House Handbook by Chris Knight

QMH House Handbook 2021

A M A N D A V I TA , V I TA F R U E N D A LIVE LIFE, LOVE LIFE

Welcome We are delighted that you will be joining us in September and very much look forward to welcoming you for your first official day with us. Welcome to King Edward’s! We appreciate that this can be a daunting experience for both parent and child, this is completely natural when starting something new. We hope that this handbook will give you a greater understanding of life in QMH. It is the heart of the Lower School, a base for the 1st and 2nd Form (Years 7 and 8). Suffice to say, there will be a lot of things in place when you arrive to ensure you settle happily and quickly begin to feel that QMH is an extension to your family home. Once you get going and are involved in all of the fun that comes with school life, from fun activities, making friends and trying new experiences you will soon forget the butterflies you may have fluttering around. We have no doubt that you may have questions that are not answered here, so please do contact us via the email address listed in this handbook.

Mr Andrade & Ms Withers HOUSEMASTER AND HOUSEMISTRESS

Contents

KEY PEOPLE

FOOD

WELLBEING

GLOSSARY

WORK

HOUSE COMPETITION

THE HOUSE

GOING OUT

THE LAST WORD

WHERE AND WHEN

ENTERTAINMENT

DAY BOYS AND GIRLS 8

STAYING IN TOUCH

STAYING OVER

YOUR STUFF

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

Key People PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP YOU IN THE HOUSE

Housemaster & Housemistress Mr Andrade & Ms Withers

Assistant Housemistress Mrs Thorpe

Matron Ms Ward

Mr Andrade (Head of Lower School) and Ms Withers live in QMH with their three children, Juliet, Felicity and Eloise. They are joined by Aggie (their gentle Labrador), as well as Dandelion and Cucumber (the two House guinea pigs, can you guess their favourite foods?)

Mrs Thorpe also lives in QMH along with her three girls, Alice, Lily and Harriet. They are the proud and loving owners of Mini, a gorgeous Cavachon.

Ms Ward is the fabulous Matron within QMH. If you ever need a smile to cheer you up matron is the one to turn to. Always on hand to help and support. A valuable person to have on your side to support you with anything from a bump to getting sports kit through the wash in double quick time!

Email: Andradej@kesw.org Office Phone: 01428 686371

Mrs Thorpe is a teacher of Geography and also a QMH tutor. “I love being able to support our pupils in a more holistic manner outside of the classroom; it’s always great being able to spend time chatting in the evening and planning weekend trips.”

House tutors We are also lucky enough to have a fantastic team of tutors, one of whom will come into the House each evening to supervise Prep and the evening routine. Boys and girls will also be allocated an academic tutor who will act as a key liaison between House, academic staff and home and should be the first port of call for all academic matters.

House Management Team Within QMH we have the prestigious positions of head of House. This is taken on by those in 2nd Form (Year 8). They are able to impart their knowledge and experience and are wonderful if you are looking for a new classroom or need a bit of guidance. However, if you have just started and are looking for some responsibility there are plenty of opportunities. This ranges across a number of different councils and committees. This all allows for you to have you voice heard and opinions expressed.

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

Glossary KEY TERMS USED IN SCHOOL Acky TV and other rooms shared between paired House pupils. Short for ‘activity room’.

Culmer The playing field opposite the back of Tudor and Edward.

Heart Grass area outside the senior Houses where the big pond is.

HsM Housemaster/mistress.

KESW King Edward School Witley.

KESPA King Edward School Parent’s Association. Each House has a parent representative.

Lower Gurdon’s The middle field between Upper Gurdon’s and Culmer.

Mufti Day A school day when you can wear your own clothes.

Noshing This is the name given to the duty of tidying up the Dining Hall at the end of each meal. Each House does a week in turn. The Head of House draws up and displays a rota for the week, where two girls/boys are named to clear up after each meal that week.

Prep A quiet time set aside each week day for pupils to do their homework.

Quad The courtyard between the Selborne Room and the School Reception.

Roll call A time where all pupils in each House must meet the House staff on duty to be registered.

Snicket Path The footpath that runs up between the main school grounds and the astro/residential area.

Tea The evening meal provided in the Dining Room.

Tuck The snacks provided by the kitchens for the evenings.

Upper Gurdon’s The large playing field where the sports pavilion is.

