Welcome to Forest,2018-19.

EPSOMCOLLEGE.ORG.UK/FOREST-HOUSE

Welcome and who’s who......................... 4

Life in your House................................. 8

Your room ......................................... 12

Visitors to your House........................... 15

Food and drink.................................... 16

Daily life at Epsom ............................... 18

Being away from Epsom......................... 28

Medical information ............................. 32

Your safety and security ......................... 34

Uniform and appearance ........................ 38

Academic information and support ........... 42

What we expect of you.......................... 47

Term dates ......................................... 48

Contact details .................................... 50

College map ....................................... 52

House colours..................................... 54

FOREST HOUSE | 02

Contents

03 | FOREST HOUSE

I live in Forest House and am responsible for the overall welfare of all the Forest boys, including pastoral and academic. I will also be the main link between the College and your parents.

I arrived at Epsom in 2005 having taught in two previous Schools and took over Forest House in 2011. I teach Mathematics throughout all year groups and coach U14A girls’ Hockey, U16 Football and Senior Cricket. I love music, and sing in the Chapel Choir as well as play the piano in various concerts as part of the staff band.

My other great passion in life is snowboarding and have been on numerous School trips - I would urge you to go on one if possible.

I live with my wife Lucie and daughters Ella, 12, and Hattie, 10.

Our Matron, Yvette Tolson is responsible for much of the day to day running of the House. She will be a very important figure during your time in Forest and a massive support in everything you do.

We also have a great housekeeping team in Janet, Heidi, Sam and Peggy, all of whom have a big input into the pastoral care of the boys.

MR JIM STEPHENS, YOUR HOUSEMASTER

MRS YVETTE TOLSON, HOUSE MATRON

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Welcome and who’s who

05 | FOREST HOUSE

WELCOME TO FOREST HOUSE

I am sure you will be feeling excited about joining us, and possibly a little nervous too. Please don’t worry. It is entirely normal to feel some nerves, and to have all manner of questions.

We’ve seen many hundreds of boys join us over the years. They may start a little nervously, but in no time each settles into life here, contributes a great deal to our community, and ultimately leaves Epsom College confident and assured.

This Handbook has been written to help answer any questions you may have, and to introduce you to life in your new House.

Every pupil joining Epsom is given a House. This is not just a building, but a place that you can call your own, where you will be part of a community of friends, fellow pupils and staff.

The Forest community is built on friendship, loyalty and mutual respect and trust. I, and every member of our community, look forward to welcoming you this September.

YOUR HOUSE TUTORS

Each House Tutor is responsible for a group of pupils in a specific year group. They meet with their year group regularly each week.

House Tutors provide you with support and will monitor your academic progress throughout your time here (see page 45 for more information).

UPPER FOURTHMr Sebastian Johns Music teacher

UPPER SIXTHMr Stephen Hibbit Mathematics teacher

FIFTH FORMMr Paul Henson Academic Support teacher

MIDDLE FOURTHMr David Nuthall Geography teacher

LOWER SIXTHMr Jonny Bailey Deputy Boarding Housemaster, Head of Lower Sixth and Economics teacher

Welcome and who’s who

FOREST HOUSE |06

HEAD OF HOUSE: MICHAELMAS TERM

Ebube Anyanechi

MIDDLE FOURTH PREFECTS

Matthew GreenJames MumbyFinlay Price

UPPER FOURTH PREFECTS

Luke NesbitGuy Peppiatt

FIFTH FORM PREFECT

Benjamin Man

HOUSE PREFECTS

Cameron EwinsPak Lam HuiGrigory KolpakovGeorge WangWilliam Zhao

07 | FOREST HOUSE

The Head of House and House Prefects are essential to the smooth running of the House. Each receives training for their role, and is expected to abide by the Prefect’s Charter.

The duties and responsibilities of Prefects are to:

completing their routine duties

enabling students to have a voice

standards within the House

community

culture’ and respect for each other that exists in the House

If you ever feel unhappy with the way you’re treated by a Prefect, you should report it to your Housemaster, your Tutor or Matron.

HEAD OF HOUSE AND HOUSE PREFECTS

THE KITCHENS

The kitchens provide facilities for making drinks and snacks. Tea, coffee and sugar are available, while bread, butter and milk are delivered daily. You are also provided with snacks for break in the morning and mid-afternoon and we have a plumbed in water cooler. We have kettles, toasters, two ovens, an induction hob, a microwave and even a George Foreman grill.

The House also comes provided with three fridges, a freezer and a dishwasher. Everything you could need, in other words. Full boarders may make use of the kitchens at weekends, but during the week all meals are served in the Dining Hall. There is a quiet room off to the side of the Kitchen where Middle Fourth pupils will do their Prep.

THE LAUNDRY ROOM

The Laundry Room houses a washing machines and a tumble dryer, as well as ironing facilities. All pupils are expected and encouraged to use the School laundry, which provides an excellent service – cleaning and ironing in 24 hours. Matron will happily wash more delicate items or things that need a really quick turnaround in Forest.

The House provides all bedding and the laundry washes bed linen. Sheet change is on a Tuesday and the boys are expected to strip their own beds and remake them with the clean bed linen provided.

