Dartford Grammar Additional Information

Dartford Grammar School for Girls

Supporting Information for Admission to Year 7 in September 2014 Our Supplementary Information Form can be found on the back page Working together to achieve academic excellence and personal potential Working together to achieve academic excellence and personal potential

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“ My daughter has loved her first month. She can’t stop talking about school from the moment she gets home. We’re all very happy with Dartford Grammar School for Girls.”

Parent

Welcome Message for prospective students Welcome to Dartford Grammar School for Girls. We hope you enjoy looking through our prospectus and this booklet and find them both useful. If there is any further information you require, please do not hesitate to contact the school. We hope that you enjoy your visit to our school.

Dartford Grammar School for Girls was the first girls’ grammar school in Kent, dating back to 1904. We have retained the traditions, values and high expectations, while embracing the challenges of the 21st century. Our vision statement is “Working together to achieve academic excellence and personal potential” and the school values are responsibility, excellence, creativity, respect and dedication.

If you decide to come to our school, we look forward to getting to know you; firstly by visiting you at your primary school, and then when you attend our Induction Day here in July. On this day you will have your first experience of moving around your new school and attending some exciting and enjoyable lessons. You and your parents are also invited to a meeting before the Induction Day to receive detailed information about the start of life in your new school. In the new Autumn Term, there will be opportunities for your parents to meet your form tutors informally after school and also to meet other parents at social evenings.

This is a very exciting period of your life with lots of new challenges and ventures. As you enter Year 7, you will be developing your individual skills and approaches to learning.

You will experience new subjects and topics that you will not have studied in primary school. As Head of Year 7, I will oversee your pastoral and academic development throughout your first year at our school.

There will be lots of people helping you to settle in. Some of our older students will be selected as Housemates who will be there to answer your questions and give you advice. We have a house system in school named after Houses in Kent. The Houses are led by senior students and there are opportunities throughout the year for you to participate in sporting and academic activities and get involved in your house Charity Week. You may have the opportunity to visit your House in the Autumn Term.

Mrs Fitzgerald and Mrs Mills are the Learning Support Managers for our pastoral team. When you start at Dartford Grammar School for Girls we will be pleased to answer any questions you may have or to sort out any problems, however small you may think they are. We aim to make your transition from primary to secondary school as smooth as possible. We are here to offer help and support in your early days at this school and to make it all an enjoyable experience. A happy student will be able to concentrate on the challenge of new subjects in a new school and will enjoy her time here.

We are looking forward to meeting you and hopefully working with you throughout the next 7 years of your school life.

Mrs A Mason, Associate Assistant Headteacher / Head of Year 7

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ADMISSION TO YEAR 7 SEPTEMBER 2014 KEY DATES 2013

2014

3 June 2013

3 March 2014

Opening date for test registration

Places are offered by the LA Offer letters will be posted to all parents by their home LA.

1 July 2013 Closing date for test registration Parents wanting their child to sit the Kent Tests must register directly with KCC, not individual schools.

19 March 2014 Deadline for waiting list requests Parents must inform KCC if they wish their child’s name to be added to a Kent school’s waiting list.

7 September 2013 Practice Tests for Out of County Children

21 March 2014 Deadline for responding to offers

11/12 September 2013 Actual Tests in Kent Primary Schools

Parents must confirm whether they wish to accept or decline the place offered.

14 September 2013

2 April 2014

Actual Tests for Out of County Children

Deadline for appeals Parents must lodge any appeals.

16 October 2013 Assessment decisions posted to parents

31 October 2013 Closing date for the Kent Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) * Other LA may have a different closing date for this form Kent parents will be allowed to express four secondary school preferences. Parents must return this form to their home LA or apply online.

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Working together to achieve academic excellence and personal potential

ADMISSIONS POLICY AND OVER-SUBSCRIPTION CRITERIA FOR ENTRY TO YEAR 7 IN SEPTEMBER 2014 ADMISSION We will be offering 160 places in 2014. Entry to Dartford Grammar School for Girls is via the Kent Procedure for Entrance to Secondary Schools Age 11 Assessment Tests. If girls reach the required standard as a result of this process they are eligible for admission. Before the application of oversubscription criteria, students with a statement of special educational need which names the school and who have passed the assessment will be admitted. As a result of this the published admissions number will be reduced accordingly.

