Welcome to St Aidan’s House, Ampleforth College
Welcome to St Aidan’s...
Apple-tree planting as part of our day of service to mark St Benedict’s day 2015
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you as a new member of St Aidan’s House. I am delighted that
you have chosen St Aidan’s to be your home for the duration of your time at Ampleforth. I hope that
you will find that this is an environment where you can flourish and be your true and best self
academically, spiritually, personally and physically.
Every Aidan’s girl has her own strengths and weaknesses and has her own unique part to play in the
life of the House. St Aidan’s is a community inspired by the words of St Benedict; a community
where leadership is given more by example rather than words (Rule of St Benedict, 2.12); a
community where equal respect and love is shown to everyone and the same discipline is applied to
all (Rule of St Benedict, 2.22); a community where faults are corrected and love is safeguarded (Rule
of St Benedict, Prologue: 47). In short St Aidan’s is a community where the strong have something to
yearn for and the weak have nothing to run from (Rule of St Benedict, 64.19).
Like any home or community there must be some basic rules and guidelines which help in the smooth
running of the house for the benefit of all. These are set out in the remainder of this book, along with
some background to St Aidan’s. If you have any queries or concerns, please do get in touch; my
contact details are given at the back of this booklet.
I hope you will be happy at Ampleforth and in St Aidan’s, and look forward to welcoming you in
September.
With prayers and best wishes,
Madame Anne Le Gall
Housemistress of St Aidan’s
July 2015
You can follow St Aidan’s on https://www.facebook.com/staidans.ampleforth or on the Ampleforth App.
Our Patron Saint - St Aidan (Died 651 AD) .........................................3
The Religious Life of the House ............................................................6
The history of St Aidan’s House ............................................................7
The House Team (including contact details) ........................................8
Our roles… ..........................................................................................10
Day Girls .............................................................................................11
The House ............................................................................................12
THE ST AIDAN’S DAILY ROUTINE… ..............................................14
Social time/telephones/money/visitors/conduct/visits .........................14
House Rules .........................................................................................16
Effort Grades .......................................................................................17
Matron Matters: ..................................................................................18
Essential Items for Ampleforth Girls: .................................................20
The beginning of the academic year ...................................................24
Appendix 1 - The college timetable ................................................................................................... 25
Appendix 2 - Important links for information; .................................................................................. 26
Appendix 3 - What to do if you are worried. ..................................................................................... 27
Appendix 4 - LEAVE OF ABSENCE FORM/18TH BIRTHDAY FORM .......................................................... 29
Appendix 5 - Our address is; ............................................................................................................ 31
Appendix 6 - Places to stay, places to eat; ....................................................................................... 31
Appendix 7 – Forward term dates..................................................................................................... 33
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Our Patron Saint - St Aidan (Died 651 AD)
Christianity had first come to Britain during the time of the Roman Empire. With the decline of the
empire and the subsequent invasions, Anglo-Saxon Britain had reverted to paganism. In Ireland and
Scotland, however, Christianity survived and continued, although separated from the Church in
mainland Europe. This isolation led to the Celtic church developing its own traditions, most notably in
the calculation of the date of Easter.
Almost nothing is known of Aidan’s early life save that he was Irish. He is believed to have been a
monk who may have studied under Saint Senan on Scattery Island, County Clare in Ireland, but
moved to St Columba’s monastery on the Scottish island of Iona in 630 AD.
Edwin was king of Northumbria and had been converted to Christianity in 627 AD by a mission from
Canterbury led by Bishop Paulinus. Edwin was killed in battle against invaders from Mercia in
632 AD and Northumbria returned to paganism. At this time, Edwin’s nephew, Oswald, was living in
exile in the monastery on Iona. During his stay at the monastery, Oswald was converted and baptised.
In 633 AD Oswald regained the kingdom of Northumbria and afterwards sent requests to Iona, rather
than Canterbury, for missionaries to convert his people.
The first monk sent to preach in Northumbria, a man named Corman, returned to Iona having had
little or no success and complaining that the Northumbrian Saxons were “a savage and unteachable
race.” At this Aidan is said to have commented, “Perhaps you were too harsh with them and they
might have responded to a gentler approach.” Aidan duly found himself selected to lead a new
mission!
Madame Le Gall beside a statue of St Aidan at the ruined monastery on Lindisfarne
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Oswald gave Aidan the island of Lindisfarne, sometimes called Holy Isle, on which he established a
monastery. Lindisfarne was close to Oswald’s royal palace at Bamburgh. This made it more suitable
for the evangelization of Oswald’s kingdom (Bernicia) in northern Northumbria, than York, farther to
the south.
Initially, Aidan confined his missionary work to Oswald’s kingdom, with Oswald himself often acting
as Aidan’s interpreter. Later Aidan founded churches and monasteries, freeing slave boys and training
them to serve in the Church. He encouraged the laity to follow monastic practices such as fasting and
meditation on the Gospels and lived himself in poverty. With Oswald’s death in 642 AD, Aidan
became friends with Oswin, the king of the southern Northumbrian kingdom of Deira. Some report
that Aidan extended his mission even further afield — through the midlands and even as far as
London.
St Aidan’s soul is taken to heaven by angels. From Bede’s Life of St Cuthbert
Aidan died on 31 August 651 AD at Bamburgh. His body was taken to Lindisfarne and buried in the
cemetery. Sometime later, his bones were removed to the monastery church. Lindisfarne was sacked
by the Vikings in 793 AD, after which Aidan’s reputation diminished somewhat. However, St Bede
thought very highly of Aidan, perhaps more than of any other saint, and wrote of him:
“He neither sought nor loved anything of this world, but delighted in distributing immediately to the
poor whatever was given to him by kings or rich men of the world. He traversed both town and
country on foot, never on horseback, unless compelled by some urgent necessity. Wherever on his way
he saw any, either rich or poor, he invited them, if pagans, to embrace the mystery of the faith; or if
they were believers, he sought to strengthen them in their faith and stir them up by words and actions
to alms and good works.”