THE TV ROOM

TheTV Room is the focal point of the House. Here registration takes place four times a day for the whole House, as well as House Meetings and choral practices. We have a 55inch 3D LED TV, Sky+ and a Blu-ray/DVD player.

FOREST HOUSE

Forest House is a boarding house for boys aged 13-18. It occupies a purpose built accommodation situated alongside College Road, close to the main rugby pitches.

One of the original group of boys’ houses, founded in 1883, Forest House started life within the main College building. It eventually moved to its current location 50 years ago and has - in the intervening years - undergone extensive refurbishments and extension. The most recent renovation took

place in 2014 to create modern, homely boarding facilities. A full guide follows, but the highlights include a large TV room with 55-inch 3D TV, two pool tables, table-tennis table, and large kitchen spaces.

It is an extremely friendly boys’ boarding house where all year groups can flourish, academically and socially. I aim to create a warm, supportive environment with boys in every year group playing an important role in maintaining a caring and happy atmosphere.

Life in your House

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GAMES ROOM

The Games Room houses two pool tables, a table tennis table and our PS4. All boys can use this during break times and after prep.

We also have a small music room with a Yamaha electric piano, a Roland electric drum kit, a Roland Keyboard and two guitar amps. This can be used by boys for soiree practices, individual practice or just as a creative space for small groups.

THE STUDIES

All Studies have:

Each boy has a safe for valuables and must use it for storing money. We also run a House bank system for storing large amounts of money in our big safe for the full boarders. Middle Fourth pupils are in rooms of four, the Upper Fourth and Fifth Form in doubles and all Sixth Form are generally in single rooms.

Football, rugby and CCF boots are kept downstairs near the back door and are not to be worn in the House.

Nine College PCs are dotted around the House for use during the day and prep. The whole house has excellent WiFi access through the day but access is turned off at night.

All boys are able to keep food in the fridge freezer but must label their items clearly.

09 | FOREST HOUSE

Life in your House

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House activities and competitions help year groups to work together to build teamwork, develop friendships and to have fun.

Each year, pupils compete in all manner of activities and competitions, both within their House and against other Houses.

There are many opportunities to be involved in House competitions, which may be of a sporting, musical, or dramatic nature.

You could be taking part in rugby, hockey, netball or cross-country, performing in one of the legendary House Soirées, or displaying your musical prowess in choral or instrumental competitions.

As with all activities at Epsom, you are encouraged to get involved, try new things out and enter into the spirit of good-natured competition. The support and participation of all pupils is encouraged to promote a sense of pride and community within your House.

HOUSE ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITIONS

11 | FOREST HOUSE

YOUR ROOM

Each pupil has a room in their House. Day pupils are given a dayroom that is shared with other pupils. Boarders are given a bedroom that they share.

One of the main reasons for running a House system is to allow pupils to get to know one another quickly. Therefore, your Housemaster will allocate rooms and decide who you share with.

There may be times when you fall out, or have disagreements, with your roommate. This is normal, and we would encourage you to try to sort out any niggles with each other.

On the rare occasions when it hasn’t been possible to see eye-to-eye, speak to a Prefect, the Head of House, or your Housemaster.

Your Room

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DECORATING YOUR ROOM

Your room is yours, and we encourage you to make it feel personal to you by putting up posters and photos.

We just ask that the posters are tasteful, and you use blu-tack and/or the pinboards provided.

Please do not decorate doors or furniture.

LOOKING AFTER YOUR PROPERTY

It’s important that you keep your own property safe and secure, and respect other people’s possessions.

Your House will either have safes or lockers. If yours has lockers you will need to secure them with padlocks – which you can purchase from the College Shop.

13 | FOREST HOUSE

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VISITORS TO YOUR HOUSE

Your House is your space, and only for you and other members of your House. This helps to develop a sense of trust and friendship among housemates, and is an important part of Epsom’s House system.

This means that under normal circumstances visitors from other Houses are not allowed.

The only exception is that boy Prefects are allowed in other boys’ houses, and girl Prefects are allowed in other girls’ houses, so long as they are conducting School business.

Any time you wish to visit a House other than your own you must get permission from your own Housemaster, and the Housemaster/mistress of the House you wish to visit.

SATURDAY EVENING

On Saturday evening, the above restrictions are lifted so that full boarders have the chance to mix socially with friends from other Houses.

You must still sign in to the House you’re visiting. You must remain in those areas that the Housemaster/mistress has declared as public areas. Access to other parts of the House are strictly forbidden.

Middle Fourth and Upper Fourth pupils must be back in their own House by 9.30pm, Sixth Formers by 10.30pm.

Visitors to your House

15 | FOREST HOUSE

BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND SUPPER

Boarders have all meals catered for. Breakfast, lunch and supper are taken in the Dining Hall.

BREAK AND AFTERNOON TEA

Tea and snacks are provided in your House at morning and afternoon break. Team teas are available after fixtures.

BREW ROOMS

All Houses have Brew Rooms, which are mini kitchens with toasters, fridges and in some cases a microwave, cooker and blender.

As you will be sharing these rooms with others in your House, it’s important to keep them clean and tidy. This simply means cleaning and washing up after yourself and returning any used plates or cutlery once you’ve finished.

Brew Rooms are out of bounds during lesson time and prep.

TUCK

There isn’t really the need to bring your own food to School, but you may if you wish.

