Joining Booklet 2021 - 2022
Key Contact Information Key Telephone Numbers & Email Addresses Bell Room (Reception)
+44 (0)1234 362200
info@bedfordschool.org.uk
Absences
+44 (0)1234 362274
absences@bedfordschool.org.uk
Harpur Trust Fees Office
+44 (0)1234 369510
info@harpurtrust.org.uk
Bursary
+44 (0)1234 362244
bursary@bedfordschool.org.uk
Medical Centre
+44 (0)1234 362261
nurse@bedfordschool.org.uk
School Shop (No Limitz)
+44 (0)1234 350720
shop@bedfordschool.org.uk parentsguild@bedfordschool.org.uk
Parents’ Guild
Useful Online Links School Website
www.bedfordschool.org.uk
Parents’ Section
www.bedfordschool.org.uk/portals/parents/home
Firefly Learning Platform
www.bedfordschool.org.uk/portals/parents/firefly-vle
Sports Fixtures & Results
www.bedfordschoolsport.org.uk
School Shop
www.nolimitz.co.uk/schoolwear/bedford-school
School Facebook
Bedford-School
School Instagram
bedfordschool_uk
School Twitter
@bedfordschool
School LinkedIn
bedfordschool
Emailing Staff Please visit www.bedfordschool.org.uk/portals/parents/staff-lists for a full list of our teaching staff. Staff emails are generally formatted as follows: first initial followed by surname (without any spaces or full stops) then @bedfordschool.org.uk
Contents Welcome.......................................................................................05
The School Shop.........................................................................23
New Boys’ Day .......................................................................................................... 06
Opening Hours......................................................................................................... 23
Start of Term............................................................................................................... 06
Day Boys and UK Boarders................................................................................. 23
Pre-Season Rugby Training......................................................07
Overseas Boarders................................................................................................... 23
Pre-season Timings ............................................................................................... 07
Key Measurements................................................................................................. 23
Other Fixtures/Training in Holidays.............................................................. 07
Safety Measures........................................................................................................ 23
School Routines..........................................................................08 Weekly Timetable.................................................................................................... 08 Exeats.............................................................................................................................. 09
Contactless Payment............................................................................................. 24 Online Ordering ...................................................................................................... 24 More Than Uniform................................................................................................ 24 Returns and Exchanges....................................................................................... 24
After School ................................................................................10
Labelling ...................................................................................................................... 24
Clubs and Societies ............................................................................................... 10
Nearly New Shop .................................................................................................... 25
Academic Clinics...................................................................................................... 12
Basic School Uniform List................................................................................... 25
Prep.................................................................................................................................. 12
Games and Sportswear....................................................................................... 26
Pastoral Care................................................................................13
Devices........................................................................................................................... 27
The Houses.................................................................................................................. 13
Additional Equipment.......................................................................................... 27
Tutors.............................................................................................................................. 13
Additional Requirements for Boarders....................................................... 27
Tutor Groups............................................................................................................... 13
Useful Information.....................................................................29
Academic Staff.......................................................................................................... 14
Term Dates................................................................................................................... 29
Who to talk to about any concerns or worries?................................... 14
Lost Property.............................................................................................................. 29
Buddy System............................................................................................................ 14
School Fees ................................................................................................................ 29
Peer-Mentoring........................................................................................................ 14
Payment of Fees....................................................................................................... 29
The Chapel................................................................................................................... 14
Transport - School Buses.................................................................................... 30
Medical Centre.......................................................................................................... 14
Visa Requirements ................................................................................................. 30
Sports Therapy / Physiotherapy..................................................................... 15
Cash Management Procedures for Boarders.......................................... 31
Counselling at Bedford School....................................................................... 15
Insurance ..................................................................................................................... 31
School Rules............................................................................................................... 16
Academic Support.................................................................................................. 31
Merits.............................................................................................................................. 17
Extra Tuition................................................................................................................ 31
Commendations...................................................................................................... 17
English as a Second Language (ESL) .......................................................... 32
Detentions................................................................................................................... 17
Chinese Lessons....................................................................................................... 32
Communication .........................................................................18
Music Lessons............................................................................................................ 33
Your key contacts ................................................................................................... 18
LAMDA Tuition.......................................................................................................... 26
How we stay in touch .......................................................................................... 18
Hotel Accommodation in Bedford............................................................... 35
Key Academic Dates.............................................................................................. 19
Travelling to Bedford from the Airports..................................................... 35
Parents’ Evenings...................................................................................................... 19
The Wider Community...............................................................36
Leave of Absence and Early Departures................................................... 19
The Bedford School Association (BSA)....................................................... 36
Reporting Illness...................................................................................................... 20
Eagle Connect........................................................................................................... 36
School Meals ...............................................................................21
The Parents’ Guild.................................................................................................... 36
Typical Lunch Menu............................................................................................... 21
The Old Bedfordians Club.................................................................................. 36
Meal Arrangements............................................................................................... 22
Bedford School Foundation.............................................................................. 37
Special Dietary Requirements......................................................................... 22
Forms............................................................................................38
Food Allergies............................................................................................................ 22
Mandatory Forms.................................................................................................... 38
Tuck Shop and School Shop ........................................................................... 22
Optional Forms......................................................................................................... 38
05 Joining Booklet BEDFORD SCHOOL
Welcome A very warm welcome to Bedford School. We look forward to working in partnership with you as your son moves through his years at Bedford. This booklet is designed to provide you with an introduction to life at Bedford School, and contains a great deal of useful information. Please do get in touch if there is anything we have not covered or of which you are unsure. Of course, the same principle applies throughout your son’s time at Bedford School. We are always happy to have a conversation; we are here to help - in whatever way we can. Understandably, as a result of the pandemic, this year has been rather different to most. However, despite the challenges created, it must be said that last year was also one of positive change and development. As we emerge from the pandemic, we are excited to consolidate and build upon the lessons learned from our experiences and the knowledge gained to further enhance your son’s learning and experience at Bedford. We are hopeful that when we start the new academic year in September, many, if not all, of the restrictions of recent times will be lifted. Nonetheless, as has been evidenced this year, nothing is ever certain. Please be assured that we will stay in touch with you throughout the summer and continue to keep you abreast of the latest updates and plans, should circumstances change. In the meantime, we thought you would like to read the planned framework for the new year. I remain hopeful that we will be in a position to see each other face to face in September. I hope that you and your family stay safe and healthy and have an enjoyable summer. With best regards
James Hodgson Head Master
New Boys’ Day Friday 3 September Full details, including the timings and schedule for the day, will be sent later in the summer. Term will commence the following week on Monday 6 September, at 8.40am.
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Schedule for the Beginning of Term (subject to confirmation)
New Boys’ Day We look forward to welcoming all boys, both those who are new to the school and those moving up from Bedford Prep School, together with their parents or guardians, on Friday 3 September for New Boys’ Day. During the day, there will be an opportunity for you to meet with other new boys and their parents, as well as your son’s Tutor. Pre-lunch drinks will be followed by a buffet lunch, a service in the school Chapel and then afternoon tea. Day boys will have the opportunity to see their day house, and boarders, together with their parents, will have the chance to see their boarding house. Your son will be welcomed to the school by his Housemaster and the Head Master, James Hodgson. Your son will receive a welcome booklet on this day, which includes helpful information, such as his timetable, school campus and classroom maps. Friday 3 September 2021 Please note: All boys should be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and be dressed in their school uniform.
Boarders 11:00
New boarders and their parents to arrive at their boarding house. (Please do not arrive before 11:00)
11:30
Induction and Q&A Session with Housemaster / Matrons
12:45
Buffet lunch in the boarding house.
All Boys 14:00
All boys and their parents to the Great Hall. ‘Welcome to Bedford School’ presentation from the Head Master, James Hodgson.
14:45
Chapel Service for new boys and their parents.
15:30
Tea on the Music School lawn.
16:15
Day boys depart and boarders return to their boarding house.
Day Boys 12:45
Day boys and their parents to arrive at the foyer in the Main Building.
Start of Term
13:00
Parents and boys will be welcomed by their Housemaster and then escorted to pre-lunch drinks, followed by a buffet lunch.
Monday 6 September 2021 08:40
Term starts with Joint House Assemblies followed by Full School Assembly.
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Pre-Season Rugby Training This is our rugby term. Please do not worry if this is not your son’s favourite activity, or if he has not played before; we try to make it enjoyable, as well as competitive, for all. We hope to offer the following rugby pre-season training this summer. However, this will be subject to the latest Government and school guidelines around COVID-19. We will notify all parents of any changes to the plans outlined below. Fourth Form (U14) and Remove Form (U15) Monday 30 August to Wednesday 1 September.
Boys will require: y Training kit appropriate for the weather (doesn’t need to be Bedford School kit), including boots, mouthguard and any other protective equipment. y Water. y Lunch (money if buying lunch in the town). There will be medical provision for the sessions but please let us know of any necessary medical information upon arrival.
