The Ladies Programme

Being thought of as a “lady” may be one of the highest compliments a woman can receive in her life. The Buckswood Ladies Programme is a year course that will not only transform you as a person but will also give you much needed skills for life. We will cover a series of topics that may sometimes be hard work but will be rewarding once achieved. There is a selection of rewards that you can work towards. At the end of each term Bronze, Silver and Gold awards will be given to those who achieve the highest standards.

Refining Buckswood Girls into Ladies
And
Giving them Skills for Life

The Buckswood Ladies Programme
SIMPLE MANNERS
FITNESS
AFTERNOON TEA
POSTURE AND BODY LANGUAGE
ATTENDING A DINNER
HOSTING A DINNER PARTY
WRITING/ACCEPTING AN INVITATION
ATTENDING A BALL/PARTY
THE ART OF CONVERSATION
CHARITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
DIET AND NUTRITION
HOUSEKEEPING
ATTENDING THE THEATRE
LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF
INNER BEAUTY
FLOWER ARRANGING
PUBLIC SPEAKING
FAMOUS LADIES/ROLE MODELS

SIMPLE MANNERS
Simple manners are easy once you know how. It should become effortless. Here are a few to remember;
Always say please if you are requesting and thank you if you are receiving. To not do can sometimes come across as bossy or rude.
A Buckswood lady is not vulgar in front of anyone. For example, you should not burp, fart, sniff, spit shout or heckle etc if you have company.

A Buckswood lady never gets extremely angry or shouts at anyone. If you have an opinion to voice, wait for the right moment and express it calmly and tactfully.

Never speak with your mouth full and never eat with your mouth open. No one wants to see your food in your mouth.

Buckswood ladies are always polite. Hold doors for people and help anyone that is struggling to carry items.

In a crowd, never push past anyone. Say “Excuse me, please” and gently move past.
Be respectful of others that you live with. Always tidy up after yourself and maintain a clean and tidy living space.

Respect your elders. Never call an adult by their first name unless asked to. Instead use Sir or Ma’am, or Mr, Miss or Mrs followed by their last name. The exceptions are relations and close friends. Be aware of things around you. Walk with your head held high, smiles and say Good Morning/Good Afternoon to people you pass.

Task: Ask friends and research the words please, thank you, excuse me and sorry in three different languages.

FITNESS
A Buckswood lady must try and keep herself fit. Weekly sports lessons help this but extra -curricular activities and exercise help keep your mind clear and your body healthy.
Exercise helps get the blood pumping and produces endorphins which help keep you happy and able to concentrate.

Extra ways for you to get more active:

Task: Do an exercise video or take part in some extra exercise e.g legs, bums and tums class after school

AFTERNOON TEA

Afternoon tea became fashionable somewhere between the 1830’s and 1840’s. It bridged the gap between meals and was a good way of meeting with friends in social circles.
Nowadays there are different types of afternoon tea. The two main ones are Low Tea/Afternoon Tea and Cream Tea.
Low Tea/Afternoon Tea so named because guests were seated in low armchairs with low side tables is made up of sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, curd, 2-3 sweets and of course, tea.
Cream Tea is made up of scones, clotted cream, jam or marmalade and tea. Scones should be cut horizontally and the jam and cream applied with a knife to each bite.
When making tea sugar or lemon is put in the cup first. This is followed by tea and eventually milk. Milk and lemon should never go together.
When holding your teacup your pinky should never go up as this is a misinterpreted British tradition for tea drinking. When drinking your tea you should look into your cup and not over it.
Task: Dress up and treat yourself to afternoon tea!

POSTURE AND BODY LANGUAGE

A Buckswood ladies posture is very important to keeping an air of confidence in all situations. To have a stooped, poor posture can sometimes make you look scared, miserable and vulnerable.
A good posture is keeping your shoulders back, back straight and head held high without looking too over the top.
Train your body into keeping good upright posture as it will help you in later life. Good posture can prevent arthritis and fatigue as well as keeping your body upright.
When seated, sit upright and press your knees together and neatly cross your legs at the ankle.
If you stand with your arms folded you have closed body language. It gives the impression of a bad mood, “don’t talk to me” or “I’m not interested in what you are saying”. To allow a good open persona stand with your hands clasped gently at the front or back.