All mealtimes are catered for at Epsom. The food is good, and there is plenty of it. In addition to what’s available at mealtime, each House supplies plenty of bread for toast. You also get treats at break times, such as muffins or fruit.

There is also a Tuck Shop at School, and - if you are granted town leave - you can of course buy things locally.

USING FRIDGES

You can store food in the Brew Room fridges, but please put your name on any items you leave. Otherwise others may mistake your food as their own.

It’s worth bearing in mind that you will be sharing the fridge with others in your House, so please don’t take up too much room.

Also, please don’t place any items containing nuts in the fridge. Some pupils at Epsom have severe nut allergies. If you have food containing nuts please store them somewhere safe.

The School does not provide peanut butter, and you are asked not to bring it into the House.

ORDERING TAKEAWAY

Only full boarders are allowed to order takeaway, and only between 3-10pm on a Saturday, and before 7pm on a Sunday.

Outside of these hours, your Housemaster may allow you to order food for special occasions such as birthdays, if enough notice has been given.

Food and drink

FOREST HOUSE |16

17 | FOREST HOUSE

The School day at Epsom extends far beyond the classroom, including sports, prep, co-curricular and social activities.

The structure of the day will help you to get the most out of your time at Epsom, in both your studies and your friendships.

The following pages guide you through the full week at Epsom, and include the daily programme for all year groups.

REGISTRATION

There are a number of registrations/rolls throughout the day, and they always take place in your House.

Registration is also a good time to check School email. This is one of the main ways the School communicates with pupils. It’s your responsibility to stay up-to-date with the latest information, so please regularly look at your School email.

Daily life at Epsom

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MEALS AND BREAK TIMES

Breakfast, lunch and supper are served in the Dining Hall. There are staggered times for the different year groups and you will be informed when to go by your Housemaster.

Lunch in the Dining Hall is compulsory for all pupils. Breakfast and supper are compulsory for full boarders.

Meals are self-service, you collect a tray, glass and cutlery as you enter the Dining Hall. You can sit anywhere, although there are staff tables.

Tea and snacks are provided in your House at morning and afternoon break. Team teas are available after fixtures.

AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES

Afternoons at Epsom are given to academic lessons, sporting fixtures, other activities and service, depending on the day. Check the following pages for details.

It is expected that all pupils will be involved in a range of co-curricular activities, which are usually onsite.

Without becoming over-committed it is certainly true that the more you put into College life, the more you will get out of it.

We would really encourage you to make the most of your time at Epsom to develop new skills and build on existing ones.

19 | FOREST HOUSE

TOWN LEAVE

If you have free time in the afternoon and wish to go into Epsom, you will need to get permission from your Housemaster. Permission can only be gained in the morning or lunchtime registrations.

You are allowed one town leave each week, and no more than four each half term. Weekend leave does not count toward this total. You must return to School within one and a half hours and by no later than 6pm. For safety and security reasons, you should not go into town in groups of less than two or three.

When out of School you must be correctly dressed in School uniform - not in your games kit. You should be aware that you are representing the College and should behave appropriately.

No Middle Fourth pupils are allowed town leave for the first half term and this can be longer - at the discretion of your Housemaster.

Sport is an important part of life at Epsom College. While we are rightly proud of our sporting prowess – with Old Epsomians representing their countries in a number of sports, and ex-internationals on our staff - we are a School that places even greater value on taking part.

Ability is less important than desire, and we expect every pupil to represent the School in their chosen sport.

In the Michaelmas and Lent terms, the major sports for girls are netball and hockey, and for boys they are rugby and football. In the Summer term, the major sports are cricket, tennis and athletics.

For Sixth Formers, there are a variety of other sports to choose from, if released from the major sport that term.

If your parents would like to watch you play in a match on a Saturday, they would be very welcome. Tea is provided for parents and pupils after the fixtures, both home and away.If you wish to leave with your parents after a match, you must receive permission well in advance and you must stay until after tea, as a courtesy to the other team.

For the full boarders - once you have completed your commitments, including away matches, you should report to your Housemaster or Matron. At this stage you may inform staff of your plans for the afternoon or evening.

If you need to be exempted from a fixture your parents will need to seek permission well in advance.

Daily life at Epsom

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SATURDAY FIXTURES AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES

21 | FOREST HOUSE

CULTURAL HOUR

The College strongly encourages you to take full advantage of the array of cultural and academic activities on offer as part of Cultural Hour.

In recent years this has included such things as visiting lecturers, academic societies, plays, rehearsals, concerts and more besides.

It is a rich programme that will help to broaden your horizons and enrich your academic and cultural experience at Epsom.

Supper is available to all pupils taking part in the Cultural Hour, whether boarders or not, and is available between 5.55-6.15pm.

Any pupils taking part in Cultural Hour are permitted to miss evening registration, but must check in with their Housemaster once they return. Parents will be informed of forthcoming events by the organisers, and in the weekly ezine that is emailed to all parents every Friday during term time.

MUSIC PRACTICE AND LESSONS

Any pupil taking Music lessons in College will have their lesson scheduled out of academic lesson time. It will take priority over any other activity, although with good planning it is usually possible to avoid clashes. You should schedule some time each day for practice.

