information for parents international boarding handbook ... · parents must advise flight details...
TRANSCRIPT
Information for Parents
International Boarding
Handbook
Academic Year 2019-20
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BOARDERS TRAVEL DAY – SUNDAY 1st SEPTEMBER 2019 Please complete the International Travel form as soon as possible and return it to the Admissions Department. The boarding houses open from 12 noon on Sunday 1st September. If your daughter will arrive in the United Kingdom before that date and you will not be accompanying her, then please arrange for her guardian to meet and look after her until she can come to school. We do recommend that a new international student is accompanied by a parent or guardian on their arrival at the school. It is also a good opportunity for us to meet you! If accommodation is required, please see the attached list on page two for some suggestions in the local area. The school can arrange taxi or train travel as required for students arriving unaccompanied in the UK on Boarders Travel Day (Sunday 2nd September). All travel costs are charged to the student’s termly invoice and costs are shared between students when more than one is using the transport. Our taxi services are fully licenced and 100% reputable and are used on a regular basis to transport our pupils. Parents must advise flight details by completing the International Travel form.
If you plan to accompany your daughter to Bruton School for Girls please arrive after 12 noon when the boarding houses will be open. A lunch with the Headmistress and other members of staff will be served at 1.00pm. Please note: There is no on-site accommodation for parents or guardians at any time, and accommodation for students is only available from 12 noon onwards on Sunday 1st September. When finalising your plans to accompany your daughter to Bruton School for Girls, please bear the following points in mind:
Bruton School for Girls is situated in the small rural town of Bruton. There are no bus services and taxis must be ordered in advance to meet you from the station and for the return journey from school. To arrange a taxi please contact the Admissions department – [email protected] or +44 1749 814400.
The railway station in Bruton, a few minutes from the school by car, has services to Bristol, Bath, Dorchester and Weymouth. The cities of Bath and Bristol are 40 minutes/an hour away, and the Somerset County Town of Yeovil can be reached in 25 minutes by car.
Castle Cary railway station serves the London Paddington-Exeter express trains and is four miles away. Gillingham and Templecombe railway stations are on the London Waterloo line and are 10 miles away.
We would strongly recommend that if you wish to accompany your daughter to Bruton School for Girls you arrange car hire from Heathrow Airport (or whichever airport you will be flying into), which is best organised in advance.
Alternatively, the rail-air bus from Heathrow to Woking connects with the train to Gillingham or Templecombe stations and taxi may be booked in advance to collect you from Gillingham or Templecombe.
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ACCOMMODATION
IN BRUTON: Bed and Breakfast Accommodation: At the Chapel, Bruton T: +44 (0) 01749 814 070
www.atthechapel.co.uk E: [email protected] Barefoots Orchard T: +44 (0)1749 814930 Station Road, Bruton E: [email protected] www.barefootsorchard.co.uk Brue House T: +44 (0)1749 813524 Patwell Lane, Bruton E: [email protected] www.bruehouse.com Oak House T: +44 (1)1749 812022 Coombe St, Bruton E: [email protected] www.oakhousesomerset.co.uk The Pines T: +44 (0)1749 813103 1 Old Station Lane, Cole, Bruton E: [email protected] A SHORT CAR DRIVE AWAY: Hotel/ Inn Accommodation: Holbrook House Hotel & Spa, Wincanton T: +44 (0)1963 824466 www.holbrookhouse.co.uk E: [email protected] Montague Inn, Shepton Montague T: +44 (0)1749 813213 www.themontagueinn.co.uk The Old Red Lion, North Brewham T: +44 (0) 1749 850287 www.theoldredlion.org.uk E: [email protected] The George, Castle Cary T: +44 (0)1963 350761 www.thegeorgehotelcastlecary.co.uk E: [email protected] The Kings Arms, Charlton Horethorne T: +44 (0)1963 220281 www.thekingsarms.co.uk E: [email protected] Bed and Breakfast Accommodation: Ansford Park Cottage, Castle Cary T: 01963 351066
www.ansfordparkcottage.co.uk Steps Farmhouse, Wyke Champflower T: +44 (0)1749 812788 www.stepsfarm.com E: [email protected] Larkhill B & B, Higher Hadspen T: +44 (0) 1963 351429 www.lark-hill.co.uk B & B In the Barn, Shepton Montague T: +44 (0)1749 812253 www.lowerfarm.corg.uk E: [email protected]
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Holbourne House Bed and Breakfast, Upton Noble T: +44 (0)1749 850008 www.holbourne-bed-and-breakfast.co.uk E: [email protected]
Glyde Cottages B & B, Upton Noble T: +44 (1749 850230 www.GlydeCottages.co.uk E: [email protected]
Redlynch Farmhouse, Redlynch T: +44 (0)1749 812795 E: [email protected]
Higher Farm Bed & Breakfast, Upton Noble T: +44(0)1749 850787 www.higherfarmbb.co.uk E: [email protected]
Clanville Manor, Castle Cary T: +44 (0)1963 350124 www.clanvillemanor.co.uk E: [email protected]
Cadbury Cottage, South Cadbury T: +44 (0)1963 441479 www.cadburycottage.co.uk E: [email protected]
Longhill Farm, Ditcheat T: +44 (0)1749 860189 www.longhillfarm.co.uk E: [email protected] Valley View Farm, Batcombe T: +44 (0)1749 850302 www.valleyview-farm.co.uk E: [email protected] Self-Catering Accommodation: Land Orchard Cottage, Galhampton T: +44 (0)7712 678932 E: [email protected]
Alternatively, visit the Bruton website www.brutontown.com