White Box The box (which is actually blue) of tuck that is collected each night from the Dining Room.

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

The House ROOMS, FACILITIES & SYSTEMS Day room This is a lounge area for all the children, it is also the room that roll calls take place. You will find plenty of sofas, and places to relax. There is also a PS4 and a big TV screen, that is also used for movie nights.

Common rooms The boys and girls have separate common rooms, but are welcome to move between the two. Here they have their own kitchen, more about that in the ‘Food’ section, and lounge room where they can play pool, or on the Wii and enjoy each other’s company. There are plenty of things to do, but suggestions for new ideas are always welcome.

The Prep room is exactly that. It is a quiet space in QMH where pupils can come and do their Prep, during break and lunch or after School on Tuesday and Thursdays during their designated Prep times.

The music room is open to all Lower School pupils, regardless of talent. Here, they can practice, learn or just try one of the many instruments on offer with friends or by themselves before and after School.

Changing rooms and lockers Within QMH there is both a boys and a girls changing room, with space to store sports equipment. As well as this there are plenty of lockers throughout the House for storage of additional school equipment, children are more than welcome to also bring a padlock if they wish (combination locks advised).

Bedrooms Dormitories are a big part of the experience of QMH, within the dorms you each have a bed with cupboards underneath, shelves and a wardrobe. You also have a pinboard on the wall (you can get drawing pins from Matron or Mr Andrade), on which you can stick posters, timetables or anything else you want to. You have a responsibility to look after your room and keep it tidy. You will be expected to make your bed daily, tidy your area, change sheets as well as some additional responsibilities before you head up to your dorms. To keep your valuables safe, you each have a lockable cupboard.

Matron’s room This is where you will find your laundry and have access to first aid and someone to help you out with any domestic matters in the House. For the Lower School, this is where phones are handed in first thing in the morning and collected from at the end of the day.

Staff There is always a member of staff on duty in QMH; the main notice board in the foyer lists the duty rotas for House staff. A Matron will be present at key times of the day and the duty phone is held by a member of House staff 24 hours a day to allow you to get through to one of us if you need us.

House funds The House is given a budget to go towards things like the cost of newspapers, House games equipment, occasional social events, accidental damage, and for other items that are requested or required during the year. You will be able to give suggestions as to how they are used and, if you hold a position of responsibility, make the decisions on purchases and events on behalf of the House.

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

Where & when SCHOOL AND HOUSE ROUTINES House opening and closing times Every weekday, the house doors open when Matron comes on duty; the doors will be open at 07:00 each morning to allow you to get to breakfast on time. At the weekend, the House doors will open at 08:00 for Saturday and 10:00 on Sunday. The House will be locked at 20:30 every day, Matron and the member of staff on duty will guide you with this, as it is easy to get caught up playing on the grounds around QMH!

Key times in the day It is really important to ensure that you are in the right place at the right time. Every weekday, roll call is held in the day room at 08:20 and 18:45. This is a time when the register is taken and any notices for the day are given out. You also have the chance to raise any points of your own during these meetings, so it is a valuable time for all the House to meet and exchange information. At 08:35 each weekday, you are expected to be in either tutor group, assembly or Chapel depending on which day of the week it is. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are on time for all school commitments, any wake-ups or reminders we give around the House are a courtesy; you must make sure you manage your own timetable effectively.

Times you are not allowed in QMH You are allowed in the House at all times that you are not in lessons. You must make sure therefore that when you leave QMH, you have all the equipment and books that you require until you are allowed to return. If you return to QMH between lessons, this is not permitted and will make you late for lessons, possibly resulting in a House sanction if you make a habit of this.

WEEKDAYS

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Wake up

07:00

08:00

09:00

Breakfast

07:30 to 07:50

08:30—08:50

In House from 09:30

Morning roll call

08:20

09:20

10:15 (or 11:15 if late Chapel)

Tutor group/chapel

08:30

Morning activities

10:30 or 19:00 (Chapel)

Lunch

13:10 to 13:50

12:30 to 13:00

(Brunch) 11:30 to 12:00

Activities

16:15 to 17:15

Supper

17:45 to 18:15

17:30 to 18:30

Evening roll call

18:45

18:45 (or 19:15 if late Chapel)

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

WEEKDAYS & SUNDAY In House

Upstairs

lights out

1st Form

18:45

20:30

21:15

2nd Form

18:45

20:45

21:30

Bedtimes Each year has a different bedtime to ensure that they get an adequate amount of sleep and that there is space in the bathroom facilities for all pupils to complete their ablutions. 1st Form go to bed first at 21:15 with the 2nd Form going slightly later. This continues to increase as they go up through the School. Saturdays, are often slightly later, with the later evening being rounded off with a film before heading up to bed.