Fifth Form (U16) and Sixth Form (U18) Thursday 26 August to Friday 27 August and Monday 30 August to Wednesday 1 September and tournaments potentially on Saturday 4 or Sunday 5 September.
Please complete the relevant Microsoft Form below to confirm whether your son will attend pre-season training, both forms will be open until Friday 20 August.
All boys are very welcome, as the sessions are open to all playing levels. For consistency, please make every effort to attend each session. However, please be aware that non-attendance to these sessions will not influence selection at the start of the year, as players are selected on merit. There is no cost for these sessions.
y U16 and U18 Form
Pre-Season Timings 09:30 Langham Pavilion changing rooms opened. 10:00 – 11:30 Session 1. 11:30 – 12:30 Lunch - will not be provided and boys can leave the school site in small groups if required. Please be aware that we cannot take responsibility for the boys unless they remain on the school site. 12:30 – 14:00 Session 2.
y U14 and U15 Form
Other Fixtures / Training in the Holidays These are all to be confirmed but please save the date. U18 and U16: 1. U18 residential tri-nations tournament at Merchiston Castle School on the first weekend of the half term, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 October 2021. 2. Training - Thursday 28 October and Friday 29 October 2021, 10:00-12:00. U15 Langley Festival (residential tournament) on the first weekend of the October half term, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 October 2021. There will be a cost for accommodation (B&B) of approximately £80. Please do not hesitate to contact Mr Hinkins, if you have any queries.
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School Routines Weekly Timetable MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
TUTOR PERIOD 08:35 - 08:55
SATURDAY -
PERIOD 1 08:55 - 09:35
08:40 - 09:20
PERIOD 2 09:35 - 10.:15
09:20 - 10:00
PERIOD 3 10:15 10:55
10:00 - 10:40
BREAK 10:55 - 11:15
10:40 - 11:00
PERIOD 4 11:15 - 11:55
11:00 - 11:40
PERIOD 5 11:55 - 12:40
11:40 - 12:20
LUNCH
SCHOOL ASSEMBLY 13:55 - 14:10
CHAPEL ASSEMBLY 13:55 - 14:10
PERIOD 6 14:15 - 14:55 PERIOD 7 14:55 - 15:35
C GAMES & ACTIVITIES
PERIOD 8 15:35 - 16:15 PERIOD 9 16:30 - 17:10 PERIOD 10 17:10 - 17:50
SCHOOL ASSEMBLY 13:55 - 14:10
A
GAMES &
MATCHES
ACTIVITIES
S
EXTRA CURRICULAR PROGRAMME TO 18:00
There is a standard weekly timetable for lessons. Lessons last for 40 minutes and start at 08:55 each day with the exception of Saturdays when they start 15 minutes earlier at 08:40. On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, boys take part in games and activities. Sports fixtures against other schools are usually played on Saturdays.
The main sports are rugby in the autumn term, hockey and rowing in the spring term, and cricket and rowing in the summer term. Saturday Morning Timetable Occasionally, the school will operate a Saturday morning timetable on one day during the week. This typically occurs ahead of an Exeat weekend, when
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there are no Saturday classes, but also as required during the term. This ensures that boys do not miss out on the lessons studied on a Saturday. When the Saturday morning timetable is in effect, boys attend the lessons that they would have on a Saturday morning instead of that morning’s usual lessons. After lunch they revert to their normal timetable for that day.
Exeats Each half term there is one Exeat weekend (with the exception of the second half of the summer term), which provides both boys and staff with a well-earned break from their busy timetables. On Exeat weekends school finishes at 16:15 on Friday and resumes at 08:35 on Monday. Boarders are expected to leave their houses by 18:00 on that Friday and return between 18:00 and 21:00 on the Sunday or before school on Monday. During the Exeat boarders are expected to stay with their guardian. Dates of the Exeat weekends for the next academic year can be found in the term dates section of this document.
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After School Clubs and Societies The school offers an extensive and diverse range of clubs and societies. We actively encourage boys (though most need little encouragement!) to participate in a new activity each term when they join, as well as trying out things that they would not normally consider. It is an ideal way to discover new interests or unsuspected talents! Clubs and societies typically run at lunchtimes and between 16:30 and 18:00 during the week. There are a wealth of academic extension opportunities available to boys in all year groups each week in the form of academic societies. Most clubs are open to all boys but a few are specific to the Sixth Form. Your son’s Tutor will provide your son with details of the clubs available, how to find out more and join during his first few weeks. There is no charge for most of these activities. Below is a list of the clubs and societies that are typically available: Academic Ancient Greek
Appetite for Art
Archer Martin Society
Architecture Society
Art
Art History
Art Society
Biology Society
Chemical Society
Classics Extension
Classical Society
Creative Writing Society
Current Affairs Society
Computer Programming
Debating Society
English Society
Design & Technology
Esperanto Club
French Society
Geography Society
German Society
Harpur Science Forum
French Sixth Form Preparation Club History Society
Humanities Society
Italian Club
Latin Vocab
Law Society
Life Drawing
Linguistics Olympiad
Mitre Club
Philosophy & Theology Society Study Skills
Pythagoreans Society
Revision Skills
Oxbridge & Biomedical Admissions Preparation Science & Engineering Society
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Wider Interest Aeronautical Club
Army (CCF)
Astronomical Society
Beekeeping Society
Charities Committee
Chess Club
Christian Union
iDEA Award
Film Society
Media Club
Model United Nations
Fourth Form Drama Society Public Speaking
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA) RAF (CCF)
Robotics Club
Royal Navy (CCF)
School Magazine (Ousel)
Technical/Lighting Club
Adrian Boult Society
Brass Ensemble
Chamber Orchestra
Chamber Groups
Chapel Choir
Choral Society
Consort Choir
Dance Band
First Orchestra
Grade 5 Theory
Guitar Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Orchestra
Lunchtime Concerts
Media Club
Music Tech & Composition
New Music Society
Ousel Podcast
Percussion Ensemble
School Band
Second Orchestra
String Chamber Groups
Warhammer Society Music
Sport (outside of main games time) Archery
Badminton
Basketball
Core Fitness
Cricket
Fencing
Futsal
Hockey
Pilates/Core
Rifle Club
Rowing Conditioning
Rugby Sevens
Rugby Fitness
Rugby Skills
Running Club
Squash
Strength & Conditioning
Swimming
Table Tennis
Tennis
Water Polo
Weight Training
Boys in the Fourth Form (Year 9) will have an opportunity to sign up to try a number of extracurricular sessions as part of the first citizenship morning of the year on Wednesday 22 September.
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A weekly timetable and further information about all the school’s clubs and societies can be found on Firefly (the school’s E-learning platform).
Academic Clinics The school has always provided support opportunities in academic subjects outside of timetabled lessons. These academic clinics take place either at lunchtimes or after school. A timetable of clinics is published each term on Firefly and a link to the schedule is included in the weekly bulletin to parents. Tutors will encourage boys to attend these clinics as appropriate, and help to design timetables for boys in particular need of support.
Prep Prep (homework) is an essential and important part of your son’s education. All boys can expect to be set prep on a regular basis by their teachers in all their subjects. The teacher will make it clear at the start of each term on which day prep will be set and when they expect it to be completed and handed in. Prep is recorded on Firefly, our virtual learning platform. Boys are encouraged to download the
Firefly app to their mobile phone to assist with prep organisation. The school’s prep policy will be outlined by tutors at the start of term, and is also available in the school policies section of the school website. Housemasters, Tutors and subject teachers are able to offer advice and guidance on homework. Academic Year Heads run supervised prep sessions for each year group at least once a week from 16:30 – 17:30 in term time. In addition, the Library is open Monday to Friday in term time until 19:00 for boys to complete work. All boys are welcome to take advantage of these opportunities for prep and/or revision. Those boys whose academic progress gives us cause for concern may be required to attend these sessions, but the opportunity is available to all boys from all year groups; boys just need to turn up for the start of the session. Boarders have two hours of scheduled prep time each evening in their houses during which either their Housemaster or a visiting Tutor is on hand to offer guidance and support. Boarders also have academic workshops in the Library during evening prep, where they can receive subject-specific guidance.
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Pastoral Care The Houses There are six day houses and six boarding houses in the Upper School. Each day house is twinned with a boarding house to ensure that all boys interact in every area of school life. Your son will remain in the same house throughout his time at Bedford School. Day House
Boarding House
Ashburnham
»
Sanderson’s
Bromham
»
Burnaby
Crescent
»
Pemberley
Paulo Pontine
»
Redburn
St Cuthbert’s
»
Phillpotts
St Peter’s
»
Talbot’s
The twinned houses regularly take part in activities together, such as House Singing, House Drama, House Tug-of-War, House Charity Run and numerous interhouse sports competitions, to compete to win the coveted House Cup.