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SENIOR SCHOOL The school term commences on Monday 2nd September, when your daughter will join her new classes. Our aim is for your daughter to integrate with our English students and make new friends. In the first term of Senior 1 (Year 7) international students for whom English is not a first language will attend EAL lessons instead of French. Pupils achieving a high enough standard of English will have the opportunity to study French during terms two and three of Senior 1. From the beginning of Senior 2 (Year 8), pupils can either continue with French and/or start German. EAL lessons will continue throughout your daughter’s time at the school. In these lessons, the focus will be on improving your daughter’s understanding and use of English, through extending her vocabulary, developing her usage of correct grammar, and improving her skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Long stay pupils will also be prepared in EAL lessons for the Cambridge PET (Preliminary English Test) exam in Senior 3 (Year 9) and the IGCSE (International GCSE) English as a Second Language exam, which they will take at the end of Senior 4 or Senior 5. Your daughter will also receive language support for her main curriculum subjects. In addition to IGCSE English, your daughter will be given the opportunity of taking a maximum of 9 GCSE courses; these include the core subjects of English Language*, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics**. In addition, she may study: English Literature* Art Music Design Technology (Textiles) Geography History Religious Studies German * French* Drama Computer Science * only applicable to those students who are achieving a high enough standard of English. ** the three sciences counting as either two or three GCSEs Entry for English Language GCSE and English Literature GCSE will depend upon exam results in these subjects in Senior Form 3, or for new entrants into Form 4 their level of English on arrival. International students can usually take a GCSE in their own first language. Monitoring and Reporting on Progress Monitoring of your daughter’s progress will be continuous throughout her time in the senior school, and all pupils will receive two full reports per year (end of Autumn Term and Summer Term), together with interim and grade sheet reports. Grades in reports are awarded for both effort and attainment in each subject. Please note that teaching staff assess overseas students’ attainment using the same criteria as our British students. Parents of overseas students should pay particular attention to the grades awarded for effort, rather than those awarded for attainment in a student’s first term when she is settling into a new system. Should your daughter fall behind significantly in her studies, the school will advise you and suggest a programme of specific support. In some instances, repetition of a year might be suggested.
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SIXTH FORM We require new students to bring copies of all their relevant exam certificates with them at the beginning of term. Students joining our Sixth Form are expected to study three A level subjects. These subjects are discussed with the Director of Learning and Teaching and a timetable is drawn up. English as an Additional Language Students entering the Sixth Form without English Language GCSE, will normally receive EAL lessons in preparation for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, which is necessary for matriculation to university in most English speaking countries. Students usually take the IELTS exam at Bath University and the entry fee will be added to the school bill. Provision can also be made for preparation for alternative matriculation exams, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (necessary for universities in the USA), should this be required. The First Week Our aim is for your daughter to integrate with our English students and make many new friends. Your daughter will be allocated a Tutor who will guide and support her from the time she joins Bruton School for Girls and throughout her time at the school. If you have any particular concerns regarding your daughter, please contact the Head of Boarding, Mrs Rachel Robbins – [email protected] or the Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Harvey whose email address is [email protected] Monitoring and Reporting Progress You will receive a detailed report twice per year during the course of her studies in the Sixth Form, as well as interim reports. Grades in reports are awarded for both effort and attainment in each subject and teaching staff assess overseas students’ attainment on the same criteria as our British students. Parents of overseas students should pay close attention to the grades awarded for effort, as well as those awarded for attainment, particularly in a student's first term when she is settling into a new system. Should your daughter fall behind significantly in her studies, the school will advise you and suggest a programme of specific support. SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Support, both academic and pastoral, is provided by your daughter’s Tutor, Head of Year/Head of Sixth Form, Housemistress and all of her teachers. Overseas students for whom English is a foreign language are given special support by Mr Witt, our Head of EAL, who will always find time to give assistance to any girl who has language difficulties or needs help understanding the ways of the school, or aspects of British culture.