Weekends During the weekend, pupils have activities on Saturday mornings from 09:30 until 12:30, after roll call at 09:20. Those in sports teams may also have matches at the weekends which will follow their own schedule. After lunch, pupils may visit either Godalming or Guildford by taking the train from Witley station. At the beginning of Autumn Term, all boarding pupils will go with staff for a supervised trip to town to familiarise themselves with the rail systems and the locations of stations etc. Pupils have to travel and remain in groups of three for safety reasons. QMH pupils will be accompanied by a member of staff, however as they enter the senior section of the School they see the duty House staff for a town pass after lunch and check back in on their return. There is a roll call as usual on Saturday evening and then the evening routine is shifted 15 minutes later for all year groups to give a little more leisure time (this may increase further as mentioned earlier). On Sunday, breakfast is held in the House from 09:00 and brunch is held in the Dining Room at 11:30. There is a Chapel service every Sunday, either in the morning before brunch or after evening roll call, depending on the Chapel event. Roll call on Sunday morning is at either 10:15 for a morning Chapel, or 19:15 for an evening Chapel. Sunday is set aside as a rest day, however, there are plenty of activities available within QMH on offer along with House staff offering dog walks and additional outdoor classroom sessions.

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

Day pupils W H AT I S AVA I L A B L E F O R YO U All of the facilities in QMH are for day and boarders alike.

Sports kit You have a locker space allocated to you for your sports kit. This is lockable with a padlock and these can be obtained from Matron or Mr Andrade. It is your responsibility to ensure that you lock your padlock to keep everything safe.

School bags and books There is a room allocated to you next to the kitchen. You have a locker space to use, the locker is lockable with a padlock to keep your books and personal items secure. It is your responsibility to keep your belongings in a tidy state and to keep them safely in your locker. The locker room also has some desk space for working, should you need to do so outside of lesson times.

Tutor time

Absences If your child is sick or unable to attend school on a particular day, you must inform the School as soon as possible. For routine medical or dental appointments, please send Mr Andrade an email. If your child is sick, either call the school office or email Mrs Thompson copying in Mr Andrade.

When you start in September (or perhaps later in the year), you will join a tutor group and will be guided through your academic life by one of our QMH tutors. There are three sessions a week currently running Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Monday and Friday are an opportunity for a chapel as well as a themed assembly.

ThompsonL@kesw.org AndradeJ@kesw.org

Within tutor time to begin with you will be guided through important material. This includes e-safety and anti-bullying but develops into teaching you learning strategies and study skills. Most importantly though, it provides you with consistent time in the morning with a member of staff who will help you with anything related to school life.

Parking Etiquette

Break time During morning break, the kitchen is open for all pupils to get a snack between Period 2 and 3. Toast and hot drinks are provided for all pupils, but please remember that the boarders contribute separately for the other food provided (ham and cheese etc.), so this is not for your consumption in break.

Activities You are expected to attend House games each Friday from 16:15 to 17:15. This is usually football on the Astro or one of the playing fields, but may be other sports during the Spring or Summer Terms.

The number of pupils being dropped off or picked up in the morning can be high. For this reason rather than stopping in front of QMH as you come through the gates please move and park around the side of the building, or park within the bays.

Prep We want as many people as possible to make use of the House for Prep in the evenings. There is always a tutor on duty who can help you with work. Check the notice boards to see who is on Prep duty to see if you would like help in their subject.

House events With events such as House Drama and House Music, rehearsals for these do not fit into the school day, so tend to happen in the evening. You will be given times by the House Management Team for these rehearsals so that you can plan accordingly to stay for them.

Roll call and finishing time Roll call is at 08:20 each morning, you should be at roll call every day. If you miss roll call for any reason, then you need to go the School Reception to sign in there. The school day finishes after activities and you can go home from 17:15.