Tutors Your son’s Tutor will also remain the same throughout his time at the school, which allows them to get to know each other well and build a high degree of trust. His Tutor will follow his academic progress closely and, in partnership with you, provide direct and individual support and guidance. Together with your son’s Housemaster, his Tutor will work to ensure that he settles in quickly and successfully. We encourage parents to contact Tutors by email if they have any concerns about their son that they wish to share with us. In addition to his daily Tutor periods, your son will also receive formal academic tutorials at specific points in the school year. Your son will be asked to
attend a one-to-one appointment with his Tutor to discuss his academic progress, and will be asked to set aspirational targets in all subjects. In instances where we believe a boy is under-performing, the school will be in touch with parents, either via the school reporting system, or directly. Likewise, when boys are doing especially well we are keen to recognise this and will be in contact with you.
Tutor Groups The school operates a vertical tutor group system, which allows new and younger boys to grow and develop alongside older boys, inspiring them to achieve similar levels of success. Boys meet with their Tutor every weekday at 08:35 before lessons. At the start of the year, boarders will join their vertical tutor groups from the outset, having plenty of time for informal induction during the evenings as they get to know their Housemaster, Tutor and other boys in the boarding house. New boys in all year groups apart from the Fourth Form will also be welcomed into their vertical tutor group from the start of term. Fourth Form day boys, however, will be guided through the first few weeks of school by their Housemaster, who will take them through an induction programme and spend time with them in the day house each morning for the first three weeks. This induction programme will take the place of their timetabled tutor period and will provide all the boys in the house with a chance to establish friendships, ask questions and generally help one another find their feet. Of course, we want all the boys to enjoy the benefits of our wonderful tutoring system, and the Fourth Form day boys will join their vertical tutor group ‘full-time’ from Monday 27 September (after our first Exeat). Before that, and to ensure a seamless transition as possible, boys will have the chance to get to know their Tutor and others in their vertical tutor group (such as their tutor group ‘buddy’) as part of their induction.
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Academic Staff A full list of academic staff in the Upper School can be found on the school website.
Who to talk to about any concerns or worries? At Bedford School we encourage boys to talk about any worries or concerns that they might have. Parents, too, should be assured any worries or concerns they have will be taken seriously by the school. Normally, boys and parents are encouraged to speak to their Tutor or Housemaster as a first port of call about anything that is on their mind. Some teachers have special training in dealing with safeguarding, child protection and difficult issues including: Dr Koch, Mr Everitt, Mr Bury and Mr Hodgson. You can email them directly or ask the Vice Master’s PA to make an appointment. Boys can make an appointment to see one of the school’s counsellors. The counsellors are ‘independent listeners’, not members of the school staff, available to both boarders and day boys. Full contact details can be found here. Boys can also speak to the Chaplain, Mr McCleery, or any of the school nurses in the Medical Centre, which is open every day.
Buddy System When boys start in the Fourth Form they are assigned a ‘buddy’ partner who will be one of the older boys in their tutor group. This is someone to whom they can turn at any point in those early days whenever they have a question about where to be, who to speak to or how something works.
Peer-Mentoring During the second half of the autumn term every Fourth Form boy is given a peer-mentor - a Lower Sixth student from his own house who has been trained in mentoring, listening skills and safeguarding. Each of these Lower Sixth boys knows, from his own experience, how valuable it is to have an older boy looking out for him. In practice this might consist of an informal, occasional chat about hobbies or
fixtures, or a pre-arranged regular meeting to talk through issues surrounding friendships or school work. Mentors will also play a valuable role as the boys progress through the years, giving support and guidance to those going through public exams, for example. Of course, boys are always welcome to come and share their successes and challenges with members of the house staff who are on duty in and around the houses throughout the day.
The Chapel The school welcomes all faiths. Its foundation is nevertheless rooted in the Christian tradition and the chapel plays an important part in the life of the school community, symbolising Bedfordians past and present, and providing a daily reminder of life’s spiritual dimension. Families are always welcome to join us for Sunday Services in the chapel. Details of services can be found on the chapel page on the website. The school Chaplain, Mr Neil McCleery, is available throughout the school term and during much of the holidays, and provides pastoral counselling and support to any member of the school community.
Medical Centre The school has a professionally staffed and equipped medical centre which offers all boys a kind, confidential and professional service. They deliver a high standard of nursing care, aiming to treat every pupil holistically, looking at his social, psychological and physical needs. The medical centre has a treatment room, bedroom and a quiet seating area. Medical Questionnaires Medical questionnaires are completed before admission to the school. The school nurse will check these and identify any health issues. If necessary, a care plan is written in consultation with you and your son. It is essential that your son’s medical questionnaire is completed and sent to the school by Monday 15 June. We may be unable to allow your son to start with us if this form has not been completed in full and returned to the school.
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You will also be asked to regularly update your son’s medical information during his time at the school to ensure that his medical record remains accurate. EU Medical Cards Boys from within the European Union (EU) should bring their medical card with them at the start of each term. Staff at the Medical Centre y Jill Turner-Webb, Lead Nurse y Trish Comerford, School Nurse (part time) y Karen Henry, School Nurse (part time) y Holly Clifton, School Nurse (part time) y Claire Collins, School Nurse (part time) y Lisa Kenna, Administrator (part time) The nursing team are available during term time from 08:15 to 17:30, Monday to Saturday. The school Medical Officers are local GPs from the De Parys Group. They are available in school each Tuesday and Thursday between 10:30 and 11:30. All full boarders are registered as NHS patients at the De Parys Medical Centre upon joining Bedford School.
Sports Therapy / Physiotherapy A sports therapist/physiotherapist is usually available on Tuesday between 12:00 and 15:00, and Thursday between 12:00 and 17:00 during term time. The current charges are £28.00 for a 30 minute session. Appointments with the sports therapist/ physiotherapist should be booked directly with the provider. Contact Details (The Stables Therapy Centre) Tel: 01234 349464 Website: www.stablestherapycentre.com - select online booking and choose Bedford School as the location.
Counselling at Bedford School The school has a long-established counselling service. All boys are free to visit and talk to a school counsellor in complete confidence for help and support during difficult times. Boys can seek help and advice on a wide range of issues. Parents can also be seen, and referred to counsellors in their locality, if ongoing support is required. Counsellors are available at school during term time: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
12:00 - 15:00 15:00 - 17:00 12:00 - 15:00 12:00 - 17:00 12:00 - 14:00
Appointments can be made by emailing counsellor@ bedfordschool.org.uk, by calling +44 (0)1234 362248 (voicemail available) or through the school medical centre: +44 (0)1234 362261.
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School Rules Copies of all school policy statements, including the school rules, can be found in the parents’ section of the school website www.bedfordschool.org.uk/portals/parents/ school-policies. Money and Valuables We encourage all boys to take responsibility for their belongings and request that boys do NOT bring expensive or desirable belongings to school unless it is absolutely necessary. Valuables are not covered by school insurance and under no circumstances will the school accept any liability for their loss or damage. We recommend that: y Boys make sure that their belongings are marked clearly and permanently. The marking should be distinct, so as to make it easy to return lost property. Name and postcode are among the most useful details to record on valuable items such as laptops. y Boys keep valuable items out of sight and out of reach. y Bicycles should always be securely locked with a strong chain and left only in the bike sheds. y Musical instruments should be kept safely in the Music School or kept with boys. Valuable belongings should not be left in bags, lockers or in clothes hanging in houses. Mobile phones can be handed in to the Bell Room for safekeeping. y Valuables may be left in the secure lockers in the recreation centre or in lockers in the day house. y Bags should either be carried or left in an authorised place such as a common room. y Losses should be reported immediately, in all cases, to a member of staff together with any helpful details. The best chance of recovering property is to report the loss immediately. We ask that boys also do let us know when their property has been found.
Mobile Phones The Upper School rules state that ICT, including all portable electronic devices, must be used responsibly. It is forbidden for boys to store or send inappropriate or offensive material. Boys are not permitted to use mobile devices in the Dining Hall, and are not permitted to have headphones in their ears when on the school site. The school reserves the right to confiscate a phone if it is known or suspected to have been used inappropriately. Using phones responsibly means: y Using them for legitimate reasons at school such as: y Phoning home. y Checking emails. y Accessing Firefly. y Keeping organised. y Not having phones out whilst walking round the school. y Not having phones out in classrooms unless given explicit permission by the teacher. y Not taking or sharing photographs of people without their permission. y Not playing games or being on social media. y Not sending or viewing anything inappropriate or that has the intention to hurt or demean others (cyber-bullying). The school has an IT Network Use Policy which says no one may seek out, store or transmit material that might be deemed inappropriate or offensive. Viewing or downloading any material which the school believes is unsuitable, at any time, is strictly prohibited. Use of VPNs is not allowed. The school also has an Anti-Bullying and Anti-Cyberbullying Policy that applies both in and out of school. Boys in the Upper School are reminded that it is a breach of Public Examination Regulations to take a mobile telephone into an examination. The same rule applies to all school examinations.
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Merits Academic and conduct merits are awarded to boys for good effort, attainment and behaviour. Parents are informed via email when their son is awarded a merit.