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BOARDING Boarding at Bruton is a fun, safe and happy experience which reflects the qualities of a good home life, nurturing the younger children and guiding them through adolescence towards maturity. The boarding houses are run by experienced housemistresses under the supervision of the Head of Boarding, and provide the care, comfort and support which is so important to the girls’ well-being and success. The houses accommodate girls of a different age range with rules and privileges matched according to their needs and by fostering self-discipline and offering the opportunity to handle responsibility we promote social confidence and assurance without arrogance. Each boarding house has its own Handbook which outlines the guidelines along which it operates. We have set out below our Statement of Boarding Principles and Practice In principle, and within the context of Bruton School for Girls, boarding aims to provide, in close conjunction and co-operation with the parents, an environment which will safeguard and promote the health, happiness and proper physical, intellectual, emotional, social and behavioural development of a child, as well as protecting the child from risk of suffering significant harm or neglect. In particular, boarding focuses on developing skills of children to live harmoniously within a community whatever their individual strengths and weaknesses. We apply this to our day pupils, too. There is a holistic approach and recognition of the uniqueness of the individual. An atmosphere is fostered where there is mutual respect for all members of the Boarding House through the communication of values to facilitate the development of spiritual, cultural, moral and social codes of behaviour for all. 1 An environment is provided which enables all boarders to work, play and relax free from abuse, intimidation, harassment and teasing.2 All boarders have an acknowledged right to privacy. Equal opportunity is given to all, regardless of any protected characteristic such as age, gender reassignment, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sexual orientation, or special needs including disability.3 Equally these differences are recognised and respected. Positive encouragement is given to all pupils to reach their potential intellectual growth. The vital links with parents and guardians are fostered to aid the development of all boarders in this school. The safety and security of pupils is of paramount importance.4 Good health is promoted in partnership between the medical staff and the house staff. The programme of PSHEE includes education on smoking, alcohol and substance abuse5, healthy eating and physical, mental and emotional development. In principle, any breach of common sense or common courtesy is a breach of the school code of conduct. A breach of the law of the land is a serious breach of that code. Housemistresses are always kept informed of disciplinary measures. All sanctions are recorded.6
1 School code of conduct 2 Anti-Bullying; Safeguarding children policy 3 Equal opportunities statement 4 Health & Safety policy; Security policy 5 Abuse of Substances policy 6 Discipline policy
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At Bruton School for Girls, we aim to nurture the physical needs, a sense of security, a sense of belonging, self-esteem, mutual respect and the self-realisation of every boarder. In summary, embracing the ethos of the school, we aim to: To inspire the girls...
To experience and enjoy success in a diverse range of student led activities, encouraging and supporting them to develop their leadership qualities.
To develop and celebrate their self-confidence and self-awareness as well as their interpersonal skills through broad social horizons.
To explore the spiritual and cultural aspects of life
To develop their capacity to make informed, rational and responsible decisions in a three way partnership between themselves, their parents and staff.
To Provide......
A secure environment which safeguards and promotes the proper physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, social and behavioural development of the girls.
Opportunities for girls to acquire life skills and experiences through exposure to a variety of life enriching activities.
An environment where girls may develop their ideas and attitudes and to consider a wide range of issues and challenge extremist ideas.
To Encourage.......
All girls and members of staff to be part of a dynamic boarding community which is based on mutual respect, and that they are responsible towards each other, their surroundings and to society at large.
Tolerance and sensitivity and an appreciation of the value of courtesy.
A balanced and healthy lifestyle. To Support....
All, and the older students in particular to think seriously about their future plans and aspirations and to provide them with the support, advice and information they need in order to be all that they want to be
Everyone to extend their range of experience, to learn more about themselves and what they are capable of achieving, to aspire to excellence.
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BOARDING HOUSES The School has two boarding houses and parents are welcome to visit their daughters at any time – please contact the Housemistress in advance so that she knows you are coming.
Cumberlege Cottage and Cumberlege House: Tel: (01749) 814424 Preparatory School (junior boarders in school years 3 to 6) and Senior 1 to Senior 5 (Years 7 to 11) Housemistress: Mrs Julie Bennett Email: [email protected] Mobile (for Emergency use only) – 07505 122337
Highcroft: Sixth Form House Tel: (01749) 814400 (Daytime) Tel: (01749) 814425 (Evening) Housemistress: Mrs Holly Wuidart Gray Email: [email protected] Mobile (For Emergency Use Only) - 07905 613156 Head of Boarding: Mrs R Robbins Email: [email protected] In the first instance please contact your daughter’s Housemistress, otherwise the Head of Boarding, Mrs Robbins.
