Welcome to ARRAN HOUSE
Let the adventure begin…
We hope this handbook will provide you with a handy reference guide to life in Arran House. Please do contact us if you have any additional questions.
Welcome!
I feel very privileged to be entrusted with the care and welfare of your children at this most important stage of their development and to play a part in inspiring them to grow into good, honest, young men.
It is incredibly uplifting to live so close to the heart of the spectacular city of Edinburgh, surrounded by the natural beauty of the sea and hills.
My aim is for us all to enjoy our time together in this wonderful environment, to be respectful of each other and work as hard as possible to be the best version of ourselves. The boarding team and I encourage the boys to join in with all of the activities and opportunities that Fettes has to offer.
It is our hope that the experience and skills learnt with us, including the important attributes of respect and humility will continue to be of value as the boys move on to the next chapter of their lives, and leave Arran with wonderful memories.
Richard E. Mill Arran Houseparent
A welcome from
Ms Emma Davies, Head of Pastoral Care
Welcome to your Boarding Handbook which has been created to support and guide you and to give you key information which you will need for life in Arran House. It is updated annually, so all members of the House and their parents should acquaint themselves with its content each year. The Handbook provides you with some understanding of the structure of House and School life and it also includes important sections on keeping you safe and looking after your wellbeing. You should also read the School Handbook and the School Rules with your parents or guardians. You may also find it helpful to view Term Dates.
I hope you will find this a useful resource and you enjoy your time in Arran, but if you have any further questions, please get in touch with your Houseparent or contact me directly at ER.Davies@fettes.com
Ms Davies
The Arran Team
Our fabulous team is here to help, chat and keep things ticking along every day. Miss Stanley is the Assistant Houseparent. Mrs Roberts, our Matron, is here every evening to provide snacks, first aid, medication when necessary, plus a lot more!
We also have a Tutor in house each evening who helps the boarders with their evening routines.
MrsLeighRoberts
MissRebeccaStanley
Let’s Talk…
Phone Numbers
Houseparent: Mr Richard Mill
Assistant: Miss Rebecca Stanley
Matron: Mrs Leigh Roberts
House Mobile
Arran Kitchen Email
Mr Richard Mill
Miss Rebecca Stanley
Mrs Leigh Roberts
+44 131 311 6954
+44 131 241 1004
+44 131 311 6953
+44 7795 654375
+44 131 311 6953
RE.Mill@fettes.com
REO.Stanley@fettes.com
LM.Roberts@fettes.com
Postal Address
Arran House, Fettes College Preparatory School, East Fettes Avenue, Edinburgh EH4 1DL
(When sending a parcel please send to: Arran House, Fettes College, Carrington Road, Edinburgh EH4 1QX)
Other Useful Numbers
School Secretary: Mrs Mona Gill
Medical Centre
+44 131 332 2976
+44 131 332 2247
House Routine
6.30–6.45am Wake up
6.30pm Free time
7.10–7.45am Breakfast in Dining Hall, then back to house to brush teeth and get ready for school.
8am House meeting
7.30–8.15pm Snack time
6.30–6.50pm Back from school (Tues, Thurs)
8–9pm Bedtime (varies with age), with 30 minutes of quiet time before lights out.
9.30pm All quiet! 8.10am Off to school
6pm Evening routines of showers and getting uniform ready for the next day.