Commendations Commendations are awarded for boys whose academic work or conduct exemplifies the school’s values in an outstanding way. Each term a handful of Head Master’s Commendations are also awarded for exceptional work or conduct.
Detentions Conduct Detentions Conduct detentions are given for misbehaviour: when a boy breaks school rules or behaves in a way that is unacceptable to the school. They cover areas such as general misbehaviour, lateness, poor appearance, bad manners and non-attendance at games. Conduct detentions are held on Monday evenings from 16:30 – 17:30 in Room A13 and are supervised by a member of staff. Parents, along with the boy’s Tutor and Housemaster, are routinely informed if their son receives a conduct detention. Academic Detentions Academic detentions are primarily for unsatisfactory work. They cover areas such as failure to hand in homework, poor effort in work, academic dishonesty, etc. Academic detentions are held on Friday evenings from 16:30 - 17:30 in Room A13 and are supervised by a member of staff. Parents are routinely informed if their son receives an academic detention. Conduct and academic concerns are recorded by your son’s Tutor. Any conduct or academic warnings boys receive are communicated to parents via an automatic email notification. Full details of these concerns and warnings can be accessed via the school portal. Additional information on detentions and other sanctions are detailed in the school’s Behaviour Policy.
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Communication Communication between parents, boys and staff, both formally and informally, is valued and is seen as integral to each boy’s success at the school. We encourage you to develop strong relationships with your son’s Housemaster, Tutor and teaching staff, and to get in touch with any concerns, queries and, importantly, successes, both in and out of school.
Your key contacts Your Son’s Tutor Yours son’s Tutor is your first point of contact at the school. Your son’s Tutor will be in contact with you, by phone or email, at least once each half term to update you on your son’s progress and is happy to discuss any queries or concerns you may have. Your Son’s Housemaster Your son’s Housemaster is also a key contact within the school and is, likewise, happy to discuss your son’s progress and help with any queries or concerns you may have. NB: Please make a note of their email addresses in the Housemaster letters that will follow. Academic Year Heads Your son’s Tutor and Housemaster are the first port of call, and they will be keeping a close eye on your son’s wellbeing through regular Tutorials and House Meetings. In addition, our Academic Year Heads provide an additional support for boys. These members of staff have particular responsibility for monitoring the academic progress of boys in each year group. They work closely with Tutors to offer interventions to enhance academic performance, to help address academic concerns if they arise, and to encourage and congratulate boys whose academic performance is worthy of particular recognition. They also lead year-group specific academic assemblies, revision workshops and supervised preps and work groups.
There are Academic Year Heads for the Fourth Form, Remove Form and Fifth Form. In the Sixth Form, the Academic Year Head has particular responsibility for the A-Level boys, with the Director of IB undertaking this responsibility for those boys studying IB.
How we stay in touch School Website The parents’ pages of the school website host a wealth of useful information including notices, school policies, term dates, the school calendar, staff lists, parent letters, news and events, as well as links to our dedicated sports website, the secure parents’ portal and Firefly (e-learning site). The pupils’ pages of the school website include a similar selection of information tailored to their needs. Secure Parent and Pupil Portals We offer parents and boys online access to a variety of information via our parent and pupil portals. These portals are real time and cover such areas as reports, rewards and conduct, timetables, activities, exam results and detentions. We will write to you shortly before the start of term with details of how to selfregister for the parent portal. Boys are automatically granted access to the pupil portal through their school network account. Firefly (school e-learning site) The school has an online teaching and learning resource called Firefly, which can be accessed via the parents’ section on the website. Boys and parents will find details of each subject and year group’s schemes of work and other topic resources, as well as revision material. There is also information about the UCAS university application process, public and internal exam procedures, learning support opportunities and extracurricular details, amongst other areas of school life. Boys’ prep is also set via Firefly, and parents can keep an eye on the work their son is being set. Parents
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need to log into Firefly using their son’s username and password. The Firefly app can also be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. Sports Website Our dedicated sports website holds details of all our fixtures and results as well as team sheets and useful directions for away fixtures: www.bedfordschoolsport.org.uk To access the team sheets, please use the password: deparysav A web app is also available for the sports website. Instructions on how to add the web app to a mobile phone can be found here. Bulletins and Emails We send parents regular emails and newsletters, to ensure that you have all the information that you need for your son as well as news about the wider school community. Each week during term time we send a newsletter called The Week, which provides a round-up of the week’s top stories and the Upper Bulletin, which contains all the key information for the week ahead. Social Media Regular news stories and updates are posted on the school’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages, as well as the school website. Classlist Towards the end of the summer you will be invited by the Parents’ Guild to join Classlist, which is a private social networking site specifically for parents and guardians of Bedford School to keep in touch with each other. Once you have received the invitation from school, all you have to do is download the Classlist app on your phone or visit the website www.classlist.com and search for Bedford School. Then it is just a case of following the very straightforward joining instructions.
Once you have signed up, you can use Classlist to talk to other parents, find out about the Parents’ Guild and the activities they’ve got planned, join (or even set up) special interest groups, discuss arrangements for parties and lift-shares, and even find a home for an old bicycle. It’s simple to use and we hope will help to introduce you to even more of our fantastic parent community. If you do have any queries about Classlist, please contact the Parents Guild at parentsguild@ bedfordschool.org.uk.
Key Academic Dates Each year we publish a schedule for parents which highlights the key academic events and dates throughout the year, such as parents’ evenings, academic information evenings and exam periods. This also contains a link to the annual reporting cycle. We hope that this helps you to track your son’s progress throughout each academic year and assists you in guiding your son through key academic decisions. The key academic dates listing can be found in the parents’ section of the school website.
Parents’ Evenings Parents’ evenings are held once a year for each year group, and provide parents with an opportunity to discuss their son’s progress with his various subject teachers. In addition, subject option evenings are held, as appropriate, for specific year groups. The dates of all parents’ evenings, as well as subject option evenings, can be found in the parents’ section of the school website under key academic dates.
Leave of Absence and Early Departures We ask boys to advise us of any leave of absence or early departures by completing the forms listed overleaf, all of which can be found in the forms section on the Parent portal.
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All forms should be submitted at least three days before the date of the appointment. Leave of Absence Requests for leave of absence, including early departures for Exeats, half terms and school holidays should be made using the ‘Application for Leave of Absence’ form. This form is received by your son’s Tutor and Housemaster. If return to school is delayed for any reason, boarders should immediately telephone their Housemaster. We strongly advise that parents do not arrange flights before the end of the school day since significant amounts of valuable lesson time can be lost to a boy’s education as a result of early departures. Medical Leave of Absence Any requests for leave of absence for doctor, dentist, hospital appointments, etc., should be made using the ‘Medical Leave of Absence’ form. This form will automatically inform the Bell Room (Upper School Reception) and your son’s Tutor of the appointment. Again, if return to school is delayed for any reason, boarders should immediately telephone their Housemaster. University Open Days / Interviews Parents should complete a ‘Request for Leave of Absence for University Open Days/ Interviews’ form.
Reporting Illness If your son is unable to attend school due to illness or injury, we ask that you email bellroomabsences@ bedfordschool.org.uk or call the Bell Room. It is very helpful if you can let us know before 08:45 so that we can notify all necessary staff of your son’s absence.
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School Meals The school catering team offers boys a wide variety of wholesome, delicious food choices and encourages good nutritional habits and a healthy lifestyle. Boarders and day boys from across the school eat together each day in the Dining Hall and enjoy a wide range of tempting options. The weekly breakfast, lunch and supper menus can be viewed in the parents’ section of the school website.
Typical Lunch Menu Soup Station
Roasted Tomato & Basil / Seasonal Soup
Jacket and Pasta Bar
Home Baked Jacket Potatoes with Baked Beans Freshly cooked Pasta and Chef’s Seasonal Sauces, served with Mild Cheddar, Nut Free Pesto, Flaked Tuna or Chicken Pots
Main Counter Option 1
Cumberland Sausage, Glazed Carrots, Sweetcorn and Garden, Peas, Herbed Mash and Rich Onion Gravy
Main Counter Option 2
Chicken Tikka, Cardamom Rice, Bombay Aloo and Potatoes
Vegetarian
Vegetarian Sausage, Glazed Carrots, Sweetcorn and Garden, Peas, Herbed Mash and Rich Onion Gravy
Special Diets Main Course
Halal/Gluten Free Sausage, Glazed Carrots, Minted Peas and Rich Onion Gravy
Cold Desserts
Seasonal Selection of Whole and Sliced Fruits and Jellies, Baked Raspberry Ripple Cheesecake
Hot Desserts
Sticky Date Banoffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce
Yoghurt Bar
Daily Selection of Freshly Homemade Yoghurts accompanied with Fruit Pulps, Compotes, Granolas, Crunchy and Sponge Toppings
Special Diets Desserts
Daily Selection of Gluten Free Cakes, Puddings and Desserts
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Meal Arrangements The following meals are included in your son’s fees: Day boys: lunches during term time - Monday to Saturday Weekly boarders: all meals from Monday breakfast to Saturday lunch during term time Boarders: all meals during term time
Special Dietary Requirements If your son has special dietary needs for medical reasons, religious or personal beliefs, these will be catered for by our chefs. To help us ensure the right food is available for him, we ask that parents complete the dietary requirements section of the Medical Information form at the end of this document. Any query you have on the catering arrangements should be raised with the Catering Manager in the first instance by emailing cateringmanager@ bedfordschool.org.uk, and thereafter with the Director of Finance and Operations, if necessary. Parents of boys who have a special reason for not taking lunch in school should write to the Head Master explaining the situation. If, in exceptional circumstances, permission to take lunch at home is given, there will be no reduction in fees.