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ROUTINES Boarders’ Weekday Routine 07.00 Wake up 07.50-08.30 Breakfast 08.30-15.50 School day 15.55-16.15 Afternoon snack 16.15-17.45 Prep/extra-curricular activities 17.45-18.30 Supper 18.30 onwards Prep/activities/free time 20.15 Prep School lights out 21.15 Senior 1 lights out 21.30 Senior 2 lights out 21.45 Senior 3 lights out 22.00 Senior 4 lights out 22.15 Senior 5 lights out Boarders’ Weekend Routine The following is a guide only, as different events are offered each weekend. Parents/Guardians can see from the weekly Buzz@Bruton what activities are on offer that weekend and a termly activities sheet is provided for Parents/Guardians for their information. Friday 15.55-16.15 Afternoon Tea 16.15-17.45 Prep/Extra-Curricular Activities 17.45-18.30 Dinner Cinema trip, in-house film or house activities Saturday 08.00 onwards Breakfast in Houses 09.00 onwards Sports fixtures or activities in House 12.10-12.40 Lunch 1.00 onwards Planned Activity/Trip 18.10 Dinner Evening free for relaxation and leisure Sunday 09.00 onwards Breakfast in House 10.30 Church (on occasion) activities such as horse riding 12.10-12.40 Lunch 13.00 Country Walks / Swimming/ planned activity/trip 18.10 Dinner
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‘WHOLE OF LIFE’ EDUCATION (ACTIVITIES) Beyond our first aim of providing a secure and happy environment in which our boarders can live and grow, we offer support, nurture and opportunities so that every girl can develop into an independent and confident young woman equipped with the skills to be successful as she takes her place in the adult world. Living in groups means that social skills, manners, learning to get on with others, consideration, friendships and communication are daily lessons learned through having fun together, and talking through the ‘ups and downs’ of community life. Through shared games and activities, friendships are made within and across year groups and houses so that the boarding community offers family-like relationships, too. For the very young, attention is paid to eating habits and table manners; this is developed into guidance on healthy eating, food hygiene, cooking, entertaining, and etiquette as the girls mature. Healthy lifestyles are encouraged – hygiene, alcohol, drugs and smoking, and similar issues are discussed at the appropriate levels and ‘healthy living tips’ are displayed. Girls are encouraged to keep active; activities include swimming, dancing, gym, outdoor games and local walks. Stress management strategies are also taught, including massage techniques, yoga and relaxation. House meetings offer the chance to offer opinions and suggestions and influence how things are done in the boarding house. This and other meetings give further opportunity for social interaction and discussion of teenage issues, including growing up, bullying, e-safety, and personal security. Throughout the boarding community there are opportunities for leadership roles for the girls. Practical guidance is given at appropriate levels on time management, health and beauty, deportment, laundry, sewing and mending, travelling by bus and train, planning journeys, pocket money, bank accounts, gardening and first aid. Opportunities are grasped to explore spiritual and moral matters in discussion. The house staff hold differing views and faith in mutual respect. We attend several local churches, each of which has their own atmosphere and traditions. Girls are encouraged to participate in readings and music at these services and also in house and community prayers. As a community we celebrate cultural events such as Chinese New Year, St Nicholas Day, Australia Day and Burns’ Night. Girls also enjoy socials and parties in school and in the boarding houses. Plays and entertainments are popular; there are opportunities to declaim or read aloud to small and large groups. At home, the girls are encouraged to discover classic films, books and music. Board games such as Monopoly, cards and puzzles and craft activities are also enjoyed, particularly on wet afternoons! The programme of extra-curricular activities has been developed to give boarders varied opportunities to get out of school and enjoy a range of things that they want to do and appear to enjoy. Girls are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities and try new skills. The older girls enjoy shopping trips and cinema visits and will often go to local towns or cities to spend the day. These trips sometimes incorporate cultural visits to the theatre, ballet, opera, museums or galleries too. Our younger girls enjoy activities such as ten pin bowling, Zumba and cookery. Swimming, theme parks, caving, high ropes, archery, dry-slope, skating and camping are also very popular.
