current information book 2015 -2016
DESCRIPTION
The latest information about Bishop's Stortford CollegeTRANSCRIPT
Current Information · 2015–2016
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Contents This booklet is intended to be read alongside the Prospectus to provide you with more detailed information about life at the College. If you would like to discover more, do visit our website or contact the relevant Admissions Officer to arrange a visit.
If you are interested in joining our Sixth Form, please also refer to our separate Sixth Form Guide. This provides further information about the benefits of our Sixth Form community and details of the 23 subjects we offer.
What is special about Bishop’s Stortford College? ........................................................... 2
Location............................................................................................................................................ 2
College Profile................................................................................................................................. 3
Entry Procedures...................................................................................................................... 4–5
Scholarships.................................................................................................................................... 5
Fees ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Academic Results.......................................................................................................................... 7
Leavers’ Destinations................................................................................................................... 7
Pre-Prep....................................................................................................................................... 8–9
Prep School ...........................................................................................................................10–12
Senior School .......................................................................................................................13–14
Boarding ........................................................................................................................................15
International Students...............................................................................................................16
Meals and Healthy Eating........................................................................................................16
Medical Care................................................................................................................................ 16
Governing Council...................................................................................................................... 17
SENIOR SCHOOL ADMISSIONSFor pupils aged from 13–18
Telephone 01279 838604 Fax 01279 836570Email: [email protected]
Admissions Officer – Mrs Marie-Louise Gough
PREP SCHOOL ADMISSIONSFor pupils aged from 7–13
Telephone 01279 838607 Fax 01279 836570Email: [email protected]
Admissions Officer – Mrs Fiona Brett
PRE-PREP ADMISSIONSFor pupils aged 4–7
Tel 01279 838626 Fax 01279 838626E: [email protected]
Admissions Officer – Mrs Sally McGuiness
Bishop’s Stortford College,Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2PJWeb: www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org
For all general enquiriesTel: 01279 838575 Fax: 01279 836570E: [email protected]
CONTACT DETAILS
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What is special about Bishop’s Stortford College?• Bishop’s Stortford College is one of the UK’s top performing independent co-educational schools.
• At the heart of the value we offer is the community of people. Pupils are surrounded by inspiring role models who enable them to develop the same confidence and ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
• The infectious enthusiasm, imagination and dedication of College staff, in partnership with parents, enables our pupils to grow into happy, well- rounded, skilful and caring young people, equipped and ready for the adventures and opportunities life has to offer.
• The rapport between staff and pupils, and between pupils across different ages, cultivates a strong sense of belonging and nurtures timeless values such as responsibility, courtesy and consideration for the needs of others.
• Breadth of experience is naturally woven into daily life. Our pupils can, and do, pursue high academic standards whilst enjoying, and succeeding in, many other interests.
• As three schools in one, we are large enough to provide an exceptional range of opportunities, whilst each part is small enough for pupils to be known, valued and nurtured as individuals.
• An innovative, interactive Science Action Centre, the use of pioneering technology in geography, our hugely successful Festival of Literature, numerous high quality musical and drama events and frequent high level sporting success are just a few examples of how we constantly strive for excellence in all we do.
• As an all through, day and boarding school, with a flexible approach to boarding, we can cater for boys and girls of different ages within a family and the individual needs of different families.
• We are blessed with a beautifully peaceful, spacious and safe setting, close to the countryside yet within walking distance of the centre of a market town. There is easy access by air, road or rail and full advantage is taken of our close proximity to London and Cambridge.
LocationBishop’s Stortford is a delightful market town situated on the border of Hertfordshire and Essex. Conveniently close to Stansted airport and major road and rail links, the College lies on the northern edge of the town’s greenbelt. The town centre is a 5 minute walk from the main entrance.
Nearest station Bishop’s Stortford – 1 mile away with frequent trains to London Liverpool Street (45 minutes), Cambridge (40 minutes) and Stansted airport (10 minutes)
Nearest cities London (approx 60km to the centre, 1 hour) Cambridge (44km, 40 minutes)
Nearest airports Stansted (12km, 10 minutes) Gatwick (115km, 1 hour 25 minutes) Heathrow (112km, 1 hour 15 minutes) Luton (69km, 1 hour)
Main road routes M25, M11 and A10/A120
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College ProfileKEY FACTSFounded in 1868
Christian, non-denominational
Co-educational
Boarding and day school
4 to 18 years
Boarding from 7 years
Large enough to providean exceptional range of opportunities…
Pre-Prep Prep School Senior School4–7 years 7–13 years 13–18 years123 pupils 456 pupils 594 pupils (248 in the Sixth Form) Day pupils: 409 Day pupils: 434 Full/Weekly boarders: 12 Full/Weekly boarders: 75 Flexi-boarders: 35 Flexi-boarders: 85
…yet small enough for pupils to be known, valued and nurtured.
WHERE OUR PUPILS LIVEDay pupils come from a relatively wide area, stretching towards Stevenage to thewest and the coast to the east, Cambridge to the north and Epping to the south.
The majority of our UK boarders come from Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and London.
We typically have around 50 international boarders with us each year. The majority of these are in the Senior School. We have a number who join our Prep School, also, usually from the age of 10 or 11. In the past few years, students have joined us from 18 different countries.