Sheet Music can be ordered through the Music department. If you know you are going to miss a Music lesson for a reason - for example, a mid-week sports fixture - it is your responsibility to inform your Music teacher in advance.

Daily life at Epsom

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PREP

Prep for boarders finishes by 8:30pm for Middle Fourth pupils, and by 9pm for Upper Fourth, Fifth Form, and Sixth Form students.

Prep is a vital part of your academic work and you are expected to complete it on time. It will show on your regular interim reports, and your end of term reports if you do not fully apply yourself to prep and work outside the classroom.

The expected amount of work you do each day is as follows:

minute preps)

per subject, including study periods throughout the day.

Prep should be completed when set, and not rushed at the last minute. An organised and steady approach to your work will keep you on top of your workload and keep your stress levels down. You may find time in the day to complete some prep to relieve pressure in the evening.

You will be issued your timetable, and your prep timetable for each subject, on the first day of term.

If you are struggling with your workload at any time, please speak to your Housemaster, or one of the House staff.

BEDTIME

You must be in your rooms ten minutes before lights out, unless you have permission to have extra prep. These times are not a target, they are the latest you should be going to bed.

All tidying should be completed well in advance. Bedtimes will be slightly extended on Saturday night for full boarders.Lights out are as follows:

23 | FOREST HOUSE

M O N D A Y Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Break

Period 3 Break

HLSAssembly

11.00-12.009.55-10.459.00-9.508.35-8.558.25-8.357.45-8.25

T U E S D A Y

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Period 1 Period 2Tutor period/Assembly

Tutor period/Assembly

Tutor period/Assembly

Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Break

Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Break

Period 1

Games Fixtures or Coaching Sessions

Period 2 Period 3 BreakChapel

Optio

nal b

efore sch

ool su

perv

ision

Reg

istration

M O N D A Y Period 1 Period 2 Period 4 Period 3 Break

Period 3 Break

HM Assembly /Tutor period

12.05-12.5511.10-12.009.55-10.459.00-9.508.35-8.558.25-8.35

T U E S D A Y

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Period 1 Period 2 Period 4 Tutor period

Tutor period/Yr Group Meeting

Period 1 Period 2 Period 4 Period 3 Break

Period 1 Period 2 Period 4 Period 3 Break

Period 1 Period 2 Period 4 Period 3

Period 1 Period 2 Period 3

BreakHouse Assembly

Chapel

Chapel Lunch

Reg

istration

11.20-12.0510.10-10.559.20-10.058.35-9.15

DAILY PROGRAMME - LOWER SCHOOL (THIRD FORM & LOWER FOURTH)

DAILY PROGRAMME - MIDDLE FOURTH

Daily life at Epsom

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3rd Form Carousel/ Lower 4th CarouselPeriod 4 KS3 Games

4.10-5.003.15-4.052.00-2.501.05-1.5512.00-1.00

Period 4 Period 5 Period 6 PhysicalPriority

CulturalPriority

Break

Period 4 KS3 Games and Fixtures

Period 4 Period 5 Period 6

Period 6

Break

Period 4 Period 5 Break

Lunch

PhysicalPriority

CulturalPriority

Post-S

chool S

uperv

ision

CulturalPriority

M4CarouselGames

Games

4.10-5.00 5.05-5.55 6.00-7.002.55-3.452.00-2.50

Period 5 Period 6 PhysicalPriority

CulturalPriority

M4Carousel

Tea

Tea

Tea

Tea

Tea

Period 5 Period 6

Period 6

Games Fixtures (and sporting activities until 3pm)

Period 5

PhysicalPriority

Academic/Priority

PhysicalPriority

PhysicalPriority

Cultural/Choir Priority

Supper/

Cultu

ral

Lunch

25 | FOREST HOUSE

M O N D A Y Period 1 Period 2 Period 4 Period 3 Break

Period 3 Break

HM Assembly /Tutor period

12.05-12.5511.10-12.009.55-10.459.00-9.508.35-8.558.25-8.35

T U E S D A Y

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Period 1 Period 2 Period 4 Tutor period

Tutor period/Yr Group Meeting

Period 1 Period 2 Period 4 Period 3 Break

Period 1 Period 2 Period 4 Period 3 Break

Period 1 Period 2 Period 4 Period 3

Period 1 Period 2 Period 3

BreakHouse Assembly

Chapel

Chapel Lunch

Reg

istration

11.20-12.0510.10-10.559.20-10.058.35-9.15

DAILY PROGRAMME - UPPER FOURTH, FIFTH FORM AND SIXTH FORM

Daily life at Epsom

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CCFPriority

Games

Games

4.10-5.00 5.05-5.55 6.00-7.002.55-3.452.00-2.50

Period 5 Period 6 Period 7

Period 5 Period 6

CulturalPriority

CCFPriority

Tea

Tea

Tea

Tea

Tea

Period 6

Games Fixtures (and sporting activities until 3pm)

Period 5

PhysicalPriority

Academic/Priority

CulturalPriority

PhysicalPriority

Physical/Choir Priority

Physical/Choir Priority

Lunch

Supper/

Cultu

ral

27 | FOREST HOUSE

LATE ARRIVALS & ABSENCES

If you’re unexpectedly absent from School - because of illness or injury – your parents should contact your Housemaster before 8.30am, so that all teachers can be informed that you are off School. The absentee list is submitted before morning lessons.