[Taken from http://www.st-aidans-parish.org.uk/st_aidan.htm ]
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Our House banner which hangs in our dining room in the refectories was designed and made by the
girls during our House retreat in October 2012 using wool.
The three scenes in the banner depict from left to right;
1 - St Aidan's prayers from his cell at nearby Lindisfarne Abbey, reverse the winds thus reversing the
fires set at a besieged Bamburgh Castle by an attacking pagan army. The attackers saw this change in
the wind and fires as a sign that Bamburgh was defended by a higher spiritual power and so
abandoned their siege.
2 - St Aidan as Bishop of Northumbria.
3 - St Aidan establishing Lindisfarne Abbey on what is now known as Holy Island.
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The Religious Life of the House
Life in the House is underpinned by the Catholic and Benedictine ethos of the school, and serves to
support the spiritual, moral and intellectual development of students as set out in the school’s mission
statement. The Rule of St Benedict has provided the inspiration for many schools over the centuries
and at Ampleforth we aim to share in that same tradition of, ‘establishing a school for the Lord’s
Service’ (RSB Pro45)
‘Respecting other Christian traditions, and the consciences of all, we seek to live out our faith in our
daily life together, in such a way as to promote the good of each individual and well being of our
community as a whole: it is, we believe, the normal, daily rhythm of our life together in all its variety
that provides the basis for personal growth and good behaviour.’ (taken from Promoting Good
Behaviour – link in appendix 3).
Since the Rule and the Gospel guide and inform life in the school, an acquaintance with these will in
turn enhance life for those in the House. Of prime importance therefore are Morning and Evening
Prayer, as well as regular Masses in the House, the annual retreats, opportunities for the Sacrament of
Reconciliation together with other religious events. You will also have opportunities to help plan the
liturgy for Masses and House Prayers and are also welcome to attend any of the monastic offices in
the Monks’ Choir in the Abbey church. The Schola Mass at 8:30pm on Fridays or Compline at
8:15pm, Sundays to Thursdays, is particularly suitable.
As a House we also support the school’s charity, FACE-FAW and students are invited to be involved
in pastoral activities and retreats for students from other schools.
On Sunday morning the house gathers at 9:30am for a brief check-in before all walking down to the
Abbey Church for Mass at 10:00am. Please do invite your parents to come and sit with us at Mass if
they are around.
Sunday Lunch is taken together as a house and Sunday prep is from 5:00 until 7:00pm.
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The history of St Aidan’s House
St Aidan’s has perhaps the most varied history of all the Ampleforth houses. Founded as one of the
four original houses in 1926, it was unique in that it remained in its original central school location
until 2001 when it became Ampleforth’s first girls’ sixth form house.
Finally in 2002 St Aidan’s moved out of the central school and into its modern home on Aumit Hill
opposite the Infirmary. The girls of the house led the way in establishing co-education at Ampleforth
and proved that girls could flourish at Ampleforth. Those early girls established many of the activities
and traditions that girls still follow today. The final stage of the house’s development came in 2010
when the house was extended to provide accommodation for junior as well as sixth form girls.
Previous Housemasters & Housemistresses:
1926 Fr Augustine Richardson
1928 Fr John Maddox
1938 Fr Terence Wright
1948 Fr Anthony Ainscough
1960 Fr Brendan Smith
1975 Fr Simon Trafford
1988 Fr Terence Richardson
1992 Fr Bernard Green
1996 Fr Cassian Dickie
1997 Fr Gabriel Everitt
1998 Mr Bill Lofthouse
2002 Miss Pam Dixon
2003 Miss Antonia Beary
2005 Mrs Brenda Abbott
2009 Dr Victoria Fogg
2012 Mrs Anne Le Gall
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The House Team
Madame Anne Le Gall (Housemistress)
Anne has an MBA from ESC Le Havre- Business School and she has been a teacher
for the last fifteen years, with work experience both in her homeland (France) and
in her adopted home (North Yorkshire). She gained her PGCE in Modern
Languages from the University of York in 1996 and is a CELTA qualified teacher.
She was previously for a number of years Head of EAL, here at Ampleforth, where
she now continues to teach French. She is married to John Devitt who is Head of
Physics and a sixth form tutor in St Aidan's.
Email: [email protected]
Fr Chad (Chaplain)
Fr Chad (himself a former Housemaster) is also Ampleforth College's Senior
chaplain. He is available to the girls at all times and comes to the house regularly
to give talks and to say weekly house Masses. He leads our annual House retreat.
Email: [email protected]
Mrs Jane Reynard (Matron)
Jane is our Matron, and has worked in the College for many years in the
Admissions department and latterly the Headmaster’s department. She is a mother
of two teenage children, one of whom is at boarding school. She lives nearby with
her family.
Jane’s primary focus is on the well-being of the girls in the house and they all know
that they can come to see her for anything from a medical appointment to much
needed advice.
Email: [email protected]
Mr John Devitt (Tutor to Years 12 & 13)
John has been Head of Physics at Ampleforth since 2008 and is also Joint Head of
Science. He coaches rugby and runs many Physics lectures.
Email: [email protected]
Mr Richard Hudson (Tutor to Years 12 & 13)
Richard is an old boy of Ampleforth, leaving in 1984. Having studied at Oxford,
and practising as a barrister he lived for three years with a religious community.
He has been teaching for twelve years, recently completing an MA in Catholic
Education. As well as teaching CT he co-ordinates the Friendship Holiday.
Email: [email protected]
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Mrs Helen Pepper (Assistant Housemistress and Tutor to Years 12 & 13)
Helen who is St Aidan's Assistant Housemistress has taught Christian Theology at
Ampleforth since 2010. She is also Assistant Head of Christian Theology. Helen
coaches girls' football and athletics.
Email: [email protected]
Dr Lorna Kessell (Tutor to Year 9)
Lorna has taught Physics at Ampleforth since 2010. She is also involved in the
running of the Duke of Edinburgh awards.