Food Allergies Bedford School provides all its catering through Sodexo, a leading contract catering company. In conjunction with Sodexo, the school seeks to ensure that suitable procedures are in place to manage all potential pupil allergy issues and obviously we are keen that all new pupils enjoy a positive dining experience from day one. If your son has been diagnosed with a food allergy, please ensure you complete the Food Allergies and Dietary Requirements form. Please note: this form must be submitted by Friday 11 June.
The details of the allergy should be supported by a doctor’s or dietician’s diagnosis/assessment of his condition in writing. The correct medical information will ensure that Sodexo staff are able to identify specific allergens in ingredients which your son is allergic to, so that an appropriate diet can be provided. Returning this form by the due date will allow Sodexo to evaluate and clarify this information where necessary, enabling them to make any specific arrangements or adjustments to ensure the most appropriate provision of school meals for your son. Please ensure that you also inform us whenever there is a change to your son’s medical condition which may affect his food requirement, or if there is an update from the doctor regarding his food allergy. We hope that you are able to assist the school through providing all necessary information required to enable the safe provision of school meals for your son. If you require any further information about Sodexo’s ‘Allergy in Schools Procedures’, please do not hesitate to contact the school. We would ask that you do not send your son to school with treats for his classmates/friends, to avoid the risk of a boy being inadvertently given something that may cause an allergic reaction. Please also note that nuts are not permitted on the school estate.
Tuck Shop The tuck shop in the Dining Hall’s Café Bar sells a wide selection of snacks and drinks including hot snacks such as baps, sausage rolls and pizza slices as well as cookies, cereal bars and fruit. Boys are able to purchase snacks from the tuck shop during morning break.
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The School Shop Our school uniform and sportswear is supplied by No Limitz.
We ask that parents and guardians check the school shop website regularly for updates
Their store is located at:
www.nolimitz.co.uk/schoolwear/bedford-school
25 Shuttleworth Road Bedford MK41 0HS
Key Measurements
Tel: 01234 350720 Email: shop@bedfordschool.org.uk
Opening Hours
Staff will not be able to measure your son in store, so please prepare by taking your son’s measurements before coming in. This will help to reduce unnecessary trying on of clothes, save time and make the process safer and more efficient. The key measurements are: y Waist
Monday to Friday: 10:00 to 18:00 Saturday: 9:00 to 17:30
y Inside leg
Day Boys and UK Boarders
y Chest
We kindly ask that all day boys and UK boarders make every effort to book an appointment between 14 June and 30 August. Appointments from 31 August are reserved for overseas boarders.
All measurements should be in inches, and a guide on sizes can be viewed here.
All customers requiring more than three different items will need to make an appointment via the online booking system.
y Collar/Neck y Shoe Size
Staff will be on hand to offer guidance whilst maintaining a safe distance, as much as possible.
Safety Measures
There are a range of different appointment lengths to cater for individual needs, and it is advised to book as soon as possible.
No Limitz will adhere to government guidance around social distancing as far as possible to minimise risk and keep both customers and staff safe.
We ask that all appointments are booked by 30 June to enable No Limitz to allocate and provide adequate resource.
The following measures will be in place in store:
To make an appointment, please visit: www.nolimitz.co.uk/schoolwear/bedford-school
Overseas Boarders We will be offering uniform appointments at the No Limitz store specifically for overseas boarders from 31 August onwards.
y Customers will be greeted, checked in for appointments where appropriate, and/or advised if they are able to browse. Browsing will be subject to the number of customers in store at any one time. In the event that the store is at capacity, customers will be admitted on a one in one out basis. y Customers must maintain at least a two-metre space from other customers at all times. There will be posters reminding customers of this and markers on the floor in high traffic areas.
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y Protective screens erected at till points. y Staff will be wearing appropriate PPE, and there will be hand sanitiser available at various locations in store. y Routine cleaning and disinfection of all regular touch points will be carried out. y Changing rooms will be available for school uniform customers, but please minimise the number of garments you try on. Please ask a member of staff for advice. Items tried on and not purchased will be steamed and quarantined before being returned to the shop floor. To assist in maintaining social distancing and to maximise the number of customers we can serve at any one time, where possible we request that only one adult attend and ideally only bring the child requiring uniform. Parents must be responsible for their children at all times and ensure they are adhering to social distancing.
Contactless Payment Please consider setting up a contactless payment method such as ‘Apple Pay’, if you have not already. Chip and pin machines will be wiped down after each use, but contactless payment helps reduce risk further.
Online Ordering Online ordering is strongly encouraged for small topup orders, where customers are confident with sizing. Orders placed online can either be delivered to your home or for click and collect in store.
More Than Uniform No Limitz can also help with all your sports requirements, including trainers, rugby boots, hockey shoes, sticks etc. as well as school shoes, bags, labels and stationery.
Returns and Exchanges Customers have an extended period of up to 90 days to make returns. Exchanges must be pre-arranged with No Limitz by emailing shop@bedfordschool. org.uk or calling 01234 350720. Exchanges will be processed via the click and collect entrance. Please ask for further details in store at the time of your appointment.
Labelling It is essential that all clothes, including mufti and bags are clearly marked with the owner’s name and initials. No Limitz have partnered with The Zip Yard in Bedford to offer a discounted service for customers of No Limitz and process all labelling orders should you wish to use them. Orders must be dropped off at The Zip Yard but can be collected from either The Zip Yard or No Limitz, whichever is most convenient. Tel: 01234 217771 Email: info@bedford.thezipyard.co.uk For the purposes of identifying lost property, it would be helpful if the initials of your son’s house could be incorporated. The houses are: Boarding Burnaby Phillpotts Pemberley Redburn Sanderson’s Talbot’s
-
Bu Ph P R S T
Day Ashburnham Bromham Crescent St Cuthbert’s St Peter’s Paulo Pontine
-
A B C St C St P PP
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Nearly New Shop
Plain white shirt with conventional style collar (boarders require 6)
The Parents’ Guild Nearly New Shop holds a good selection of second hand uniform including sports equipment. The shop will be open all day on Wednesday 30 June for new parents looking to buy any nearly new items of uniform. There may be other dates added, please keep an eye out for notifications on the Guild Shop page on the school website. The nearly new shop can be contacted by email: guildshop@bedfordschool.org.uk or via twitter (@ bedfordguild).
School Uniform All boys are expected to wear the school uniform, of which all major items are available from the school shop: No Limitz. Variations from the agreed uniform list are not permitted and boys must ensure that the correct footwear, overcoats and jerseys are worn. The basic school uniform for boys in the Upper School costs approximately £500. Full details and prices can be viewed online at www.nolimitz.co.uk/schoolwear/bedford-school
Basic School Uniform List 1
2
Regulation single breasted navy blue jacket (brass buttons and patch pocket not acceptable) Pairs charcoal trousers (black is not acceptable) Plain dark grey socks (boarders require 6 pairs)
1
Plain dark navy v-neck pullover
1
House tie
1
Pair plain black leather shoes (boots, prominent buckles and coloured stitching are not acceptable)
Scarf of plain, dark navy (optional) All boys are expected to have at least one item of protective clothing from the following list: Overcoat/Raincoat - Navy blue, dark grey, or black, of conventional design with plain collar (without fur) and facings and of a length that takes them below the line of the school jacket. Wind-proof/Waterproof Jacket - These should be plain navy blue and of a length that takes them below the line of the school jacket. No other styles may be worn as part of school uniform.
Games and Sportswear Sports Kit Required by All Boys 1
School tracksuit
1
Pair of white socks
1
School t-shirt (navy with eagle)
1
Pair of swim trunks (navy with eagle)
1
Pair or indoor non-marking trainers
1
Pair of school PE shorts (white with eagle)
1
Kit bag (various styles)
1
School hoodie or midlayer (optional)
Depending on which sport your son chooses, he will need the following for the major sports: See overleaf
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Rugby Football (Autumn Term)
1
Cricket box
1
Pair of school navy blue shorts (with Eagle)
1
Protective equipment (the school is able to provide this)
1
Pair of navy blue socks
1
Reversible navy/white rugby jersey
1
Pair of boots Navy or black base layers - top and bottoms (optional) Mouthguard (* fitting session at school in September)
A and B team players will also require a red/white hooped shirt and white shorts for matches.
