SENIOR SCHOOL INFORMATION
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WELCOME Crosfields is a successful independent day school, offering exceptional opportunity to girls and boys. In 2018 we announced that we were extending the age range of the school to 16; an extension of three years from Years 9 to 11. We have been delighted with the positive response to this news, with pupil numbers exceeding any in the school’s history. Not only have our current families embraced our vision, but we have attracted a significant number of new families, too. The 100 pupils we currently have in Years 7 and 8 will be the first Senior year groups to go through to GCSE.
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OUR VISION CRAIG
WATSON HEADMASTER
It’s not often that you are given a blank piece of paper in your career and asked to create something new and fresh and as you would want it for your own child. Of course it is not an entirely blank sheet, we are after all extending by only three years, plus have ten year groups where we have established principles, an ethos and have a track record of outstanding staff. This is a fantastic opportunity for families to share in our vision and join Crosfields at such a momentous point in the school’s history.
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COEDUCATION AND DIVERSITY The modern workplace is a hugely diverse environment. At Crosfields we believe that there are positive benefits in educating children in an environment that promotes acceptance and respect regardless of gender, ethnicity, nationality, culture and religious beliefs. We are convinced that boys and girls positively benefit, both academically and socially, from being educated together.
ACADEMIC Students will be stretched and supported academically. All will be given the opportunity to excel, whatever their ability. We have been incredibly successful, and have a strong track record in preparing them for a range of schools, even the most academically demanding. At Crosfields, all children will be taught imaginatively, thoroughly and broadly.
SMALL CLASSES Feedback from a recent parental survey confirmed that small classes are important. We fully support this and will continue to offer small classes. Classes will have a maximum of 20 pupils with no more than four classes per year group.
BREADTH At Crosfields we encourage children to experiment and to challenge themselves. The importance of an effective Co-curricular programme at secondary level cannot be underestimated. Not only is there growing evidence that it has a positive impact on academic progress, but also the soft skills (communication, responsibility, flexibility and integrity) which it promotes is recognised as being important towards success at post-secondary level education and in the work place environment. Co-curricular will enrich a pupil, both during and after school life. An effective programme will provide the necessary balance between emotional, academic and social development for a young adult.
PASTORAL CARE AND WELLBEING A recent parental survey confirmed what every parent knows; happy children make good progress both academically and socially. Pastoral care has been a particular strength of Crosfields and we will continue to emphasise the importance of happiness and well-being in our Senior School. We recognise the need to evolve, to reflect the needs of teenage children with the additional challenges and pressures presented by today’s social media and public examinations.
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WELLBEING ADAM
MALLINS
DEPUTY HEAD PASTORAL Being a teenager has always been tricky; I am sure we, as parents, all remember some of the ups and downs of our own childhoods. However, having to navigate the teenage years in the 21st century is arguably proving to be a more complex and diverse journey. The advent of the digital age, social media and technology advances means that the wellbeing of students has never been as important as it is today. We therefore have to be at the forefront in understanding modern pressures and as a result we have invested in a pastoral care programme, creating a wide range of strategies and activities which are specifically designed to help pupils to develop their physical, mental and social wellbeing. Of course, we also understand that staff and parents need support too, so our pastoral care programme includes the whole community. We do not pledge to be able to solve all of the problems, but if we can listen, talk, support and find the right help when we need to, then our teenagers have every chance of achieving happiness, fulfilment and success.
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THE WELLBEING GUIDANCE AWARD FOR SCHOOLS Crosfields is working towards the Wellbeing Award for Schools. This national award is based on key performance indicators, against which the school must provide evidence of their achievements in Wellbeing. Over the next 2 years we will be put through a rigorous and challenging process, however the benefits will have positive impacts on the whole school community.
A TALKING SCHOOL We are not afraid to talk to each other about ourselves and there is always someone to listen. The Senior School has numerous layers of pastoral care, including a tutor for 20 pupils, pastoral Heads, a medical team, and access to trained counsellors. Older pupils take on peer mentoring and wellbeing ambassador roles. Regular assemblies, tutor programmes and form activities raise the profile of wellbeing and promote positivity, allowing pupils to express themselves more confidently and feel comfortable in asking for help when needed.
A weekly programme of talks, clinics and therapies will be available to all students. These run at breaks or lunchtimes and allow students to explore a variety of guidance to improve their wellbeing and mental health. These sessions will offer everything from Yoga, to mindfulness, to Art therapy and emotions coaching.
