Private SchoolsDictionary
Some
of the terms used by Private Schoolsin the UK can
be a little tricky, here are a few for you to get started.
ASSISTANT
HOUSEMISTRESS/HOUSEMASTER
The Housemistress or Housemaster is usually supported
by an Assistant who helps take care of the pupils in her
particular house. The Assistant may also assist with academic
or extra-curricular activity. She is an important friend
and mentor to her charges, as well as a great practical
help to the Housemistress. In some schools, this position
is known as Houseparent, Housemother or Housefather.
BOARDERS,
BOARDING
(see also: FLEXI-BOARDING & WEEKLY BOARDING)
Pupils who live at the school during term-time, including
staying overnight.
CHAPEL
A private church for use by the school, set in the school's
own grounds.
CHAPLAIN
The church minister who looks after the school's staff
and pupils, who form the congregation in the chapel.
CLOSED
WEEKEND
A weekend during which no EXEATS or FLOATERS may be taken,
usually because a whole-school event is taking place e.g.
inter-house sports competition.
DAYGIRLS
Pupils who live locally who attend the school for lessons
and extra-curricular activities, but who do not board.
DORMITORIES
Pupils' bedrooms, usually shared by several pupils - though
older pupils may have single STUDY-BEDROOMS.
EXEAT
(see also FIXED EXEAT)
A weekend on which all pupils go home - a pupil can also
visit home on a FLOATER which can be virtually any weekend
of term.
FIXED
EXEAT
A weekend during which all pupils must leave the school.
FLEXI-BOARDING
A combination of boarding and day, so that the pupil boards
for part of the week and is a daygirl for the rest of
the week. Some families find that this suits them best,
and it can be a useful way for a daygirl to decide whether
or not she wants to become a boarder.
FLOATERS
Exeat weekends which you choose, as opposed to a FIXED
EXEAT on which everyone goes away.
FULL
BOARDING
To differentiate from FLEXI-BOARDING or WEEKLY BOARDING,
an arrangement whereby pupils board throughout the term.
HOUSEMISTRESS/HOUSEMASTER
A Housemistress (or Housemaster) is assigned to run each
House and provides for the day-to-day care of her pupils,
away from lessons. Typically, she will be the first point
of contact for parents about all matters concerning their
child, and also an important friend and mentor for the
child throughout her school life. The Housemistress may
also teach an academic subject and be assisted by an ASSISTANT
HOUSEMISTRESS to provide round-the-clock cover.
INDEPENDENT
SCHOOLS (also known as PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SCHOOLS)
Schools which are self-governing and funded independently
of the state.
MUFTI
OR CASUALS
Your own clothes, as opposed to uniform
PASTORAL
CARE
Looking after your personal needs, rather than your education
- making sure you are happy, comfortable, well-fed, have
clean laundry, etc.
PREP
Another word for homework
PRIVATE
SCHOOLS, PUBLIC SCHOOLS
(see INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS)
SAN,
SANATORIUM
The school's medical centre, staffed by a resident qualified
nurse who looks after pupils' healthcare needs. Typically
supported by the local GP and other healthcareservices
as required.
SAN
SISTER or
MATRON
The nurse who works in the SAN or SANATORIUM
STUDY
BEDROOM
Bedrooms for older pupils, who have a room to themselves
instead of sleeping in a DORMITORY to allow them more
privacy and independence.
TUCK,
TUCK BOX, TUCK SHOP
Snacks and sweets, either brought from home or bought
from the school TUCK SHOP and kept safely in each pupil's
TUCK BOX
TUTOR
Assigned to each pupil to talk to her about her progress
in all academic subjects and in other aspects of school
life.
TUTOR
GROUP
The group of pupils who share the same tutor. They usually
meet at least once a day for registration, general discussion
and administration.
WEEKLY
BOARDING
(see also FLEXI-BOARDING)
An arrangement whereby pupils may board during the week
and go home every weekend.
VESPERS
A religious service held in the evenings
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