Mason is a lively place that values independence and integrity, and strives to achieve a successful balance between work and play. Often referred to as ‘The Senior House’, Mason is a traditional boarding House comprised of 45 pupils (day, flexi-boarders, weekly boarders and full boarders) a Housekeeper, 3 Tutors, an assistant Housemaster, and a Housemaster.

 

Although mindful of tradition, Mason has an innovative and forward looking approach; we all aim to: 

 

All the Houses aspire to greatness, which tends to come in waves across the range of extra curricular endeavour. Music is currently in the ascendant in Mason, but sport, and running in particular has become the acme of House achievement. Following a generation in the wilderness, Mason has won the Dorm Run for the last three years, thanks in part to a cohort of gifted individuals, but more so to the stout hearted who train hard in the frost and give their all on the day.

 

Housemaster                      Mr. W.G. Robinson (Mathematics)

Assistant Housemaster        Mr. C.D. Cook (Design Technology)

Tutors                                Mr. G.R. Duckering (Head of Design Technology)

                                         Mr. R.J.M. Leach (Assistant Director of Music)

                                         Mr. G. Tattersall (Mathematics)

Housekeeper                       Mrs. Sally Staveley

 

 

Every pupil in the House has a Tutor who takes a particular interest in the performance of their tutees across the whole range of College activities and the Mason team has such a variety of strengths and interests that most sixth form pupils look no further, although they have the option. Parents are encouraged to develop a close relationship with their son’s Tutor and Housemaster, ideally with a chat over a mince pie at the Carol Service, on the touchline or at a match tea, as well as email and ‘phone. As the years roll by, there are bound to be moments of tension between a young man’s aspirations and the expectations of the adults in his life, and sometimes mistakes are made – these are the times when a supportive relationship between pastoral staff and parents can be most fruitful.

 

All senior pupils are expected to be a role model for the juniors in the House as well as a source of support, and the best take great pride in this responsibility; consideration and humour are guiding principles which can resolve many difficulties. Prefect induction begins towards the end of the LVI year and is formalised during a presentation by the Housemaster at the start of the UVI. Prep conditions operate from 7 p.m. each evening and a prefect will supervise the junior members of the House to help ensure that a working atmosphere prevails.

 

In addition to close monitoring of a pupil’s academic progress, Mason offers a wide variety of cultural and social activities including the Patchett Suppers, a formal affair prepared and hosted by the senior boys for their guests and invited staff. The House Dance is a unique annual event and an opportunity for everyone to invite a guest and help contribute to the best and most photographed night of the year. There is also plenty of diversity, from opera and plays to paintballing and cinema nights, in addition to the range of Weekend Activities on offer to everyone in the School and the August trips to the Edinburgh Festivals. We encourage pupils and parents to support whenever possible and appropriate (two committed Dads drove support vehicles over 600 miles in two days for the C2C cycle ride last summer) – there really is something for everyone and the busiest pupils tend to be the most cheerful!

 

Mason staff have developed a passion for the outdoors and can offer expertise on fly fishing, cycling, running, shooting and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Three Mason tutors have run the Grim and similar adventure or endurance races in recent years and instead of having a summer holiday this year, two of the team are leading Mason pupils in School teams on expedition in Africa this summer.
 

“Mason – always fun and banter.” (House Captain 2009/10)
 

“It’s an intellectual furnace up here!” (Fifth form pupil)