Email: [email protected]
Mrs Emma Levahn (Tutor to Year 10)
Emma is joining the College as the Head of Drama and Dance.
Email: tbc
Miss Anna Rosenberg (Tutor to Year 11)
Anna has taught history here since September 2013. She also coaches netball and
tennis.
Email: [email protected]
Mr Alasdair Thorpe
Alasdair teaches Chemistry at Ampleforth and has been Head of Science for a
number of years before becoming Director of Professional Development. Alasdair
brings to the team his wide expertise of the world of education.
Email: [email protected]
Miss Elena Torres-Lleyda
Elena is the Spanish Assistant and is helping out with some of the house duties.
Email: [email protected]
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Our roles…
Madame Anne Le Gall, Housemistress
As your Housemistress I take an interest in everything that you do at Ampleforth. I shall be involved
in overseeing your academic studies, games choices and activities. I am always available for help and
guidance. My house is located through the study and I encourage you to come and find me if there is
anything that you need.
Mrs Pepper, Assistant Housemistress
Mrs Pepper assists me in the running of the house. One day a week Mrs Pepper will be on duty in the
house for twenty four hours. In this time she will look after the running of the house and help you
with all your needs. Mrs Pepper also lives permanently in the house and her flat is located next to the
first year dorms. You can ask her to help you if you have any difficulties or just need another adult to
talk to.
The tutors are; Mr Devitt, Mr Hudson, Mrs Pepper (all 6th form), Miss Rosenberg (year 11), Mrs
Levahn (year 10) and Dr Kessell (year 9).
Each year group in the house has a tutor to oversee their academic progress. The M6th and U6th are
divided into vertical tutor groups which means there are U6th and M6th girls together in each tutor
group. Your tutor will meet with you once a week for tutorial and will be in the house one day per
week supervising quiet time and prep. You can speak to your tutor and ask for help and guidance
about your work or simply ask for help with your prep when they are on duty or at any time.
Mrs Reynard, Matron
Matron has an office on the ground floor and is on duty Monday to Friday. Mrs Reynard is universally
referred to as “Matron” in the house and will help organise your laundry, help you keep your room
tidy, look after you if you are unwell and offer support if you feel homesick. If you have any
medication Matron will keep it for you and dispense it to you as needed. Medicines must not be kept
in student rooms.
Fr Chad, House Chaplain
Fr Chad is also the main school chaplain and he is the former Housemaster of St Oswald’s. He comes
to the House once a week to say Mass and to share evening prayers with us. Fr Chad is always
available to speak to you and to offer advice and support. Fr Chad also oversees the confirmation
process and leads our annual House retreat.
Lulu and Alice, our School Monitors:
Lucinda “Lulu” Welford-Carroll is Head of House and Alice McKeever is Deputy Head of House.
These two Upper Sixth girls help in the running of the house and liaise a lot with the House staff.
Both girls also have some whole school responsibilities outside of the house and form part of the
school monitor team more commonly known as “Shaccies”. Both Lulu and Alice want you to have the
best possible experience in St Aidan’s. You can talk to them if you have an issue that you think does
not need the immediate help of the Housemistress or another adult. They will always listen and
always show great kindness.
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The other U6th girls form a house monitor team. They have leadership roles in the house built on
service to you. The whole house is split into 10 teams with girls from each year group in each team.
House teams take a week in turn to complete house duties and you can win points for your team by
having a tidy room, getting a subject commendation etc.
This year the house monitors and team leaders are:
Games Monitor: Ines Unterberger, Catechist and Chapel-Monitor: Eve Langford (responsible for
the preparation of Confirmandi), Eucharistic Ministers: Victoria Schutz and Gabriela PlazasLodares, Guardian Angel-Foreign students: Annabell Keppel, Guardian Angel-Academic matters
and House Drama: Millie D’Oyly Inglis-Agar, Music monitor: Helen Shi, Windmill rep: Honor
Ripley, Food and socials monitor: Heloise Pickering, House and Kitchen steward: Mary Plowden.
All of the house monitors have been appointed to help you and to better assist the smooth running of
our house.
Day Girls
Day girls have always played a huge part in the success of St Aidan’s and I hope that our new day
girls will flourish in this same tradition. Day girls have shared rooms on the ground floor of the
building with one room for juniors and another for seniors. These rooms have a desk and wardrobe for
each girl and a shared bathroom. We have one boarding room that can be used by day girls when they
wish to stay over and they are always very welcome to do so. Day girls are expected to be in the
house for morning prayers and registration at 8.20 am but where this is not possible, they should
check in with Madame Le Gall in her study at 8.30 at the latest. Lessons start at 8.40 so I will have
left the house and be heading down to teach at 8.30; if you arrive after this time you will be recorded
as late. Day girls are welcome to stay in the house until prayers at 9.30 pm or may go home once
lessons have finished. There is a sheet in my study that I ask you to sign out on if I am unavailable to
check you out for the night; this ensures that I know who is at home and who is still on campus. Day
girls are full members of St Aidan’s and I encourage you all to take part in as many house events as
possible to really get the most out of your Aidan’s experience.
First year day girls are invited to board free of charge until the first Exeat (Friday September 25), to
facilitate their full integration and bonding among the house.
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The House
Clothes and possessions
The College will send you a separate clothes list. Please particularly note that school skirts must be
ordered from the school shop when you complete your registration form which will be sent to you by
the admissions department.
Skirts can be delivered directly to you or picked up at any John Lewis or Waitrose (in the UK). The
skirts are also delivered internationally or alternatively, delivered directly to your daughter’s house. If
you have any questions, the school shop will be happy to help.
The links and reference numbers are;
Black skirt ref: 53945203 Blue skirt ref: 53945303
http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-girls'-school-pencil-skirt-blue/p187928#tabinfo-ratings
http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-girls'-pencil-school-skirt-black/p187927
If you wish to wear trousers these must be black and cut in a classic style. You are not permitted to
wear skinny style trousers. Jeans of any description may not be worn during the school day.