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The aim is to offer good value for money for parents as well as to provide enjoyment for the youngsters. We only use licensed centres which employ qualified staff and have a good health and safety record. Each visit is combined, where possible, with different component parts that will appeal to a whole age range from 8-18. This enables us to provide reasonably cheap travel and group rate tickets where possible. All the activities are optional but girls are encouraged to join in and try new things. This is their ‘home from home’ and some enjoy their own space and like to pursue their own interests. The programme of weekend activities is issued termly. THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL
Since its foundation, Bruton School for Girls has had a very close association with both the Anglican and Methodist Church in the Bruton area. The school has a Christian youth group which is vital in supporting the spiritual life of the school. Girls have the opportunity to take confirmation classes. The school atmosphere is maintained with Christian values at its heart. The boarding community encourages spiritual exploration. Over recent years, Sunday worship has been enriched by contacts with local groups. We visit many local churches and some of the girls regularly attend the Catholic Church in Wincanton. We sometimes have services in School, and house prayers in the respective boarding houses enable a wider spirituality to be explored. In this way we broaden the experience offered to the girls. We support girls of other faiths to maintain their faith practices within our ethos. CONTACTING BOARDERS DURING THE EVENING Boarders keep in touch with home by email, Skype and mobile phones. They have also been known to write letters! In an emergency they may use the House Office telephone. The girls may collect any post that has come for them when they return to house – and nothing makes then happier than to see an envelope with their name on. HOMESICKNESS Most girls will feel homesick from time to time. For some it is a short lived experience but for others it can be more pronounced and this can be very upsetting for parents at the other end of the phone. Please be aware that as your daughter settles in she may ring home to offload her anxieties and then leave the phone call feeling better and throw herself into the fun and games in house. Meanwhile, you as parents are left picturing your daughter crying alone; please do ring the House to check how she is after the call – and reassure yourself too! We will often be able to tell you that what we see between telephone calls presents a much happier picture than the one you may be getting. For junior boarders and girls in Senior 1-3 mobiles are collected in at bedtime but the older boarders keep them – please don’t allow your daughter to ring after lights out as they need all their energy to settle into the new routines of life here.
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Occasionally it takes a while to settle in and the problem can re-occur after a visit home, but provided we all work together, she will soon start to fully embrace the opportunity she has to be part of the boarding family at BSG – and to cherish the quality time she has with her family when she goes home.
We are very aware that some of our girls are a very long way from home and may also be experiencing a very different culture for the first time. Unlike some of their peers they may not be seeing their families for a long time. We do our best to support girls both in school during the day and in the evening and at weekends and House representatives are responsible for integration and helping to ensure that the girls’ needs are listened to. It is essential that all overseas girls have a Guardian but it is also very much appreciated when they are sometimes invited to stay with UK based girls. TELEPHONES Prep boarders and girls in Senior 1-3 are expected to hand in their phones at bedtime, and may collect them again in the morning if they wish or leave them in the safekeeping of the staff until they next need them. In emergencies, girls may ask to use the telephone at Reception and also the House Office phones in the boarding houses. In the evening and at weekends parents may call their daughters at any suitable time. If the connection is difficult, and the call is urgent, House Staff will be happy to help facilitate contact. Staff and parents are expected to encourage the responsible use of telephones in terms of duration, timing and contact. PERSONAL POSSESSIONS One of the major lessons in boarding and living alongside other people is to take care of one’s own possessions and to respect the possessions of others. Some of the most difficult situations with which we have to deal with are when personal belongings or money goes missing because the owner has not been sensible, and the culprit is probably within the House or School community. Mutual trust is strained and sometimes girls have to accept the unpalatable truth that a previously trusted friend has been unable to resist the temptation to steal.
Fortunately, this doesn’t happen very often and, by fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration, we can keep these instances to a minimum. It helps enormously when girls do not bring very valuable items to school and they do not keep such items or large sums of money in their rooms. They do all have a secure place to keep small amounts of money and favourite items of jewellery, and House staff have the facility to keep modest amounts of pocket money securely.
In an effort to reduce the quantity of cash in the boarding House, we must insist that anyone bringing more than £25 takes the money immediately to the House staff for safekeeping. If anyone needs to bring more than £100, this must be kept in the safe in the Bursary, or, better still, the girl should open a bank account with card access to her cash. Cash machines are available to use, free of charge, in Bruton and all over the UK. If larger sums of money are kept in a girl’s room, or other valuable items are not kept under lock and key, we are sure you understand that we cannot be held responsible.
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All possessions must therefore be clearly and permanently marked with the owner’s name. Most property must be taken home at the end of year; however, the girls may, with permission from the Housemistress, leave one bag of belongings at the School. Whilst all possible care will be taken, the school cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage. Belongings should, therefore be insured against damage and loss as part of parents’ home insurance policy.
