetermtheboardinghouseisyourhome.Youareentitledtoyourprivacybut itisimportantthatyoualsorespecttheprivacyofyourfellowpupils.
Youshouldnotgointoanotherboarder’sroomiftheyarenotthere. Youshouldalwaysknockbeforeenteringanotherboarder’sroom. Shouldaboarderaskyoutoleavetheirroom,youshoulddosoimmediately-itis theirspace.Ifyouaresharingaroom,pleasebemindfulthatweallneedsome personalspacesometimes,butifthesituationcontinues,speaktoanymemberof theHousestaff,whowillinformtheHousemistress.
Onschoolnights,boardersshouldbeintheirownroomsandtheHousesilentby 10:00pm.
Laundry
Underwearandtights/socksarewashedeverydayinHouse.Theseitemsmustbe putinyourlaundrybaginthewashingbasketinthelaundryroom.Theywillbeputin boarders’personallaundrybasketsandwillbeavailableforcollectionwhenyou returnfromschool.
Allotheritemsofclothingwillbewashedonaweeklybasisandreturnedtothe girls.
Bedlinenandtowelswillbechangedweeklyonanallocateddayandboarders
Homework,PrepTime,andPrivateTuition
Prep(homework)issetandhandedin(usually)onGoogleClassroom.Between7pm and9pmallhousesarequiettoenableboarderstocompletehomeworkandstudy. HouseTutorsareonhandduringPreptimeinZetlandshouldyouhaveanyquestions. Allboardersareencouragedtocompletetheirhomeworkonthedayitissetsothat theydonotfallbehind.
SimilarlytoConnaught,Year10sand11scanworkintheirrooms,butmustkeep bedroomdoorsopen.Musiccanbeplayedatlowvolumeprovideditcannotbeheard outsideyourroom.TherewillalsobeSupervisedPrepinthecomputerroomsin ZetlandshouldanyonewishtostudyinagrouporwithaHouseTutor’spresenceto keepthemfocused.Ifyouusethewhiteboardorprinter,pleasewipetheboardand returnpens/puttheprinterintosleepmodeafteruse.
IfaZetlanderdemonstratesthattheycannotstudyaloneintheirroom,theywillbe allocatedtoSupervisedPrep.Thisdecisionandthelengthoftimewillultimatelybe determinedbytheHousemistress,butwillbecarriedoutbyallHousestaff.
SportsCentre,SwimmingPoolandAlex(AlexandraHouse)PerformingArtsCentre
SwimmingisavailableonMondaysandTrampoliningonThursdaysfrom7-8pm,and AlexisopenMonday-ThursdaytoSeniorsbetween8-9pm,aswellasSaturdayand Sundaybetween3-5pm,withasupervisingmemberofstaff.
BoardersareencouragedtousethistimeinAlextopractisemusicasmuchas possible.ShouldyouwishtoleavePreptogotoAlex,swimmingortheSportsCentre, pleaseensureyoutellstaffandsignout.
OnlineTuition
Boardersshouldensurethatanyprivateonlinetuitiondoesnotoccurmorethan3 lessonsaweek,duringmealtimesorafterPrep(9pmGMT).OrganisingitforPrep time(between7-9pmGMT)worksbest,asthispromotesagoodstudy-lifebalance andensuresyoucanspendtimewithyourpeerseitherduringperiodsoffreetimeor goontrips.
ExamRevisionTime
Tomaximiseyourexampreparationtimeinschool,ithasbeendecidedthatfrom September2025,allYear10sand11s(bothdayandboarders)willreviseforinternal exams(mocks)inschoolwiththeirteachersduringtheirusuallessontimes,unless theyareexternalexams(realGCSEs)wherebyYear11boarderswillbeallowedto reviseinZetland(orequivalent)/athome.
CommunicationandHome
Communicationwithhomeisveryimportantsodon’tforgettocontacthometothem howyouareatleastonceaweek!TheboardinghousehasaPayPhoneifneeded,but alsoWiFiwhichshouldmakecontactinghomeeasy,particularlywithFacetime, WiiChatandWhatsApp.Postisdelivereddailytoacentralofficeandiscollectedby Zetlandstaffandbroughtbacktothehouse.
