Poetry Boys Boarding House
The Boys House
Poetry (Year 12) boys board in single rooms with ensuite facilities in the Higher Line boys boarding house which they share with Rhetoric boys (Year 13). The boarding house is situated in 'New Wing' of the College and covers the first and second floors.
Ethos
With Poetry (Year 12) being the first year of Sixth Form, pupils have more freedom. The ethos of the Poetry boys' house is one of creating a homely atmosphere where pupils can express themselves whilst focusing on achieving their very best in all aspects of College life. Whilst relaxed in nature, excellence is encouraged as role models to the rest of the student body.
About the Poetry and Rhetoric (New Wing) Boys' House Parent
Mike Lightbown has worked in boarding education since 2012 and is now in his fifth year at Stonyhurst. He began as Deputy in Grammar before becoming Houseparent in Lower Grammar, and he now takes on the leadership of Higher Line and New Wing Boys.
A qualified teacher, Mike has taught in the History department at St Mary’s Hall and is now also a member of the Religious Studies department in the College. He is an active presence in the wider life of Stonyhurst, assisting with the coaching of football teams, contributing to the CCF, and leading Shireburn Line.
Outside of the classroom, Mike is a keen sportsman with experience in cricket, rugby (both codes), and football, among others - though he modestly describes himself as a “jack of all trades, master of none.” He also enjoys walking his dog around the grounds of Stonyhurst.
Mike is proud to continue his service to the Stonyhurst community and is committed to fostering a supportive, structured, and enriching environment where pupils can thrive.
Excellent pastoral care and the excellent boarding experience further contribute to pupil’s resilience and independence
ISI Report
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Our daily routine
Boarders register at 7:50am before breakfast, and tutor time or assemblies follow at 8:30am. Lessons run from 9:00am until 5:15pm, although boys often return to their rooms during the day to study if they are between classes, or call in to see the House Parent office for a chat. Supper follows, and then evening studies and extra-curricular activities run from 7:30pm to 9:00pm. The girls can then have some free time until their curfew at 10:00pm and goodnights at 10:30pm.
Evenings & weekends
Evening activities vary from day to day but include more than 100 different clubs and activities alongside time for prep and studies. These include golf, photography, dance, debating, orchestra, scuba, charities and management groups. Weekend activities vary from week to week but include movies, theatre going, going to watch football matches, shopping, playing sport, visiting the Trafford Centre, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and fishing in the Hodder River and many more.
In the evening some boys like to socialise in the Higher Line (Sixth Form) Coffee Room, whereas others will watch a movie or listen to music with friends in the boarding area. At weekends, boarders enjoy a wide range of activities and various trips are organised such as shopping trips, paintballing, go-karting and more. Use of free time varies from boarder to boarder, some enjoy using the vast amount of outdoor space on their doorstep and others will use free time for studies, some like to cook food for themselves and their friends, whilst other might go for a run or use the onsite gym. At weekends, the focus is on rest and relaxation, whilst carrying out the necessary studies for the week ahead. Boarders in Poetry have the opportunity to go into the local village on Saturday afternoons or into the local town of Clitheroe, which many enjoy.
Key Contacts for Poetry Boys House
Mr Edward Allanson
Assistant Head - Higher Line
Mr Mike Lightbown
Houseparent - New Wing Boys
Mr Manuel Romero
Assistant Houseparent - New Wing Boys