HOW TO WALK
Buckwood ladies do not run they walk with purpose. Always leave yourself enough time to get somewhere. Do not walk along carrying hundreds of bags as this weighs you down and creates bad posture.
Task: Practice improving your posture and walking elegantly. Maybe put a catwalk show on for your friends!
Completed: Date:
ATTENDING A DINNER
If attending a dinner you will need to make yourself aware of and learn the correct use for each part of the dinner service.

It is quite confusing at times but the general rule is to start from the outside and work your way to the inside with each dinner course.
Your serviette is to be placed in your lap. If you need to excuse yourself, leave it loosely folded on your seat and only when you leave at the end of the meal should you place your serviette on the table.
To signify finishing, neatly place your knife and fork together on the plate at 6 o’clock; the fork on the left prongs facing downwards and the knife blade facing inwards.
Never speak badly of a meal it is considered rude to the chef.
Remember your manners at the dinner table:

Task: Attend a dinner party

HOSTING A DINNER PARTY
When hosting a dinner party put every effort in as it is a reflection on you.
When arranging the table use your best crockery and silverware. Remember to arrange the table appropriately (see “attending a dinner” table plan)
You should get to know your kitchen and what is in it. Take the opportunity to be expressive and show off your culinary skills. Cooking can be very enjoyable once you know how!

It is polite to RSVP to invitations you receive. Make your reply simple and clear.
If you cannot attend do not overdo it. A simple “I have a prior engagement” will suffice.

Task: Host an event and send out an invitation.

ATTENDING A BALL/PARTY

When attending a ball never arrive more than fifteen minutes later than the set time on the invitation as this can offend your host/hostess.
Make sure to check the dress code and dress appropriately.
Beautiful gowns must be classy and not over revealing.
If attending with a date be sure to dance with him. Do not leave him suddenly for the whole evening; you came together for a reason.
Try not to stick to the same group of friends for the whole evening. Try to mingle as this helps create an exciting atmosphere. You may even end up making new friends.
Do not snog your date in the corner all night as this is vulgar and no one wants to witness this.
Most importantly – have fun!

THE ART OF CONVERSATION
Conversation can be the strongest way of showing your personality. You can use your conversational skills to impress company in any given situation.
If you are in a conversation always wait until the other person has finished speaking before you reply. Do not interrupt them.
Think before you speak, especially when in an important conversation. It can be very easy to get over excited and blurt out the first thing that enters your mind.

If you are in a situation where you do not know the person you are speaking to, always have a topic of conversation ready. Examples are a book you read recently, the local news or world news. Steer clear of gossip.

Do not speak badly of anyone. A Buckswood lady always speaks highly of people without over doing it and, as the famous saying goes, “If you haven’t got anything nice to say then do not say anything at all.”
A Buckswood lady never curses in any language. If you think you may swear, train your body to take a deep breath and use alternative words.

Task: Read a national/local newspaper or alternatively a book. Be ready to discuss topics next time.

CHARITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
A Buckswood lady has a duty to the world to make it a better place. A way of doing this can be by charity. It can be on a small or larger scale but is made up of selfless acts to help others.

Charity is not always money offertory; it can be giving up your time to aid someone who is unable to help themselves whether it is at home, at school or out and about. A well known saying is charity begins at home.
There are many things that you can do to aid charitable organisations. Here are just a few

A Buckswood lady will also do as much as she can to save the environment. Where possible try to recycle and save electricity.
Task: Research a charity of your choice and perform one task to help that charity.
Completed: Date:
DIET AND NUTRITION

A Buckswood Lady always eats as healthily as she can.
Try to drink eight glasses of water a day. This helps flush out any bad toxins and keeps your skin clearer.

Eat as much fruit and vegetables as you can to keep your vitamins and minerals topped up. Remember the five a day rule!

Have a balanced diet with a range of food but remember to treat yourself once in a while.

HOUSEKEEPING
When you eventually move into a place of your own in the years to come you’ll need to know how to keep a clean and tidy house.

If you use something return it to where
you found it even if it means washing it up!
Keep your clothes tidy in drawers and wardrobes.
Make sure your bed is made every morning.
Sort dark and light clothes before using the washing machine.
Keep windows open to air your living space.
Keep surfaces clear and tidy.

Task: Work towards a reward with a week of perfect room inspection. Help with the weekend washing up!

ATTENDING THE THEATRE
What a delightful evening out!

