BURNABY Living at
Top: Burnaby Houseparents, Mr and Mrs Rees
Left: Frederick Burnaby (1842 - 1885)
Burnaby House
Contacts
Houseparents: Mr Tom Rees and Mrs Kara Rees
T: 01234 360118
E: trees@bedfordschool.org.uk
Assistant Housemaster (AHM): Mr Graham
E: mgraham@bedfordschool.org.u
Visiting Tutors
Miss Chatley E: lchatley@bedfordschool.org.uk
Mr Backhouse E: tbackhouse@bedfordschool.org.uk
Matrons
Ginny Crawford, Tracey Amin and Paulina Rojek
T: 01234 360118 (between 08:00 and 18:30)
E: burnabymatron@bedfordschool.org.uk
Staff
A member of staff is on duty at all times in the house. When the AHM is on duty, he is responsible for the boys between 22:30 and 08:00. Otherwise, the Housemaster has responsibility for the boys between 22:30 and 08:00. The Housemaster is on duty two out of every three weekends and the AHM is on duty one out of every three weekends. The evening duties for visiting staff run from 18:30 until 22:30 when the Houseparents take over.
Monday: Miss Chatley
Tuesday: Mr Graham
Wednesday: Mr Backhouse
Thursday: Mr Graham
Friday: Mr Rees
Weekend: Housemaster or AHM
Burnaby House
BEDFORD SCHOOL
Boarders’ Games, go-karting and summer fire pit fun
House Ethos
“Value
Everyone, Thrive Together.”
The welfare of our boys is of paramount importance as it underpins a safe, happy and successful boarding experience. Therefore, all staff in Burnaby House are committed to delivering outstanding care of each boy in their ‘home away from home’. Every member of the Burnaby family plays an important role in establishing an environment where each boy can grow in character and thrive in every respect.
It is essential that we:
• build respectful and trusting relationships
• take responsibility for our actions and choices
• think and reflect positively
• are accepting of each individual
• seize opportunity
• pursue challenge
• strive to reach our full potential
Whilst caring for the young men of Burnaby, we encourage open and honest communication with families and guardians.
Burnaby House
BEDFORD SCHOOL
Daily Routines
Boys are expected to organise themselves to meet the timings in daily routines.
Weekdays
07:15 Wake-up.
07:45 Roll call and Housemaster’s Business. Surgery with Matron. Hand- over from Housemaster or AHM to Matron, passing on any relevant info regarding boys’ health issues.
07:55 - 08:30 Boys leave house to go to breakfast.
08:40 - 08:50 Registration with tutors.
08:55 Boys at school. Any boys who are unwell are taken care of inhouse. Boys taken ill while at school are fielded by the medical centre first, before returning to Burnaby.
10:55 - 11:10 Boys may return to the house during morning break.
12:30 - 13:45 Boys often in the house at lunchtime.
13:50 - 16:15 School assembly followed by afternoon activities (lessons or sport).
16:15 - 18:00 After school activities. Boys enjoy free time.
17:30 - 18:30 All boys go to dinner in the dining hall.
18:30 Official hand-over by Matron when issues from the day are covered.
18:45 House roll call and meeting.
19:00 - 19:50 Prep in dorms.
19:50 - 20:05 Break.
20:05 - 21:00 Prep in dorms.
21:00 Free time. Suppers are given out in the common room.
22:15 - 22:45 Quiet time. Boys should be in dorms and in bed with lights out. Fifth Form at 22:30 and Sixth Form at 22:45.
22:30 Housemaster/AHM ensure the house is quiet and secure and that all is well before retiring.
Burnaby House
BEDFORD SCHOOL
Saturdays
07:15 Wake-up.
07:45 Roll call and Housemaster’s Business. Matron on duty.
07:55 Breakfast.
08:00 - 18:00 House manned by Matron.
08:40 - 12:20 Boys at school for Saturday lessons.
12:20 - 13:00 Free time / Lunch at school.
13:00 - 18:00 Most boys are involved in sport.
17.30 Dinner in the dining hall
18:00 onwards Boys in the house are cared for by Houseparents or AHM. Boys going out in the evening must visually check in with the Houseparents on their return. All must also sign in and out carefully.
19:00 Roll call.
21:00 Roll call and house meeting.
22:30 – 22:45 Lights out
Sundays
09:30 - 17:30 House manned by Matron.
09:00 Breakfast.