THE BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE YEAR GROUPS
Age Year Group National Curriculum Equivalent Year
PRE-PREP(4–7 yrs) 4–5 Reception Reception
5–6 Year 1 Year 1
6–7 Year 2 Year 2
PREP SCHOOL(7–13 yrs) 7–8 Lower Shell Year 3
8–9 Upper Shell Year 4
9–10 Form 1 Year 5
10–11 Form 2 Year 6
11–12 Lower 3rd Year 7
12–13 Upper 3rd Year 8
SENIOR SCHOOL(13–18 yrs) 13–14 Fourth Form Year 9
14–15 Lower 5th Year 10
15–16 Upper 5th Year 11
16–17 Lower 6th Year 12
17–18 Upper 6th Year 13
“Pupils are extremely well educated and enthusiasticallyembrace the culture of high expectations in all areas ofCollege life. They grow into fulfilled, confident, articulate,caring young men and women, who go out of their way to help others and are shaped by the exceptionally strong sense of community.” ISI INSPECTION REPORT
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The 5 Step Entry ProcedureMain Entry Point
STEP 1 INITIAL ENQUIRY & VISIT
STEP 3 ASSESSMENT
STEP 4 OFFER OF PLACE
STEP 5 ACCEPTANCE
STEP 2 APPLICATIONAn application for either a Scholarship Award or FinancialAssistance Award should be submitted at the same time, if relevant.
Places will normally be offered by:
PRE-PREP PREP SCHOOL4+ (Reception) 7+ to 11+ (Years 3 to 7)
You will, of course, want to visit Bishop’s Stortford College as you consider whether we are the right school for your child or children. Depending on your own preference and the time of year, you can arrange an individual appointment by contacting the Admissions Officer and/or attend one of our Open Mornings usually held in the Autumn term.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Please visit our website for the specific details of the Prep School entry procedure for international students.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AWARDS (BURSARIES) Financial Assistance Awards are awarded according to need and are based on means-testing.For an approximate guide to the upper threshold for household income to qualify for an award, an indication of the information you will need to provide, or, if you have any other queriesabout our Financial Assistance Awards, please do not hesitate to contact the Bursar’s Office: 01279 838671 • [email protected]
An Acceptance Form, which accompanies the offer letter, is then completed and returned to us, together with the Acceptance Fee.
The College Application Form needs to be submitted by end of the September prior to entry.
End of the October prior to entry Mid-February prior to entry
i) ASSESSMENT MORNING – October prior to entryApplicants are, of course, considered after this stage if places are available.
All children applying to join the Pre-Prep are informallyassessed by one of our Reception teachers during a morningof activities in small groups with others of a similar age sothat we can assess their readiness to benefit from the type of structured day and education we offer.
ii) INFORMATION FROM THE NURSERY/PLAYGROUPis also requested where relevant.
If places become available in Pre-Prep Years 1 and 2, weinvite those who have applied to come and spend the daywith the class they would be joining to assess how theywould fit in academically and socially with the existing class.
i) ENTRY TESTS – January prior to entryEnglish, Mathematics, Reading and, from 8+,verbal reasoningApplicants are, of course, considered after January if places are available.
ii) SCHOOL REPORT/REFERENCE from your son ordaughter’s current school.
Academic level: we admit children with a fairly wide rangeof ability, as is evidenced by the provision of four or fivestreamed forms in each of our last three years, but we dolook for a reading age on entry of at least a year aheadof chronological age as a guide that the child will copesuccessfully with the academic courses of the College.
Special aptitudes: Art, Music and Sport are very strong atBishop’s Stortford College. A special aptitude in any ofthese areas will be taken into consideration, but will notreplace the academic requirements for entry.
The College Application Form needs to be submitted by end of the November prior to entry.
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SENIOR SCHOOL SENIOR SCHOOL (SIXTH FORM)13+ (Year 9) 16+ (Year 12)
You will, of course, want to visit Bishop’s Stortford College as you consider whether we are the right school for yourchild or children. Depending on your own preference and the time of year, you can arrange an individual appointmentby contacting the Admissions Officer and/or attend one of our Open Mornings usually held in the Autumn term.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Please visit our website for the specific details of the Senior School and Sixth Form entry procedure for international students.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AWARDS (BURSARIES) Financial Assistance Awards are awarded according to need and are based on means-testing.For an approximate guide to the upper threshold for household income to qualify for an award, an indication of the information you will need to provide, or, if you have any other queriesabout our Financial Assistance Awards, please do not hesitate to contact the Bursar’s Office: 01279 838671 • [email protected]
An Acceptance Form, which accompanies the offer letter, is then completed and returned to us, together with the Acceptance Fee.
The College Application Form needs to be submitted by end of the November prior to entry.
Mid-February prior to entry Early December prior to entry
i) ENTRY TESTS – January prior to entryEnglish, Mathematics, Science and Non-Verbal ReasoningApplicants are, of course, considered after January ifplaces are available.
ii) SCHOOL REPORT/REFERENCE from your son ordaughter’s current school.
iii) INTERVIEW
Academic level: pupils will be expected to take nine orten subjects and achieve Grade A*, A, B or C in eachsubject.
Special aptitudes: Art, Music and Sport are very strongat Bishop’s Stortford College. A special aptitude in anyof these areas will be taken into consideration, but willnot replace the academic requirements for entry.
i) ENTRY TESTS – November prior to entryOne general paper and one of an academic subject of choiceApplicants are, of course, considered after the above timings ifplaces are available.
ii) SCHOOL REPORT/REFERENCE from current school.
iii) INTERVIEW
Academic level: offers will normally be conditional on theachievement of:• a minimum of either 7B grades at GCSE (or equivalent) or 3A and 2B grades at GCSE (or equivalent);• at least a B grade in the GCSE subject (or equivalent) for each A level;• a good disciplinary and attendance record.
