Providing the best for boys from 3–18
Contents Headmaster’s Welcome 1 The case for boys’ only education 2 Nursery 4 Infants 6 Juniors 8 Seniors 10 Sixth Form 12 Co-curricular programme 14 Admissions 16
Headmaster’s Welcome 1
Headmaster’s Welcome I am delighted to have been appointed Headmaster of Newcastle School for Boys. I have spent my entire teaching career in the independent sector – much of it working with boys. Our school was formed in 2005. Since that time it has grown considerably. We are now an established 3 to18 school providing an excellent all-round education specifically designed for boys. Our school aims are very clear. We aim to deliver in a supportive environment: the highest levels of individual academic progress and achievement for all boys; and young men of excellent character In public exams we outperform national standards and have established a track record of academic achievement. However, it doesn’t end there. As important as examination results are, there is much more to an excellent education. Our boys benefit from outstanding pastoral care and a full and varied co-curricular programme that enhances their personal development.
Our school is organised across three sites in the heart of Gosforth. Small class sizes at our Nursery and Infants, Junior and Senior sites support the learning and progress of boys at each stage of their education. We are able to offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for boys who might otherwise not be able to access our excellent educational provision. This prospectus is designed to give you an introduction to the School. We run a number of open days throughout the year and you are very welcome to visit us at any time to see the bright future we offer boys. Best wishes David Tickner – Headmaster
2/3 The case for boys’ only education
Thecaseforboys’ onlyeducation Newcastle School for Boys is the only independent provider of single sex education for boys in the North East. We are experts in how boys learn and develop. Our boys are taught, guided and cared for by staff, who have chosen a professional path specialising in boys’ education. Our curriculum and resources are designed to engage boys. It is true that there is as much variation in the characteristics of a group of boys as there is in a mixed group of girls and boys. Nevertheless, there is an identifiable set of characteristics which can be applied to how boys learn and develop. Boys tend to prefer their learning to be active and, as far as possible, practical and physical. They work better in shorter bursts and they like to know why they are undertaking a particular task.
In mixed classes, it is simply not possible for activities and tasks to be presented in a boy-friendly way all of the time. This problem is further accentuated by the different rates at which girls and boys generally mature and develop. While each child is different, boys are more confident and bolder in their play in the early years. However, they tend to be more anxious about separation from their parents when they start school. As they grow older, boys are faced with the challenge of an increased desire, even need, for physical activity at a time when schooling starts to demand more of them.
During adolescence, boys can become very concerned about their place in the social hierarchy just at a time when the academic stakes are beginning to become more important. Beyond the classroom, freedom from the selfconsciousness generated by the presence of girls increases boys’ participation in arts and performance activities. An excellent education for boys is not laissez-faire – boys will be boys – in its approach. Neither does it try to make boys more like girls. An excellent education for boys acknowledges boys as individuals and is built around an understanding of those boys and of how they learn and develop.
“ What a fantastic environment for learning. Our son has never been happier.� Year 3 parent
Nursery 4/5
Nursery As every parent recognises, their child’s first steps are an important landmark in their development – and so it is with their first educational steps. Our Nursery prepares boys for the exciting educational journey which is to follow. We provide a happy and enjoyable learning environment in which boys can flourish. Situated on the ground floor of our site on North Avenue, our Nursery provides ready access to the outdoor environment and important opportunities for boys to explore, imagine and be active. At such a young age, the difference in the rate of development compared to girls can be significant. As a boys’ school, there needs be no compromise – all learning and activities are designed to meet the needs of our boys.
They enjoy new experiences – learning through play and a balance of self-initiated and teacherdirected activities. Teaching and learning delivers the seven statutory areas of learning and development of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and more besides. Our team of dedicated teachers and nursery nurses work closely with parents to nurture the boys, bringing out the best of their abilities and fostering confidence and independence.
6/7 Infants
Infants From the Reception class at North Avenue, boys continue their journey to Year 2. Infant boys continue to develop confidence and independence receiving expert teaching and care tailored to meet their needs at this important stage of development.
Boys begin to broaden their horizons with the chance to take part in a range of after-school clubs and activities from football to fencing, drama to music.
Learning activities are geared towards boys and their interests as well as the development of vital literacy and numeracy skills.
They undertake regular, local day visits to places of interest such as Jesmond Dene and Wallington. There is even the opportunity to take part in carefully designed adventurous activities in the Lake District.
Infant boys continue to enjoy all the benefits and fun of outdoor play, but there are new opportunities too: the chance to learn French, to develop ICT skills and to take part in PE and Music lessons.
“ We had a really great day, there was so much to do.” Year 1 boy
“ We’d like to thank you for all that you have done to settle our son so quickly into life at NSB. He is very happy and thoroughly enjoying himself. We are very pleased that we came to the decision that we did.“ Year 5 parent
Juniors 8/9
Juniors Boys in Years 3 to 5 are based at our West Avenue site with a continued emphasis on what is best for boys in terms of how they learn and develop. Our educational experience challenges all boys to achieve highly while being supported in a nurturing environment.
Regular assessment is carried out in key areas so that each boy’s progress is carefully monitored and he is supported to achieve.
We continue to encourage boys to relish each day in school and engage in all aspects of school life, determined to excel.