Rewards (and Sanctions) The emphasis is very much work should be done for the benefit of a pupils learning and a good standard of work is a great reward in itself. However, it is also great to be recognised. The main mechanism is via distinctions. This automatically alerts your tutor, so be prepared for them to provide an additional congratulations. Less on the sanctions, but a similar process is in place, where relevant members of staff are alerted and may catch you for a discussion at the very minimum.

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

Staying over G E T T I N G A TA ST E O F B OA R D I N G Occasional boarding You are allowed to stay over in the House at any point, provided that we have space. It is a great way to get more involved in the life of the School and have a chance to spend more time with your friends. To do this, your parents or guardians need to contact the Housemaster with dates and he will confirm arrangements with them. You can only stay over if your parents or guardians have prearranged your stay. You will be allocated a bed space and are allowed to use this in the same way that a boarder would for the duration of your stay. You are allowed to stay for more than one night, but there is a limit to the number of ‘Occasional Boarding’ nights that you can stay in a year; you are only allowed 25 nights before you must have permission from the Head. You must sign an Occasional Boarding Slip, the Housemaster will sort this out with you. When you are staying in the House, you must follow all the rules that apply to boarders, so your technology will be handed in before you head up to bed.

School trips When there is a large school trip that leaves early in the morning, people tend to want to stay over the night before. We will try to find space for everyone who wants to stay, but it is best to make arrangements early if you wish to secure a bed. Trips of this sort are the overnight trips to continental Europe, such as the trip to Ypres or ski trips, which can leave at 05:30 in the morning at times.

School events When we have late events at School, such as the Christmas Dinner, you may wish to stay afterwards so that you can take full advantage of the party and social events. As before, please book this in plenty of time so that space can be guaranteed for you.

Advice from Matron regarding belongings and appearance: All clothing and shoes must be clearly marked with names tapes, including casual clothes, making them easier to return if lost. All items of uniform must conform to the list in the Parent Guide. Please bring spare name labels or a marking pen in case any are lost or items are bought/ replaced over the school year. All clothes should be machine washable and tumble drier safe. Ensure that your hair is regulation length and colour. Manners go a long way, so stand up tall and remember your Ps and Qs.

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

Food S C H O O L F O O D , S P E C I A L A R R A N G E M E N T S & TA K E - O U T School meals The school catering is very varied and of good quality. The menus are published in advance and you can find a copy on the House notice boards as well as in the refectory and on the school website. School lunches are compulsory. Pupils on trips or sports fixtures will have packed lunches ordered for them. Day pupils are welcome to come to breakfast and stay late for supper.

Your say Our school catering company is very keen to accommodate new ideas and suggestions; pupils have an opportunity to voice their opinions on the food offered by the catering team, and the catering committee meetings held once every half term. Each House provides a representative to be on this committee.

Extras There is a coffee shop on site called the Piccadilly Café. This serves hot and cold drinks and a range of snacks. The coffee shop is open every weekday and at the weekends for shorter hours. Pupils are allowed to make use of the coffee shop during free times.

In-House kitchen facilities QMH have 2 kitchens, one on the boys side and one on the girls, like the common rooms pupils often move between the two. The House kitchens are well-equipped and have a ‘White Box’ of food delivered daily which contains bread and butter, milk and fruit, cheese and ham, jam, biscuits etc. on different days of the week. The kitchens are open at break times, after prep and at the weekends. They are available at certain other times of the day, but will be closed at meal times and during Prep. It is everyone’s responsibility to clear up after using the kitchen so that it is left ready for the next person to use it.

Food in rooms Hot drinks, cooked food and toast are not allowed in rooms; there is a dining table downstairs as well as picnic benches and food may be eaten in the rooms around the kitchen.

Personal food Food may be bought from town at a weekend, but it is worth noting that there is limited room to store perishable items, and that too much food in a room can be viewed as an attraction to others or unwanted guests. Trading of food is not allowed.

On the weekend There are numerous different options on the weekend for food, this ranges from the great KESway (takeaway style food on Saturday evening), to a full brunch on Sunday. However, on top of this there is the opportunity to order in should you wish. Most liked by the boarders are the additional trips into town and the local supermarkets, where they can collaboratively choose some ingredients to bake or make a particular meal in house (Mr Andrade always seems to be on hand if a carrot cake has been made!).