Special aptitudes: Art, Music and Sport are very strong at Bishop’s Stortford College. A special aptitude in any of these areas will be taken into consideration, but will not replace the academic requirements for entry.
The College Application Form (completed by parents) and theSixth Form Entry Form (completed by parents and students) need to be submitted by beginning of the November prior to entry.
SCHOLARSHIPSThrough the Bishop’s Stortford CollegeScholarship Programme, we aim to fosterand celebrate excellence.
Scholarships are awarded to candidates whoshow outstanding talent, based on abilityand potential.
Awards available
10+/Year 6 entry Academic Music
11+/Year 7 entry Academic Art Music Sport
13+/Year 9 entry Academic Art Music Sport
Sixth Form entry Academic Art Music Sport
Details of the scholarship applicationcriteria and timings are available from thewebsite or our Admissions Office.
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School Fees – 2015 - 2016 (with effect from 1st September 2015)
Pre-PrepReception Day Pupils £2,696 per termYear 1 Day Pupils £2,736 per termYear 2 Day Pupils £2,749 per term
Prep School Shell (Years 3 and 4) Day Pupils £4,163 per term Weekly Boarders £6,038 per term UK Full Boarders £6,104 per term Overseas Boarders £6,377 per term Forms 1 and 2, Lower and Upper Third Day Pupils £4,666 per term(Years 5 to 8) Weekly Boarders £6,557 per term UK Full Boarders £6,622 per term Overseas Boarders £6,897 per termSenior SchoolFourth Form, Lower and Upper Fifth Day Pupils £5,832 per term (Years 9 to 11) Weekly Boarders £8,650 per term UK Full Boarders £8,736 per term Overseas Boarders £9,083 per term Sixth FormLower and Upper Sixth Day Pupils £5,885 per term(Years 12 and 13) Weekly Boarders £8,703 per term UK Full Boarders £8,789 per term Overseas Boarders £9,135 per term
Acceptance Fee to confirm placeAcceptance Fee £900 (£1,500 for Pre-Prep; £1,000 under 11 years of age and under 12 years of age scholarship places; £7,000 for Prep School overseas boarders; £9,500 for Senior School overseas boarders)
Of the Acceptance Fee, £250 will be retained against the final term’s extras and the remainder refunded on the first term’s account.
The College reserves the right to retain the Acceptance Fee should the pupil not take up his or her place, except if the child fails to meet the conditions of offer or is unable to come to the College for medical reasons.
EXTRASWe endeavour to keep extras to a minimum so that family budgeting is as straightforward as possible. For this reason, accommodation and laundry (for boarders), EAL/EFL (for international students), lunches, stationery and textbooks are all included in the fees, rather than charged as extras Please note that due to the variety on offer, and their various charges, external examination fees are added on an individual basis to the fees for the term in which the examination is taken.
Music feesCourse of ten half-hour lessons £182
Musical instrument hire charge £48 per term
Possible other chargesLearning Support £236 per termExpeditions/overseas trips Charged at costExternal examination fees Charged at cost
PAYMENT OPTIONSThe College will accept CCVs for allowable costs. The most usual for the College are:
All of the fees in the year in which the child is 5 years oldBoarding up to the end of the year in which the child is 15Late stay and after school sports in the Pre PrepLate stay in Shell (years 3 and 4).
Your own eligibility for CCVs and the tax advantages you will need to check with a financial advisor if necessary.
If CCVs are used we will adjust your direct debit amounts given sufficient notice to do so.
1. Direct Debit (our required method for all new parents and preferred method for existing parents).
2. Bank transfer.
3. Debit or Credit Card (please note – a credit card charge will be added to the bill).
4. Cheque (payable to Bishop’s Stortford College and sent direct to the College, together with the remittance slip).
5. Advance payments (for details, please contact: Mr Chris Pugh, the College Finance Manager +44 (0) 1279 838671).
6. Monthly payment through School Fee Plan (SFP).
Payment of the termly fees and any extras for the previous term is payable on, or before, the first day of term.
FLEXI-BOARDING FEESFlexi-boarding fees will be charged at the following rates in arrears:Prep and Senior School: £56 per night for one night £46 per night for two or more nights per weekADVANCE FEE DEPOSITS
Application Fee £75Cheques (payable to Bishop’s Stortford College) should be sent with the Application Form to the relevant Admissions Officer.
For further information regarding school fees, payment options or insurance schemes, please contact Mrs Lynn Reading or Mrs Emma Jones the Fees Secretaries at [email protected] or on 01279 838017.
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Examination Results Leavers’ DestinationsIn recent years, around 98% of our Sixth Form leavers have proceeded to university to study the degree of their choice. In the past 3 years, 21 students have gained places at Oxford or Cambridge to read subjects as diverse as Medicine, History, Physics and French & German. We also routinely have students who gain places at their chosen art or music college.
All students are encouraged to select the next step that is most appropriate forthem and that will provide them with the strongest platform for pursuing theirchosen career path.
In 2014:• 109 leavers headed to 42 different universities to study over 60 different courses.
• 50 (46%) of leavers secured places at a top 20 university, including Oxbridge places to study Medicine, Veterinary Medicine (2), English and History.
2015 A level and GCSE results summary, and by subject, will be availableon the College website from the beginning of September 2015.
