Boarding for girls in Years 9 to Upper Sixth.
Donaldson’s is located at the heart of Christ College and is one of the three senior girls’ houses, two boarding and one day, which cater for girls from year 9 up to 6th form.
Our aim is for Donaldson’s to become a home away from home for your daughter and we pride ourselves on the friendly atmosphere and the sense of community and support in the house. The overwhelming loyalty which the girls show towards one another is inspiring and a testament to the family atmosphere; a safe environment to learn, grow, challenge themselves and ultimately achieve. With a mixture of girls from culturally diverse backgrounds including; Wales, England, China, Russia, Spain, and Japan the house is vibrant and busy.
Houseparents
Mrs Richards and the House Team will all help your daughter settle in quickly, answer her questions and assist with any problems she may encounter. There is always a member of staff on duty, who will help and listen sympathetically any time of day or night.
A member of House Staff monitors the academic and pastoral progress of a particular year group. Your daughter will meet with her tutor for a formal session once a week but she will also be on duty one evening a week which enables less formal conversations to occur and means that your daughter will quickly get to know her tutor and vice versa.
During the year subject teachers will record academic progress, in the form of a Grade Review. Its purpose is to track a pupils’ level of attainment and effort. Attainment or achievement is recorded on a 9 point scale and effort assessment is graded A-E with A* for exceptional effort during the period of review. Three *s in any one Grade Review will be rewarded with a Merit Prize for years 9 to 11. Tutors will discuss the marks obtained with your daughter and will inform you of any concerns or particular achievements.
Head of House and the Prefect Team – In all Houses a senior pupil is appointed to the position of Head of House. She is supported by a Deputy Head of House and the house prefect team. Pupils will be introduced to them on arrival at Donaldson’s. If your daughter has any problems, they will be able to talk to them openly, they are understanding and supportive and will know how new girls are feeling. Their job is to make sure that Donaldson’s is a safe and happy place to live. Prefects do House duties and help organise House activities such as House Chapel. Many have been here since year 9 and some since year 7. They are both friendly and well-respected and help make Donaldson’s the way it is.