Hockey (Spring Term) 1
Pair of white shorts (with eagle)
1
School red/navy hockey shirt
1
Pair of shin pads
1
Pair of Astroturf trainers
1
Hockey stick Mouthguard*
Cricket (Summer Term) 1
Pair of cricket trousers
1
White cricket shirt
1
School cricket slipover or school cricket long sleeve jumper
1
Pair of cricket boots or shoes or white trainers*
1
Cricket cap
* Note: team players will be expected to wear spikes when playing cricket Required for Rowing Several layers are important especially for those starting in January. Any school sports kit in school colours (red, white or blue) is acceptable. Trainers. No special purchases required until boys are selected to race. Once selected into crews for racing, boys of all ages will need: Rowing Navy or Black leggings Navy blue thermal (winter racing) White t-shirt (summer racing) Gilet All-in-one (as appropriate) Rowing cap Rowing waterproof (optional) Swimming Swim shorts/jammers Bathing towel Essential kit for other sports Football - shin pads Tennis - racquet
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Other sports will provide a kit list when boys opt for them.
y Devices should have a keyboard attached
Boys who become members of teams/crews will probably need more than the basic kit above. Team members who have major or minor colours wear Colours blazers and ties. Purchase of these should be delayed until Colours are awarded.
*To guarantee the best digital learning experience, Wi-Fi capability is an important consideration. A pupil’s personal device should be capable of 2.4GHz or 5 GHz dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity. This means that the device should have 802.11 a/n or ac as the Wi-Fi standard. Also, be aware that if your child’s device is equipped with wireless standard 802.11 b/g/n, then it is unlikely to be 5 GHz compatible.
Mouthguards* The governing bodies of rugby and hockey strongly recommend the wearing of mouthguards and the school policy is to adhere to these guidelines. With this in mind, we have organised for OPRO to visit the school on Monday 6th September from 09:15 (first day of term) to give everyone the opportunity to have a professionally fitted mouthguard. There will also be a second visit on Monday 13th September from 12:30 to 2:00pm. To organise a fitting, please place your order directly with OPRO, here.
Devices We complement our traditional teaching and learning with innovative use of digital technologies in the classroom. As such, each boy is required to have a device for use in lessons - a laptop or laptop/tablet hybrid is preferable to a tablet. There are minimum functional specifications recommended for each boy to use his device for digital learning. As Bedford School uses mostly cloud-based apps in the classroom, it is not essential to have a high specification device to run the latest applications. Devices should meet the requirements of the Digital Pencil Case criteria: y Wi-Fi connectivity* y Web browser access to school email accounts y Calculator application y Camera and picture storage y Video and audio recording y App for taking notes
y Protective case
Boys are expected to have their device charged ready for the day with sufficient charge to last three to four hours. Please click here to read our device FAQs.
Additional Equipment Boys joining in the Fourth Form, Remove or Fifth Form (Year 9, 10 and 11) will also require a Casio fx-85GTX Classwiz calculator. Boys joining the Sixth Form (Year 12) require a Casio fx-CG50 calculator.
Additional Requirements for Boarders 1 duvet (optional) and 2 duvet covers and pillow cases 3 bath towels (not exceeding 1x1.5m with loop for hanging) Toiletries in bag Dressing gown 2 pairs of pyjamas Mufti (casual jeans, sweaters and t-shirts, etc.) 2 dozen spare name tapes Shoe cleaning kit
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All items of clothing (except for suits and jackets) should be machine washable. Items requiring delicate hand washing are not acceptable e.g. Indian cotton, heavy all-wool sweaters requiring flat-drying. It is expected that all items sent should have at least three months’ wear in them, and should be in a good state of repair. If any replacement is necessary during term time this will be done through the Housemaster, if parents are unable to see to it themselves directly. Sixth Form Boarders For Sunday Chapel, with Housemasters’ approval, Sixth Form boarders may wear a plain, dark coloured suit of conventional cut and design such as would be suitable for university or career interviews. Games and Sports All items must be clearly named and, where appropriate, have loops for hanging. Respectable Mufti Some school events permit the wearing of ‘respectable mufti’, i.e. jacket, shirt and trousers (not jeans) provided boys do not have to be in uniform for school activities. However, school uniform is always an acceptable alternative which parents of younger boys might wish to bear in mind during a period when their sons are growing quickly. Boys may wear mufti on Sundays (except for Chapel) and on other days after their last engagement. On Saturdays, mufti may be worn immediately after lunch.
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Useful Information Term Dates
school finishes at 16:10 on Friday and resumes at 08:35 on Monday.
Autumn Term 2021 New Boys’ Day: Friday 3 Sept
Boarders are expected to leave their house by 18:00 on the Exeat Friday and return between 18:00 and 20:00 on the Sunday evening.
Term starts: Monday 6 Sept (08:40) Exeat: Sat/Sun 25/26 Sept
Lost Property
Half Term: Friday 15 Oct (16:15) to Monday 1 Nov (08:40)
Any misplaced uniform, sports kit or school equipment that is found around the school is collected and taken to the Bell Room.
Exeat: Sat/Sun 20/21 Nov Term finishes: Friday 10 Dec (12:15) Spring Term 2022 Term starts : Wednesday 5 Jan (08:40)
It is essential that all items of school uniform and kit are named so that boys can be emailed when they are handed in. Boys can also go to the Bell Room to check for lost items that may not be named, such as mobile phones.
Exeat: Sat/Sun 22/23 Jan Half Term: Friday 11 Feb (16:15) to Monday 21 Feb (08:40) Exeat: Sat/Sun 12/13 Mar Term finishes: Friday 25 Mar (12.15) Summer Term 2022 Term starts: Wednesday 20 Apr (08:40) Exeat: Sat/Sun/Mon 30 Apr/1/2 May Half Term: Friday 27 May (16:15) to Monday 6 Jun (08:40) Term finishes: Saturday 8 Jul (following Speech Day) At the beginning of each term, boarders return by 18:00 the previous evening and, after half term, by 21:00 the previous evening.
Exeats Each half term there is one Exeat weekend (with the exception of the second half of the summer term), which provides boys and staff with a well-earned break from their busy timetables. On Exeat weekends
School Fees Details of fees are sent to parents each year and are also available throughout the year on the school website. Fees for the forthcoming year are announced each summer term.
Payment of Fees Termly Payments Termly fee invoices are uploaded to the secure parent portal before the start of each term. Payment should be made by direct debit, bank transfer, debit or credit card before the term commences. Monthly Payments Fees can also be paid, by direct debit only, in nine equal instalments on predetermined dates (usually the first working day of the month or the first day of term if later).
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Autumn Term
Sept, Oct, Nov
Spring Term
Jan, Feb, Mar
Summer Term
May, Jun, Jul
Fees in Advance The Harpur Trust accepts payment of fees by lump sum in advance. Further details of this scheme are available from the Harpur Trust Fees Office, tel: +44 (0)1234 369500. Fees Invoice - Disbursements (Blue Bills) Any additional costs not covered by the main tuition fee will be added to the following term’s fees invoice and itemised accordingly, as these are charged for in arrears. These may cover the cost of additional text books, additional excursions or trips, private music tuition, ESL lessons, subscriptions, shop purchases or any boarding house expenses, etc. Further details about the fees invoice are available from: The Director of Finance and Operations, 10 Glebe Road, Bedford, MK40 2PL Tel: +44 (0)1234 362245, email: bursary@bedfordschool.org.uk.
Transport - School Buses
Visa Requirements All non-British passport holders are required to have a visa to study in the UK. We have a Home Office Licence which enables us to take international students and to issue a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) for boys applying for a Child Student Visa. To enable us to hold the Home Office Licence we have to follow certain procedures and are regularly checked by the Home Office to ensure we are working within the guidelines. We would, therefore, be grateful if you could assist us with any request in regard to this matter. Families whose sons require a Child Student Visa should have received a communication from us, but if not, please contact us as soon as possible. Non EU Applications When your visa application has been approved, your son will be issued with a vignette in his passport which is valid for 90 days and will allow him into the UK. Please advise us and send a copy of both the confirmation letter and vignette as soon as you receive them. Your son’s visa in the form of a BRP (Biometric Resident Permit) card will be sent to the school.
There is an extensive network of buses to all Harpur Trust schools. This transport system is run by voluntary parent associations and commercial suppliers (a list of which can be found on the school website).
On your son’s first day at the school he must bring his passport with him so we may physically see the passport and vignette before he can sign and receive his BRP.
Whilst the school does not endorse the transport suppliers, these companies have been used for many years by Bedford School and other independent schools in Bedford. It is the responsibility of parents to organise transport to and from school and to make their own checks as they deem necessary. For further information on routes, times and costs, please contact the providers directly.