09:45 Roll call.
10:00 Chapel (if morning service).
11:00 - 12:30 Free time in the house.
12:30 All boys go to lunch in the dining hall.
13:00 - 18:00 Free time, boys may sign out to visit friends, watch a film, etc.
17:30 Dinner in the dining hall.
18:15 Chapel (if evening service).
19:00 Roll call.
19:00 - 21:00 Free time.
21:00 Roll call and house meeting.
21:05 Free time. Suppers are given out.
22:15 - 22:45 Quiet time. Boys should be in dorms and in bed with lights out. Fifth Form at 22:30 and Sixth Form at 22:45.
Burnaby A to Z
Bed Linen
We provide mattress and pillow protectors, fitted sheets, pillows, pillowcases, duvets and duvet covers. Some boys prefer to bring their own bedding which should be named. Boys are expected to make their own beds every morning and strip their bedding for cleaning once a week.
Bicycles
These should be named and in good working order. Boys must bring a good bicycle lock with them. All bicycles should be kept locked in the house bike area and not left unattended. We strongly advise boys to wear cycle helmets. The school bike policy must be read before bringing a bike to school.
Chapel
All full boarders and any weekly or flexi boarders staying in the house at weekends attend chapel. We also have boarder’s hymn practice on Fridays at 08:35.
Clothing
At the beginning of each term, please ensure that ALL property is clearly and permanently marked including shoes and all clothes.
All new clothes purchased during school holidays should be named before the boys return at the start of each term. If this is not possible, we may be able to do this in the house. We can obtain additional name tapes if required, for which parents will be blue-billed. We hold ‘name and claim’ sessions periodically and any unclaimed property is given to charity at the end of each term.
The boys wear casual clothes (jeans, sweaters and t-shirts, etc.) in the evenings and at weekends.
Please ensure that all items can be washed on a normal 40° wash cycle and can be dried in tumble dryers. We can send blazers to the dry cleaners during school holidays and the costs are blue-billed.
Burnaby House
BEDFORD SCHOOL
Common Room
The common room is available for use by all boys. There is a large, flat screen TV with a wide range of channels and a DVD player is available for general use. All boys are encouraged to relax and enjoy the company of others. There are two pianos for the musically keen!
Computers
The house provides several computers and printers to which everyone has access and these are linked to the school network. All boys are expected to use ICT facilities appropriately for school work and are bound by the school’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).
Boys can connect their own devices (laptops, tablets) to the school network via WiFi connection. Unfortunately, desktop PCs are not allowed in the house due to limitations on the electrical supply.
Days Out
If boys are invited out by local parents of day boys, we will confirm the arrangements with
whoever has invited them out and we will require written confirmation from both boys’ parents/guardians. We also need to be advised on details of where they will be staying, how they are travelling and their likely return time. Unless we have these written consents and details, the boys will not be allowed to leave the house.
Dress and Personal Hygiene
Boys are expected to follow the school rules concerning uniform and general appearance. Boys should not leave the house in home clothes before 16:15 on any weekdays, even during exam leave. Boys are expected to pay attention to their personal hygiene, shower daily and remain clean shaven.
Duties
Boys should look after kitchens and common areas and clear up their own mess. A rota of responsibilities is created by the Housemaster at the start of each term and they, along with the House Leadership Team (selected senior boys), are responsible for checking that they are completed.
Burnaby House
BEDFORD SCHOOL
Electrical Items
All electrical products must conform to UK safety standards. Parents are asked to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe. The house has an annual electrical safety check and any items that do not meet these standards are removed. Two pin and three pin adapters are not allowed, owing to the dangers of overloading: only strip style adapters with two plugs can be used. We can provide these and blue bill parents if required.
Owing to limitations on the electrical supply, boys are not allowed to bring items such as PCs, heaters, televisions, fridges and cooking appliances (including kettles), etc. The house provides these items for communal use.
Boys are advised not to bring very expensive electronic items to school. If they do so, they are responsible for their security and for their insurance.
Burnaby House
End of Term
The house is closed during the school holidays. Boys should leave the house before 18:00 on the last day of term. The only exception to this rule is for Upper Sixth boys who are attending both the Leavers’ Ball and the Leavers’ Service at the end of the summer term.
Boys do not have to take their belongings home at the end of the Christmas term and the Easter term. However, at the end of the summer term, they may leave small quantities of personal belongings here, provided that they are boxed up and named and put into an area designated by the Housemaster.