EVENTS During the academic year, pupils can attend wellbeing days, our Wellbeing Festival, and our themed weeks, all of which raise awareness of key discussion points such as bullying, staying safe online and mental health. Some events are open to families, too, so that parents can learn more about wellbeing.
PASTORAL TRIANGLE It is important to us that we involve the whole school community in our quest for positive wellbeing. We strongly believe that when pupils, parents and teachers talk to one another it creates a ‘Pastoral Triangle’, encouraging effective monitoring, and enabling us to respond to any issues that may affect a pupil’s development. Regular communications are sent home to parents regarding physical and mental health and our ‘Food for Thought’ programme allows parents to explore a number of topics through talks and discussions over a bite to eat here at Crosfields.
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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT INCORPORATING PROGRAMMES TO RECOGNISE INDIVIDUAL PUPIL DEVELOPMENT AND ACHIEVEMENT, CO-CURRICULAR AND ENRICHMENT
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CO-CURRICULAR: YEARS 7 AND 8 Embedded Curriculum Pupils in Years 7 and 8 enjoy a specific Co-curricular programme that forms part of their core school day, providing them with the opportunity to participate in a number of activities different to that of their academic timetable and which stimulates them in different ways. Weekly sessions include physical, mental and holistic challenges that contribute to their personal development, self-confidence and the education of the whole child. Activities offer a brief pause from the rigours of the academic curriculum, with each form group taking part in exciting sessions that focus on: • Public speaking • Podcasting • Youth politics and debating • Origami • Rowing • Yoga • Wellbeing • Metacognition • Presentation skills Each activity aims to aid the pupils’ development in at least one of the following areas: • Personal skills; leadership, communication, performance, creativity, decision-making and co-operation • Time management and organisation • Stress relief, relaxation and improved health and wellbeing • Improved social skills • Increased self-esteem
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Created to encourage independence and development of pupils in Years 7 and 8, the Mighty Oak is an exciting programme that nurtures the characteristics and life skills that all Crosfields pupils to aspire to. The programme is based upon an individual’s desire to broaden their range of interests and persevere in activities which they may not be used to, and celebrates their achievements and successes. The award is made up of five sections, or branches: Academic Citizenship, including community service and charity Creative and cultural Leadership and responsibility Physical
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Each pupil will undergo an assessment process during the two years that it will take them to complete the award. They will be recognised and rewarded for all of the skills and achievements that they attain, and Crosfields aim is that pupils will receive either a pass or distinction grade that they can confidently refer to on both further and higher education applications.
CO-CURRICULAR: YEARS 9 TO 11* Activities may include: • Duke of Edinburgh • Model United Nations (MUN) • Outdoor pursuits: training and participation in an adventure race/s over the year • World Challenge at Years 9 and 11
PHYSICAL
Full range of team sports, plus the option of: • Sailing • Paddle boarding • Dragon boating • Climbing • Rowing
THE ARTS (ART, MUSIC AND DRAMA) • Pottery
• Fashion design • Da Vinci club • Backstage pass – train in lighting, sound and costume design • LAMDA • Drama productions • Drama club • Choir • Samba band
OTHER: WIDER HORIZONS
• Couch to 5/10k
• Code breakers
• Golf
• Photography club
• Dance
• Interact and community-based clubs
• Biathlon
• Film club
CURRICULUM EXTENSION • Programming society • Polyglots • Creative writing society
• Debating club • Engineering club
*Each academic year, the full list of Co-curricular activities are subject to change.
• Economics society • Junior programming and web development club • Student investor challenge • Subject surgeries
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ENRICHMENT FUNDAMENTAL TO PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND BONDING WITH PEERS, DAY AND RESIDENTIAL TRIPS CARRY GREAT IMPORTANCE FOR PUPILS. Each year group benefits from day trips to enrich the curriculum, and in addition, pupils have the opportunity to take part in the following residentials: • Annual ski trip • Iceland/Norway every two years • Sports tour every two years • Annual music tour • Holistic residential (Year 9) • Cultural residential (Year 10) • World Challenge (Year 11)
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OUR CUISINE CROSFIELDS IS WORKING IN CLOSE PARTNERSHIP WITH AN EDUCATION CATERING PROVIDER, THOMAS FRANKS, OFFERING A WIDE RANGE OF NUTRITIOUS AND HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS FOR OUR SENIOR PUPILS. Our new building will include a cafe just for pupils in Years 7 to 11, with space for them to eat and socialise together.