If you arrive late to School after 8.45am, you must go to the reception desk in the main entrance and notify the receptionist that you are now in School. Before this time you may register as late in your House.

Although it is not always possible, whenever you are able, it is helpful if you can phone in advance to let us know if you are going to be late.

APPOINTMENTS OUTSIDE SCHOOL

If you know in advance that you need to be away from School for an appointment, a parent or guardian must inform your Housemaster as soon as possible. Pleasedo this either by email, phone or letter direct to your House office.

It is your responsibility to inform in advance anyone who would normally teach you or run the activity you will miss. You must also catch up on any work that you missed while away.

In addition, a Gate List will be posted each day. You need to put your name, plus the time of your absence, on the Gate List if you are out of School for any reason at all.

It is essential you do this, as the School uses the information from Gate Lists to monitor who is on College grounds, in case of fire or other emergencies.

WEEKEND ARRANGEMENTS FOR FULL BOARDERS

If you are a full boarder but wish to make weekend arrangements, or have outings, away from School you must gain permission from your Housemaster.

You will need to provide the name, address and contact number of where you will be, as well as a phone call or email from both the person you are staying with and your parents or guardian.

If you are a weekly boarder, and wish to remain at School after games on a Saturday, you must inform your Housemaster.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

If you need to be absent from School for any reason other than illness, your parents must seek permission from your Housemaster, usually by email.

Please note that School Policy means that permission for holidays during School time will not be granted, unless in exceptional circumstances.

If a request is also made to miss a Saturday afternoon fixture, for example to attend an event out of School or to see visiting family, permission will be at the discretion of your games coach and your Housemaster.

School policy is that the fixture takes priority, meaning that permission to be absent will depend on whether another team player can be found. For this reason, we require as much advance notice as possible.

Being away from Epsom

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29 | FOREST HOUSE

EXEAT WEEKENDS

There are four Exeat weekends each year. Two in the Michaelmas term, and one each in the Lent and Summer terms.

On an Exeat weekend pupils leave the campus from 6pm on Friday and return by 9pm on Sunday (no earlier than 8pm).

It is expected that all full boarders use the Exeats to get away and have a break from School life. All Houses are closed for the weekend, and full boarders should make the necessary arrangements with guardians and notify their Housemaster.

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GUARDIANS

All full boarders are required to have a guardian within a one hour drive of Epsom College.

You must provide details of your guardian to your Housemaster before the start of term. If you would like to spend the weekend with your guardian, they will need to seek permission from your Housemaster beforehand.

TAXIS

Your Housemaster or Matron will be happy to help make arrangements on your behalf if you require airport transfers at the start or end of term. Similarly, if you need taxis to take you to or from guardians or host families on Exeat weekends.

The School uses regulated taxi companies, but we should remind you that these are public companies which do not provide a guardianship service for pupils.

Drivers will meet pupils in the arrivals lounge at the airport, but we are not able to provide the driver’s name and number in advance.

If you wish to receive a more personal service than this, we will have to request that arrangements are made through your guardian and not the School. Until a pupil has arrived at Epsom College, they are the responsibility of their parent or guardian.

FLIGHTS

When international boarders fly in or out of the country, we would ask that flights are not at unreasonable hours. This is to prevent disruption to other pupils.

This means that pupils should not be leaving or arriving their House before 6am, or after 11pm.

If flights outside of these times are unavoidable we may ask that you stay overnight with your guardian

Being away from Epsom

31 | FOREST HOUSE

MEDICAL CENTRE

The College has its own Medical Centre with 24-hour care.

A doctor visits the College every day Monday-Saturday and all boarders will be registered with them. Day students aren’t registered with the School Doctor.

While day pupils can visit the Medical Centre if they become ill while at School, they shouldn’t expect to be assessed with illnesses or injuries they carry with them into School.

The Medical Centre offers two time slots, 8-8.30am and 1.30-2pm, where no notes of permission are required.

If you need to attend the Medical Centre outside of these times, you will need permission from a member of staff.

The Medical Centre can be contacted on 01372 821199.

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Please make sure the School knows of any medical conditions you have, including allergies and any medication you take.

Parents should inform the School if they haven’t already done so. Please ask them to contact your Housemaster in writing.

MEDICATION

The Medical Centre can dispense routine medication such as ibuprofen, paracetamol and aspirin. They are also able to prescribe a course of antibiotics, but this will only be done following a risk assessment and notifying your Housemaster.

You are not allowed to bring in, and store, any medication without having it registered and risk assessed by the School’s Medical Centre.

NOTIFYING THE SCHOOL IF YOU BECOME UNWELL

If you are able to come to School but not well enough to take part in Games, PE, CCF or other activities, you must obtain an Off-Games Chit from the Medical Centre. The note should state precisely what you are able and unable to take part in.

This note will be countersigned by your Housemaster, Matron, or one of the House Tutors. It is important that you also show it to the person running the activity.

For long term illness or injury a letter from your doctor will be required.

Medical information

FOREST HOUSE |32

33 | FOREST HOUSE

FRONT DOORS

The entrance doors into your House are to be kept closed at all times. Security codes for these doors are changed regularly. You must not give out the security code to anybody (including parents) unless you have been authorised to do so.