5.40–6pm Back from school (Mon, Wed, Fri)
School Routine
Daily Schedule – Monday to Friday
8.10am Pupils should arrive at school by this time
8.10am Tutor Meetings; Registration
8.25am Assembly (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)
EML (Wednesday)
Tutor Period (Friday)
8.50am Lesson 1
9.35am Lesson 2
10.15am BREAK
10.45am Lesson 3
11.30am Lesson 4
12.15pm LUNCH
12.40pm BREAK
1.05pm Registration
1.15pm Lesson 5
Reading Period (Wednesday)
Monday, Wednesday and Friday (sign out times vary by age)
2.10pm Games for M–T, Prep for 1st & 2nd
Wednesday: Games for everyone
3.10pm Games for 1st & 2nd
4.00pm Prep for M–T
Wednesday: Prep for everyone
Day Pupils Sign-out 1 (M–T)
5.00pm Day Pupils Sign-out 2
5.10pm TEA
6.00pm Boarders to Houses
Day Pupils sign-out 3
6.30pm Boarders’ recreational time
Tuesday and Thursday (sign out times vary by age)
1.55pm Lesson 6
2.35pm Lesson 7
3.15pm DLT Activities for T, 1st & 2nd Forms
Prep for M, P & S Forms
4.00pm Prep
Activities for M, P & S Forms
Day Pupils Sign-out 1 (M–T)
5.00pm Day Pupils Sign-out 2
5.10pm TEA
5.45pm Activities
Day Pupils sign-out 3
7.00pm Boarders to Houses
Day Pupils sign-out 4
Saturday
8.10am Pupils should arrive at school by this time
Tutor Meetings; Registration
8.25am Hymn Practice
8.50am Lesson 1
9.35am Lesson 2
10.15am BREAK
10.45am Lesson 3
11.30am Lesson 4
12.30pm Chapel
1.05/1.10pm Day Pupil pick up
It’s The Weekend
Here at Fettes we have Saturday school, so we have normal lessons and routines until midday, then we all head to Chapel. The service starts at 12.30pm and parents are welcome to come along, with friends and family. Tea, coffee and biscuits are served before the service.
After lunch, it’s time for activities. This could be anything from a game of capture the flag, spending time in the art room, going on a trip or relaxing in the sunshine. The activities vary from week to week.
Saturday evenings are a chance for rest, relaxation, calling home, watching films, playing games and tuck. Tuck is kept in the house kitchen in labelled tuckboxes. All tuck must fit into a tupperware box. No food is allowed in bedrooms, bathrooms or upstairs.
Sundays are a later start, breakfast is provided in-house and is eaten in PJs. We then head out to our main outing ranging from ice-skating to mountain-biking, cinema trips to craft days, swimming to climbing and so much more (you will find details in the school calendar). We have a suggestions box so the boys can add ideas for outings, which are always welcomed.
One weekend a term, we have what is known as the Arran challenge. This is usually an action-packed trip away for the whole boarding house. It may be necessary to charge up to £80 per term which will be added to the end of term bill. We will always try to inform you of these beforehand, to avoid surprises!
Helpful House Information
Birthdays
It’s great to celebrate birthdays, so if you are sending parcels please let the Houseparent know and he will keep them ready for the big day. We can also provide a birthday cake which can be shop-bought by us. Speak to the Houseparent in plenty of time to arrange this. You are very welcome to send a cake in if you would prefer!
Pocket Money
The boys will need a little pocket money for things like going to the cinema, buying sweets, shopping trips etc. The amount is your decision, but it should not exceed £80 per term. This money is the boys' responsibility. They should keep this money safe. Every boarder has a bedside table which is lockable. A coded or key padlock should be brought in if you wish to lock your bedside table.
Healthy And Happy
If your child has a minor ailment such as a cold, they will be seen and cared for by Matron. If we feel they need to see a doctor, they will be taken to the school Medical Centre. We have a GP that comes in four mornings a week, as well as nurses who are available 24/7. If your child is admitted to the Medical Centre, they will keep you updated.
Teeth
The boys are expected to visit their own dentist when at home. However, if this is not possible, we can arrange for them to visit a dentist during term time. Please contact Matron about this.
Laundry
All laundry is sent away once a week. The boys pack their laundry up on Monday evening to go away on Tuesday morning. If your son needs an item laundered due to a muddy puddle incident or similar, Matron will always assist.
Bedding
Duvets, duvet covers, sheets, pillows and pillowcases are provided by the School. However, some boys like to bring in their own so that their bedroom looks cosy and comfy. Bedding is changed fortnightly.