We harness boys’ enjoyment of competition and our sporting programme is a chance for all boys to take part in team and individual sports. Our belief in competition with values supports the development of the character of our boys.
Boys benefit from a dynamic approach to the teaching of English, Maths and Science with teaching that inspires them to succeed and progress. They also learn about the wider world and its history and we encourage them to become confident at expressing themselves musically and artistically.
These years are a special time in a boy’s life and deserve an approach that allows each and every one of them to thrive.
10/11 Seniors
Seniors The Grove in Gosforth is home to boys from Year 6 to Sixth Form. It delivers a high quality and supportive senior learning experience in small classes. Boys’ individual progress is carefully monitored in each subject specialism and, through regular assessment and reporting, parents are kept well informed.
Most boys study 10 GCSEs before progressing into our Sixth Form. The Sixth Form offers a full range of A level subject choices in conjunction with Newcastle Church High School.
Our teachers’ knowledge of boys and their informed use of assessment data, particularly at GCSE and A level, allows for careful target setting to ensure each boy is challenged and stretched.
There are many projects, trips and visits run by individual curriculum departments. We believe that learning outside of the classroom is an essential component of our curriculum as it gives our boys unique opportunities to develop their resourcefulness and initiative and to spend time together in an informal environment.
Boys are taught in sets in most subjects to ensure they receive the best possible teaching matched to their needs. Setting arrangements are designed to be responsive to needs that may change over time.
A healthy sense of competition is engendered amongst our boys, underpinned by a strong sense of values and excellent pastoral care.
“ Teaching contributes strongly to the School’s academic and social aims and helps pupils of all abilities to achieve good standards.“ ISI Inspection Report
“ Our son has received support not afforded to young people in larger schools and has had many significant opportunities that he would not have experienced in other schools. He has enjoyed going to school and has enjoyed a superb relationship with staff and students. He has been happy and what parent can ask for more?� Year13parent
Sixth Form 12/13
Sixth Form NSB’s Sixth Form offers a wide range of A level subject choices. Students receive teaching in small, supportive classes with teachers who know them well. The vast majority of NSB Sixth Formers progress to university, however we also recognise that in a changing world this is not necessarily the right or preferred option for all students. Although we provide all the support you would expect from a school like ours, we also believe it is important that the Sixth Form and its students have their own identity within NSB. To this end the boys enjoy their own, dedicated Sixth Form Centre equipped with study and common room facilities. Experienced Sixth Form tutors and our Head of Sixth Form are on hand to guide boys with their study and help them to progress to the course at the university that’s right for them, or into employment.
We have been successful in supporting boys in securing places at top universities in the UK and overseas. Our relationship with Newcastle Church High School allows us to extend the range of subject choices and opportunities we offer our boys as they prepare for the wider world beyond the Sixth Form. The academic requirement for entry into our Sixth Form is a minimum of five GCSEs at A* to C although, in reality, the vast majority of our students significantly exceed this requirement.
14/15 Co-curricular programme
Co-curricular programme A good, all-round education goes beyond the classroom. A significant amount of the personal development of young men occurs through their participation in the wider life of the School. Our use of the word ‘co-curricular’ is deliberate. It means ‘with the curriculum’ rather than simply being something ‘extra’ or optional. All boys are encouraged to take a full, active part in the School’s co-curricular programme from a young age. Details of activities are published termly, including on our website. Activities take place before and after school and during lunchtimes. In addition to the full range of sporting, adventurous and performance activities that you would expect, activities range from film-making to debating; Mandarin to fencing.
Sport
As you would expect in a boys’ school, sport is a strong feature. Each boy has the opportunity to represent his school. Some boys and teams perform to high standards in a range of sports often outperforming counterparts from larger schools. A number of our boys represent the county or region successfully in a range of sports, including rugby, football, cricket, athletics, hockey and squash. Sport broadens horizons and so have our recent successful tours to Belfast, Italy and Dubai. We continue to build strong relationships with some of the region’s top clubs: Newcastle Falcons, Newcastle United and South Northumberland Cricket Club, to enable boys to access the best facilities, coaching and inspiration.
We are proud of the sporting opportunities we provide and the enjoyment and standards our boys achieve. There is a sport or activity for everyone. The School’s role is to help each boy find theirs and to support their development whether they want to pursue it for fun, fitness or professionally.
Performing Arts
We provide a broad range of opportunities for boys in performing arts from individual music tuition to our acclaimed participation in the Shakespeare Schools Festival. We host annual choral and orchestra days for local schools. Our own concerts and drama performances are a strong feature throughout the school year.
Admissions 16/17
Admissions Deciding on the right school for your son is very important, and we believe that a personal visit is invaluable. We very much hope that you and your son will visit the School. We hold a number of open events throughout the year. We are also very happy to welcome prospective parents and their sons at other times. Our main entry points into the Junior School are Nursery, Reception and Year 5. The main entry points into the Senior School are Years 7, 9 and the Sixth Form. Places may be available in other year groups.
Scholarships and bursaries are available. Further information on these is available from the School.
Next Steps
Please c arrange a all or email us to visit to se e our sch in action ool and to d iscuss a bright future for your son .
Junior School West Avenue, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4ES 0191 285 1619 junioroffice@newcastleschool.co.uk Senior School The Grove, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1NH 0191 255 9300 headmaster@newcastleschool.co.uk
www.newcastleschool.co.uk