DRIVING ON COLLEGE GROUNDS

Sixth Form students often start driving lessons at some stage in Lower Sixth. If you wish to start lessons you will need to arrange the timing of lessons with your Housemaster.

We obviously wish all our students the best of luck in their lessons, and we recognise that those lucky enough to pass will want to take to the road as soon as possible.

However, Lower Sixth students can only apply for a permit to drive onto College grounds after Upper Sixth study leave in May. Permission must be sought from the Headmaster, in writing. Even then we would expect all students to pay careful attention to

our rules and expectations regarding driving. These are written specifically to fulfil our duty of care to our students and ensure everyone at College is safe.

All pupils are reminded that unless they have written permission from parents they are not allowed to be a passenger in any car driven by another pupil.

GATE LIST

All pupils must sign the Gate List when leaving the House or the School grounds, other than to go to lessons, meals, games or College activities.

Accurate and reliable use of the Gate List by all members of the House, at all times, is an essential aid to checking your safety in the event of fire or emergency.

Your safety and security

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35 | FOREST HOUSE

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MONEY AND VALUABLES

You will be provided with your own lockers, in which you should store your books, kit and personal belongings. You can keep your locker secure using padlocks which can be bought from the College Store.

However, while lockers are provided, we would advise you not to bring valuable items into School, such as large sums of money, passports, flight tickets and so on.

If you have travelled from overseas and having passports or tickets is unavoidable, speak to your Housemaster or Matron about storing them securely.

You can bring laptops if you wish, although we would not recommend doing so if you are a day pupil.

During the week you will rarely have need for much money as items purchased in the

This means it goes on the end of term bill, rather than being paid for by cash.

For more expensive items, it would be preferable if you could ask your parents or guardian to write to your Housemaster to authorise the transaction. An email is perfectly acceptable.

However, Housemasters will routinely sign chits for stationery and smaller budget clothing items unless advised otherwise.

MOBILE PHONES

Use of mobile phones is restricted at Epsom College, we have seen a concerning rise in the amount of texting and use of social media that takes place.

However, we also recognise that phones can be useful, linking to the College email system and providing a way to communicate with home.

You are not allowed to use them in lessons, around the School, or in Prep.

If you are found to be using your phone at an inappropriate time, you risk having it confiscated and your permission to have a phone at School may be withdrawn.

In recent years, some pupils have had problems managing the use of their phones, and have run up very large bills. We would strongly advise parents to set clear guidelines around usage and credit limits.

For the first four weeks of the Michaelmas term, new Middle Fourth pupils are expected to hand in their mobile phone to Matron at morning registration, and can pick them up again at 5.55pm. Phones can be accessed during lunch break.

In these four weeks, part of the Middle Fourth PSHE programme will be devoted to sensible use of mobile devices.

Your safety and security

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Please find below details of the Epsom College uniform for boys and girls.

Epsom College blazer

Regulation grey trousers

Plain white shirt for formal occasions, including Chapel

Pale blue and white striped long sleeved shirts for weekdays

House tie

House scarf

Epsom College V-necked pullover, navy

Dark socks/black polishable shoes

Navy blue Epsom College blazer

Regulation blue checked kilts, fitted on or below the knee

V-necked slate blue pullover

Plain revere neck long-sleeved white shirts

Black or navy tights, or plain white ankle socks

Flat black polishable shoes. No boots or ballet style pumps

Epsom College blazer

Regulation grey skirt not more than 5cm above or below knee

Plain white shirt - revere collar - for formal occasions, including Chapel

Pale blue and white striped long sleeved shirts - revere collar - for weekdays

Epsom College V-necked pullover, grey with House colours

House Badge

House Scarf

Navy/Black tights or flesh coloured in the Summer term

Black polishable shoes either flat or with a heel of no more than 5cm

LOWER SCHOOL BOYS

MIDDLE FOURTH, UPPER FOURTHAND FIFTH FORM BOYS

LOWER SCHOOL GIRLS

MIDDLE FOURTH, UPPER FOURTHAND FIFTH FORM GIRLS

Uniform and appearance

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SIXTH FORM BOYS

Traditional two-piece single-breasted suit in navy blue or black, plain or with a subdued pinstripeHouse tieHouse scarfPlain white shirt for formal occasions, including ChapelOther shirts may be pastel shade, or may have a feint stripeV-necked pullover of a single colourBlack or grey socks/black polishable shoes

SIXTH FORM GIRLS

Dark navy blue or black suit with lapels and buttons at the front. Skirt to be not more than 5cm above or below kneeHouse lapel badgeHouse scarfPlain white shirt - revere collar - for formal occasions, including ChapelOther revere collar shirts may be pastel or have a faint stripeV-necked pullover of a single colourBlack tights or flesh coloured in the Summer termBlack polishable shoes either flat or with a heel of no more than 5cm

LABELLING YOUR CLOTHING AND LAUNDRY

The Epsom College Shop also sells name labels. If you are a day pupil you, or your parents, will have to attach labels to your clothing.

If you are boarding with us you will still need to purchase name labels, but you won’t need to attach these yourself. The laundry staff will attach labels to your clothes in the first week or so, as your clothes are washed. Your Matron will explain how the laundry system works.

Each House operates a slightly different system, but most will have their own washing and ironing facilities if you would like to get some practice. Otherwise, you must place your dirty washing in the laundry bins, with underwear and socks going into a separate bag.

