Boarding at Leweston is led by the Director of Boarding, Mrs Simkins-Smith. Each House has a Houseparent and Assistant. Good relationships at all levels and ages are critically important. There is always a member of resident staff on duty in the House, the inclusion of teaching staff in boarding means the pupils have a wide range of adult support and supervision at evenings and weekends.
House Parents
House Parents coordinate the pastoral care of boarders and are an important part of their lives. House Parents are involved in all aspects of day to day care. They are passionate advocates for boarding and will be there to support boarders of all ages not just in the boarding house but also in their relationships with other students and teachers. They look after any pupils who are unwell and in bed in the boarding house, and liaise with the Health Centre on any medical matters. They also arrange end-of-term transport, and many other jobs that help the house run smoothly.
BOARDING TUTORS OR ‘FLORINS’
Every boarder has a Boarding tutor who will meet with them once a week in the evening at a pre-arranged time. The tutors, known as ‘Florins’ are members of academic staff who provide extra pastoral and academic support. Florins are a resource only available to boarding pupils.
Tutors and Form Teachers
Outside of boarding every pupils is in a form and the Form Teacher (Prep) or Tutor (Senior and Sixth Form) is an important person with whom the pupils have daily contact. The tutors and Form Teachers monitor pupils’ academic progress as well their personal well-being. Heads of Year manage the tutor system and work closely with the Director of Boarding and House Parents, in the care of boarders.
PUPIL LED RESPONSIBILITIES
At Leweston, we believe each pupil has gifts and talents that they can share with everyone so boarders are encouraged to take on roles within the Houses to support and help each other.
The Boarding Prefect leads a team of senior boarders who act as the boarders’ representatives and advise and assist boarders of all ages. The boarding prefect chairs the termly boarding council meetings which acts as a forum for ideas and discussion about boarding life. Boarding Year Representatives maintain, review and enhance the quality of life for boarders. The ‘year reps’ play a significant role in suggesting and discussing changes, so that all years’ views and ideas are fairly represented. The year reps report to the boarding prefect, as well as to the appropriate House Parent and attend Boarding Council meetings.
Home Groups consist of pupils from each year group in the same School House (More, Mayne, Campion or Fisher) and are led by Peer Mentors. These groups meet weekly to chat about general school life and support school community projects.
The International Boarding Committee acts as a forum for all international pupils, to help organise and promote world events and festivals, liaise with other international pupils in local schools and to promote the integration of all pupils.
The Well Being Hub
The on-site Well Being Hub is staffed by qualified nurses and is open Monday to Friday for advice, support and treatment. Our school doctor runs a clinic each week for the boarders who need her whilst for more specialist services the school has two well-equipped hospitals within easy travelling distance. The School Counsellor is also available and runs a weekly walk-in clinic as well as being available for one to one appointments for anyone who would like to talk.
Food and Drink
Food is very important to boarders who eat together for breakfast and supper, and with the whole school community at lunch. Breakfast always includes fruit, cereal, toast and a cooked option, while supper will provide a range of main courses including at least one vegetarian option, choices of dessert including fruit and yogurt and a salad bar. Special diets can be arranged if needed. The catering team regularly run ‘fakeaway’ or themed nights snd we reflect our international community in our menus as its important to give everyone a taste of home.
Sixth Form boarders are permitted to cook for themselves at weekends and can use the dedicated kitchen in the Sixth Form Centre.