EU Applications Successful EU visa applications will receive a letter with a link where you are able to generate a Share Code which needs to be sent to our Admissions team straight away. Your son will also need to bring his passport to the Admissions Office for checking upon arrival. If your son has a British National Overseas passport or a Tier 1 Investor or Entrepreneur Visa or Tier 2 Visa, we would like notification of this before starting and will ask to see both the passport and visa when he arrives at the school.
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We recommend that your son keeps his passport and BRP (if applicable) in the boarding house safe. Boys whose families are resident outside of the UK must have an AEGIS or BSA accredited guardian and we must have their guardian’s full contact details.
The school will endeavour to assist overseas pupils to open a bank account in the UK but equally most overseas pupils should be able to withdraw cash from an account in their home country. (A list of local banks in Bedford is available on request.)
Please complete and return the Parent Nomination of a Guardian Form.
Please do contact your son’s Housemaster or our Accounts Team, if you wish to clarify any of the above.
Before each Exeat weekend and the start of each holiday, your son will be asked by his Housemaster for the following details:
Insurance
y Where he is staying during his time away from the school. y How he is travelling from the school and who is collecting him. y If flights are involved, the flight numbers and dates/times of the flights.
Cash Management Procedures for Boarders All boarders should have access to cash (for pocket money and travel expenses), preferably via a personal bank debit card or through a pre-loaded cash card. y Boarding Housemasters will NOT give cash funds to pupils except in extreme emergency situations. y Boys will be responsible for the security of their own cards and cash, and should ensure that they are locked away appropriately. All boys have a lockable cupboard where valuables should be stored. y The school discourages boys from keeping a large amount of cash in their boarding houses as this will not be insured against loss. Boys must not return with large sums of cash, as again we cannot guarantee its safety, and if large sums are brought to school for particular reasons then the cash should be placed in the pupil’s bank account or handed in to the Housemaster as soon as is practicably possible. y Payments for all residential trips must be paid directly by parents and will not be added to the disbursements. The bank account details for such trip payments will be included on parental letters.
The school automatically provides pupils’ personal accident insurance for all boys. A summary of the policy is available on request from the Bursary. Your son will be automatically covered by this policy when he starts at the school. Boarders also receive personal effects insurance which covers their personal property in the boarding houses. 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 shed. Items are replaced on a new for old basis if they are less than one year old. Please note this policy does not cover cash, mobile phones or mobile phone accessories. The policy excess is £25. A summary of the policy is available on request from the Bursary.
Academic Support The school provides a range of academic support to pupils with specific learning difficulties. Specific classroom support strategies are devised for these students which teachers use in the classroom to help them. Specialist teachers are available to support students in supervised prep sessions, and there are a range of academic clinics in different subjects available to students weekly. Some boys may also be entitled to access arrangements, such as extra time and/or word processors in exams. Please contact Mrs Rachel Mellor, Head of Academic Support, at rachelmellor@bedfordschool.org.uk, if you think your son may need additional support of this kind.
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Extra Tuition Extra tuition is rarely necessary but may be justified in exceptional circumstances. Extra tuition should normally be confined to: y Boys in the Fourth Form who come to the school with a weakness in some branch of our curriculum. y Boys who have been allowed for some exceptional reason to change to an alternative subject. y Boys retaking GCSE subjects for whom no alternative is available. In all such cases the following rules are to be observed: y Application will normally be made to the appropriate subject teachers. Parents should consult with their son’s Tutor before discussing it with the Head of Department, who will then sanction and arrange it or refuse it, if necessary consulting with the Head Master. y A consent form (available from the Bell Room) must be completed by either the parents or Housemaster.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Boys for whom English is not their first language often need additional support (and acceptance of this is usually a condition of entry to Bedford School). For these boys, the Academic Support Department provides specialised help in English for academic purposes which includes: y reading and listening skills y improving grammatical accuracy and lexical range y developing the academic writing process y planning and proof reading techniques for coursework across all subjects y preparing and delivering presentations The number of lessons per week depends on your son’s ability in English in terms of his reading, writing, listening and speaking, and also according to his academic progress in his subjects. Boys receive up to
four weekly lessons, depending on their individual needs. This is reviewed on a half-termly basis by the Academic Support Department and in consultation with their subject teachers. Lessons take place in dedicated classrooms, are taught by experienced ESL teachers, and the boys have access to a range of resources and multimedia to help them progress. Boys who receive English Language support are required to pay additional fees which are determined by the number of lessons per week, and whether they are one to one or small group sessions. Details of the current fees can be found on the school website. In addition to individual and small group ESL support as detailed above, we also provide the following: y an alternative Language and Literature curriculum in the Fourth Form (Year 9), tailored to the needs of ESL boys whose academic language skills are still developing. y preparation for IGCSE English as a Second Language in the Remove and Fifth Forms (Years 10 and 11). y preparation for IELTS (International English Language Testing System), usually required for UK university entrance, in the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13).
Chinese Lessons Bedford School offers Chinese (Mandarin) lessons as an extra-curricular activity to all boys in the Upper School. They have been offered since 1999 and have proved increasingly popular each year. There are currently more than 50 pupils studying the language at various levels, from complete beginners through to International Baccalaureate and A-Level. Some lessons take place during lunchtime and some after school, and are taught by well-qualified native speakers in the Upper School. Beginners cover all four skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing. As well as acquiring useful conversational Chinese, the study of the language gives the pupils an insight into a fascinating and ancient culture and society. Bedford School is linked with Qingdao Number 2 Middle School in Shandong Province and a group of beginners have participated in an exchange between
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the two schools. Previously, we have also participated in the British Council Mandarin Summer School in Beijing, so there are good opportunities for pupils to go to China and put their learning into practice. Since 2004, pupils on the Chinese teaching programme have been encouraged to perform a short Chinese play to celebrate Chinese New Year and attend the New Year Dinner at the Peking Palace Restaurant in Bedford. GCSE (Remove Form/Year 10 and above) and A-Level classes are also available for native speakers to prepare boys for these exams and to encourage them to continue to study their own language and culture. Mandarin ab initio, Language A&B courses are offered within the IB Diploma programme. Please complete the Chinese Lessons form at the back of this document, if you wish your son to take Chinese lessons. There is no commitment at this stage. The current fees for Chinese lessons can be found on the school website.
Music Lessons If you wish your son to have instrumental music lessons, please complete the Instrumental Music Lessons form at the back of this document and keep these notes for reference. Applications must reach the school by the end of the preceding term. Each form should relate to only one instrument (please submit the form as many times as required). It is assumed that boys coming from Bedford Prep School will continue with music lessons they are already receiving and therefore need not re-apply. 1.
2.
All matters relating to instrumental lessons should be addressed to Mr Jonathan Sanders, Director of Music, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, Bedford MK40 2TU. Email: jsanders@bedfordschool.org.uk. As part of their musical tuition, boys learning orchestral and band instruments will be expected to play in at least one of the school orchestras and bands at the discretion of the Director of Music. Please note that we are unable to process applications which request a fixed
lesson time as a prerequisite condition for taking up lessons. 3.
Termination of lessons. Notice in writing of the intention to discontinue lessons is required and should be sent to the Director of Music as soon as possible. The notice period is 11 termtime weeks from the receipt of the notice of termination of lessons.
4.
Time of lessons. Boys in the Fourth to Fifth Form (Years 9-11) will normally be required to have lessons during normal school periods on rotation for one instrument but at the discretion of the Director of Music.
5. Absence from lessons. If a boy/parent gives at least 72 hours’ notice in writing (excluding Sundays and Bank Holidays), either directly to the Visiting Music Teacher (VMT) or to the Head of Instrumental Department (HoID), of being unable to attend an instrumental lesson due to a school-related activity, then the VMT/HoID will endeavour, where possible, to find an alternative time for the missed lesson to be taught. If it is not possible to find an alternative time, the missed lesson will not be charged to the boy’s family. Notice by email will be accepted as long as it is copied to the relevant HoID. In all other situations, if a boy misses an instrumental lesson, then it will be charged to the boy’s account, as the VMT will be working and needs to be paid. Relevant school-related activities which require boy/parental notice will include sports fixtures, academic visits, trips and unavoidable classroom commitments, but this list is not exhaustive. 6.
Reports. Reports by instrumental teachers are made at the end of each autumn and summer term. An instrumental music parents’ evening is arranged at the end of the spring term each year.
7.
Fees. Fees are reviewed annually and published by the Director of Finance and Operations. Reduced rates apply to those sharing lessons. Class tuition for theoretical examinations in Music is provided free for those having instrumental tuition but a charge is made for other boys.
8.
Exhibitions. A small number of music exhibitions may be awarded annually to a few
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boys in the Upper School who show special aptitude and application. These exhibitions provide free instrumental tuition. 9.
Examinations. Boys are entered for instrumental examinations at the discretion of the Director of Music and the cost charged to parents on Blue Bills.
10. Instruments. Instruments may be hired from the school, subject to availability, during the early stages of tuition. Parents are charged a termly hiring fee and are responsible for maintenance and repair costs and also for making good loss or damage, whether in or out of school. Parents are advised to take out insurance against loss or accidental damage. In most cases, boys will be expected to have their own instruments after the first year. Parents and boys are reminded that instruments should not be left at school during holiday periods as the school cannot accept responsibility for their safety. Details of the current music fees can be found on the school website.