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

Work P R E P, R O U T I N E S & R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S Learning at King Edward’s Learning happens both during timetabled lessons and study hours and through participation in a range of school activities. Extra-curricular activities enable you to develop your interests, and everyday life at King Edward’s teaches you about getting on with people, whether they are pupils, teachers or other staff who live and work here. Personal responsibility for study and achievement is encouraged from the beginning of your school career. The staff will guide and encourage you, but you are ultimately responsible for your own learning and personal progress. During your time at King Edward’s you will learn about time management. Using a study diary will help you to do this. Study tasks should be completed punctually. In time, you will discover the pattern of study that suits you best. Study hours are an important part of training; you must think ahead and organise yourself, so that you do not disturb other pupils in any way. Take advantage of the Library and information technology facilities on offer at King Edward’s. Respect the rules about behaviour in the Library in your study room or study bedroom when working.

Organising your time The habits and attitudes developed at School remain with us for the rest of our lives. Tutors and other staff will help you to develop your study skills. You will work with your Tutor to set targets for your learning. This is part of the tutorial programme. Organising the time outside lessons is the key to success. Study is the time for individual silent work. Outside study, you may want to work with others on projects, revision etc. Be sure to ask for help and advice if you have any difficulties with organising your time or developing good study habits.

Study regulations 1st Formers are eased into their Prep, to begin with the focus is building friendships and orientating themselves to the school site. You will be given notice when Prep is to start along with a Prep timetable and some guidance on expectations. Prep is completed as mixture of at home and at School. Within the Lower School there are scheduled Prep times which typically run in the ‘activity slot’ on Tuesday and Thursday from 16.15—17.15. This provides an opportunity for pupils to get home and concentrate on reading or extension work, knowing they have had a designated Prep slot on those day. During Prep, children are supervised and the expectation is that children work in silence, so that there is no distraction. That being said staff are on hand to answer questions if they arise, or provide guidance on additional work should prep be completed within the allotted time. Pupils wishing to work together (in small groups) on projects, discussions, revision, etc. should arrange to do this before/after Prep or with permission of a member of staff. Group work should not be done during silent study time.

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

Going out OTHER HOUSES, TOWN, HOME, OR ELSEWHERE Free time Free time is spent around QMH or with a visit to Piccadilly or ‘Breakout’. There is plenty to do including the facilities within the House, or use of football goals, the netball/basketball courts. Within the summer term, Mr Andrade is often seen playing a quick game of cricket before his next lesson.

WHAT I WILL NEED TO KNOW FROM YOUR PARENTS/ GUARDIANS:

Signing out



WHEN YOU ARE LEAVING AND HOW.



WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO



WHEN YOU WILL BE BACK AND HOW.

Whenever you leave QMH, you must sign out and back in when you return. This is essential for knowing who is where in the event of a fire or other problem.

Town leave On Saturday or Sunday you will be allowed to visit the local towns (Guildford and Godalming) after your town induction on the first weekend. 1st and 2nd Form do this supervised by the member of staff on duty in QMH. Guildford is 16 minutes by train, with a five minute walk from School to the station, Godalming is less than ten minutes by train.

Weekends You are allowed out for weekends, although if you are a boarder it is expected that you will be in School for most of the weekends during the term, as that is the main point of boarding.

Pocket money Once the term has started, boarders do not need a great deal of money but we are happy to keep pocket money for boarders and issue them with funds as and when they are needed.

Sleep-overs It is possible to arrange a sleep-over in another dorm. This is done by asking your duty member of House staff. They will confirm with each other and let you know if it is OK at that time (it may not always be possible to do).

School boundaries You will make use of the playing fields and other areas of the School, but you will need to be given permission to do so. In the Summer Term you are allowed to make more use of the grounds, but during the wetter months of the year the grounds staff work hard to keep the pitches and grassed areas in good condition so you will be asked to keep off these areas.

Care for the House It must be remembered that living with lots of other people, can at times, be challenging. so there are clear rules in place, including charters to guide behaviour in the first instance. In essence it is about mutual respect for one another, whilst learning that we are all responsible for the things we do as well as the things we say. The building is beautiful and so it is important that facilities are treated in a sensible manner. Both during the week and on the weekends.