Name Labels
It is absolutely imperative that all of your son's clothing, bedding, bags, electronics and any other personal items are named. It’s so much easier to get things back to them when they are clearly labelled. We understand this takes time, however, less items will go missing if this process is adhered to. Stitched on labels are the best.
Tea Leave
(Going out for tea with a family member or family friend.)
The best evening to do this is a Wednesday. Fixtures allowing, children may be collected at 1700 and bought back to Arran no later than 2000. Saturday afternoon is also a good time. After chapel (1300) to a time that will be communicated with the Houseparent/Assistant Houseparent. Please do give plenty of notice, 48 hours is ideal.
Invitations Out
Boarders sometimes get invited to parties or friends’ houses for the day or a weekend. If the Houseparent receives an invitation for your son, it will be forwarded to you for your permission and we will then happily make the necessary arrangements.
Recommended Leave
After busy school days and even busier weekends the children need a well-earned rest, which is what Recommended Leave is all about. You will find them detailed in the calendar.
Guardianship Policy
Please do make yourself familiar with the school’s Guardian Policy, sent out by the Admissions Team. If you would like it re-sent, please do let us know.
House Values and Aims
Moving Forward Together
We are Arran
We want boys in Arran to have fun and to have an ‘I can’ attitude.
We want to move forward as a family (together) and help the boys become good, honest young men that are ready for the next stage of their education.
We want the boys to build life skills that will benefit them in life.
How
We must be respectful and honest with everyone, work hard, and most importantly, to be kind at all times.
Positive encouragement and togetherness/relationships are what we are about in Arran. Relationships are how life works.
We have four phrases we want to instil; Dream big, laugh lots, live simply and never give up!
If we do these things, we will move forward very effectively. Every boy has a bit of gold in their hearts. Not every boy can be good at everything but every boy can be good at something.
Build relationships, build confidence and create memories for life.
Electronic Devices
Prep School Rules for the use of electronic communication devices in House (to include phones, tablets, laptops):
• Parents and children must ensure that all content and use is age appropriate. This includes films, apps, games and music.
• All devices should be password or PIN protected.
• Devices will normally only be available after pupils have completed their jobs/prepared for the following day in the evening. There is a sign out and sign in sheet. There is a time limit on device time which differs depending on the day.
• Electronics can only be used in common areas.
• Devices will be kept in Arran unless specific permission has been granted by House staff to take them out. If privacy is specifically required, then this should be requested, and a suitable room will be found.
• The devices should be charged in allocated parts of the House only and chargers unplugged after use.
• All devices must be signed in 30 minutes before bed time.
• Breaking of these rules will result in removal of the device for a period of time. Serious breaches or misuse will result in the removal of the device for the remainder of the term. Staff continually monitor pupils device usage.
• If additional electronic devices are sent into school, please let us know.
Matron’s Guide
Where To Sew Labels
Uniform
For jumpers and shirts, sew or write the name into the label on the collar.
For ties, sew the label on to the back of either end.
Top Tip: Sew the label horizontally on the back of the widest part of the tie to create a loop for the thinner end to sit neatly inside.
Games Kit
For tracksuits, polo shirts, shorts and skorts, sew or write the name into the label on the collar or sew the label under the Fettes logo.
For socks, either fold the label in half and sew the loop to the top, or sew the label flat across the sole.
For reversible rugby shirts, sew the label on to the bottom edge.
Don’t forget to label all of your swimming kit. Sew a label on your towel, either write or sew your name on to your bag, write your name on to your hat and sew a label around the strap of your goggles.
Dietary Requirements and Allergies
It is important that you let us know of any dietary requirements and allergies (e.g. halal, vegetarian, vegan, GF, peanuts and legumes etc) so we can pass this on to the Catering Team in the Dining Hall and ensure that we cater appropriately for your child at meals and other events.
Helpful School Information
Fettes College Preparatory School will ensure that our pupils:
• Feel valued and respected as individuals.
• Receive the highest possible quality of education, engaging them in rigorous and relevant opportunities in a dynamic curriculum that creates lifelong learners.
