Senior
Challenge • Creativity • Community
An inspiring education
Welcome to St Albans High School for Girls, a dynamic and caring community in which pupils are encouraged to have high aspirations and are supported to make them a reality.
St Albans High School for Girls is a place in which ‘it’s cool to learn’ as one student recently observed to me. So much around the school proclaims this, like information dotted on notice boards about Mandarin classes or Medvet Society; Debating or Duke of Edinburgh; Amnesty or Aerobics. Learning in its widest sense is taken seriously and supported by a wide curriculum, which allows room for intellectual discovery. Results are exceptional and the vast majority of girls achieve places at their first choice university. The High School is a very happy school. It is a relaxed, calm community where students have clear direction and a ready sense of humour. The outstanding pastoral care, based around a thriving house system, ensures that girls flourish with firm support around them. We are experts in girls’ education and believe that they learn best in an all-girls environment. Do come and visit us and witness the delights of the High School for yourselves. Mrs Jenny Brown Headmistress
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Independence & achievement
“ Throughout the school the pupils’ attitudes to learning are excellent. They are purposeful, comfortable working individually or in a group and extremely enthusiastic, with high levels of concentration and self-motivation. Highly articulate, they are keen to express their opinions and debate arguments with feeling.” Independent Schools Inspectorate
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We want girls to be excited by learning. We encourage them to ask as well as answer questions; to interrogate knowledge rather than simply consume it. Our broad and balanced curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure it nurtures enquiring minds and develops the transferable skills required for success. By setting high expectations, rewarding risk-taking and resilience, and providing personalised support, our expert staff challenge girls to stretch themselves. Academic monitoring and regular communication with parents ensure girls make the best possible progress. Pupils are encouraged to be reflective learners, and to take increasing responsibility for target-setting. Extensive ICT resources enable creative approaches to learning and teaching, and promote independence.
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Challenge, leadership & teamwork We offer a wealth of challenging activities, team pursuits and leadership opportunities that extend and enrich school life.
We place a strong emphasis on physical fitness and the development of team spirit. Girls make full use of our superb sports complex, playing fields, fitness suite, swimming pool and pavilion, taking part in a wide variety of sports within and outside the curriculum. In addition to a packed programme of inter-house and inter-school matches, our teams play at national level, while some girls compete internationally in their disciplines. Through participation in sport and a whole host of voluntary pursuits – from water polo to ancient Greek, from choral society to trampolining – girls have the chance to collaborate with others beyond their year group and learn new skills. Most girls take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, which builds confidence and resilience. Pupils can develop leadership abilities through election to the School Council and by training as cybermentors, offering online peer mentoring to young people nationwide.
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“ Outstanding results are seen in all extra-curricular activities.� Independent Schools Inspectorate
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Creativity & vision We are committed to the creative arts, and promote creative approaches right across the curriculum. Our investment in the Jubilee Centre – with its fabulous facilities for Art, Design & Technology, Music and Drama – underlines our belief that the creative and performing arts nurture talent, build confidence and promote collaboration. The school offers a full calendar of events where girls showcase their many abilities – including concerts, dance shows, gymnastic displays, drama productions and art exhibitions. Most girls take individual instrumental lessons and many perform in choirs, bands, ensembles and orchestras. Creativity however is not confined to the arts. We promote it in all subjects by encouraging girls to experiment with new approaches and find alternative routes to problems and solutions.
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“ The school really is terrific and I’ve been thoroughly delighted to see my girls develop the way they have and to be so successful at so many different things.”
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Community & care We provide exceptional pastoral care and a strong community spirit, both of which underpin academic achievements and personal development. The High School has a long-standing reputation for outstanding pastoral care. Our house system and weekly assemblies create a tangible sense of family. Girls remain in the same houses throughout their school careers and develop unwavering loyalties to them. The lynchpins of our pastoral system are the Housemistresses and Tutors, who monitor the progress and wellbeing of every girl, supported by the Senior Housemistress, Chaplain and nurses. Every girl can find someone with whom to talk should she need a sympathetic listener. Girls show great enthusiasm for engaging with the local community and the wider world. Many participate in community service in local schools, residential homes and hospices as well as supporting a variety of local and global charities.
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Senior School Townsend Avenue St Albans Hertfordshire  AL1 3SJ Tel: 01727 853800 admissions@stahs.org.uk
www.stahs.org.uk
For details of scholarships and fees assistance, please contact the Admissions Office