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

Key 1 2

DINING HALL (EAT HERE!) COUNTESS OF MUNSTER MUSIC SCHOOL (MAKE MUSIC HERE!) 3 PICCADILLY CAFÉ (SNACKS HERE!) 4 NORTH SIDE CLASSROOMS 5 NORTH SIDE IT 6 QUAD 7 ART DEPARTMENT - SOUTH SIDE 8 SEWING ROOM 9 LIBRARY AND ICT 10 CHAPEL (ASSEMBLIES HERE!) 11 MEDICAL CENTRE

12 QUEEN MARY HOUSE (QMH—OUR BASE!) 13 CHARTER HALL 14 DESIGN TECHNOLOGY 15 BUSINESS AND FINANCE CENTRE/MATHS 16 MUSIC RECORDING STUDIO 17 WARBURG SCIENCE SCHOOL 18 HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE CENTRE 19 NETBALL AND TENNIS COURTS 20 SPORTS COMPLEX AND SWIMMING POOL 21 CRICKET PAVILLION

22 CRICKET NETS 23 ASTRO 24 OLD RIDLEY & ST BRIDGET’S HOUSE 25 ELIZABETH HOUSE 26 WAKEFIELD HOUSE 27 EDWARD HOUSE 28 TUDOR HOUSE 29 RIDLEY HOUSE 30 GRAFTON HOUSE 31 THE HEART 32 ESTATES OFFICE 33 LAUNDRY

ENTRANCES A MAIN ENTRANCE B GURDON’S LANE ENTRANCE PARKING AREAS C D E F G

FRONT DRIVE MAIN CAR PARK OVERSPILL CAR PARK QUEEN MARY HOUSE (QMH) GURDON’S LANE

THE HOUSE DOORS ARE OPENED AT 07:00 ON WEEKDAYS, WE DO NOT ARRANGE EARLIER OPENING TIMES; IF A PUPIL NEEDS TO LEAVE EARLIER THAN THIS IN THE MORNING THEN THEY WILL NEED TO LEAVE SCHOOL THE NIGHT BEFORE AND STAY OFF-SITE FOR THE NIGHT TO FACILITATE AN EARLY START

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

Entertainment IN-HOUSE, SCHOOL EVENTS & FURTHER AFIELD Permanent facilities in QMH QMH has a number of rooms assigned to fixed activities. The common rooms are designated as ‘boys’ and ‘girls’. For the majority of the time pupils are able to float across the two and self regulate within their own friendships. However, on occasions children like some quiet time with a particular group. This is never a problem and it allows us to provide an invitation policy into the prospective common rooms so they can use the space in a tailored way or for a particular event. Both common rooms have a pool table, chairs and table as well as an adjoining kitchen. There are notice boards in there as well. Fundamentally though, if pupils wish to tailor the space or request additional items, they are more them welcome to do so with permission. The common rooms also have a television, sofas, DVD player and access to additional seating. The music room has an electric piano, guitars, amplifier and a cajon drum available for your use. You can use this at any time during the day. You do not need to be a musician to use this room, it is there for you if you just want to try the instruments. We have a Playstation 4 set up as well as a Wii with games but this is only for after School and at the weekend. However, wherever possible Mr Andrade will promote the wonderful outdoor space that is available.

School programmes The main entertainment events are the House Drama and music evenings. But there is an extensive range of music events both in and out of School. The Music Department organises a fantastic series of concerts throughout the year, culminating in the ‘Proms on the Heart’, a night of music and singing, with an accompanying BBQ held at the end of the Summer Term. Trips are open to anyone who wishes to attend (with the exception of age-limited events). Theatre and lecture trips are also offered by teaching departments, these are often targeted for curriculum enrichment.

Christmas dinner Christmas dinner is the largest of the formal House meals during the year and we have a party at QMH!

Activities programme There is a diverse co-curricular programme in which all pupils are required to participate. Activities run six days a week and range from sports teams to Asian cookery. Pupils select a range of these each term.

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

Staying in touch F O R B O A R D E R S , W I T H H O M E , FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S Contacting home You can contact home whenever you wish, so long as you’re not in the middle of a school commitment or required to be doing something else at the time. We would suggest that contact is of a frequency where you can keep in touch, but that you can get on with life in the House as much as possible. It is possible for pupils to call using Mr Andrade’s office phone, they can ask him at any point for this and he will give them privacy while they do so.

Email All pupils are assigned a school email address when they arrive and they will keep this until they leave the School. They are allowed to use their own email addresses as well and can access these using the school network connections.

