The role of Housemistress allows me a unique insight into the development and progress that each of the girls make. The most rewarding aspect of the job is watching the girls flourish in this special environment and grow into individual international citizens.
Plewlands House is the newest of the three girls' boarding houses and is currently home to over 60 girls aged 13 – 18. It is centrally located on the campus being within easy reach of the refectory, chapel, music school, and last but not least, classrooms.
Plewlands is a modern, purpose-built boarding house with both spacious, dormitory-style rooms for the Juniors and cosy, individual study bedrooms for the Seniors. Work is separated from play by means of a Year 9 study room supervised by a senior student, which gives the youngsters more personal space as well as reinforces the importance of a quiet space for work and the development of good study skills.
Each of the two main floors in Plewlands is home to a mixture of age groups in dormitories and study bedrooms as well as providing more than adequate bathroom and toilet space. Tea areas also act as a focal point for the girls, whether for impromptu information sessions or as a place to enjoy toast and cocoa after a strenuous activity on the games field.
Sunday evenings provide an opportunity for the whole house to get together across year groups. We have undertaken in a wide range of activities including, treasure hunts, wide games, conker competitions, quizzes, Virgin Vie parties, talent contests, pantos as well as cabarets all of which the girls have thoroughly enjoyed.
Without our Matron, daily life for the girls would be much more difficult. As well as helping the girls with their laundry, ensuring that they keep their bedrooms clean and tidy, supervising the cleaners and generally being a listening ear, Matron is extremely popular.
Alongside Matron, the House is also in the capable hands of Miss Gibson, the Assistant House Mistress. Being accommodated in an integral flat, she is a great asset to the girls who love to find an excuse to have a brew with her. Further to this we enjoy the presence of six tutors who each spend one evening a week on duty in the House. Being directly responsible for about 10 students the tutors play a very active role in the pastoral and academic development of each girl.