Pleasenoteyoucannottakeyourdevicestomealtimes. Thisistoencouragediscussionswithfellowboarders.
AfterSchoolandWeekendActivities-makinguseofyourfreetime
Thereareover130activityoptionsavailableafterschool (mainlybetween4:15-5:30pm)andyoucansignupfor theseonMySchoolPortal.
Whilewedon’troutinelyrundifferentactivitiesin Zetlandafterpreporontheweekend,wecanalways runaquiz,playboardgames,watchafilmtogether ororganiseapooltournamentshouldyouwish!
Weekendscanbebusy:SaturdaysinHarrisarefilledwithtripsoractivities-should youwishtojoininwiththem,justletyourHousemistressorAssistantHousemistress knowandwecanbookyouon.BothZetlandandConnaughtgirlsarewelcometojoin in,andtheboardingcommunityisencouragedtovisiteachother’shouses.
Sundaysofferachancetorelaxandrechargethebatteriesafteranicebrunch/visitto theonsitecafe,andcompleteanyhomework/revision.
RememberyoucanalwayswalkintoRickmansworthingroupsoftwoormoretoget anybitsthatyouneedfortheweek(justremembertoletstaffknowandsignout).
Previousweekendactivitieshaveincluded:
Iceskating
Mocktailmaking
Theatretrips
VisitingLondonmuseums
Cinematrips
Escaperooms
HamptonCourtPalace
WatchinganIceHockeyMatch
Pyjamamaking
Chocolatemaking
Visitors
VisitorsfromtheSeniorschoolfrombothdaygirlsandboardersarewelcome,asare visitsfromfamilyorguardians.Theyshouldvisitduringyourperiodsoffreetime, staywithyouatalltimesandonlygointheCommonRoomorthesnug.Theyare yourresponsibilitywhiletheyareintheHousewithyou. Makesuretogetthemtosigninandout.
BoardingCommunityGatherings
WhilstwedonothaveaformalChapelserviceeverySunday,wedocometogether asaBoardingcommunityforaGatheringlastingapprox30mins.TheGathering couldbeashortrecitalgivenbytheBoarders,awalkintheschoolgrounds, mindfulnessyoga,adancelessonetc.Youwillbeexpectedtoattendformal servicessuchastheRemembranceService,AdventServiceandBoarders CelebrationService.
WhatHappensifyouareUnwell?
AtRMSwehaveafantasticnursingteam,ledbyNurseBurrows.
Thenursingteamisondutyfrom7:30amuntil4:30pmMondaytoFriday.They providefirstaidandhealthcaretoallboarders.Thereisalsoanemergencyservice oncallandallboardersaretoberegisteredattheColneHousePractice.
Ifyouarefeelingill,upsetorjustnotquiterightthenyoucanpopupandseethem. TheMedicalCentreislocatedneartheDiningHall,justpasttheQuietDiningRoom andupthestairs,followingthesignstoPALS.
DuringtheeveninganyoftheondutyHousestaffwillbeabletohelpwithanyillness orinjuriesyoumayhave-pleasedocomeandseeus.Whenyouarriveyouwillbe shownwheretogoandwhattodoifyouareunwellinthenight.Thereisalwaysa memberofstaffondutyandallyouhavetodoissimplyknockonourdoor,orring thehousephoneandwewillbehappytohelpyou.
Medication
BeforeyouarriveatRMSyourparentsorguardianswillhavecompletedand returnedtheschoolmedicalformtotheMedicalCentre.Thiswillhaveallthe informationaboutyourrequirementsonit.Ifyoudoarrivewithanyvitaminsor medications(includingherbalortraditionalmedicines)ournursingteamwillneedto seethem.
Asaboardingschoolwehavemanylegalguidelinesregardingthestorageand administrationofmedication.
Allmedicationwillbecollectedonyourfirstday. day,andreturnassoonasNurseBurrowshascheckedit. Itmustbeprovidedinitsoriginalcontainershowingtheindividualstudent’s name.