Letter-writing Because most, if not all, pupils work almost exclusively electronically, we do not operate a policy of letter-writing. However, it is possible to write or send packages to the House. To write to the House, the address is; Queen Mary House King Edward’s Witley Petworth Road Godalming Surrey GU8 5SG

Mobile phones Mobile phones are allowed but there are rules governing their use in the School; Phones are not allowed at any time in the Chapel, library or Dining Hall. Phones are not allowed during lesson times unless instructed by a teacher to make use of them. All technology is taken in and locked away overnight for 1st and 2nd Form to allow a good night’s sleep. If there is any breach of these, or any of the other school rules governing use of phones or IT, then the phone may be confiscated and the pupil may be subject to a sanction.

Contacting the House You can contact the House at any point, the simplest way is to call Mr Andrade’s office phone and leave a message if he is not there. He tends to be very busy during the day, so may not get straight back to you, but if you leave a message and/or an email, he will call you back as soon as he is able to.

Email: Andradej@kesw.org

Office Phone: 01428 686371

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

Your stuff W H AT YO U C A N B R I N G A N D H OW TO K E E P I T SA F E Clothing All clothes should be clearly labelled either with the House number and/ or name and should be kept tidily in the drawers in the bedroom or lockers in changing room. Unmarked property is more likely to go missing. It is advisable not to bring to School too many own (non-uniform) clothes, as storage space is restricted, as well as expensive items of clothing or equipment.

Lost property If any item is lost it should be reported to Matron or the Housemaster. It is important that boys and girls do not borrow items belonging to another child without their permission; if this does happen, then it will be regarded as theft and the offender will be dealt with accordingly.

Laundry The collection and distribution of laundry is supervised by Matron, with the help of a Matron’s Prefect. Children are asked to cooperate by changing laundry regularly and when required. A sample timetable is seen below. Monday

Shirts, pants & socks, sports kit, towels

Tuesday a.m.

Sheets, towels, pillow-cases

Tuesday p.m.

Own clothes

Wednesday

Shirts, pants & socks, sports kit, towels

Fridays

Pants & socks, sports kit, towels

Fortnightly

Duvet covers are changed

be properly insured. Large sums of money should not under any circumstance be left in pupils rooms, even if they believe it is well hidden or locked away.

Luggage All luggage, cases and bags are stored in the Trunk Room, which is kept locked by Matron until departure at the end of term and half term. It is advisable to bring a small bag or holdall for short visits away from School at other times.

Electrical equipment For safety reasons electrical equipment, such as kettles, heaters, irons should not be brought to School. Matron has an iron should boys and girls wish to press any clothes. Children may bring a speaker system to School, but must be sensible about its use. Loud music is prohibited and will result in the loss of this privilege.

Computers Children are responsible for these if they bring them to School; the School cannot take responsibility for accidental damage. Laptop lockers are provided in the House for their secure storage.

In School you are expected to be smartly dressed. School uniform should be worn correctly at all times, with top shirt buttons done up and shirts tucked in. Reports of persistent untidiness will result in a loss of privileges – for example town leave. If uniform is torn or damaged it should be taken to the sewing room by the owner, to be repaired. It is worth noting that uniform is worn to breakfast, and that lunch is considered to be a formal meal – so unless you have permission, from a team coach for example, uniform is to be worn smartly at this time too. At QMH, you may wear home clothes in the evenings and at weekends. A mixture of home clothes and uniform is not allowed.

Keeping your stuff safe Small amounts of money or valuables can be lodged with Mr Andrade, but as a general rule, it is advisable to keep larger sums of money in a bank account. If children do keep money in the House, they must ensure it is locked away, either in a tuck box or in the lockable cupboards provided. Lost money is impossible to trace and cannot be replaced. It is advisable not to bring valuables to School - if they are, then they need to

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

Wellbeing YO UR PH YS IC A L A ND E MOT IO NA L H EA LT H Illness If you are feeling unwell while in the House, you should go to see Matron. If Matron is unavailable, you can either speak to another member of the House staff, or go direct to the Medical Centre. If it is during lesson or activity times, then you will need to ask your teacher for permission first and they will give you a note to take with you, authorising you to be out of lessons. The Medical Centre is staffed with experienced nursing staff and we have a visiting GP, and counsellor available by appointment.