iPods, personal stereos, laptops, mobile phones and Kindles may be brought to school. Any misuse of equipment will lead to its confiscation. Electrical goods must conform to British Standards and cannot be used until they have been checked and authorised for use on school premises by the school’s contract electrician. POCKET MONEY This is issued from the Bursar’s Office to the Housemistresses who control and account for it. Any extra money brought to school must be handed in to the Housemistress immediately for safekeeping. The school cannot accept responsibility for money that is lost by girls The following amounts are given to girls on parents’ behalf (as part of the fees) and charged to the School accounts each term (refunded if not taken): Preparatory School Boarders £25.00 Senior School Boarders £50.00
为了保证在校住宿学生们财务的安全，我们希望现金携带超过25镑的同学能够把现金交给生
活老师保管， 若有同学携带现金超过50镑，
我们希望学生能够尽快把现金交给学校财务处保管或者可以存在学生自己的银行卡里，
以避免发生现金丢失的现象。谢谢合作。
EXEAT WEEKENDS The school will keep one boarding house open during Exeat Weekends (in Autumn and Spring Terms when the school is closed) for international students in Senior 3 and above to stay in school if required. An additional fee is charged. UNIFORM All students attending Bruton School for Girls (except the Sixth Form, which has a dress code) must wear the school uniform. Sixth Form students must follow the guidelines as set out in the Sixth Form handbook. A uniform list and/or the Sixth Form dress code are included within your Welcome Pack information. All students must have all uniform ordered before arriving at Bruton School for Girls. Parents of girls who arrive at school without their school uniform may be charged an administration fee. The school’s uniform suppliers is: Stevensons, Uniform House, Unit 1, 7 Acrewood Way, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL4 0JY Tel: 01727 815 700 Website: www.stevensons.co.uk (for online ordering)
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Stevensons will deliver items to the school in time for your daughter’s arrival – please ask Stevensons to mark the package for the attention of the Admissions Department. If you are ordering uniform to be delivered directly to the school, please advise the Admissions Department by forwarding a copy of your order to [email protected]. Please note there are also a number of items on the uniform list which must be purchased by you in your country of residence and brought to school by your daughter (e.g black shoes). Please Note: For uniform delivered to the school in time for your daughter’s arrival, the Admissions Department can order name tapes on your behalf. The cost of these will be added to your termly invoice. Once your daughter has tried on her school uniform she will be required to affix the name tapes in to her uniform items. MEDICATION International boarders are not allowed to self-medicate using native traditional substances. All medication must have an English translation. If a medicine or alternative therapy product is required this must be discussed with the Medical Centre team who will advise accordingly. Girls are not permitted to keep medication on their person; this includes paracetamol, aspirin and vitamins. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Taxi and train travel can be arranged for unaccompanied students at the beginning and end of term and at half terms and Exeat weekends (parents must supply flight details). All travel costs are charged to the student’s termly account and costs are shared between students where more than one is using the transport. Our taxi services are fully licenced and 100% reputable and are used on a regular basis to transport our pupils. Accompanied transport with a member of school staff may be arranged where possible and where required, and there may be additional cost for this service. Mrs Holly Wuidart Gray co-ordinates all travel arrangements for boarders and can be contacted by email: [email protected] We recommend that return flights for the start of term arrive at Heathrow no later than 1500 for prep boarders and 1700 for senior boarders. Prep boarders should be back in house by 7.30pm and senior boarders by 9.00pm. At the end of each term transport is arranged for boarders between school and London Heathrow. At the end of term we ask that flights are booked from Heathrow after 18:00 in order for all of the girls to fully participate in the school day.
If inoculations are required, parents are asked to give prior notice. It is necessary to plan inoculations so that any side effects wear off well in advance of the journey. All health and vaccination certificates must be included with passports. If, at any time, a pupil is being collected by someone other than a parent or guardian, the Housemistress should be informed in advance and that person must be prepared to show proof of identity.
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TIME AWAY FROM SCHOOL No pupil may be absent from school without prior permission from the Headmistress except in the case of illness. Parents are asked to arrange family holidays outside term time. The law surrounding ‘Children Missing Education’ and absences is much stricter now and we ask that you only request leave of absence for exceptional family circumstances. All girls leave School for holidays and half terms when Boarding Houses are closed (see Term Dates in the School Calendar) and most go to their parents or guardians. On Fixed Exeat weekends a boarding house is kept open for overseas’ girls over the age of 13 at an additional cost. Girls may go out at weekends with permission of parents/guardians and the agreement of the Housemistress. Written consent is required in advance for any girls to leave the boarding house overnight. Parents are asked to inform the Housemistress, in writing, of any reason for an absence, e.g. illness.
MEDICAL
Our Medical Administrator co-ordinates all medical needs and can be contacted at [email protected] or 01749 814426. If your daughter is unwell during the day we will care for her as appropriate and contact you if necessary. During the night, if your daughter is unwell, she will be treated by the House Staff who are all emergency first aid trained. Parents and medical professionals will be contacted as appropriate. Care of an ill boarder In accordance with the national minimum boarding standard any boarders who are ill will: “Be regularly checked and adequately looked after by a member of staff and be able to summon staff assistance readily and rapidly when necessary.” School Doctor The School Doctors are based at: The Surgery, Bruton Tel: (01749) 812310 Medicine Safeguarding legislation demands that no pupil may keep medication on their person. Please support us in this requirement by ensuring medication is handed directly to Reception or House staff who will co-ordinate dispensing of the medication. We are sure you can appreciate that this is a difficult rule to enforce and so spot checks on pupils may be carried out at any time, without prior notice. Counsellor: The school has a counsellor with whom girls can book confidential appointments – see ‘Advice for Girls’ below for more details. For some children a single or a few sessions may be all that is needed to help put the world to rights, but for others a more open ended approach is appropriate. Some girls find it helpful to dip in and out of the service. The school policy is to underwrite the cost of three sessions, after which we ask that parents meet the cost of the counselling. The counsellor, Bryony Cranstoun, is professionally qualified and experienced in working with children and young people. Bryony can be contacted via email: [email protected] or telephone: 01749 814406.