LAMDA Tuition If you wish your son to have individual speech and drama lessons, please complete the Individual Speech and Drama Lessons form at the back of this document. It will NOT be assumed that boys coming from Bedford Prep School will automatically continue with Speech and Drama lessons so parents will need to re-apply to arrange LAMDA lessons in the Upper School. Lessons are usually taught on an individual basis; if boys have been taking duologue exams in the Prep School and wish to continue in pairs please email Miss Fowler, Head of Speech and Drama - ffowler@bedfordschool. org.uk - to see if this can be timetabled. Termination of lessons. Notice in writing of the intention to discontinue lessons is required and should be sent to the Head of Speech and Drama as soon as possible. A whole term’s notice is required for lessons to stop at the end of that term. The final deadline for notification is the first day of each term. A term’s fees in lieu of notice will be payable where the necessary notice is not given.
Time of lessons. Boys have lessons during study periods, activity times, lunchtimes or after school. LAMDA lessons will NEVER take place during a timetabled academic lesson or sports practice/match. The timings of lessons will be arranged in consultation with the teacher delivering the lessons and the individual boy and will last half an hour. Lessons will be at a set time for the duration of the academic year. If the boy, or teacher, needs to re-arrange a lesson time, this needs to be done with at least 72 hours’ notice. Absence from lessons. If a boy/parent gives at least 72 hours’ notice in writing (excluding Sundays and Bank Holidays) to the acting teacher of being unable to attend a LAMDA lesson due to a school-related activity, then the teacher will endeavour, where possible, to find an alternative time for the missed lesson to be taught. If it is not possible to find an alternative time, the missed lesson will not be charged to the boy’s family. Notice by email will be accepted as long as it is copied to the Head of Speech and Drama. In all other situations, if a boy misses a lesson, then it will be charged to the boy’s account, as the teacher will be working and needs to be paid. Relevant schoolrelated activities which require boy/parental notice will include sports fixtures, academic visits, trips and unavoidable classroom commitments, but this list is not exhaustive. If the teacher is ill and the lesson is missed, parents will NOT be charged. Fees. Fees are reviewed annually and published by the Director of Finance and Operations. They will be added to parents’ bills at the end of each term and parents will be charged for the number of lessons the pupil received that term. Examinations. Boys are entered for graded examinations at the end of each academic year. The cost of exams with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art is available on their website and this cost will be charged to parents via Blue Bills. Scripts. Boys will need to purchase the play script which their speech/speeches comes from as they will need to read the whole play in preparation for their exam. A copy of the speech itself will be provided by their teacher.
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Hotel Accommodation in Bedford There is a wide range of hotel accommodation available in Bedford. The hotels listed below are just a few of the options available. Hotels Close to Bedford School D’Parys De Parys Avenue Tel: +44 (0)1234 340248 Email: info@dparys.co.uk www.dparys.co.uk Swan Hotel The Embankment Tel: +44 (0)1234 346565 Email: info@bedfordswanhotel.co.uk www.bedfordswanhotel.co.uk Embankment Hotel The Embankment Tel: +44 (0)1234 261332 Email: embankment@peachpubs.com www.embankmentbedford.co.uk Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel St Mary’s Street Tel: +44 (0)1234 799988 Email: HB541@accor.com www.accorhotels.com Please note that these details are provided for information only. Their inclusion does not imply that the school endorses the services offered by the provider.
Travelling to Bedford from the Airports Please note that the school does not provide transfers to and from the airports. It is the responsibility of parents/ guardians. It is possible to take a train to Bedford from Luton, Gatwick and Heathrow airports but not from Stansted. Information on routes, costs and timetables may be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk. Once you reach Bedford Railway Station, we advise that you take a taxi to Bedford School. To avoid confusion with other schools in the town it is best to give the taxi driver the school’s address (De Parys Avenue). If you would like to arrange a taxi to collect you from any of the above airports, you will find it cheaper to pre-book a taxi from Bedford rather than getting a black cab from the airport.
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The Wider Community The Bedford School Association (BSA) The aim of the BSA is to promote engagement across the widest possible alumni grouping in order to create a sense of attachment and an active network which positively supports Bedford School. The school takes an inclusive approach to make all elements of the community feel most welcome. With a joined up approach, we feel that more can be achieved. The BSA supports the work of the Bedford Prep Guild, Parents’ Guild in the Upper School, Past Parents’ Association, Old Bedfordians Club and Foundation, and helps all of these organisations to flourish. It also aims to build up strong relationships with friends of the school particularly within our local community. We are thrilled that more and more people want to be associated with Bedford School and join us at a variety of events and gatherings. Throughout its history, the school has meant a lot to many people, and, whatever their particular connection, we hope that they are all proud of their association, and that this will continue. As well as through the Parents’ Guild, parents can also get involved in specific areas to support the boys and for their own enjoyment. Two examples of this are the Friends of Bedford School Boat Club (FOBSBC) who put on a number of events, and the Eagle Choir, which is a School Community Choir, made up of parents (current and past), Old Bedfordians, staff and friends of the school. We are pleased that most parents find their niche and enjoy the general camaraderie that the school offers.
Eagle Connect Eagle Connect is the BSA’s online business and social networking platform. Membership is open to all constituents of the BSA who have a shared affection for the school and its community. The online platform provides a highly engaged and supportive community made up of those who are willing to help each other, both socially and professionally. From finding accommodation on a gap year trip to giving advice
to someone who wants to change their career, Eagle Connect is a forum for people to support each other. Joining details can be found under the BSA section of the school website.
The Parents’ Guild The Parents’ Guild is a group of parents and guardians of boys at the school. Founded in 1922, its purpose is to involve parents and guardians in the school community. With that in mind the Parents’ Guild organises social events and it is also responsible for the running of the nearly new shop, where pre-loved uniform pieces are available for purchase. Whilst the social events are great fun and a good opportunity to catch up with friends and make new ones, another aim of the Parents’ Guild is to raise funds to be used for projects that benefit the boys, as well as support the school’s chosen charities, arranging events such as balls, dinners, fashion shows, coffee mornings, and cricket teas, to name just a few. The Parents’ Guild is always keen to receive new ideas and welcomes anyone interested in getting involved. The Guild keeps in touch via Classlist and can also be contacted at parentsguild@bedfordschool.org.uk.
The Old Bedfordians Club Established in 1891, the Old Bedfordians Club was formed in order to help Old Bedfordians stay in touch with one another and the school. Over the years it has gone from strength to strength and is now a vibrant organisation across the globe. Although the phrase ‘networking’ was not used when the Club was formed, this has always been a key element at the heart of the Club. Today, the OB Club is still an invaluable link between generations of Old Bedfordians worldwide and the school through a shared member database, regular communications and an annual programme of social, sporting and networking events and reunions. In becoming a member of the OB Club, boys join the ranks of a 9,000 strong network of members who:
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y enjoy a shared history of Bedford School, y represent a vast range of professions, businesses, sporting and cultural interests and passions, and who y have extensive knowledge and experience as well as links and connections that span the globe. Importantly, Old Bedfordians have a natural inclination to help fellow OBs, irrespective of age, geography or status, and do so where they reasonably can. We are very pleased that more and more OBs return to the school each year to give lectures, talks or career advice. The OB Club works closely with the school under the umbrella of the BSA and takes direction from the OB Club Council whose plans are endorsed by Old Bedfordians at the OB Club’s AGM in July each year. It is managed through the OB Club office based at Bedford School. Boys automatically become members of the Old Bedfordians Club when they leave the school (subject to approval by the Head Master).
Bedford School Foundation Philanthropy has played a vital part in shaping Bedford School over the years. Generations of boys have benefited from the generosity of others, who have enhanced the school in all areas. Bedford School Foundation is a separate charitable company which was set up in early 2003 to support the school by developing strong relationships with alumni and friends of the school and to raise funds for various projects including capital development and scholarships. Funds are raised through major gifts, regular giving, legacy bequests and single gifts. Such gifts normally generate certain tax benefits and efficiencies. The Foundation works closely with the Bedford School Trust in providing scholarships for boys to attend Bedford School. The Foundation enjoys close links with the Old Bedfordians Club and, together with the school, coordinates events and activities for alumni and other supporters of the school under the auspices of the BSA.
Forms We would be grateful if you could ensure that all applicable forms for your son are submitted by Friday 11 June 2021. Please click on the form name to open.
Mandatory Forms Required for both new boys and current Bedford Prep School boys y Medical Information y Food Allergies and Special Diets y Emergency Contacts y Biometrics y Bedford School Association y Parent Nomination of a Guardian (for boys whose families reside outside the UK)
Optional Forms y Instrumental Music Tuition y Individual Acting Lessons y Chinese Lessons y Combined Cadet Force
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bedfordschool.org.uk