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MUFTI

Mufti is the term for your own clothes. We have occasional mufti days, raising money for charity, and for many evening events you will be entitled to wear mufti after 6pm. For example, a School theatre trip into London.

Day pupils, in usual circumstances, do not need mufti at all in School. Boarders may wear mufti after 6pm each evening and after 3pm on Saturdays.

Most pupils find that they live in tracksuit bottoms for much of the time and don’t therefore require a great deal of mufti at School. A couple of outfits should be fine until the end of the week – perhaps extra t-shirts.

Try to avoid bringing more to School every Sunday, otherwise you are likely to find yourself in trouble if your room starts to become too messy. Plus your suitcase will struggle to take it all when you go home at the end of term.

APPEARANCE

We expect all our pupils to be smart and presentable. In most instances we would expect pupils to exercise common sense around this point, but we’ve offered some specific guidance on these pages.

HAIR

Boys hair should be sensibly cut, and above their shirt collar. Girls may wear their hair long, but cuts should also be sensible, and neither boys nor girls should dye their hair.

Extreme haircuts - for example, braids, or hair shaved to show the scalp - are not permitted. The exception would be for religious or cultural reasons, and only then with the prior permission of your Housemaster.

Girls should tie their hair back during games.

Boys should be clean shaven, with sideburns no lower than the earlobes.

JEWELLERY & PIERCINGS

Girls are permitted to wear small stud earrings during the School day. You must only wear one earring in each ear, and in your earlobe only.

Boys are not permitted to wear earrings.

Piercings elsewhere are not permitted. Please bear this in mind if considering having piercings in the holidays. You will not be excused from swimming or games on the grounds that you cannot remove a recent piercing.

Girls and boys are permitted to wear a watch, and girls may also wear a simple chain along with a maximum of one bracelet or bangle.

No jewellery is permitted for sport.

Uniform and appearance

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YOUR CLASS

There are six teaching groups in Middle Fourth, each with around 20-24 pupils. Two sets will be taught Latin. Those who have not studied Latin will be divided into four mixed ability groups.

For all subjects except Mathematics and Modern Languages you are taught in your group. You are set by ability in Mathematics, French (and Spanish if you have selected it).

Your progress is monitored regularly and classes are re-set whenever is appropriate, and certainly after your first year.

You will be told which set you are in by your Housemaster or Tutor when you meet them, or at the start of term.

RECOGNITION AND REWARD

We want all our pupils to achieve their full potential. The School, and your House, place great value on recognising and rewarding effort, application and achievement.

Everyone has gifts and strengths in different areas and this enriches the House community.

Those who excel will always be congratulated on their achievement as will those who show great improvement in a particular area.

Improvement is as important as achievement, and consistent effort will always be rewarded through House merits and House colours. Parents are automatically notified of any award, as are your Housemaster and Tutor.

MERITS, DISTINCTIONS AND PRIZES

Good work and behaviour is rewarded in a number of ways, both within your lessons and the wider School environment. Here is a guide to the reward system at Epsom.

MERITS

Merits are awarded by your subject teacher for good work.

HOUSE MERITS AND HOUSE COLOURS

You can also gain House merits and House colours for good effort within the House environment and for outstanding contributions to a House competition.

These may be for a good performance on the sports field, in a music concert, or for helping around the House in some way.

Academic informationand support

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HEADMASTER’S DISTINCTIONS

These are awarded by members of staff for pieces of work of an excellent standard, and are signed by your Housemaster. They are countersigned by the Headmaster, who congratulates the pupil personally.

If you receive three or more Headmaster’s Distinctions in any one term, you will be commended at Final Roll and receive a School prize.

SCHOOL PRIZES

School Prizes are awarded at the end of each year to those who have excelled academically or in other spheres.

IMPROVING POOR WORK AND BEHAVIOUR

Alongside rewarding good work and behaviour, pupils are sanctioned for underperformance, both academically and behaviourally.

The rules which operate in the School and the House must be observed at all times. They exist for the good of the community as a whole. No one will ever be eager to set sanctions, and the School expects that they will only be issued as a last resort.

Here is an overview of how sanctions operate at Epsom.

GREEN PAPERS

Green Papers, for poor work or behaviour, are set by your subject teachers. They must be signed by your Housemaster and returned to the teacher within 48 hours.

Green Papers are recorded by the House on the School’s records, and several Green Papers or other sanctions in a term may result in further sanctions by the pupil’s Tutor, or Housemaster. This may result in discussions with your parents.

HOUSE PREFECT SANCTIONS

Sanctions will be given by the Head of House or a Prefect if you have behaved unreasonably and failed to respond to previous verbal requests or warnings. Prefects may not give a sanction without the authorisation of a member of the House staff. These are also recorded on the School system, by your Housemaster or Matron.

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HOUSEMASTER’S SANCTIONOR DETENTION

These are more serious than the House Prefect Sanction. The nature of the Sanction or Detention will vary according to the offence, but could include extra duties such as litter picking or cleaning the kitchen, extra work time, weekend detentions, or being required to remain behind at Exeat or half term for an hour or so.

DEPARTMENTAL DETENTION

Departmental detentions are given for late or unacceptable work in a particular subject. If you are given a Departmental detention it takes priority over all other activities on Monday and Friday afternoons.