"It is a big place to come to. My best piece of advice is there is always someone to talk to if you want. the 2nd formers are always big help, they have all been through it and know some of the worries you might be feeling when you start"

If you are ill, then you will stay overnight in the Medical Centre until you are well enough to return to the house. The Medical Centre is quiet and comfortable and you will have meals there rather than in the Dining Hall while you are staying.

Personal medications All personal medications must be given to the Medical Centre for checking and safekeeping. It is not allowed for pupils to self-medicate. This is done so that there is no unsecured medication around the House, but also so that any staff taking trips are aware of pupils requirements and possible sensitivities.

Chaplain The Chaplain, Rev. James Radcliffe, is available to all pupils who wish to see him about spiritual or emotional matters. He has an office in the main building and pupils can see him at any time that he is available. As with all things, it is advisable to arrange a time in advance to ensure that he is in when you need him. The School holds Chapel services 3 days a week and there are other chances for worship during the week in addition.

Matron Matron is present during the week to help out with any concerns that children may have in their day-to-day life in the House.

School Counsellor The School has a designated Counsellor to help deal with any issues or troubles pupils may face. Vanessa Edworthy is a fully qualified and experienced lead counsellor with over 18 years’ experience working in education. Counselling is available to all pupils. The Counsellor can be contacted through Firefly (the internal school network) or by using the email address counselling@kesw.org, pupils can self refer or be referred by staff or parents. All sessions are private and confidential, within the usual requirements of safeguarding and child protection policy.

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

"QMH is place to find and be yourself. Embrace who you are, and others will as well."

Matron

House competition SHOWING THE SCHOOL HOW GOOD WE ARE Lower school—Interhouse competitions Within the Lower school, pupils compete in interhouse competitions. As they are all based within QMH they are ‘sorted’ into two Houses either Bowen or White. Competitions include sporting competitions (football, hockey, swimming etc.), but can vary depending on current events and national days, for example we run a ‘House poetry’ competition. Each individual event may have rewards and prizes attached to it, but all the events will go towards the ‘House cup’ awarded at the end of the year. In the senior part of the School, from Year 9 upwards this varies slightly. For some additional examples of House competitions see below, for each of these QMH do a version which suits the Lower School:

House Drama The first half of the Autumn Term is given to the House Drama contest; each paired house must choose, cast, stage and deliver a thirty-minute play as part of a night of entertainment. Prizes are awarded and the points go towards the Cock House Cup.

House Music The first half of the Spring Term goes to preparing House Music, in which the House must choose, orchestrate and perform a series of musical numbers that showcase the talents of the House both musically and in terms of its directing and production. There is a solo section, vocal and instrumental performances and a whole-house group number that involves both singing and dance.

House Sports Throughout the year there are a series of House sports competitions. Each event also contributes to the House points tally for the Cock House Cup. The sports are the main seasonal team games; football, hockey, cricket, tennis etc.

Sports Day This takes place at the end of the Summer Term and sees both the current pupils and some of the leavers returning to compete in a series of track and field events. You are expected to take part or to support QMH, as with other events, House points are on offer.

Swimming The House Gala takes place in the Autumn term. This is a hotly-contested event which really pulls the House together.

Academic points As well as the sporting events, points are also awarded for the academic success of the House. The effort grades awarded by each teacher for each pupil are averaged to produce an overall grade for the House and the House’s rank compared to the other Houses generate points towards the Cock House Cup.

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

Life in QMH HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR

QMH HOUSE HANDBOOK

The Last Word Whilst you are a pupil at our School, we will safeguard and promote your welfare at all times. Every member of staff throughout the entire School has a duty of care in this, and you should feel able to speak to anyone about anything which is worrying you. Some staff are especially appointed to be responsible for Safeguarding and you can contact them whenever you need to. Over the two years in QMH children are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and to have diverse interests with traditional manners. They continue to grow into successful young people who are honest, confident, caring towards others, courageous, kind, resilient and with a profound sense of integrity and responsibility which they can then take through into the senior section of the School.

Mr Andrade & Ms Withers HOUSEMASTER & HOUSEMISTRESS

King Edward’s Witley, Petworth Rd, Godalming, Surrey GU8 5SG t +44 (0)1428 686700 e info@kesw.org w www.kesw.org