4. Girls residing in the borough of Dartford or one of the named parishes below: • Ash-cum-Ridley

• Longfield and New Barn

• Bean

• Southfleet

• Crockenhill

• Stone

• Darenth

• Sutton at Hone and Hawley

• Eynsford • Farningham • Fawkham

OVER-SUBSCRIPTION CRITERIA Where applications for admission of eligible girls exceed this number, the following criteria will be applied in the order set out below, to decide which girls who satisfied the selection requirements should be offered places: 1. Looked After Children / Children in Local Authority Care

A girl under the age of 18 years for whom the local authority provides accommodation by agreement with their parents/ carers (Section 22 of the Children Act 1989) or who is the subject of a care order under Part IV of the Act. This applies equally to children who immediately after being looked after by the local authority became subject to an adoption, residence or special guardianship order. (As defined by Section 46 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 or Section 8 or 14A of the Children Act 1989).

• Hartley • Hextable

• Swanley • Swanscombe and Greenhithe • West Kingsdown • Wilmington

• Horton Kirby and South Darenth 5. All other eligible girls seeking a school place.

If the school would be oversubscribed within any of the above oversubscription criteria students will be ranked in the following order: 1. Those performing best in the Kent Test (highest aggregate score combining Mathematics, Non Verbal Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning from the Kent Test).

2. In the case of tied scores, preference is given to the applicant living nearest to the school.

The sister of a girl (or boy in the Sixth Form) who will still be attending the school at the time the student would be admitted.

The distance between the child’s permanent home address and the school is measured in a straight line using Ordnance Survey address point data. Distances are measured from a point defined as within the child’s home to a point defined as within the school as specified by Ordnance Survey. The same address point on the school site is used for everybody. The school uses measurements provided by the LA.

In this context “sibling” means children who live as brothers or sisters in the same house, including natural brothers and sisters, adopted siblings, stepbrothers or sisters and foster brothers and sisters.

If the school is oversubscribed we will maintain a waiting list until 31st December 2014. Each added child will require the list to be ranked again in line with the published oversubscription criteria.

2. Siblings

3. Girls residing within 1 mile of the school measured in a straight line using ordnance survey address point data as specified by ordnance survey.

Late applications will be accepted and processed in accordance with the scheme published in the LA’s admission booklets.

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YEAR 7 ADMISSIONS INFORMATION 2011-2012

2012-2013

2013-2014

TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICANTS

718

738

750

NUMBER DESIGNATED ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION

605

628

635

NUMBER DESIGNATED NON-SELECTIVE

113

110

115

TOTAL NUMBER OF ADMISSIONS APPEALS

65

45

43

NUMBER OF SUCCESSFUL APPEALS

17

18

19

TOTAL ADMITTED TO DGGS

165

165

160

NUMBERS ADMITTED UNDER EACH CATEGORY OF THE OVER-SUBSCRIPTION CRITERIA 2011-2012

2012-2013

2013-2014

CATEGORY 1: Looked After Children

1

0

0

CATEGORY 2: Siblings at DGGS

22

24

17

CATEGORY 3: Residing within 1 mile

34

47

50

CATEGORY 4: Dartford and named parishes

81

84

70

CATEGORY 5: Remainder

27

10

23

2011

2012

2013

PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ACHIEVING 5A*-C GRADES AT GCSE

99

99

99

PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ACHIEVING 5A*-C GRADES AT GCSE INCLUDING ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS

99

98

99

PERCENTAGE OF A*/A GRADES ACHIEVED AT GCSE

58

65

59

2011

2012

2013

PERCENTAGE OF A*-B GRADES AT A LEVEL

60

73

75

PERCENTAGE OF A*-E GRADES AT A LEVEL

100

100

100

PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ACHIEVING 2 OR MORE A*-E GRADES AT A LEVEL

100

100

100

DGGS EXAMINATION RESULTS GCSE

A Level

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Working together to achieve academic excellence and personal potential

AEN AND DISABILITY PROVISION ARRANGEMENTS FOR ADMISSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES The school follows the LA Admissions policy.

Statemented students have special arrangements made for them on admission to secondary school. Parents are encouraged to look around schools and choose two schools which cater for their child’s needs. They are then required to name one selective and one non-selective school (or one non-selective only if appropriate).

A student is guaranteed a place at the school which most appropriately meets their needs after the results of the admissions test are known. Students are required to pass the test if they are to be admitted to a selective school.