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NEW SENIOR SCHOOL BUILDING FOLLOWING A RIGOROUS TENDER PROCESS, WE ARE WORKING WITH DAVID MILLER ARCHITECTS AND BEARD CONSTRUCTION TO BUILD A STATE OF THE ART FACILITY FOR THE SENIOR SCHOOL.
For a virtual tour of our new building, use your smart device to scan the QR code.
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DMA david-miller.co.uk
David Miller Architects are recognised as world-wide industry leaders in developing innovative and modern methods of construction. They Have delivered high quality projects across the globe, creating spaces for learning, living and working.
Visit www.david-miller.co.uk to see more.
Family-owned firm, Beard is an award-winning construction company with a commitment to excellence. Using a combination of traditional building skills and modern construction management techniques, they have a customer-focused approach and a longstanding commitment to prompt and faultless delivery.
Visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk to see examples of their work.
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VALUE FOR MONEY
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We all understand that the decision to send a child, or multiple children, to independent education is a big financial commitment. However, that doesn’t mean that parents should not expect good value for money. We are certainly helped in this respect by the fact that Crosfields is a registered charity with all of the income received being reinvested into the school for the benefit of the children. The fees for the academic year 2020/2021 are as follows:
SCHOLARSHIPS, AND BURSARIES Crosfields Scholarship Awards for our Senior School (Years 7-11) are offered to children in Years 6 and 8. Assessments take place during the school year prior to entry in Years 7 and 9.
Lower Senior (Year 7 and 8) £5,450 per term Upper Senior (Years 9 - 11) £5,715 per term ** Trips the school considers to be essential will be included in the fees. Lunch and a number of Co-curricular options* are also included. Pupils can stay in school until 6pm at no extra cost. *We aim to provide a breadth of Co-curricular options, some of which are included in fees and others paid-for.
Families who may require financial assistance, may apply for a means-tested Bursary by contacting the Admissions Office or Bursar (bursar@crosfields.com). More information regarding our Scholarships and the criteria can be obtained from our Registrar (registrar@crosfields.com).
Other trips, for example sports or music tours, will carry an additional charge, as do the costs of examination fees. Fees are reviewed annually by The Board of Governors, and parents are given as much notice as possible of any increases. **Proposed.
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THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS ENQUIRIES: Call our registrar on 0118 987 9902 or email registrar@crosfields.com
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KEY TIMINGS Open Events We hold regular open events, where parents are invited to visit us to get a feel for Senior School life at Crosfields. Coming to an open event gives you the opportunity to meet pupils, our Leadership team and Department Heads, as well as the admissions team. For forthcoming event dates, please visit us online at www.crosfields.com. We look forward to sharing our plans for the future with you and discussing your child’s Senior School education. Years 7 and 9 Taster Days Boys and girls are invited to spend an exciting and interactive day with us, which explores the curriculum as well as our extensive grounds! Although it is not essential to attend a Taster Day prior to registering for the Entry Assessment for Years 7 and 9, we do advise it is a very good idea! The Taster Days are fun, relaxed and will give your child a good feel for what life at our Senior School would be like. Places are limited and will be given on a first-come basis. Parents can register their child for our next event at: www.crosfields.com/Y7-taster-day Entry Assessment for Years 7 and 9 Assessments for Years 7 and 9 entry will be held in the Spring Term of the year of entry. At Crosfields, we believe in developing the ‘whole’ child and therefore our assessment for entry will look beyond just the academic ability of children. As well the academic assessment, we will assess how your child may contribute to school life and their ability to engage with peers and staff.
The three stages of assessment are: 1. Entrance Tests – Your child will be asked to complete an online assessment. The assessment is not about knowledge recall and therefore no preparation for the test is required. It gives all pupils the opportunity to show their underlying ability. 2. E ngagement – Within a small group, of staff and other children, your child will be asked questions about their interests and aspirations as well as current affairs. They will be asked to bring something they are proud of, they should be prepared to answer questions on their subject/item. 3. S chool Reference – Subject to your consent, we will contact your child’s current school for a reference To register for your child to attend an Assessment Day, please visit: https://www.crosfields.com/year-7-assessment-engagement An offer of a place will be made following a successful assessment. New Pupils’ Orientation Day Each year, towards the end of the Summer Term we invite all pupils who are due to start with us in the September for a day at Crosfields. They will meet their teachers, make new friends and come home ready to bounce back to school with us a few weeks later.
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C RO S F I E L D S SCHOOL Crosfields School, Shinfield Road, Reading, Berkshire RG2 9BL Main office: 0118 9871810 Registrar: 0118 9879902 www.crosfields.com twitter.com/CrosfieldsNews
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