A LEVEL OVERVIEWThree-year average
%A*–B %A*–E Average Average Average passes per points per points per candidate candidate examination entry
2012–2014 81 99.8 3.6 386 107.2
GCSE OVERVIEWThree-year average
%A* %A*–A %A*–C A*–C grades per candidate
2012–2014 33 65 99 9.8
TOPLINE SUMMARY
• Bishop’s Stortford College is one of the top independent co-educational schools in the UK.
• Typical results at A level are above 55% A*–A grades, with over 20% of all grades being A*, around 80% A*–B grades and 100% pass rate.
• At GCSE level, it is usual for around a third of all grades to be A* and two-thirds A*–A, with 100% of pupils achieving 5 or more A*–C grades.
A full list of 2015 leavers’ destinations will be available on the Collegewebsite from the beginning of September 2015.
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Pre-PrepKEY FACTSHead of Pre-Prep Miss Belinda Callow
Class size Usually up to 20
Staff to pupil ratio 1:10
First point of contact Class Teacher
SETTLING INStarting school is a big step for children and we do all we can to ensure that it is as smooth as possible for both children and parents.
Prior to starting at the College, children aged 3 and over have the opportunity of experiencing the school on our Messy Play Day. Parents with their children can book an appointment to tour the school throughout the year.
Before the beginning of the first term, a detailed joining information pack is sent out well in advance and an Induction Day is held towards the end of the Summer term. There are curriculum meetings for Parents early on in the Autumn term to provide relevant information about the curriculum and learning journey.
DAILY ROUTINE
8.30am Children may come into the Pre-Prep Building from this time
8.40am Registration
10.15am Reception break – called Busy Bodies
10.30am Morning break for Year 1 and Year 2
12 noon Lunch, in the College Dining Hall
1.10pm Lunch play ends
3.00pm Home time
There is no Saturday school for Pre-Prep children.
AIMSWe aim to give each child a happy, secure and purposeful start to their education by fostering enquiring minds through activities that promote an interest in, and responsibility for, the world around them. We provide a stimulating, nurturing learning environment and a balanced and relevant curriculum to:
• help every child be a confident, adaptable member of the community
• enable every child to develop a love of learning
• give children the chance to achieve their highest potential
ACADEMIC CURRICULUMEarly Years Foundation Stage: Our Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum encourages the children to explore and discover. It promotes the excellent strands of the National Curriculum but is not constrained by them, enabling children to be challenged and extended on their learning journey.
The 7 strands; Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, Physical Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding of the World and Expressive Arts and Design are studied and investigated through a topic-based theme, enabling the children to link ideas, embed their understanding and extend their knowledge.
The curriculum is delivered within and outside the classroom, with a dedicated weekly session within the Forest School, our specific, nurtured wild area.
Access to a rich and stimulating curriculum and learning environment takes into account the uniqueness of every child and their interests.
We consider our outdoor areas as much of a learning environment as the classroom and take full advantage of the wonderfully spacious grounds and facilities to enrich the children’s development. Our Forest School promotes problem-solving,
The EYFS provision offers an outstanding start to thechildren’s education. ISI INSPECTION REPORT
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collaboration and safe risk-taking. It allows the children to have hands-on experience and interaction developing an appreciation of the seasons, weather and the natural environment, as well as incorporating Language, Mathematics and Science concepts, and developing Expressive Arts and Physical Development.
Subjects from Year 1: English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, RE, PSHE, Art, Design, Music and PE. All pupils benefit from specialist teaching for ITC, Swimming, PE, Games and Music.
Every encounter and interaction is a learning opportunity. Our children have an insatiable appetite to learn, participate, develop and apply their skills.
The breadth of our curriculum ignites and inspires the imagination of every child and allows us to ‘tap’ into the interests of the children and scaffold their learning.
Every child receives individual attention to meet individual needs. Pupils are provided with work that can appropriately challenge their ability and stage of learning. There is a Learning Support Teaching Assistant who provides additional support to embed particular concepts and skills, as well as challenging those pupils who are ready to extend particular areas of understanding and knowledge.
ACTIVITIES, TRIPS AND VISITORSBreadth and balance lie at the heart of the education we offer.
The children enjoy regular trips to enhance their learning and provide ‘real’ experiences. Our trips are planned around the children’s learning experiences. We often welcome parents and visitors to Pre-Prep to talk about their jobs, cultures, faiths and experiences.
Pupils from the Senior and Prep School work with the children on a regular basis. The Pre-Prep children really enjoy this opportunity to interact with the older pupils.
PASTORAL CAREWe regard our school as a team that works in partnership with the children and parents, to foster each child’s wellbeing.
MONITORING YOUR CHILD’S PROGRESSAt the beginning of each Autumn term there is an opportunity to meet with your child’s new Class Teacher and Classroom Assistant.
Assessment is an on-going process throughout the year that informs teachers of the next stage of development and learning. Written reports are sent home at the end of each term. Parent consultations are held in November and March, and there is a workshare afternoon in the Summer term.
There will be many other opportunities for you to share your child’s achievements and progress throughout the school year, including plays, concerts, displays, trips and Sports Day.
AFTER SCHOOL PROVISIONOur after school provision includes ‘Stay and Play’, as well as specific activities such as Musical Theatre, Ballet, Football, Gymnastics and Tennis.