For students who are not statemented but identified as having an additional educational need, extensive liaison takes place with the feeder school, parents, the student and professionals, to ensure a smooth transition and continued support throughout their time at the school.

STEPS TAKEN TO PREVENT DISABLED STUDENTS FROM BEING LESS FAVOURABLY TREATED The school has an accessibility plan which has identified (through an audit) the barriers to access for disabled people.

We will make every attempt to make the site accessible to all students. We have a very good record of implementing a full curriculum for statemented students including those with a physical disability. All new buildings comply with the relevant legislation. The school works hard with other professionals to ensure the needs of disabled students are met.

GOVERNORS’ POLICY ON STUDENTS WITH AEN The AEN policy is led by a named Governor. It was reviewed and updated in 2012. The policy is widely distributed and implemented by teachers and support staff. All staff receive regular training on strategies for students with additional needs.

Priority is given to students in examination years and early intervention in Year 7. Appropriate arrangements are made with examination boards which recognise individual student needs.

Accurate assessment and identification of needs is at the heart of support for students. The majority of students’ needs are met through a differentiated approach in the classroom. A range of different support strategies is provided for AEN students including specialist language support, in-class assistance, one to one support, small group teaching and subject teacher support.

Other external professionals also promote support for students, especially those who are statemented or have a disability of some kind. The school has received very positive feedback from Kent County Council and other official sources with regard to its support for AEN students. The school believes in making the curriculum accessible to all students drawing upon their strengths and aptitudes.

EAL Having English as an Additional Language (EAL) is viewed as a positive attribute and not as an additional educational need.

Bilingual students are encouraged to achieve proficiency in both their first language and English as it is widely accepted that learning one language facilitates the learning of another. The students at the school are classified as more advanced bilingual learners and, as such, cope exceptionally well with the rigorous curriculum which they follow.

Bilingual students, however, may find that the level of their academic English is lower than their spoken fluency. This is considered to be a normal aspect of bilingualism. Students are supported throughout their school career to enable them to acquire the standard of academic English which is essential to their success. As part of the school’s policy of inclusion, EAL pupils are fully integrated in all areas of the curriculum.

The school has equally high expectations of its bilingual and monolingual students and although resources may need to be differentiated from a linguistic point of view, the content of the materials used by EAL students are still cognitively challenging.

Staff receive advice and training on how to support bilingual students in the classroom, and individual and group support for EAL learners is provided on a regular basis.

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LIFE IN YEAR 7 AT DGGS

In Year 7, students study an innovative curriculum. There is a strong sense of internationalism and we offer a unique and coherent framework that makes links across the curriculum as well as providing relevance to the modern world. Students will choose their GCSE options at the end of Year 8, allowing three years to prepare for their examinations.

We are committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn effectively, experience success and achieve their potential. Students will have access to all aspects of the curriculum and particularly able students may be allowed to specialise and study a subject in further depth.

Students follow a broad curriculum, including three humanities, two languages and a range of arts subjects, building on the work done in Key Stage 2 and our transition material. ICT skills and study skills are developed during this time. There is an optional programme of enrichment activities at lunchtime and after school in addition to those offered in lesson time. Students are expected to develop their own interests and participate fully in all aspects of school life.

Many of the opportunities offered at DGGS are designed to nurture student leaders. From Year 7, students are given the opportunity to take an active role within the school community.

This could be as a Form Captain, supporting the Form Tutor and organising class events, or as a Sports Captain responsible for organising the teams for inter-house sports tournaments and Sports Day.

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Working together to achieve academic excellence and personal potential

For any student who is particularly talented in Physical Education we run a wide variety of extracurricular clubs where they can further develop their skills and match play. If a student is especially successful at a sport we do not cover, we will do our utmost to enter them into county, regional and national events. We have many outside links with different clubs and coaches and we encourage students to maximise their talents by attending these clubs.

Every form has an Assembly Team, responsible for organising the class assemblies, a Philanthropic Representative who helps to collect money for the chosen class charity and an Environment Representative who takes an active role in developing an eco-friendly system within school. Year 7 students can also become Junior Librarians assisting in the smooth running of the school library.

School Council is at the heart of the ‘Student Voice’ at DGGS. Every form in the school has two School Council Representatives who attend meetings and then disseminate the information to the class and take back new ideas to the next meeting. These students will also attend the annual School Council Conference.