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Medical Contacts Please contact the Medical Administrator at [email protected] or 01749 814426. Medical appointments: a boarder need to attend an appointment the school will be able to facilitate transport via the school’s Medical Escort Service. For which there is a charge made to her school account (mileage charge plus escort time). Toiletries Shop Located within the Medical Centre is a small toiletries ‘shop’. Girls may use the shop to buy supplies of sanitary towels, toiletries etc. Any purchases from the shop are added to your daughter’s school account.
Head Lice If a child in school is found to have lice, parents will be contacted and asked to check their child’s hair and treat accordingly. We do ask for your co-operation regarding this matter.
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Advice for Pupils
What to do if you have worries or concerns
This might be about anything to do with school, your school work or about personal issues You can talk to:
your tutor
the subject teacher
your Head of Year
a peer mentor or buddy
your housemistress
any other member of staff You can contact the school counsellor directly on 01749 814406 [email protected] Bryony Cranstoun. You can call the Independent Listener on 01749 813083 (Mrs Watts) There are also a number of independent helplines and websites: www.childline.org.uk 0800 1111 www.samaritans.org 116 123 www.al-anonuk.org.uk 0207 4030888 www.talktofrank.com 0300 123 6600 Somerset Children's Social Care 0300 123 2224 Children’s Legal Centre (CORAM) http://childlawadvice.org.uk/ 0300 330 5480 NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) www.nspcc.org.uk 0808 800 5000 The Children’s Commissioner www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk 0800 5280731 www.relate.org.uk 0300 1001234 (Children and young people’s counselling) The Mix www.themix.org.uk 0808 8084994 www.christianhelplines.co.uk 0845 120 4550
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OVERSEAS GIRLS AND GUARDIAN ARRANGEMENTS Every girl whose home is overseas or whose parents currently live or are posted abroad must have a guardian, regardless of the duration of their stay at Bruton School for Girls. This guardian must be resident in the UK and, ideally, within a reasonable journey of the school. The role of the guardian is mainly to take charge of your daughter and be your representative during your absence. Key points involved in a guardian’s duties include the following:
To take charge and care of your daughter during fixed exeat weekends and half term holidays
To attend relevant Parents’ Evenings and school events where a parental presence is required or invited (for example to attend a concert or play on your behalf to support your daughter)
To accompany your daughter, in the case of your absence, to the Induction Day at the beginning of Autumn Term.
In the event of an emergency involving your daughter, the guardian will be the first point of contact. Parents will, of course, also be contacted, but the guardian will act in your absence ‘in loco parentis’. We must point out that parents of our current day girls are not normally guardians; however, if both sets of parents agree to this arrangement, written confirmation must be provided to the school. Guardianship involves a number of legal responsibilities and we ask that you arrange your daughter’s guardian through an agency, or appoint a family member or a trusted friend who lives in the UK. Once you have determined who your daughter’s guardian will be, please provide the Admissions Department with the following information:
Guardian Name
Type of Guardian (ie professional agency, family friend, relative)
Guardian’s contact details, including address and company name if a professional agency, home phone, work phone, mobile phone and email address. (Please note that we may carry out checks to prove the authenticity of a guardian. Siblings, relatives or friends who are students and whose main address is a university/college hall of residence are not suitable guardians due to the nature of the accommodation.)
We must receive written consent (email is acceptable) from both parties that you have arranged your daughter’s guardian. Professional guardianship agencies will contact us directly to confirm arrangements. However, it is your responsibility to inform the school of your guardian arrangements and provide their contact details before your daughter’s arrival at Bruton School for Girls. Please provide the guardian details on your daughter’s Pupil Data Sheet found within her Enrolment Pack. If at any time you change your daughter’s guardian, your daughter’s Housemistress and the School Office must be informed in writing (email is acceptable) immediately. Housemistress emails are shown at the front of this handbook and in the online School calendar in the parent portal of the website. Bruton School for Girls does not arrange guardians, nor do we recommend a specific agency. You may like to look at the AEGIS website – the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students - www.aegisuk.net All guardianship agencies provide a variety of plans and fees to suit individual needs. Listed are some guardianship agencies that are or have been used by some of our parents.