PROGRESSION THROUGH PRE-PREP AND INTO THE PREP SCHOOLMrs Brooks, Head of Shell (Years 3 and 4) alongside Mr Toleman, Prep School Head and Miss Callow, hold a meeting in December for parents of our Year 2 children where the next phase of the children’s education is discussed. This aids the smooth transition into Shell.
To assist the transition further, Year 3 teachers spend time in the Summer term, working alongside the Year 2 teachers.
Further specific information on the various aspects of the curriculum and activities within the Pre-Prep can also be found on our website.
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Prep SchoolKEY FACTSPrep School Head Mr Bill Toleman
Class size Usually up to 20
Staff to pupil ratio 1:10
First point of contact Form Tutor
AIMSAn all-round education is offered and the aim is to produce happy, confident children with a good, positive attitude to work, to life and to other people: they are strongly encouraged to develop an awareness of the needs of all whomthey meet.
We aim for good academic results and work naturally takes priority. However, plenty of time is devoted to sport, music, drama and many other activities with high standards achieved in all these areas.
SHELL: 7–9 YEAR OLDS (YEARS 3–4)
SETTLING INStarting in Shell is a new experience for all the children, whether they are moving up from the College Pre-Prep, or, like several children each year, joining from another school. Great emphasis is placed on helping all the children to settle in. An Induction Day is held towards the end of the Summer term to begin thisprocess.
DAILY ORGANISATIONShell pupils enjoy the security of being taught for most of each day by their Form Tutor in their own classroom. They also enjoy the expertise of specialist teachers for several areas of the curriculum, which helps to develop a growing sense of independence. Pupils are allocated to a League which nurtures a sense of healthy competition each term.
DAILY ROUTINE (7–9 YEAR OLDS)7.55am–8.10am Boarders breakfast8.10am Children may arrive in the Shell playground from this time8.20am Registration8.30am Assembly8.55am Lessons begin10.50am Morning break12.20pm Lunch in the College Dining Hall1.25pm Lunch break ends3.20pm Home time for day pupils*3.20-5.00pm Optional ‘late stay’5.00pm Boarders return to House5.30pm Dinner for boarders
*On Saturdays, Shell pupils finish at 12.30pm
On Wednesdays, Shell pupils may finish after lunch at 1.30pm. However, most pupils stay on to take part in a series of activities.
ACADEMIC ORGANISATION AND CURRICULUMThe Shell curriculum is varied and encourages pupils to enjoy learning whilst discovering and developing their knowledge and understanding.
The following subjects are taught by the class teachers: Design & Technology, English (including at least one session in the library), Geography, History, Mathematics, Science and Personal, Social & Health Education.
The broader curriculum of Art, Music, Drama, Sport and RE are taught by specialist teachers. ICT is taught by the Lower Shell teachers; in Upper Shell it is taught as a specialist subject.
Lower Shell (Year 3) Upper Shell (Year 4)
3 forms 3 formsUnstreamed Streamed on general ability Sets for Mathematics
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Prep School (Shell continued)ACTIVITIES PROGRAMMEOn Wednesday afternoons, there is a series of activities which pupils can take part in. Some are school-based activities such as cooking, football and cycling awareness; others are at a local outdoor centre and include archery, rock climbing and canoeing.
A wide variety of trips are also organised during the year to reinforce the subjectstaught and allow children first-hand experiences and interaction with specialists.
PASTORAL CAREThe Form Teacher will be responsible for the academic and pastoral welfare of your child. Additionally each year group has a Teaching Assistant and a Head of Year.
MONITORING YOUR CHILD’S PROGRESSA wide range of measures is used to gain a full picture of each child’s progress in all aspects of his or her development.
A report is sent home at the end of each term and during the year each pupil will have two full reports and a ‘summary’ report. Parents’ evenings are held twice yearly for all forms.
9 TO 13 YEAR OLDS (YEARS 5–8)
SETTLING INGreat emphasis is placed on helping new children to settle in: every new pupil is given a Shadow who ensures that the newcomer gets to the right place at the right time and is properly equipped! Our experience is that after two weeks, new children no longer need a Shadow and are moving confidently around the College.
DAILY ORGANISATIONThe daily timetable is designed to give breadth and balance to the week. Following School Assembly, House Assemblies or Tutor Assemblies there are five teaching periods each morning (Monday to Saturday).
After lunch, Period 6 involves priority time for some activities, opportunities for personal and social education, completion of outstanding work and discussion time.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday afternoons: team games, with representative matches played against other schools on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons: Activities sessions for Form 1 and Form 2. Thursday afternoon: Activity session for Lower and Upper Third.
DAILY ROUTINE (9–13 YEAR OLDS)7.55am – 8.10am Boarders breakfast8.10am All pupils may arrive in class from this time8.20am Registration8.35am Assembly8.55am Lessons begin10.50am Morning break12.30pm Lunch in the College Dining Hall1:25pm Lunch break ends3:20pm Afternoon break5.00pm Home time for day pupils*5.30pm Dinner for boarders6.00pm Supervised prep for boarders7.30pm End of prep time
* On Saturdays, school finishes at 3.00pm. On Wednesdays, our 9 to 12 year olds finish at 4.00pm, after games, if not involved in a representative match.
ACADEMIC ORGANISATION AND CURRICULUMOur academic structure is designed to enable us to cater for the social and academic needs of each child.
Subjects: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Design and Technology, Drama, English, French, Geography, German (Yr 7 and 8), History, ICT, Latin, Mathematics, Music, PE, Physics, RE, Spanish (Yr 7 and 8).