Students’ learning is enriched through an array of activities in lessons, workshops and talks by many different visitors to the school, the vast range of extracurricular clubs that are offered and the stunning displays in the corridors. Enrichment is an integral aspect of the learning experience and occurs in all areas of school life.

Year 7 students usually visit their House in the Autumn term.

This provides team-building opportunities and a chance for their Form Tutor to get to know them and for them to develop friendships outside the classroom environment. They have guided tours of their house to understand the history associated with the House and then activities and games outside in the extensive grounds, organised by their Sixth Form House Captain and the Year 10 Housemates. Students also collect fallen leaves, twigs, cones and other natural objects for their next Art project.

Year 7 also have a Geography field trip to Shoreham, a small village in Kent. The field trip explores the area to gain an appreciation of how physical and human geography combine and how an area changes. The field trip forms the basis of a Key Stage 3 National Curriculum Geography assessment.

Year 7 will also have an enhancement day on study skills to develop an understanding of their own learning, enabling them to be responsible for their own progress and development. They also look at memory skills and consider different ways to revise through fun activities.

Extracurricular activities are an important element of our provision. They offer opportunities outside of the curriculum for students to develop skills, broaden their experiences and meet and make friends with students from other form groups and year groups, whilst, most importantly, having fun. A fantastic array of lunch-time and after-school clubs are on offer to students, including: • Badminton

• Hockey Club

• Cascade Dance

• Jazz Band

• Christian Union

• Netball

• Composition Club

• Orchestra

• Dance Club

• Poetry Club

• Debating

• School Magazine

• Drama Club

• S-Club

• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

• Science Café

• English Literature Club

• Swimming

• French Film Club

• Trampolining Club

• Gospel Choir

• Whole School Choir

• Guitar Ensemble

and lots more…

• Gymnastics Later in the year, students are offered the opportunity to go on a PGL residential trip. 130 students enjoy a range of exciting and unusual activities, such as zip wiring, canoeing and abseiling. Students who choose to stay in school experience a programme of multi-cultural activities, such as Indian Dancing, African Drumming and Kuna Indian Arts.

There is so much to look forward to and enjoy in a safe, supportive environment.

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further information

Further information regarding the school may be found on our website www.dartfordgrammargirls.kent.sch.uk Enquiries may be made via email to school@dartfordgrammargirls.kent.sch.uk or by telephone: 01322 223123

Contacts Chair of Governors

Mrs Janice Brooke

Headteacher

Mrs Sharon Pritchard

Associate Assistant Headteacher/Head of Year 7

Mrs Anne Mason

Admissions Officer

Mrs Chris Balmer

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Working together to achieve academic excellence and personal potential

dartford grammar school for girls ADMISSIONS SUPPLEMENTARY FORM 2014 This form does not constitute a valid application. You must complete a Common Application Form from your daughter’s primary school or your LA, naming Dartford Grammar School for Girls, if you wish your daughter to be considered for a place at the school.

The Supplementary Form below should also be completed and sent direct to this school by 31 October 2013.

Section 1 – Student Information Forename(s):. ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Surname:....................................................................................... Date of Birth:......................................................................................................

Permanent Home Address:................................................................................................................................................................................................ .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Telephone:. ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Parent/Guardian:....................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Do you live in the borough of Dartford: ❑ Yes ❑ No or one of the named parishes below: ❑ Yes ❑ No If yes, please tick the parish below:

❑ Ash-cum-Ridley

❑ Farningham

❑ Bean

❑ Fawkham

❑ Crockenhill

❑ Hartley

❑ Darenth

❑ Hextable

❑ Eynsford

❑ Horton Kirby and South Darenth

❑ Longfield

and New Barn

❑ Southfleet

❑ Swanley ❑ Swanscombe

and Greenhithe

❑ Stone

❑ West Kingsdown

❑ Sutton at Hone

❑ Wilmington

and Hawley

Section 2 – other children Do you have a daughter(s) or son(s) attending this school: ❑ Yes ❑ No If yes, Name(s) and Current Form(s):.............................................................................................................................................................................

Date of entry to the school:. ............................................................................................................................................................................................

Signature:..............................................................................Date:...............................................................................................

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Dartford Grammar School for Girls Shepherds Lane, Dartford, Kent DA1 2NT T 01322 223123 F 01322 294786 E school@dartfordgrammargirls.kent.sch.uk www.dartfordgrammargirls.kent.sch.uk