• Feel safe, have a sense of personal worth, are thoughtful and considerate of the needs of others, while p ossessing a willingness to take on responsibility.
• Are encouraged to stretch and challenge themselves.
• Develop a sense of self-confidence, integrity, emotional resilience, loyalty, good manners, leadership skills and teamwork.
• Value a sense of community.
• Are surrounded by inspirational, caring staff.
• Feel represented and are provided with equal opportunities regardless of gender, identity, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity or religion.
• Be well prepared for the transition to the Senior School in all aspects of College life.
School Shop
The Fettes College Shop
The Fettes College Shop is managed by the School and sells all school uniform, sportswear and equipment, academic books, stationery, gift items, toiletries and confectionery. Full details of uniform requirements can be found on the shop website: www.shop.fettes.com. Orders can be managed by phone: +44 (0)131 311 6723 or by email: shop@fettes.com.
During term time, the shop is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm, from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays. Pupils and parents/guardians can purchase items from the shop and charge them to the school bill, the only exceptions being tuck. At the end of each term parents/guardians will receive a detailed invoice with the main school bill.
Heads of Departments make all arrangements for ordering textbooks.
The Thrift Shop
Situated within the main Fettes College Shop, the Thrift Shop offers good quality second hand items of uniform and other clothing.
Further Information
In order to ensure you are up-to-date with all information from Fettes Preparatory School and Arran House, please ensure you have read all information sent to you regarding:
SchoolPost – the email communication system we use
SchoolSport – information on all fixtures and match report
SchoolCalendar – incudes all diary information you may need
You may also want to follow our X accounts:
@FettesPrep and @ArranHouse
Our Facebook account is:
@FettesCollegeFettesPrep
Our Instagram account is:
@fettes.prep
Logging Travel
i-gtm is the system we use to record pupil travel. It is a requirement that we know the whereabouts of our pupils whilst in transit to and from School. This system meets the requirements of our regulators (including Tier IV and Care Inspectorate). It gives parents peace of mind and helps us run an efficient and timely transport system for you and your children.
fettes.i-gtm.com
Fettes College Campus Map
The Fettes App
The Fettes app has been created to help increase parental involvement in the school. It enables you to access all school information from one place including news, calendar, fixtures and SchoolPost.
Once the app is downloaded, here are five tips to get started:
1 When you open the app, you will be presented with options, please select the relevant ones for you and then scroll down and press ‘Save’. You can go back and change this at any time through the ‘Settings’ function.
2 Once you have saved your settings, the app will show our latest news, brought to you from all our so cial media platforms, there is no need for you to be on social media to see these updates.
3 The menu at the top left of the screen gives you access to ‘Useful Links’. This is where you will find the links to the school calendar, term dates, school shop, campus map etc.
4 A link to SchoolPost can b e found within ‘Useful links’ and is also available at the foot of the main news page.
5 When viewing the calendar you will see five magenta boxes at the top of the screen, these will allow you to filter your view. Once you have selected what you would like to view, tap the bottom half of your screen and the filter will be applied.
Safeguarding
Fettes College is dedicated to ensuring that all pupils and staff live together in a safe environment.
All staff at Fettes want you to feel that you are happy and getting the best of the opportunities that this school provides during the time your child is with us. If your child is concerned or worried about anything they can take any issues and concerns to an adult, confident in the knowledge that they will be treated with respect, listened to and the appropriate action taken. We are here to help and support our pupils.
All safeguarding concerns are taken very seriously. If a concern is raised with a member of staff, depending on its nature, it will either be referred to the Houseparent or to a member of the Child Protection Team.
The Chair of Governors and the Governing Body are responsible for overseeing all aspects of safeguarding in the School. Mr Hugh Bruce-Watt is the Governor responsible for safeguarding in the Prep School. Alongside the Headmaster Emma Davies and Dave Hall have responsibility for safeguarding matters in the Prep School.
Mr Dave Hall
Ms Emma Davies