From Form 1 onwards, pupils have specialist teachers for every subject.
Form 1 (Yr 5) Form 2 (Yr 6) Lower Third (Yr 7) & Upper Third (Yr 8)
3 forms 4 forms 5 forms each year
All streamed on general ability with sets for Mathematics
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Prep School (9–13 year olds continued)ACTIVITIES PROGRAMMEThe Prep School has a strong Activity Programme operating twice a week for pupils in Form 1 and Form 2 and once a week for Lower and Upper Third. The programme enables pupils, through active participation, to experience a wide variety of differing extra-curricular activities aimed at broadening their experience and developing new interests.
An important aspect of the Activity Programme is the social opportunities that it creates for the pupils. The activity groupings are selected across form groups within an academic year and then across year groups to create both senior and junior activity groupings.
There are around sixteen junior and twenty senior activity options, each involving groups of up to twenty pupils. The Programme operates on an eight week cycle and the activity options include both academic and non-academic subjects, and several sporting options, all of which can serve to enhance the core curriculum.
In addition, a wide variety of trips are organised during the term to places of interest, together with evening visits to London and Cambridge Theatres which are also enjoyed by parents and staff.
Each term, there is a lecture, or visit by a company of actors or musicians. Skiing, Adventure, French and History trips and expeditions organised by staff during the school holidays are always popular.
HOUSE SYSTEMPupils in Form 1 and above are allocated to four Houses for competitions: Monk-Jones, Westfield, Newbury and Grimwade. All full and weekly boarders are in Grimwade. The winning House enjoys a celebratory House Supper at the end of term.
PASTORAL CAREThe Form Teacher will be responsible for the academic and pastoral welfare of your child. Additionally each year group has a Head of Year. As a House member, your child will have a Housemaster and Housemistress and this provides an additional level of pastoral care.
MONITORING YOUR CHILD’S PROGRESSA wide range of measures are used to gain a full picture of each child’s progress in all aspects of his or her development.
Academic progress is monitored on a day-to-day basis by subject specialist teachers. The skills displayed by the pupil in a subject are tracked to help analyse progress over time and ensure that expected progress is made. Standardised test scores, core assessment data and examinations are used to monitor the progress of an individual within a year group and the cohort as a whole. This is overseen by the Director of Studies in conjunction with subject teachers, Heads of Department, Form Tutor and Heads of Year.
A merit system recognises a pupil’s contribution to the community over and above what is expected in terms of manners and helpfulness. Contributions through music, outstanding performances in sport and academic work are recognised also.
A report is sent home at the end of each term. During the year each pupil will have two full reports and a ‘summary’ report. Parents’ evenings are held twice yearly for all forms.
BOARDINGThere is a blend of full boarders, weekly boarders, pupils who board a few nights a week (flexi-boarders) and day pupils in the Prep School. For an overview of boarding at the College, see page 15.
PROGRESSION INTO SENIOR SCHOOLGiven satisfactory academic progress and good behaviour, pupils move to the Senior School automatically. Transfer examinations at the end of Upper Third (Year 8) provide information for Senior School colleagues to assist with allocating pupils to the appropriate sets.
Do visit our website for more information about the diversity of life in thePrep School.
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Senior SchoolKEY FACTSHeadmaster Mr Jeremy Gladwin
Class size Usually up to 24 Sixth Form = Average of 10
Staff to pupil ratio 1:8.5
First point of contact Housemaster/Housemistress
AIMSOur aim is to develop confident, well-rounded and interesting young men and women who take with them the qualifications, skills, adaptability and respect for others to thrive in the world beyond school.
DAILY ORGANISATIONThe daily timetable is designed to give breadth and balance to the week. From Monday to Friday, there are six teaching periods each morning (five on Saturdays) and a further two teaching periods on three afternoons a week.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons: sport and satellite-games programme, with competitive matches against other schools played on Tuesdays,Saturdays and occasionally on Thursdays.
Wednesday and Friday afternoons: Activities programme
DAILY ROUTINE7.40am – 7.55am Boarders breakfast8.20am Registration8.35am Assembly or House Meeting8.55am Lessons begin10.50am Morning break1.10pm Lunch in the College Dining Hall2.25pm Lunch break ends5.00pm Optional societies and drama or music activities6.00pm Dinner for boarders7.00pm – 8.45pm Boarders Prep
For day pupils the school day finishes at 5.00pm, unless they are involved in the optional activities.
13 TO 16 YEAR OLDS
ACADEMIC ORGANISATION AND CURRICULUMFourth Form (Year 9) – there are five sets based on pupil ability in English, Humanities, Mathematics and the Sciences. All pupils follow a common curriculum consisting of English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Art, Design & Technology, Geography, History, ICT, Music, Religious Education, Physical Education and Swimming. In addition, pupils take two modern foreign languages chosen from French, German and Spanish and the decision to continue with Latin is optional.
Lower and Upper Fifth (Years 10 and 11) – pupils begin their GCSE courses which consist of a range of core subjects with the addition of three optional subjects.
Core subjects: English Language; English Literature; Mathematics; Biology; Chemistry; Physics and a Modern Foreign Language (French, German or Spanish). There are five sets for English, Mathematics and the Sciences.
Optional subjects: Art and Design; Design & Technology; Drama; French; Geography; German; History; Latin; Music; Religious Studies and Spanish. In addition, all pupils take courses in ICT, Physical Education and Swimming.
A detailed GCSE subject guide is available on our website or from the Admissions Officer.