Exeats and Half Terms
Houses will remain open over Exeat weekends for full boarders. Weekly and flexi boarders can board over Exeat weekends and an additional charge will be made for this. There is of course no compulsion for full boarders to stay at school over Exeat weekends – they may return home to parents or stay with guardians.
Houses close at 18:00 on the last day of a half term and the end of term. Boys should return between 18:00 and 21:00 on the last day of a holiday.
In advance of the Exeat weekends, a half term and the end of a term, you will receive a request to complete an online Microsoft Form to confirm your son’s travel arrangements. It is essential that all overseas boys have a guardian who is based locally.
Fire Drill
We hold practice fire evacuations at least once a term. We test the emergency lighting system monthly and the fire detection system weekly.
Games Room
The games room offers relaxation after a hard day of work and sports. We have a pool table and a table tennis table.
House Activities
There are a few important dates in the Burnaby calendar; House
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BEDFORD
Singing, House Christmas Dinner, House Quiz and House Barbecue. The House Singing is usually held the last Thursday before the October half term break. On the night, the houses compete with ‘unison’ and ‘part’ songs together with our day house partners, Bromham. Boys will rehearse from the very start of the term helping us forge an incredible house spirit straight from the off.
The House Quiz is another popular event at the end of the Easter term. This is run completely by the boys and they pit their wits against each other in teams with prizes at stake. Finally, the House BBQ is at the end of summer term when boys may finally relax after a hard year’s work.
House Business
A member of staff, usually the Housemaster, is available for House Business at 07.45. Any paperwork can be done at this time.
House Trips
We organize house trips from time to time. Possible activities include; Theatre trips, paint-balling, gokarting and shopping trips.
Internet Access
Internet activity is actively monitored and boys are expected to adhere to the school’s acceptable use policy.
Late Teas
If boys are away from school and miss school dinner due to a fixture/ event and return late to Burnaby, they will be provided with a meal.
Leave of Absence
The Housemaster’s permission is required for the following:
• To be absent from any school meal
• To leave Bedford for any reason
• To be out of the house after 18:45 on any day. Boys must sign out at Housemaster’s Business each morning on the day, so that their absence is recorded in the day diary. This is especially important when boys are away for a sports fixture.
• If boys are going to be late for whatever reason, they should phone the Housemaster or Matron on 01234 360118 to inform them. Boys are expected
Burnaby House
BEDFORD SCHOOL
to know this telephone number and store it in their mobile phones.
• Boys should sign out on the iPad (which is located in the entrance hall) whenever they leave the school site. A clear destination must be stated. If the Assistant Housemaster is on duty, boys must inform them when they leave and return. Boys require the permission of whoever is on duty to leave the house between 18:45 and bed time. Only Sixth Formers may leave the house after 21:00 and this is normally just for ten minute trips to the local shop.
On Sundays all boys must return to the house by 21:00, except by prior agreement.
House Quiet Time
In Burnaby, we aim to treat the boys as young adults rather than children. However, we live in a small and intense community where one person’s actions can have a significant effect on others. There is, therefore, a requirement that boys are in their rooms by 22:15 and many will want to be in bed before this. After this time, lights should
be off and music should not be audible. All boys will hand in their mobile phones and all boys will put away their electronic devices before their designated bedtime to avoid the effects of blue light. The busy schedule of studying, music, sport and other activities makes staying up on electronic devices unsustainable.
Meals and Kitchen
All boys should eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at school and they are expected to be on time for meals in the dining hall. There are facilities for making tea, coffee and snacks in the house kitchens. Provisions such as bread, butter, ham, cheese, jam, chocolate spread, fruit, cordials and milk are available, and we provide a supper every evening at 21:00. Boys are required to wash up after themselves and keep the kitchen areas clean and tidy. Fridges/ freezers are provided for storing boys’ food.
For health and safety reasons, all cooked food is to be prepared in the kitchens and eaten in the common room. All leftover food and packaging should be disposed
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BEDFORD SCHOOL
of in the kitchen bin. Out of date food is thrown away daily.
Medical Matters
Medical Cards are to be brought in by all boys who possess them. The De Parys Medical Centre is the school’s medical practice and all boys are added to their patient list. All new boys are given a medical examination during their first term. Matron must be notified of any allergies or medical conditions at the start of term.
