School Lodge fulfils the role of an entrance house for our boarding boys. Our aim is to establish each boy within our boarding community and school. We also strive to develop the sense of self responsibility and independence which will benefit them as they move into the senior part of the school.

The boarding house provides a home for 34 Year 9 boys coming from a wide variety of different schools. As new arrivals, they are able to face the challenges of their new environment together starting with a comprehensive two day induction. The house is an extremely well furnished and comfortable Victorian building, the boys are accommodated within a variety of rooms, ranging from 2 beds through to 10! Upon first day arrival a number is picked from a hat to establish their first room, with changes being made upon each subsequent term.

The school week is structured and rather busy! Tutorials are combined with lessons. Meal times with activities. Free time with supervised prep. From 7am wake up through to 10pm lights out, it is almost non stop!

At weekends, there are a variety of activities and off-campus excursions which take place throughout the year. Some are for the entire boarding community, while others are particularly for School Lodge boys.

There are of course a set of House rules, but these are best defined as a series of reasonable expectations. These are based upon a common sense approach to behaviour standards and try to reflect parental expectations at home. Boys are expected to act responsibly and with courtesy and respect, and this ensures that School Lodge is maintained as the welcoming and comfortable house which it is.

Staff
House Master:  Mr N S Fowler
Houseparent: Mrs K E Fowler
House MAC: Mrs F Fletcher
Asst. House MAC: Mrs K Devereux, Saturday MAC: C Cockell
Tutors: Mr R Macdonald (Resident), Mr K Raslingham

Duty Staff: Mr R Mathers
Gap Students: Jack Mintz, Fraser Andrews, Billy Macklin
Domestic Support: Mrs Larkin, Mrs Aldred, Mrs Deacon, Miss Saunders

School Lodge House Review, 2010

Summary

School Lodge have had a highly successful year.  Both the fabric and the atmosphere of the house are in very good order.  The boys have clearly enjoyed and appreciated their year – so to parents and staff. 

There is much to praise in this report and the evidence speaks for itself.  There is easy communication between boys and all staff in the house; the boys feel safe and secure and a number of parents commented that their sons don’t particularly want to come home at weekends!  The House MAC and her team are well appreciated and the variety of tutors and duty staff complement each other well and the ease with which adults and young students mix was evident throughout the review week. 

There are one or two issues which Nick would be advised to pursue.  These arose out of questionnaires for parental observation and should not be forgotten in the ‘glow’ of an otherwise exceptional report. 

Conclusion

School Lodge has clearly been an excellent home for the boarders this year.  There were very few aspects looked at during inspection which could be rated less than outstanding.  Issues to consider in the coming year are:

·     Review this report very carefully – particularly student questionnaires and parental observations and follow up on the specifics of pupil criticism by raising whole house awareness of the problems  certain individuals can experience. 

·     Discuss with colleagues quality of tutorials and tutor contact with parents

·     Review house improvement plan in the light of this report

For Leadership Group to consider an inspection of the housemaster’s accommodation with a view to upgrading.