Additionally, all pupils pursue a programme of Personal, Social and Health Education, consisting of a mixture of lectures, seminars and conventional lessons.
...an exceptional learning community, with a culture ofinnovation encouraged. ISI INSPECTION REPORT
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ACTIVITIES PROGRAMMESenior School pupils are involved in activities at least twice a week.
Most activities in the Senior School can be linked to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, although some pupils opt to do extra Art, Music or Drama.
Wednesday Activities (4pm – 5pm and/or 5pm – 6pm)There are over thirty activities running in the Wednesday afternoon session such as Amnesty International, Archeology, Art, Basketball, Beekeeping, Bridge Club, Chess, Community Action, Cookery, Dance, Design, Disection Club, Drama, Expedition training, Football, General Knowledge Quiz, Interactive Science, Japanese, Journalism, Life Saving, Model U.N., Music, Pottery/Ceramics, Power Kiting, Recycling, Robotics, Rug Making, Scuba Diving, Squash, Tennis, Water Polo and Weight Training.
Friday Activities (2pm – 3.15pm)Fourth Formers (ages 13–14) – are involved in Art, Drama Workshops, Careers Advice, Code Breaking, Current Affairs, Dance Troupe, Electronics and Media Industries and Short Story Club.
Lower Fifth Formers (ages 14–15) – choose from a list of ‘volunteering and skill’ based options, which may be used as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (Bronze). These include: Cookery and Pre-Prep Assistance, Conservation, First Aid, Life Saving, Mandarin Chinese, Recycling, Spanish Conversation, Sports Leadership and Textiles.
Additional Clubs and activitiesWind Band • Choir • Orchestra • Debating • Biology Society • History Society Young Enterprise • Literary Society • German Society • French Society • DramaStage crew • Badminton Club • Expeditions • 5-a-side football • Chess Club International Committee • Boarding Committee
PASTORAL CAREPastoral care is a major strength of the College, with the House system at its heart. It is the Housemaster or Housemistress who is chiefly responsible for a child’s general welfare, and who, in consultation with parents, will oversee the major decisions relating to the individual pupil’s school life and career development; they are each pupil’s main point of contact.
Every pupil has a Tutor (in the first year of the Senior School this is their Housemaster/Housemistress) and is part of a House-based group of pupils of
the same age who meet twice a week. The Tutor is concerned primarily with the academic life of his or her tutees.
SENIOR SCHOOL HOUSESThe Senior School has nine Houses. Each of the six Day Houses is in the care of a Housemaster/Housemistress and each of the three Boarding Houses is under the care of a married couple, who are the Houseparents, and another resident member of staff. Apart from School House, originally the only school building, the Houses are named after prominent characters in the history of the College.
Throughout the year, a host of competitions, events, games and activities between Houses take place and every pupil is encouraged to get involved. There is something for everyone (sports, art, debating, chess, general knowledge, music etc) and they allow pupils to become more involved intheir House community, develop their skills, forge new friendships and have fun.
For an overview of boarding at College, see page 15.
MONITORING YOUR CHILD’S PROGRESSAt all stages progress is carefully monitored by Housemasters, Housemistresses, Tutors and Heads of Department and in Staff Meetings. Two Parents’ Meetings are held in the Fourth Form year and one in each of the Fifth Form years. Each pupil’s progress is assessed twice a term and parents receive two full written reports on each subject twice a year.
Do visit our website for more information about life in the Senior School.
SIXTH FORM
For details of the 23 A level courses offered, the activities programme, pastoral care and all aspects of life in the Sixth Form, please see the separate Sixth Form Guide and visit the Sixth Form section of the College website.
The ethos created reflects the placing of strong personaldevelopment and high achievement in fields academic,creative, sporting or musical at the heart of the College’s visionand practice. ISI INSPECTION REPORT
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BoardingOPTIONSFull boardingSeven nights a week during term-timeLeave Weekend approximately every third weekend
Weekly boardingFive nights a week (Monday – Friday)
Flexi-boardingBetween two and four nights a week
BOARDING HOUSESThe friendly, welcoming atmosphere in our boarding houses means that new boarders quickly settle in and feel they belong. Our boarders show a real sense of pride, ownership and responsibility in the happy running of their houses and a genuine care for each other, qualities that were highly commendedin our Boarding Inspection Report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
There are four boarding houses in total, each named after people who have played significant roles in the history of the College:
Prep School (7–13 years) 1 boarding house for boys and girlsSenior School (13–18 years) 3 boarding houses – 2 boys’ houses and 1 girls’ house
A married Housemaster or Housemistress runs each boarding house, and the family atmosphere is, quite deliberately, a strong one. Just as every family is different, each of the College Houses has its own particular identity and character whilst sharing common rules and values.
WEEKENDSSaturday school finishes around 3pm, or at such time as games fixtures finish. Our full boarders who stay throughout the weekend are well cared for and enjoy being part of a smaller group of friends with time to relax, use the school facilities and join in the organised activities and trips out.
In the Senior School some pupils prefer to have a quiet Sunday catching up on work and reading. Others opt for the more energetic activity programme.
All full boarders come together on Sunday evening for Chapel. This is an important time for reflection, refreshment and preparation for the coming week and many regard it as a very special part of our community life.
LEAVE WEEKENDSThere are two Leave (Exeat) Weekends per term when school finishes on Friday afternoon at 5pm rather than Saturday afternoon. Boarders are expected to spend the Leave Weekend at home or with guardians.