Pupils must not bring medication or drugs into school for their personal use unless prescribed by a Doctor (and labelled in English), or with the knowledge of the medical centre. All medicines must be given to Matron who will then notify the Medical Centre and Housemaster.
Pupils must not hold a supply of their own medication without an assessment of safety by the school Doctor or Senior Nurse.
A matron is on duty between 08:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday and boys are encouraged to visit her for a chat if they have any concerns at all. If a boy feels ill during school
time, he must report to the Medical Centre in the first instance and should never simply return to the house.
If you do not wish your son to be given non-prescription medicines, please contact the Housemaster directly to discuss this with him
Mobile Phones
Responsible use of mobile phones is expected and boys should be very aware of the security aspects of their use. Numbers should be registered with us at the start of the year and we must be notified of any subsequent changes. All boys will hand in their mobile phones before their designated bedtime and collect them after morning roll call.
Noise
Academic work is especially important in Burnaby and, during prep, any noise audible outside a room, or indeed across a shared room is unacceptable. Many boys will work on beyond 21:00 and their peace should also be respected.
Burnaby House
Parents/Guardians who are away from home during term time
If parents/guardians intend to be away from home, either on holiday or business, during term time, we ask for a contact number and address for use in case of emergency.
Passports and Tickets
At the beginning of the term, we require boys to leave passports and tickets with us for safekeeping. We return them to the boys at the end of term.
Personal Standards
We require boys to make their beds, draw the curtains and pick things up from the floor each morning, so that their room can be cleaned. Matron will report consistent offenders to the Housemaster who may contact parents for their support in this. Boys are also expected to shower regularly and to follow advice to help reduce the spread of infections.
Boys are expected to adhere to school uniform and sports kit
regulations. They can wear casual clothes after 16:15 on weekdays.
Pocket Money
Each boy should have a personal bank account. Parents and guardians can, therefore, pay any money into this personal bank account so that the boy can withdraw his money as required. There are local branches of HSBC, Santander, Barclays, Natwest, Nationwide, RBS, Lloyds and TSB in town.
All cash and wallets should be kept in the lockable drawer that each boy has. We cannot compensate boys who lose money or valuables.
Staff will remove any money left lying around in dorms and bedrooms; lock it away and make a note in the day book. The boy can then claim it back later.
Rewards and Sanctions
Rewards in boarding houses
Houses have weekly meeting where positive behaviour and outcomes are awarded and recognised.
This may include:
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BEDFORD SCHOOL
• Helpfulness
• Kindness to others
• Community spirit
• Supporting others with their learning
• Assistance at House events
Boarding merits should be awarded in boarding houses to recognise good behaviour and conduct in boarding settings.
Boarding houses may operate additional and appropriate rewards to recognise good conduct by groups and/or individuals.
Sanctions in boarding houses
Sanctions will be imposed for misdemeanours within the boarding community.
Misdemeanours may include:
• Being disrespectful of each other’s personal living space
• Failing to meet house timings and lateness to roll call/ meetings.
• Inappropriate use of communication devices
• Failure to complete duties
• Inappropriate language
• Failing to sign in/out.
Sanctions may include
• Additional duties – similar to other house duties
• Confiscation of devices
• Loss of permission to go to town
• Early bedtime Boardings concerns do not automatically convert a Warning. Repeated poor behaviour or conduct will be escalated using the school rewards and sanctions system.
Roll Call
There is a house meeting and roll call at 07:45 and 18:45 each weekday and at 19:00 and 21:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. All boys are expected to attend these house meetings unless they have permission from the Housemaster to be absent.
School Policy
Burnaby House follows the school’s major policies which can be found on the school website.
Burnaby House
Study Leave During Public Examinations
Boys register with the Housemaster each morning at 07:45, regardless of whether or not they have exams. When they do not have exams, they are expected to study at their desks in the house during revision sessions. All boys must work quietly in their own rooms. Visitors to the house are not allowed at this time. Boys should attend Sunday chapel during study leave and should wear school uniform when visiting the dining hall.
Study Periods
Sixth Form boys are allowed back in the house to study but may, of course, study in school if they wish. Each time that boys return to the house, they are expected to inform the Matron on duty of their presence and should then study quietly in their own room. Visitors are not allowed during these study periods.
