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 Dauntsey’s School is very much a family school, one of the strongest elements of which is the boarding house. In these boarding houses, even for as short a time as two Sixth Form years, the total immersion into a vibrant and kaleidoscopic mixture of house staff (frequently with their own young children) and young adults is one that very few regret and none forget.
The boarding house provides a stable, secure and friendly ‘home’ for young people, many of whom are likely to lead increasingly mobile lives, and boarders develop a strong sense of belonging, self awareness and an understanding of the need to conciliate and compromise in a community life. Boarding staff recognise the importance of a balance between work and social life. Academic support, which emphasises independent learning, is offered as are a range of fun weekend activities which encourage friendship. Boarding in a co-educational environment, especially from a young age, allows boys and girls to develop life-long friendships based on mutual respect and trust. Despite the many weekend activities, boarders may go home if they wish, and parents are frequent visitors both on formal and informal occasions.
Junior Boarding There is certainly never a dull
moment to be had for the junior boarders at the Manor. A varied and imaginative
programme of weekend activities is arranged by staff throughout the year,
either based ‘at home’ (including Laser Quest in the Manor
woods, arts and crafts, cooking, video nights and discos) or a fortnightly
trip to an attraction, such as the Wookey Hole Caves, Thorpe Park, Cadbury
World and Splashdown Water Park, to name but a few. Much enjoyed are the
bi-annual larger trips which have in the past included Euro Disney Paris,
a weekend in London, a party on a Pirate Ship and a 1920s Steam Train
Murder Mystery Tour. Undoubtedly, the
Manor is a unique and special place for pupils to begin their boarding
careers, and one which remains dear to all those who pass through it long
after they have moved up to senior Boarding and beyond.
Senior Boarding As the Manor boys and girls move into one of the four senior boarding houses on the main site, they continue to enjoy a wide selection of in-house and inter-house events and activities. Entertainment within houses can range from quiz nights, BBQs, fancy dress parties, restaurant meals, cinema and theatre visits to wellie throwing and talent shows! The 17 Club is run by Sixth Formers and pupils organise their own social programmes, including the popular trips to Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London and the Valentine’s Ball. As an increasing number of teenagers make a positive choice to board for their last two years, the senior boarding community welcomes new members in the Sixth Form. New boarders cut out travelling time, develop some independence before embarking on university life, and their arrival contributes a healthy input to the dynamics of the existing community. Each house inevitably reflects something of the personalities of the house staff involved, and each has its own traditions, but if there is one common thread it is the sense of loss on leaving and the strength of the bonds formed whilst there. In the words of a boarding pupil: “It is an enviable experience”. Boarding Developments Dauntsey’s recognises the importance of first class facilities in contributing to and enhancing the overall boarding experience. A dynamic and ongoing development programme has been underway since 2004, starting with the construction of a new senior girls’ house. Accommodation at the Manor has been re-vamped to include new bedrooms, the provision of new bath and shower rooms and a new sanitorium. Fitzmaurice House (senior boys) was greatly extended in 2007; this provided additional living space, with an extra 12 bedrooms, the expansion of the existing Fourth Form accommodation, as well as a comprehensive refurbishment of much of the existing house.
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The Boarding HousesStarting
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