Writtenconsentfromtheparentsandclearadministrativeinstructionsmustbe handedinwiththemedication. Theschoolisunabletoadministermedicationthatdoesnotfollowthepolicy.
Tokeepmedicationinyourroomthenursewillassessyouandonlyaftertheyhave agreedmayyoukeepmedicationinyourroom.
Wehaveanarrayofmedicationinthemedicalcabinetincluding: paracetamol,ibuprofen,piritonandarnicasoyoudonotneedtobringthesewithyou.
Sanctions
ArelationshipoftrustbetweenboardersandtheirHousemistressisvital.Zetland HouseboardersaregivenconsiderablymorefreedomthaninHarrisaspartoftheir preparationforSixthForm.
AsyouwillhavereadinsectionsaboutPrep,freetime,offsitetripsandsuch,youcan seethatZetlandstaffbelieveitisimportanttobeginlayingthefoundationsof independencebytakingawaysomeofthestricterrulesinplaceforyoungerstudents toallowyoutheopportunitytodemonstrateyourabilitytoreturntotheHouseon timeandobservecommonsenseabouthowyoubalanceyourworkandleisuretime.
Housestaffwilltalkopenlytoyouabouttheirexpectations,andwill,inconjunction withyourteachersandHeadsofYear,supportyoutodevelopgoodstudyhabits.In ourexperienceoflivingwith14-16yearolds,itisverymuchdependentonthe maturityoftheindividualastowhetherornottheyneedtobedisciplined,soblanket rulesforallshouldbeminimisedwherepossibletoallowgrowthandautonomy.
Thisbeingsaid,Zetlandboardersshouldalwaysexpectsanctionstobeappliedinthe followingsituations:
ReturningLate:Onthefirstoccasion,thestudentwillbereprimandedand warned.Thewarningwillberecorded.Onsubsequentoccasionsfreetimewillbe withdrawnattheHousemistress’sdiscretion.
SmokingandVaping:NostudentmaysmokeinoraroundSchool.Boarding studentscaughtsmokingorvapingwillbeaskedtogototheHealthCentre wheretheywillbeadvisetoattendananti-smokingcourse.Studentswillbe sanctionedinaccordancewiththeSchoolandBoardingPolicy.
IllegalSubstancesandAlcohol:Pleaserefertoschoolpolicyandprocedure.
PocketMoney
AllYear10sand11sareencouragedtohavetheirownbankcardandshouldonly keepsmallamountsofcashontheirpersonwhentheyaregoingtothevillage,orout. Anysmallchangeshouldbekeptintheirlockedspaceintheirroom.Theschool cannotbeheldresponsibleforanymonieslost.
FireProcedures
Don’tpanic!Onceyou’resettledintoZetland,wewilltalkyouthroughtheprocedure (below)ofhowtoevacuateifthealarmgoesoff.Themainthingtorememberisto exitasquicklyasyoucan,goontotheGarthandremaincalmuntilyouaretoldit’s safetogobackinside.
Allstudentsmustfamiliarisethemselveswiththedrill,whichthestaffwillinduct andshowwherethefireexitsareinthehouse. Ifthealarmsounds,youmustleavetheHousethroughthenearestsafeexit. Donotstoptocollectpossessions.
Evacuatethebuildinginsilenceandmakeyourwaytothedesignatedmeeting place.ThisisontheGarthoutsideZetlandifyouareintheboardinghouse. LineupinsilenceandwaitcalmlyonTheGarthandinYeargroups.Aregister willbecompleted.
Amemberofstaffwilladvisewhenitissafetore-enterthebuilding. Alwaysfollowinstructionscarefully. Thefirealarmmustalwaysbetreatedseriously.
WhoCanITalktoifIHaveaProblem?
TherearemanymembersofstaffinZetlandwhoarealwaysavailabletolistentoany concernsorworriesyoumayhave.OurGAPAssistants areextremelygoodatlisteningandareveryeasyto talkto,aswellasMissStephensandMissBrugel.
TheSixthFormboardingprefectsandMrsDobsonare alsogreatlisteners,it’sjustliketalkingtoabigsister. Remember,beingaboardermeansyouarepartofone bigfamily.
