Statement of Boarding Principles

INTRODUCTION

Downside is a traditional, Catholic, family orientated boarding School, and as such, the values and ideals of the Gospel and the Rule of St. Benedict lie at the heart of the community here. Whilst Downside is a strong academic School, our aim is to develop the character of our boarders and day pupils alike, where the importance of moral courage, integrity and service is emphasised.

AIMS

At Downside we aim to provide a safe, nurturing environment and strong close-knit community where all pupils actively live out the values and aspects of a Benedictine and Catholic education. Pupils have opportunities to develop their faith and spirituality and are guided to encounter Christ throughout all aspects of school life. The experience of living and working together helps pupils to develop personal discipline, active listening and social skills, self awareness, confidence, independence and compassion. Community life affords pupils opportunities to develop deeper cultural understanding and respect for those from different beliefs and traditions and to celebrate diversity. We aim to cultivate a culture of unselfish love, integrity, humility and leadership through service and responsibility. Each pupil is challenged to embrace the numerous academic, sporting and co-curricular opportunities and to contribute purposefully for the benefit of the School and wider community.

PRACTICE

Boarding, whether as a full boarder, or day+ boarder, is an inclusive and progressive community. Boarders are encouraged to embrace and celebrate diversity and to recognise the unique value of each individual. The boarding environment actively promotes mutual respect, Benedictine values, compassion, and concern from the individual and pupils are expected to act with courtesy and good manners at all times.

Downside offers a rich and vibrant co-curricular programme through the week and at weekends to provide opportunities for fun, challenge, celebrations, experience, teamwork, community building and socialising.

The boarding houses at Downside are split as follows:
• Powell House is a home to boys from First to Third Form(Years 7-9).
• Smythe, Roberts and Barlow Houses are home to boys from Fourth to Upper Sixth form (Years 10-13).
• Isabella is home to girls First to Upper Sixth form (Years 7-13).
• Caverel is home to girls Third to Upper Sixth form (Years 9-13).

Each house is run by an experienced pastoral team, led by the House Master or House Mistress (HsM).They are supported by assistant HsMs, tutors and house parents. The Health and Wellbeing Centre supports the pupils and houses. It is staffed by experienced nurses and Health Care Practitioners and runs regular GP surgeries. There are three counsellors offering a range of different support for groups or individuals. Pupils also have access to an independent person. HsMs work closely in partnership with families to give individual, holistic care to each pupil. Downside’s boarding provision is managed by the Senior Leadership Team to ensure consistency and the highest standards in boarding and safeguarding systems, protocols and procedures. Community worship through Mass, retreats, house prayers and Lectio Divina allows pupils to develop their faith and spirituality. The School chaplaincy includes an ordained Chaplain, a lay Chaplain and members of the St Scholastica community. They play a central part in the lives of pupils and the School community, promote service opportunities and raises awareness of the needs of the vulnerable through charity work. Pupil voice plays a crucial part throughout all aspects of the School. Pupils are encouraged to provide feedback and ideas for improving the quality of provision through student voice boxes in each house, prefect meetings, house councils and the School council.