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Bright World Guardianships Ltd Forge House 105 High Street Hurstpierpoint West Sussex BN6 9PU Tel: + 44 (0)1273 835745 Email: [email protected] www.brightworld.co.uk Crown Guardians 32 West Street Axbridge Somerset BS26 2AP Tel: +44 (0)1934 733182 Mobile: +44 (0)7876 440666 Email: [email protected] Etherton Education Ltd Marlands Sampford Arundel Wellington Somerset TA21 9QU Tel: +44 (0)1823 672 234 www.ethertoneducation.com Olcote Educational Services Olcote House 33 Ditton Street Ilminster, Somerset TA19 0BQ Tel: +44 (0) 1460 52207 Email: [email protected] www.edukguardians.com
Castle Guardians Ltd Keppel House Forrest Row East Sussex RH18 5BP Tel: +44 (0) 3335 660 023 Email:[email protected] www.castleguardians.co.uk DIGS UK (Dorset Int’l Guardianship Services) Thornhill Lodge Thornhill, Stalbridge Dorset DT10 2SH Tel: +44 (0)1963 365 779 Email: [email protected] www.digsuk.co.uk Guardians UK Staplegrove Road Taunton Somerset TA2 6AD Tel: +44 (0) 1823 348 140 Email: [email protected] www.guardiansuk.com White House Guardianships 34 Talbot Road Bournemouth Dorset BH9 2JF Tel: +44 8 458 686 688 Email: [email protected] www.whg.eu.com Quest Guardians Alexander House Acorn Business Park Ling Road Poole, Dorset BH12 4NZ Tel: +44 1202 882299 Email: [email protected] www.questguardians.co.uk
Passports and Visas
All passports, visas/BRP cards and tickets must be given to the Senior Housemistress upon arrival at the school for safekeeping. Documents will be securely stored until next required. Passport and visa numbers and expiry dates will be recorded and stored at school as well as at home. Parents/Guardians are responsible for the appropriate renewal of passports and visas as necessary.
Parents/Guardians of international students who have a Tier 4 (Child) visa to study at Bruton School for Girls must inform the school in writing if their daughter will be spending a night away from the school (at an alternative UK address).
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REQUIREMENTS FOR BOARDERS
Mufti Clothing
Autumn & Spring Term
1 Smart outfit Compulsory
1 Waterproof Winter Coat or Jacket Compulsory
5 Pairs of jeans/track pants/trousers/skirts or dresses
4 Warm jumpers or fleeces
3 Light weight long sleeved tops
4 T-shirts, tops or blouses
3 Vests - short or long sleeved (optional)
8 Pairs of mufti socks
2 Pairs shoes/ trainers / boots
1/2 pairs of gloves
Summer Term
1 Smart outfit Compulsory
1 Light/medium weight Jacket or coat
4 Light weight trousers or jeans
3 Shorts, ¾ length trousers or skirts
7 T-shirts/ blouses/sun tops
1 Pair of flip flops/crocs
2 Pairs shoes/ trainers / boots/sandals
2 Light weight jumpers or fleeces
Compulsory General Items
1 Dressing gown
1 Pair of slippers/house shoes
10 Pairs of knickers
Bras as required
3 Pairs of pyjamas or night dresses
1 Single duvet (extra blankets supplied by the school)
2 Duvet covers (pillowcase, pillow & sheet supplied by the school)
2 Bath towels with hanging loop
2 Hand towels with hanging loop
2 Face flannels with hanging loop
Swimming costume, towel, goggles
Laundry bag with hanging loop – size of pillowcase
Music Case for Music pupils only
Bag/rucksack large enough to fit a packed lunch for use on trips and visits
Personal washing items in a sponge bag
Hairbrush
Purse/small bag (for pocket money on trips)
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Optional General Items
1 Hairdryer
Shoe cleaning materials
Torch and spare batteries
Umbrella
Wellington Boots
Please Note: This is the maximum requirement;
less clothing may be brought back.
Bedding Bedding can be purchased for use at school. This is particularly useful for our boarders travelling from overseas, but can be ordered by any boarder. We have the following bedding pack available to purchase that will be delivered directly to school: Full bedding pack option – cost will be no more than £50 and will be added to your termly invoice
1 x 10.5 tog Single hollowfibre duvet
2 x single duvet covers in poly/cotton
2 x matching pillowcases in poly/cotton
Points to note:
Please clearly name all items of clothing with sew in name tapes.
Please place name tapes at a corner on duvet and towels for easy identification.
Please supply your daughter’s boarding house with some spare name tapes so that any items can be re-labelled if necessary.
Suitcases can be used and are stored in the boarding house until the end of term.
The school regrets it cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to personal possessions brought into the school. We recommend parents review their own home insurance policies.
We look forward to meeting you in September!