Thereisalwayssomeonetochattoaboutabsolutelyanything!
HolidayArrangements
ArrivalsandUnpacking
Whenyouarriveatschoolatthebeginningofterm,youarewelcomeonsiteinthe afternoononthedayofarrival.Suitcasesshouldbeunpackedassoonaspossibleso theycanbestoredemptyandnotbecomeafire/triphazard.
AtthebeginningofatermallboardersareexpectedtoreturntotheHousenolater than7pmontheBoardersreturndate.Onyourarrivalpleasesayhellotostaffand makesureyousignin.Parentsarewelcometohelpyoubringyourthingstoyour roombutmustbeaccompaniedatalltimes.Allpassportsanddocumentswillbe collectedandkeptsafe.
PackingupRoomsandDepartures
Attheendeachhalftermandterm,youmustpackawayyourroomandleaveitclean andtidy.Thisshouldbeviewedasanopportunitytodeclutter,andstartafreshwitha newroomandroommate.
Thenightbeforedeparture,youmustputyourpackedsuitcasesinthecommonroom forcollectionthenextday.Internationalstudentswillbegiventheoptionofusing schoolresourcestostoretheirbelongings,whichincludes3boxes,1largesuitcase and1duvetbag.AllUK-basedstudentsarerequiredtotaketheirbelongingshome withthem.
Thisshouldbekeptinmindwhenpackingforschoolandwhen purchasingitemsduringtermtime.
Athalfterm,thehousewillclosetwohoursaftertheendofschoolandthenreopenat 2pmonthehalftermendsandboardersreturn.Thehousewillcloseat6pmonthe lastdayofeveryterm.
Atthebeginningandendofaholiday,oneoftheboardinghouseswillbethe‘Duty House’andwillacceptgirlsarrivingonearlymorningflightsandwillaccommodate girlsleavinglater,upto6pmonthelastdayofthehalftermorendofterm.
TaxiArrangements
Ifyourequireataxiforhalftermormainschoolholidaytravel,pleasecompletethe requiredGoogleform.Pleasedothisbythedeadlinesothatwecanbookenough cars.Weusealocalfirm,‘RCCExecutiveTravel’,whoprovideDBScheckeddrivers andafullyescortedservice.
InternationalStudents
Ifyouareaninternationalstudent,yourparentsorguardiansmustprovideyour holidayarrangementdetailstoMissStephens.Datesforthiswillbegiven.Thisisso thatalldocumentationcanbecompletedandsenttotheschooloffice.
Youmusthandinyourpassport,includingboardingcards,toMissStephensorMiss Brugelonyourreturn,evenifyouhavestayedintheUKforthedurationofthe holiday.Aphotocopyofyourpassportwillbetakenfortheschoolrecords.
TermDatesandAttendance
SchoolisanimportantplacetobeasyoustudyforyourGCSEsanditisimportantto keepyourattendanceashighasyoucantoensureyouarebestpreparedforyour exams.Pleasemakesurethatanyarrangementsyoumakeareintheschoolholidays and/oroutsideoftheschool’scoreteachingtimes(i.eafter4pm/onweekends).
Termdatescanbefoundontheschoolwebsiteandimportantwhole-schoolevents
UsefulContacts/Information
ZetlandHouseemail:zetland@rmsforgirls.com
ZetlandHousedutymobilenumber:+44(0)7540018340
Schoolphonenumber:+44(0)1923773168
ZetlandHousepostaladdress:
YourFirstname,YourFamilyName(e.g.JoniStephens)
ZetlandHouse
RMSforGirls
RickmansworthPark
Rickmansworth
Hertfordshire
WD34HF
UnitedKingdom
What.3.words:///wacky.oval.crowds
Nearestundergroundstation:Rickmansworth(MetropolitanLine)
Wantataxi?Callusonthehousemobileandwe’llbookoneforyou(muchsaferthan Uber).
HousemistressofZetlandHouse:MissStephens
jstephens@rmsforgirls.com
HeadofYear10:MrsFionaGratte fgratte@rmsforgirls.com
HeadofYear11:MissRobertaDuffin rduffin@rmsforgirls.com