You may wear a white, pink or blue shirt. Only black, blue or grey sweaters may be worn for school
and only black scarves/pashminas are part of the dress code. We do have a number of “colours”
pashminas that can be awarded for scholars, sports players and for house awards which I do hope lots
of you will achieve in due course. Most girls have pre-ordered their games kit but anything that you
require can be ordered through Matron at the beginning of term. You need a dark suit for Mass. This
needs to be a proper suit with a knee length skirt or classic cut trousers, trousers cut in a “skinny”
style are not permitted. You wear your Mass suit every Sunday with a white shirt. If you do not
conform to the school dress code, you will be provided with an adequate replacement suit provided by
the house.
Please attach your name to ALL of your clothes and bring extra name labels as well. A lot of the
problems that we encounter with people losing their clothes could be solved if casual clothes as well
as school uniform items were clearly labelled. The school laundry system is excellent. Laundry is
placed in bins put out by Matron on Monday evening and it is returned on Wednesday. Please make
sure that you have enough clothes to cover 9 to 10 days and have a spare towel. Sixth form girls may
use the house laundry at appointed times but the laundry room must be kept neat and tidy at all times
or the privilege will be withdrawn.
You may bring inoffensive pictures, posters etc to put up in your room and I encourage you to do so
as I want you to feel comfortable and at home in St Aidan’s. Please do note that pictures may be put
on the boards, doors and shelves but not directly onto the walls as it destroys the paint work. Fabric
wall hangings of any kind and fairy lights are not allowed. Any electrical appliances that you bring
must be PAT tested by the school electricians. This is easily done once you arrive and put onto your
school bill.
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Rooms and storage
First years (year 9) are in rooms of four, second years in double rooms. Please be mindful that there is
limited space and do not bring too many decorative items for your room. Sixth form and year 11 girls
have individual rooms but again, space in your room is limited and you should not bring excessive
amounts of decoration, going out clothes or shoes; but do bring a pair of wellies and a good raincoat!
We have a limited amount of luggage storage space in the house. Each girl should store no more than
two substantial pieces of luggage in the house trunk room. At Easter, rooms have to be completely
emptied as Easter retreat guests use the boarding accommodation in the holidays. Girls must be
mindful of this as each can only store one trunk or suitcase in the trunk room in the holidays, all other
things must be taken home. Please take this into account when you are packing!
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THE ST AIDAN’S DAILY ROUTINE…
Wake up for all = 7.20
Morning prayers and check in = 8.20 am in the house chapel (all girls to be dressed in school clothes
except U6 girls who have a Quite period for P1)
Lunch and check in; all girls must attend = 12.35 as a House
Check in= 19.00 in the House-chapel
Check in and evening prayers after prep= 21.00 in the house chapel
PREP FOR ALL= 19.00 - 21.00
1st years and 2nd year newcomers will be working downstairs in their study rooms and their phones
must be switched off.
The Remove should be working in their bedrooms and must leave their phone outside their bedroom
doors at the end of the 7pm check-in before starting prep.
BEDTIME ROUTINE:
1st year
9.30 pm
2nd year
9.45 pm
Remove a.k.a. year 11
10.00 pm
6th form
10.30 pm
Social time/telephones/money/visitors/conduct/visits
Social Time
First and second years have lots of in-house social events for themselves and also to invite members
of other houses to St Aidan’s. The school also puts on lots of social activities for you including discos,
DVD nights, cinema trips, bowling, trips to theme parks and tag laser shooting. Sixth form girls have
the option to visit “The Windmill”, the sixth form social centre, on Saturday and Sunday nights. The
Windmill serves food, soft drinks, wine and beer purchased on your Windmill card. Only parents can
top up these cards. Windmill is a fabulous facility and the management often put on theme nights such
as UV clubbing nights and fancy dress evenings – please use Windmill responsibly and stick to the
rules in order to preserve the privilege of membership.
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Telephones
You are welcome to bring your mobile telephone to school. Orange (now known as EE) phones tend
to get the best signal but the O2 signal has also much improved. You must not use your phones in
lessons or during prep time, if you do so your phone will be immediately confiscated. First and second
year girls should not use their phones after their allotted bedtimes. Sixth form girls should not use
their phones after 10.30pm.
My term-time phone number is 01439 766746
My e-mail address is: [email protected]
Matron’s term-time phone number is 01439 766491 and her e-mail is [email protected]
There are two pay phones in the house and their numbers are: 01439 788854 and 01439 788914
Money
Each girl pays £15.75 subs to the house each term; this amount is put on your school bill. This money
is used to pay for birthday cakes, newspapers, DVDs, magazines, socials, Sky TV, etc. It is very
difficult to legislate for the amount of money pupils should have at school. All legitimate school
related expenses such as stationary, toiletries etc can be purchased at the school shop using a
Housemistress chit and the amount is billed to the student’s end of term bill. Pocket money is usually
desired for tuck. In my view, £1 per day is sufficient allowance for a first year. Pocket money should
be given to me and I will bank it in the house safe. Girls can ask me for their pocket money at any
time. This system minimises losses through theft or misplacement. I am able to advance girls money
for things such as train fares and taxi journey for University interviews etc and these loans are
recouped on the school bill. If loans exceed £25 I will contact parents or guardians to check that they
are happy with the expense.
Visits from Parents
I am always delighted to see parents and give them an update on their daughter’s progress. As a
general rule it is better not to have a parental visit on the first or second weekend of term as it hinders
you spending time with your new friends and bonding could then become an issue. You may take
other girls out with your parents if you would like to but I need to know by no later than the end of
Wednesday each week if anyone is being taken out so that I can seek the necessary parental
permissions.