However, if this is not possible, there is provision made at the College (Senior School only) for these pupils to be accommodated with appropriate supervision. There is an additional charge for this service.
HALF TERM AND END OF TERM HOLIDAYSWe are unable to provide temporary accommodation. Therefore, parents and guardians must make provision for students who are not able to return to the family home.
Boarders possess a strong belief in their sense of belonging. The boarding houses offer a homely atmosphere that contributes tothe pupils’ well being and happiness. ISI INSPECTION REPORT
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International StudentsBishop’s Stortford College has welcomed students from around the world for many years. As with all our pupils, our aim is to ensure that our international students are well integrated and have a real sense of belonging.
The ESL Department plays an important supportive role in the pastoral care of our international students, liaising with academic and boarding staff and parents to ensure their well-being, in the first few weeks and throughout their time at College.
INTEGRATIONInternational pupils are integrated into all aspects of life at the College. The ESL Department helps them to explore issues of cultural interest and encourages them to take part in extra-curricular activities. Special boarding community and house events help our international students to further integrate and international boarders are expected to use English as their primary language in their Houses as well as around the campus.
FIRST LANGUAGE EXAMINATIONSWe encourage international students to take mother tongue examinations whenever possible.
GUARDIANSBishop’s Stortford College requires the parents of international students to have a responsible adult living in the UK as a guardian. Details of the various responsibilities that a guardian may need to undertake are available from our Admissions Offices.
We do not make guardianship arrangements for families. However, if parents need help with appointing a guardian, we provide a list of AEGIS accredited guardianship organisations that have been used by our students in recent years.
Meals and Healthy EatingBishop’s Stortford College is fully committed to a planned programme of healthy eating and we prefer to make our own meals on the premises from fresh ingredients.
We are the first school in the UK to receive and retain the prestigious Gold ‘Continuous Advancement Programme’ or CAP Award. Pupils views are listened to through a committee of pupils and staff who meet regularly with our CateringManager to discuss ideas and feedback.
Further details about our healthy eating policy, together with sample menuscan be viewed on the College website.
Medical CareThe College medical team are based in a well equipped and quietly situated Medical Centre. The resident full time Nurse, part time Nurse and full time Health Care Assistant provide a high standard of medical care with 24-hour emergency cover.
ESL SUPPORTWe offer language support, with each international student provided with two lessons per week with our ESL support staff, at no extra charge.
The ESL Department runs courses which are as closely tailored to the individual needs of each pupil as possible. Depending on his or her age and level, a student will be prepared for the Cambridge IGCSE in English as a Second Language (or English as a First Language for students from Germany).
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Governing CouncilThe Governing Body is responsible for all three sections of the College; the Senior School, the Prep School and the Pre-Prep.
The elected Governors are appointed at a meeting of the Governing Council on the basis of nominations put forward by the Nominations Committee, or, any existing Member of the Governing Council, after due consideration of their eligibility, personal competence, specialist skills and local availability.
Elected Governors
Dr. P. J. Hargrave, BSc, PhD, FREng (Chairman)
Sir. Stephen Lander, KCB, MA, PhD, LLD, DSc (Vice-Chairman)
Mr. G. E. Baker, BSc, MRICS
Mr. G. P. R. Bramley, LLB
Mr. G. W. Brant, Esq., MA, BEd, Cert Ed (Retires December 2015)
Mr. C. A. G. Havers
Mrs. I. M. Pearman, MA, MRICS
Representative Governors Appointed by the Council
Mrs. L. J. Farrant, MSc, CPFA (Parent Representative)
Mrs. M. Goitiandia, BA, MBA (Parent Representative)
Mr. C.P. Solway, BSc, MRICS (Baptist Union Representative)
Mr. R. C. V. Harrison (United Reformed Church Representative)
Bursar and Secretary to the Association
Mr M. P. Hemingway, Bishop’s Stortford College, 10 Maze Green Road,
Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2PJ. Telephone 01279 838671
DATA PROTECTION – 1998 Data Protection ActInformation supplied to us by families considering Bishop’s Stortford College is securely held and will be treated with confidentiality and sensitivity. The data is available to our academic and administrative departments, Old Stortfordian Society and to agents contracted by Bishop’s Stortford College for particular admissions related projects.
Data is used for a range of admissions activities, including the sending of our prospectus pack and other relevant promotional material, publicising our open days and other College events and conducting market research related to the admissions process.
Under the terms of the 1998 Data Protection Act you have a right to object to the use of your data for any of the above purposes.
The information in this booklet is correct at the time of publication.Changes may be made for educational or other reasons.
BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE is a Registered Trade Mark of The Incorporated Bishop’s Stortford College Association
SENIOR SCHOOL ADMISSIONSFor pupils aged from 13–18
Telephone 01279 838604 Fax 01279 836570E: [email protected]
Admissions Officer – Mrs Marie-Louise Gough
PREP SCHOOL ADMISSIONSFor pupils aged from 7–13
Telephone 01279 838607 Fax 01279 838570E: [email protected]
Admissions Officer – Mrs Fiona Brett
PRE-PREP ADMISSIONSFor pupils aged 4–7
Tel 01279 838626 Fax 01279 838626E: [email protected]
Admissions Officer – Mrs Sally McGuiness
Bishop’s Stortford College,Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2PJWeb: www.bishopstortfordcollege.org
For all general enquiriesTel: 01279 838575 Fax: 01279 836570E: [email protected]
CONTACT DETAILS