Games room
Burnaby House
Takeaways
There is a wide variety of choice ranging from Chinese, Indian, and Italian to Mongolian or Thai. Boys should ask for the food to be delivered to their entrance door and wait nearby until it is delivered. Takeaways should only be consumed in the kitchens or the common rooms, not in bedrooms. They should not replace school meals and are only allowed at the weekend.
Telephone
Boys’ mobile phones should not be used during prep. All boys will hand their phone in during evening prep.
Incoming calls on our private line should be restricted to calls from parents and guardians and for emergency calls by boys only. Boys should memorise and save the house telephone number (01234 360118) in their phones.
Town
Apart from when they go to and from school, boys may not go out of the house without permission from the member of staff on duty.
Sixth Form boys should use their
common sense when visiting town. Duty staff must be able to make contact with a boy on his mobile and should have a record of his leaving time, destination and likely return time.
Use of Rooms
All rooms should be kept tidy and clean at all times. Boys should respect the space, feelings and belongings of fellow boarders. Boys may put up posters on their notice boards.
Boys should respect others’ privacy and should only enter someone else’s room by invitation. Food should not be consumed in rooms. Trunks and suitcases should be stored properly in the trunk room upstairs and wet kit or boots should be dealt with appropriately.
Valuables
Each boy has a lockable drawer which should be used to store any valuable items including wallets, money and mobile phones. Each boy is responsible for the care and safe storage of their personal effects. Perishable food should not be stored in rooms.
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BEDFORD SCHOOL
Visiting
Parents and guardians are obviously welcome to visit whenever they happen to be in Bedford. We would appreciate it if parents and guardians could let us know when they are in the house and ask that they use our front door, not the boys’ entrance, unless they are simply picking their son up. Our sitting room is always available for private meetings, if desired.
Boys are welcome to have their friends visit the house during their free time. All visitors must sign in and out of the house and are only allowed in the public areas such as the common room and games room. Any visitors that are not members of the Bedford School community should be introduced to the member of staff on duty.
Weekends
Weekly boarders are expected to leave Burnaby each weekend after Saturday school. Please could parents inform us if their son is staying anywhere other than home.
Weekly and flexi boarders may stay in the house at weekends in exceptional circumstances,
but their parents should contact the Housemaster in advance for permission.
Full boarders can go home or visit friends at weekends other than exeats if parental permission is given in writing by the preceding Thursday evening. If the boy is going elsewhere other than home, we expect the host family to contact us in writing as well. Permission is rarely refused for any reasonable request.
We would be delighted if parents and guardians join the house for the Sunday service in chapel. They are very welcome to call in when they collect or return their son to the house, should time permit.
Burnaby House
Finance
Accounts and Disbursements
Termly accounts are issued by the Harpur Trust. They include tuition and boarding fees plus the various disbursement amounts. Disbursements represent spending over and above the boarding fee and are placed on the termly accounts within various categories, including the following:
• School Shop - Boys and parents can order uniform items to be delivered to the boarding house via the No Limitz website. For free delivery, simply enter the following discount code: BURNABYDELIVERY. Orders placed by 1.00pm will be delivered next day, sometimes even the same day.
• House Trips - We organise recreational trips once or twice per term and the costs of these trips are added to the disbursements bill.
Near the end of term, the disbursement total is given to the Harpur Trust Office and this figure is added in with the rest of the fees. If you are ever unsure about any item, please get in touch with us.
Insurance
The school has a group insurance scheme covering boys’ personal property in the house. The total sum insured is £5,000, with a single item limit of £2,000. Bicycles are covered up to £250 if they are kept securely in the bicycle racks. Items are replaced on a new for old basis if they are less than one year old. The policy excess is £25.
Boarders’ Code of Conduct
The purpose of this code of conduct is to outline how we expect boarders to behave and how they can expect to be treated to promote an inclusive, happy and supportive boarding community.
It reflects the school values of responsibility, integrity, curiosity and endeavour – these are all underpinned by kindness.
It has been created based on pupil voice through feedback from the Boarding Council and input from boarding staff.
• Boys will be respectful of the views and beliefs of others
• Boys should challenge inappropriate behaviour and comments
• Boys will support other boys with their academic studies
• English should be spoken in communal settings to promote inclusivity
• Boys will participate in house events
• Boys will involve themselves in and support house competitions
• Boys will respect the personal area of dormitories, never interfere with another boy’s belongings and never take other boys belongings without their permission – this includes ‘borrowing’
Basketball, Boarders’ Games and camaraderie