Expectation of conduct on and off the College campus
Please bear in mind that when off campus, you are still a member of the Ampleforth community and
the school code of conduct still applies and you should conduct yourself in such a manner as not to
embarrass yourself, your family, St Aidan’s or the College. You are and will always be an ambassador
of St Aidan’s and the College.
Please see appendix 5 at the end of this booklet if organising an off-site do during term-time.
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Visitors
You may have visitors from other houses into St Aidan’s. If I am in the study your guest should
introduce themselves and ask if they may come in. You should do exactly the same if you visit
another house. Your visitor should then sign-in using the visitors’ book and sign out as they leave;
this is a fire safety regulation. Male visitors are strictly restricted to the ground floor areas (common
room and kitchen) and female guests may visit your room with permission.
House Rules
There are a number of jobs that need to be done and rules that need to be followed to ensure that we
can all live together in harmony. Some of the jobs that need doing every day include ringing the
wake-up bell, collecting the post, cleaning the kitchen, collecting newspapers, collecting laundry.
Please do these things in good spirit as everything is intended to support you and help you get the very
best out of the Ampleforth experience. There are rules that we need to follow to ensure the smooth
running of the house and the school day:
 We have four check-ins a day: 8.20 am, lunch-time, 6.55pm and 9.00pm. They are all in the
main common room or at lunchtime in the Refs, please do not be late.
 During prep stay at your work station and do not distract others. This is to help everyone to
get their prep done on time and done well.
 Do not enter another girl’s room without her express permission. We must all respect each
other’s boundaries and personal space.
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 Wear your uniform and games kit properly to show pride in yourself, your house and your
school.
 If you are stuck, unhappy or confused do ask a member of the house staff for help – it is what
we are here for and it is never a bother to support you.
Effort Grades
Each half term you will receive an effort grade for classroom and prep effort from each of your
subject teachers. These grade ranges from 1 to 5, with 5 being the very best. If you achieve the
following averages, you will receive a Headmaster’s commendation;
Year 9
4.1 and above
10
4.2
11
4.2
M6
4.3
U6
4.4
If you receive an average of 3 or less, I and your tutor will take action to initiate improvement in your
working habits. I have high expectations of Aidan’s girls and expect all to strive for Headmaster’s
commendations.
At the Housemistress’ discretion, Windmill and/or other social privileges may be withdrawn
from any pupil with an unsatisfactory effort average.
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Matron Matters:
We do all we can to ensure the girls are happy and fulfilled. We endeavour to make St Aidan’s as
much a home-from-home as is possible but inevitably there are differences due to the academic,
cultural and sporting demands placed on the girls as well as the challenge of learning to live as part of
the St Aidan’s community. I am here to help the girls with all manner of questions including what to
do when they are feeling unwell, accompany them to medical and dental appointments, finding lost
belongings and numerous other day to day matters. Some of the most frequently asked questions
concern the following:
Food
We encourage all the girls to adopt good eating habits and to follow a balanced and healthy diet whilst
from time to time allowing them a few well deserved treats. Breakfast, lunch and supper are eaten in
the College Refectory where a wide choice of food is always available. In addition to this all the girls
are permitted to use the main kitchen in St Aidan’s to make themselves drinks during the day and to
have quick and easy snacks such as fruit, cereal and toast with jam or spreads at morning and
afternoon break time.
In the evenings from Monday to Friday and Sunday completion of prep is the priority and the kitchen
is closed during prep time. A timetable setting out the times when the various year groups may
prepare quick meals in the kitchen is displayed on the kitchen door. On Saturdays when all the girls
have more free time they are allowed to prepare pasta dishes and other more time consuming
gastronomic delights!
All year groups have been allocated cupboards in the kitchen for storing all their food and for health
and safety reasons the girls know that they are not permitted to keep food in their rooms other than a
small amount of tuck which must be stored in a sealed box or tin. We would be very grateful if you
could refrain from sending any food parcels through the post or allowing the girls to return with large
amounts of food or sweets as this encourages the girls to snack on biscuits and treats of which we are
unaware.
Students at the College are not permitted to order food online for delivery to the boarding houses and
we would be very grateful if you would refrain from placing any online orders on their behalf.
However I am able to place an occasional online order for the girls for delivery to St Aidan’s on a
Friday. The girls have been asked to check with their parents for permission to use this service as all
food and drinks ordered on their behalf will be added to the end of term bill. If you would like to
place a limit on the amount your daughter is permitted to spend in this way, e.g. a maximum weekly
spend of £10.00, please would you email me as soon as possible to let me know.
Nut Free Policy
We have nut-allergy sufferers in St Aidan’s. For them even the slightest contact with nuts or nut
products will cause a severe physical allergic reaction which can be life-threatening. For this reason
and to ensure that we provide a safe living environment for these individuals all nuts or nut products
are forbidden in St Aidan’s.
Labelling
Please label all belongings and personal items including all clothes, bedding, shoes, sports kit, pencil
cases, computers, mobile phones, chargers, adapters, and hairdryers as it can be very difficult to
reunite unnamed items with their owners.
Toiletries
I keep a stock of sanitary requisites, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc in case the girls run out
and the cost of these items will also be added to the end of term bill.
Page 18 of 36
Postage
Often the girls will ask me to post letters and parcels and again the postage charges will appear on the
bill.
Laundry
The girls’ laundry is collected once a week to be washed in the College Laundry and is usually
returned the following day. Please bring a large laundry bag with you. A small, white, named net bag
costing £4.56 will be given out at the beginning of term and is used for laundering underwear. A
larger bag costing £5.40 is also given out for laundering socks and tights. Clean laundry will be sorted
and placed on the laundry room shelves where each girl has a named place. Please ensure that all
clothes and bedding are clearly labelled.
Medicines
It is Ampleforth College Policy that all medication brought in from home after a holiday period is
handed in to Matron or the College Infirmary. This includes vitamins, homeopathic, herbal and
complimentary remedies.
All prescribed medication should be labelled with the student’s name and the prescribed
instructions. A letter from the prescribing doctor is also required.