Remember to turn your mobile phone off during the performance.
Do not talk, shout, heckle or rustle food packets during the performance.
Applaud where appropriate.

Task: Attend a theatre show

LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF
A Buckswood Lady must look after herself. Health and wellbeing are very important.
Make sure you shower daily and brush your teeth twice a day. Don’t forget to use deodorant! A little spray of perfume will give you a subtle sweet scent.
Keep a good supply of body lotion. Applying it daily will leave your skin feeling lovely and smooth.
A Buckswood lady keeps her nails filed and manicured. Nobody likes to see nails bitten down to the quick.
Wash and brush your hair regularly. When styling your hair for school keep it simple, don’t spend your whole morning in front of the mirror.
Make up should not be over applied. Keep your look natural. You don’t want to scare people with vampire eyes and bright red lipstick. When wearing makeup make sure it is fully blended. Don’t put it on in the dark and end up with an orange beard.
Try to get at least eight hours sleep every night. Your body and mind will be more alert and ready for the day after a good rest.

Task: Attend a body shop party or give a friend a natural look makeover.

INNER BEAUTY
Inner beauty is one of the most important features in our human being. All of our actions through the day draw on that inner beauty.
You may see beauty as an object or appearance but remember some of the intangible characteristics of inner beauty.
Kindness
Selflessness
Respect
Compassion
Gratitude
These are all characteristics that a Buckswood Lady should portray as you go about your day. You must not be consumed by negative emotions such as greed, jealously or selfishness. You are an individual. Your personality is equally important as physical appearance.

Task: Get together with a group and create a display of your opinion on Inner Beauty.

FLOWER ARRANGING
Flower arrangements will brighten up any room. You may want to create a beautiful centre piece for a dinner party or simply liven up your living room.
There are so many beautiful flowers. To arrange them may seem easy but is an acquired skill.

Task: Find the meaning of your favourite flower and attend a the Christmas floristry workshop

PUBLIC SPEAKING
Public speaking does not come easily to achievement. It takes practice, patience and confidence. It can be incredibly nerve wracking but is such a rewarding accomplishment.
When speaking to an audience there are a few things to remember.
Speak clearly at a normal speed
Pronounce and annunciate your words
Say the whole word and not an abbreviated version.
Keep your held high and not buried in your speech
When you are writing a speech keep it short and simple. Keep to structured points or you will lose the interest of your audience.
Remember to pause in your speech to allow for your points to sink in.

Task: Choose a piece of poetry or a short piece from a poignant novel to read out in Friday assembly
OR write your own speech to read out to the school on a subject of your choice

FAMOUS LADIES/ROLE MODELS

From past to present there have been many influential women dedicated to their life roles and helping the world become a better place.
Everyone will have different female role models and will have their own reasons behind their admirations. It may be a famous female political leader, a member of a royal family or a famous lady from popular culture.
Whoever your role models are it is important to admire the positive influence they have on the world.

Task: Who is you role model? Contribute to the Famous Ladies display in the girls lounge.

BEING TREATED LIKE A LADY
Now that you are an accomplished Buckswood Lady you must be treated like one by the gentlemen of the world!
Gentlemen should;
Accompany you gracefully to events you attend
Introduce you to their circle of acquaintances
Be polite and respectful at all times
Stand when you leave the dinner table
Hold your chair for you at the dinner table
Listen intently to you during conversation
Be proud to be seen with you

Task: Work towards a reward and invite your gentleman friends to a formal dinner.

Monday Night is Ladies Night
Activities and discussions that will help you on the way to becoming a Buckswood Lady.
Friday Night Dinner Parties
Hosting and attending a dinner party
Theatre Trip
Afternoon Tea at Waterfalls Cafe
The Christmas Ball
Themed Dinners
Croquet on the lawn
Body Shop Party
The Fashion Show
RSVP Invitations

Invite your gentleman friends to a formal dinner
Spa Day
Traditional Polo Match
Ladies Weekend
Girls Night Out
Ladies Day at Royal Ascot
A Day at Goodwood

BUCKSWOOD SCHOOL
GUESTLING, NR HASTINGS, EAST SUSSEX, TN35 4LT
EMAIL:ACHIEVE@BUCKSWOOD.CO.UK
WEB: WWW.BUCKSWOOD.CO.UK
TEL: +44 (0)1424 813813
FAX: +44 (0) 1424 812100