SCHOOL DETENTION

School detentions take place on a Saturday evening between 6.30-7.30pm. These are more serious than a departmental detention and take priority over all other activities. This detention is administered by a Deputy Headteacher.

HEADMASTER’SDETENTION

A Headmaster’s detention is given for repeatedly poor work or behaviour. It can also be set following a culmination of School detentions, or other offences. Headmaster’s detentions are very serious.

Headmaster’s detentions take place on a Saturday evening 7.30-9.30pm. Full School uniform must be worn and work will be set by your teacher or Head of Department.

Your parents will be informed by the Deputy Head during the week before the Saturday detention, but may also be contacted by the Head of Department or your Housemaster.

Academic informationand support

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SUPPORT FROM HOUSE TUTORS

House Tutors are members of Epsom’s academic staff who are dedicated to providing support and overseeing the academic progress of pupils in each House. Each Tutor is assigned to pupils from a specific year group.

At least twice a week, Tutor periods are held to allow you to meet with your House Tutors. In addition, each Tutor will be in the House for a duty period each week, allowing extra time for meetings with pupils if required.

To help you meet your potential, your Tutors and Housemaster are able to support you in the following ways:

and helping with personal organisation if appropriate

setting targets for the next reporting period

sights high

appropriate time

DEALING WITH CONTINUEDUNSATISFACTORY WORK

In the event of continued unsatisfactory work, the Housemaster or Tutor might take some of the following actions.

If appropriate, the Housemaster rather than the Tutor will be in touch, sending home the agreed Prep timetable (homework satis).

This requires you to present a card to each teacher in each lesson for a comment. You must then show this to the Housemaster each day.

Your Housemaster can ask you to attend further quiet times in the House if required.

The academic performance of all students is further monitored by the Heads of Year. If they decide that further intervention is required, they might also introduce their own report card, and liaise further with parents.

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CODE OF CONDUCT

All pupils have a part to play in maintaining a warm, supportive community within their House.

Your House should be a welcoming place for new pupils, and a place where all pupils are treated with respect and dignity.

We expect all members of the House, in every year group to:

religion or culture

your House

take a full and active part in the life of your House and the College

Above all else: treat others as you yourself would like to be treated. If you do this, all of the above points will be achieved.

There are a few simple rules that will help you to enjoy your time at Epsom College to its fullest. These aren’t official School rules, but rather a guide to how to successfully live your life as a member of the Epsom community.

What we expect of you

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Start of Term (New Pupils) Sunday 2 September 5.00pm

Start of Term (All others) Monday 3/Tuesday 4 September Various return times

First Exeat Friday 28 September 6.00pmto Sunday 30 September 9.00pm

Half Term Saturday 20 October 12.30pmto Sunday 4 November 9.00pm

Second Exeat Friday 23 November 6.00pmto Sunday 25 November 9.00pm

End of Term Friday 14 December 1.00pm

Start of Term (Boarders) Monday 7 January 7.00pm

Start of Term (Day Pupils) Tuesday 8 January 8.20am

First Exeat Friday 25 January 6.00pmto Sunday 27 January 9.00pm

Half Term Friday 15 February 6.00pmto Sunday 24 February 9.00pm

Second Exeat Friday 15 March 6.00pmto Sunday 17 March 9.00pm

End of Term Wednesday 3 April 3.15pm

MICHAELMAS TERM

LENT TERM

SUMMER TERM

Start of Term (Boarders) Tuesday 23 April 7.00pm

Start of Term (Day pupils) Wednesday 24 April 8.20am

Exeat Saturday 4 May After commitmentsto Monday 6 May 9.00pm

Half Term Saturday 25 May After Founder’s Dayto Sunday 2 June 9.00pm

End of Term Friday 28 June 1.00pm

Term dates

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Housemaster Mr Jim Stephens 01372 821050jim.stephens@epsomcollege.org.uk 07812 203293

Matron Mrs Yvette Tolson 01372 821054yvette.tolson@epsomcollege.org.uk

Headmaster Mr Jay Piggot 01372 821004 headmaster@epsomcollege.org.uk

Second Master Mr Paul Williams 01372 821006 paul.williams@epsomcollege.org.uk

Deputy Head (Academic) Mr Richard Alton 01372 821108 richard.alton@epsomcollege.org.uk

Head of Lower School Mr Ed Lance 01372 821330 edward.lance@epsomcollege.org.uk

Bursar Mrs Sarah Teasdale 01372 821133 bursar@epsomcollege.org.uk

Director of Transition & Integration Mrs Fi Drinkall 01372 821273fi.drinkall@epsomcollege.org.uk

College Reception Desk 01372 821000 reception@epsomcollege.org.uk

Lower School Reception 01372 821111 lsreception@epsomcollege.org.uk

Medical Centre Sister Linda Hendry 01372 821199 san@epsomcollege.org.uk

College Store 01372 821122 shop@epsomcollege.org.uk

Contact details

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College map

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COLLEGE ROAD, EPSOM, SURREY, KT17 4JQ T: 01372 821000 ADMISSION ENQUIRIES: T: 01372 821234 E: ADMISSIONS@EPSOMCOLLEGE.ORG.UK

EPSOMCOLLEGE.ORG.UK

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