Paracetamol, ibuprofen, cough medicine, strepsils and other homely remedies are all available from
Matron and at the College Infirmary. There is no charge for these medications and the College would
prefer that you do not give your child these medications to bring back to school.
Aerosols
Aerosols, including hairspray, are forbidden so please make sure your daughter has a roll-on
deodorant.
Posters & Room Decorations
Please bring Blu Tack to hang up posters etc. as drawing pins and Sellotape must not be used. Fairy
lights, candles, bunting, and aromatherapy products are not permitted.
Electrical Items
All electrical items including adapters and chargers brought to the house will be safety tested and the
cost of this, based on the number of items tested, will be added to the end of term bill
I hope that you will find the information listed above helpful but please do not hesitate to contact me
if you need any further assistance. I am looking forward very much to seeing you all in September.
Contact
Jane Reynard (Mrs)
Matron St Aidan’s House
Ampleforth College
York
YO62 4EP
Tel: 01439 766491
Email: [email protected]
Page 19 of 36
Essential Items for Ampleforth Girls:
School trousers in black/knee length school skirts (from school supplier) x up to 5 - check that the
trousers you send are permissible – see note on ‘Items you should not bring’.
Dark Mass Suit and white blouse – Pinstripe/black/charcoal (trousers or skirt – but a skirt looks
very elegant)
School jacket in approved colour - Black/navy jacket: must be classically tailored – no waist length
or bolero jackets please)
Pale plain blouse for school x 8 (pastel colours – pale pink, blue, yellow or white– a subtle stripe is
acceptable)
4 long sleeved V Neck jumpers in any colour except red (Red is for school monitors only)
Night attire sufficient for 9 days, dressing gown and slippers
Underwear sufficient for 9 full days (laundry is collected once a week on a Monday and the clean
washing arrives back on Tuesday. Please bring at least 9 days’ worth of underwear) this should
include white or pale bras, black socks, knickers and black or flesh coloured tights for school wear
2 white vests – it is cold in North Yorkshire
2-3 pairs of plain black tracksuit bottoms (these are approved by the games department for training
sessions)
2 pairs of black or navy lycra cycling shorts – to wear under games skirts
2 pairs of plain white sports socks for PE
A plain black or blue swimming costume
White Tennis skirt or scort (skirt with shorts sewn in) – delete as optional in the Summer Term
One waterproof coat
One black/charcoal winter coat – scarf, hat and gloves are also essential in the Autumn and Lent
Terms
Optional black scarf/pashmina – for black tie Monday
Suggested clothing amounts for free time:
Three warm jumpers or cardigans or sweatshirts
Five t-shirt/blouse/long sleeved shirt tops
4 pairs of jeans or casual trousers/skirts
One smart dress
Page 20 of 36
Footwear:
Two pairs of black school shoes – The girls will be doing a lot of walking between classes and in the
rain shoes may need to be rested to dry out so it is advisable to have two pairs. Some styles of shoe
are not suitable as they can damage the feet if worn for a prolonged length of time (e.g. Ballet pump)
No canvass shoes are to be worn during lesson times as they look too casual.
Please be aware that for DT and Science ballet style pumps cannot be worn as they do not safely
cover the whole foot.
Two supportive pairs of trainers – no flat ‘baseball’ type trainers for sports (though girls may wear
them during free time); the students need to keep one pair of trainers for use on the indoor courts and
one for outside sports.
Walking shoes/pretty shoes/astro-turf boots and finally Wellies – the most essential of the essential
items.
Other Items:
One named duvet & two duvet covers and optional pillow slips (we provide bottom sheets, a pillow
and pillow slip but your young lady may prefer a matching pillow slip to go with her duvet)
Wash kit and toiletries, 3 bath sheet towels, 4 hand towels
Plastic cup for toothbrush/toothpaste
Black, gold, silver or tortoiseshell hair clips and bands for school
A small padlock with number code on (not a key)
Large Laundry bag – please see Laundry above
Umbrella
A memory stick is a useful item to store prep on
A hockey stick and hockey/ football boots, shin pads, tennis racket
(If you do not have these items when you arrive they will be supplied by the games department and
the cost added to the end of tern bill)
A covered hot water bottle
A desk lamp and alarm clock
Shoe polish & brushes
Stationary/pencil case/scientific calculator
Laptops are useful for senior girls; follow the guidance in the Parent’s Handbook on specific software
and wireless connection to the network.
A fleecy blanket
Page 21 of 36
A teddy bear or similar friend. Hopefully this item will not be essential but sometimes girls need a
familiar face at the beginning of term.
An English bi-lingual dictionary if English is not your first language.
Page 22 of 36
Items you should not bring:
School trousers in a denim material –students wearing black school trousers which resemble jeans,
are hipster style, reveal flesh, are tight or held up by wide belts will be sent back to House to change
into suits – please don’t let your daughter come to school with unsuitable school wear!
Hundreds of ornamental knick knacks
Cloth banners or scarves to put on the wall (this is a fire hazard).
Posters with inappropriate language or lewd images on.
Kettles (there is a house kitchen where girls can always get boiling water) /mini fridges
Decorative strings of lighting – they are a fire hazard.
Decorative pillows – girls are allowed to bring orthopaedic pillows if they need them but extra, arty
pillows only attract dust.
Tuck which requires refrigeration. No dairy/meat/ salad/fruit etc. is allowed in the rooms.
Chewing gum.
Page 23 of 36
The beginning of the academic year
You will be warmly greeted when you arrive at the house by my husband Mr Devitt and I as well as
Mrs Pepper, Matron, Fr Chad, the house tutors and the Head and Deputy Head of House – a real
welcoming committee! You will be shown to your room and have the opportunity to have tea and
cake and a look round the house. After a brief introduction from me, your parents will say goodbye
and go to the Abbey church to listen to an address by Mr Lambon, the Headmaster. Your parents will
not return to the house but go directly home after this. For this reason it is important that you say
goodbye properly to your parents when they leave St Aidan’s – be kind to them as this part of the day
is usually much harder for parents than it is for the girls!
You will be really busy for the rest of the day – there are tours of the house, tours of the school, an
address by your head of year and EAL testing if required! After supper the whole house will come
together to meet each other properly and have some fun! You will be able to unpack and settle before
bed time.
We begin the second day with a different induction morning for each year group, followed by an
afternoon tutorial with your tutor. In the evening there will be Music interviews and Computer system
login sessions. During the day tutors will give you your timetable and allay any worries that you may
have.
On the third day we follow the academic timetable as normal. As each day passes we hope that things
will start to feel more normal and you can relax into the routines and start to enjoy yourself.
Please always remember that the gift of an Ampleforth education is a wonderful one so make the very
most of it. Work hard in your lessons, participate on the games field, join as many clubs and activities
as you are able to and take the time to take strength and hope from the faith that underpins everything
that we do. We hope that you will be a happy and proud member of St Aidan’s. Come to us as many
times as you need for help, guidance or encouragement: we are here to help.
Please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail, phone or letter if you have any worries or questions
before the start of term.
We look forward to welcoming you to St Aidan’s house very soon.
Page 24 of 36
Appendix 1 - The college timetable
We have a two week timetable, weeks A & B:
Page 25 of 36
Appendix 2 - Important links for information;
New starters information: (including dress-code, etc):
http://www.college.ampleforth.org.uk/admissions/information-for-parents-and-new-entrants
The College website: http://www.college.ampleforth.org.uk/
Parent Portal, where you can monitor your daughter’s progress online:
https://parents.ampleforth.org.uk/api/login/
Our Promoting Good Behaviour handbook:
http://www.college.ampleforth.org.uk/resource.aspx?id=1672&officeint=on
The Ampleforth College campus map:
http://www.college.ampleforth.org.uk/resource.aspx?id=1679&officeint=on
Page 26 of 36
Appendix 3 - What to do if you are worried.
At Ampleforth College there are many people to whom you can turn to if you need help. From
amongst the staff you can turn to your Housemistress, Assistant Housemistress, Chaplain, Tutor or
anyone else on the staff. From the student body, you can speak to one of the monitors.
There are other adults you can talk to outside of your House or even outside of school and their
numbers are listed below. Your privacy will always be respected and the level of confidentiality
available explained.
All of these people have had training from the College in appropriate ways to help students with
difficulties.
If a problem is particularly serious it may be suggested that you should contact one of the Child
Protection Officers, Mr Smerdon or Mrs Anglim. If your problem is very serious they will need to
pass the issue on but will not do that without discussing it with you first.
Child Protection Officers;
Miss Rowe [email protected] 01439 766880
and Mr Smerdon [email protected] 01439 766895
Assistant Child Protection Officer
Mrs Anglim [email protected] 01439 766414
Senior Chaplain
Fr Chad [email protected] 01439 766428
Fr Cyprian (Monk and Priest)
Mr Allisstone (School
Counsellor)
Lead Nurse (Miss Camden-Smith)
01439 766844
01439 766806 or
[email protected]
01439 766760 or
[email protected]
01439 770620
Mrs Jan Titchmarsh (Independent
Listener)
Mrs Jan Mangles (Independent Listener) 01439 770760
Other useful numbers:
North Yorkshire Social Care
Department
Childline
Children’s Rights Director
NSPCC
Samaritans
Drink Line
Frank – National Drugs Helpline
NHS Smoking Helpline
Page 27 of 36
0845 872 374/01609 536993
0800 1111
0800 528 0731
0808 800 5000
08457 909090
0800 9178282
0800 776600
0800 1690169
Eating Disorders
Victim Supportline
Smoking Quitline
Page 28 of 36
01458 448600
0845 3030900
0800 002200
Appendix 4 - LEAVE OF ABSENCE FORM/18TH BIRTHDAY FORM
(Amend as appropriate)
Time of Outing: Sat Supper / Sat Overnight / Sun Lunch/ Other. (Please circle all appropriate times)
Please list the name of student guests (Up to 10 including your own Child) for whom you are taking
responsibility:
1. Own child
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Contact telephone number:
Depart time:
Signature of parent
Date
Signature of Hsms
Date
Return time:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To be retained by parent
Conditions of leave

Please remember that if you are signing this form you are responsible for the supervision, safety
and well being of the students in your care

Permission is normally given for students to go out after games commitments and activities on
Saturday


Cars: students must be allocated their own seat in a car and must wear a seatbelt when travelling
No member of the school may be driven by another member of the school or by a person under the age
of 25 (unless a brother or sister of the intending passenger and then only with parent’s permission).

Parents take responsibility for the supervision of any members of the school invited out

Parents may not take more than ten student guests. More special rules on 18 th birthday parties can be
found in the Parents Handbook

Parents are asked to ensure the good behaviour of all student guests
Page 29 of 36

Students should not be left alone in a public house and there should be close supervision at all times

School rules about alcohol and tobacco should be observed. (A limited amount of alcohol is only
permissible for students in the Sixth Form over the age of 16 years with a meal.)

Parents are asked to return students to their relevant boarding houses in good time, making contact with
their Housemaster/Housemistress

Students should be returned to houses no later than 10.00 pm
On the occasion of an 18th Birthday:
An 18th birthday is a significant event, and parents often want, in their generosity, to enable their son
or daughter to celebrate with their friends from the School. The Headmaster welcomes convivial
occasions of this kind, and the guidelines that follow are intended to help parents ensure that all goes
well.


















Communication with the Housemaster or Housemistress is essential, at least one week before
the proposed date, time and place of the event. It is recommended that contact is made before
venues are confirmed.
Parties should normally be arranged for a Saturday evening or Sunday lunchtime.
On Saturday evenings all boarders must return to their Houses by 11pm.
A full guest list, including day boys/girls, must be given to the Housemaster or Housemistress
at least one week before the party, but it must be emphasised that every student must seek
permission from their own Housemaster or Housemistress.
The Housemaster/Housemistress will contact parents to confirm arrangements and
permissions.
To ensure good supervision, no more than ten guests from the School should be invited. (This
figure assumes the presence of both parents).
We do not allow joint 18th parties.
All should be dressed tidily.
It is advised that a private room be hired for the occasion.
No member of the School should visit the public bar.
The party should include a full, formal meal for all guests.
Spirits are not to be consumed by any member of the School.
No more than 2-3 units of alcohol should be drunk by any member of the party during the
evening, regardless of age.
It is the responsibility of the parents to make sure that the boarders are transported to and
from the party and returned directly to their Houses. The must not walk back to School e.g.
from Ampleforth village.
No member of the School may be a passenger in a car driven by another member of the
school or by any other person under the age of 25 (unless a brother or sister of the intending
passenger and then only with the parent’s permission).
Any illness or disciplinary problems should be reported to the appropriate Housemaster or
Housemistress by parents immediately on return.
Invitations to 18th should be restricted to members of the Sixth Form.
Any friends or younger siblings who are under 16 and who may be invited out at the same
time must not consume any alcohol and must be returned to their Houses by 10.00pm.
Page 30 of 36
Appendix 5 - Our address is;
St Aidan’s House, Ampleforth College, Aumit Lane, Ampleforth, York. YO62 4EP
Madame Le Gall’s phone number is 01439 766746
Appendix 6 - Places to stay, places to eat;
(Including postcodes for your SAT NAVs)…this list is included for information only and are not to be
taken as recommendations – information correct at time of handbook compilation.
You might like to try:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurants-g635918-Helmsley_North_Yorkshire_England.html
Hotels:
The Pheasant Hotel
Harome, North Yorkshire. YO62 5JG
Phone 01439 771 241
Feversham Arms Hotel
1-8, High St, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire YO62 5AG
Phone 01439 770 766
The Feathers Hotel
5-6, Market Place, Helmsley, North Yorkshire YO62 5BH
Phone 01439 770 275
The Star Inn
High St, Harome, York, North Yorkshire YO62 5JE
Phone 01439 770 397
The Fairfax Arms,
Main Street, Gilling East, York, YO62 4JH
Phone 01439 788 212
Bed and Breakfasts:
Bramble Cottage B&B,
Back Lane, Harome, North Yorkshire. YO62 5JA
Phone 01439 771 158
Croft House B&B,
High Street, Harome, North Yorkshire. YO62 5JE
Phone 01439 770 808
Stilworth House,
1, Church St, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire YO62 5AD
Phone 01439 771 072
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Betty Leckenby - Argyle House,
Ashdale Rd, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire YO62 5DD
Phone 01439 770 590
The Carlton Lodge,
53, Bondgate, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire YO62 5EY
Phone 01439 770 557
Plumpton Court,
High St, Nawton, York, North Yorkshire YO62 7TT
Phone 01439 771 223
Places for to dine out nearby:
The White Swan – Ampleforth YO62 4DA
01439 788 239
The White Horse – Ampleforth YO62 4DX
01439 788 378
Beadlam Grange Farmshop and Café – nr Helmsley YO62 7TD
01439 772 392
The Black Swan – Oldstead village (between Thirsk & Ampleforth) YO61 4BL
01347 868 387
The Feversham Arms Hotel – Helmsley YO62 5AG
01439 770 766
Gepetto’s Italian Restaurant – Helmsley YO62 5BG
01439 770 479
The Pheasant Hotel – Harome ~ 2 miles from Helmsley YO62 5JG
01439 771 241
The Star Inn – Harome ~ 2 miles from Helmsley YO62 5JE
01439 770 397
The Helmsley Spice – Helmsley YO62 5BG
01439 771 777 or 770 131
The Desai Spice club – Nawton village ~ 2 miles from Helmsley YO62 7SU
01439 772 400
The Hare Inn, Scawton near Helmsley, YO7 2HG
01845 597 769
The Durham Ox, Crayke village (between A’forth & York), YO61 4TE
01347 821 506
Page 32 of 36
Appendix 7 – Forward term dates
Autumn Term 2015
Monday
7 September 2015
Students Return
Tuesday
8 September 2015
Teaching begins – Day students return
Friday
25 September 2015
Students Depart – Exeat weekend
Monday
28 September 2015
Students Return
Tuesday
29 September 2015
Teaching begins – Day students return
Thursday
22 October 2015
Students Depart – Half-term
Monday
2 November 2015
Students Return
Tuesday
3 November 2015
Teaching begins – Day students return
Friday
20 November 2015
Students Depart – Exeat weekend
Monday
23 November 2015
Students Return
Tuesday
24 November 2015
Teaching begins – Day students return
Thursday
17 December 2015
Students Depart – End of Term
Lent Term 2016
Thursday
7 January 2016
Students Return
Friday
8 January 2016
Teaching begins – Day students return
Friday
12 February 2016
Students Depart – Half-term
Monday
22 February 2016
Students Return
Tuesday
23 February 2016
Teaching begins – Day students return
Friday
18 March 2016
Students Depart – End of Term
Page 33 of 36
Summer Term 2016
Tuesday
12 April 2016
Students Return
Wednesday
13 April 2016
Teaching begins – Day students return
Saturday
28 May 2016
Exhibition
Sunday
29 May 2016
Students Depart – Half-term
Sunday
5 June 2016
Students Return
Monday
6 June 2016
Teaching begins – Day students return
Saturday
2 July 2016
Students Depart – Summer holidays
Future term dates and a detailed calendar can be found at; http://www.college.ampleforth.org.uk/theschool/term-dates
Page 34 of 36
Page 35 of 36
A 1st year social
Page 36 of 36
The Upper Sixth before their Leaver’s Ball