Dunottar Prospectus by Chris Knight

The Difference is Dunottar

Welcome to Dunottar Dunottar is a school with high standards and a warm heart, providing an excellent, all-round education. In our vibrant, welcoming community, where everyone is known and valued, pupils are challenged and supported to achieve more than they believed possible. We all remember the difference that an inspirational teacher made to our own school years. At Dunottar we aim to add that extra element of interest, involvement and enthusiasm to every aspect of school life so that our pupils truly flourish. From absorbing lessons which spark imaginations, to extraordinary pastoral care and exciting opportunities beyond the classroom, we want our pupils to think critically, to challenge convention and to aim high. I became a teacher because I wanted to give young people the chance to thrive; it is hugely rewarding to see pupils growing in confidence and independence, learning to respond well to setbacks and seeking out new challenges for themselves. I feel privileged to lead the Dunottar community and to be able to ensure that our pupils receive the education, in its broadest sense, which will best equip them to seize the opportunities and relish the many adventures that their future lives may hold. I hope this prospectus will give you a flavour of what our school offers. The best way to get to know Dunottar really well is to visit and see it for yourself. I look forward to welcoming you to school for a tour or at one of our open mornings soon.

Mr Mark Tottman Headmaster

Aims and Ethos The aim of Dunottar is to offer an outstanding education to boys and girls and, through excellent teaching and high levels of individual support and pastoral care, to enable our pupils to achieve added value which is amongst the top 10% of schools in the UK. Dunottar is a vibrant, co-educational secondary school which, as part of United Learning’s family of schools, shares the group’s core values of ambition, confidence, determination, creativity, respect and enthusiasm along with the objective of bringing out the “Best in Everyone”. Dunottar celebrates achievement in its broadest sense resulting in a community of happy, confident pupils who achieve their first choice ambition for their future education and employment. At Dunottar we: • aim to be renowned for, and measure our own success through, our outstanding pastoral care and exceptional added value both within and beyond the classroom. • enable children and teachers to achieve spectacular outcomes by encouraging them to exhibit the seven behaviours of ‘warrior learners’; aspiration, independence, tenacity, curiosity, inclusivity, creativity and collaboration, preparing them for the fast paced and ever changing world in which we live.

• create an environment where pupils and their families are known, supported and valued as individuals and where kindness and integrity underpin the actions of every member of the school community. • appoint the very best teachers who have passion and enthusiasm for their subject, who enjoy the opportunity of teaching children with a range of academic abilities and who feel their vocation is enabling every child to gain the best possible outcomes. • offer a broad co-curricular programme so that every pupil is able to find a talent and passion to develop. • aim to be a flagship school for United Learning, embodying the expertise, knowledge and innovation for which the group is known and sharing this across the group’s network and embracing its framework for excellence: powerful knowledge, leadership at every level, the best from everyone, education with character and continuous improvement.

A Proud Heritage and a Bright Future Dunottar School was founded in 1926 by Mrs Jessie Elliot-Pyle to provide high quality independent education. The school was named after Dunnottar Castle in Scotland where, in 1651, King Charles II placed the Crown Jewels of Scotland. It is believed that Mrs Elliot-Pyle perceived the minds of the children she taught to be jewels which she would nurture in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment and the name reflected that idea. She also chose the motto ‘Do ut Des’ (I give that thou may’st give); the sentiment remains relevant in the 21st century as Dunottar pupils are encouraged to develop into compassionate, considerate young people who, appreciating all that they have, are able to give to others. This motto is now complemented by the United Learning philosophy of ‘The best in everyone’ which encapsulates the school’s aim for every child to fulfil their individual potential. In 2014 Dunottar School joined United Learning, becoming part of a national educational group that seeks to improve the life chances of all the children and young people which it serves. This exciting phase in the school’s

history saw Dunottar become co-educational, a move which proved to be exceptionally popular. United Learning made immediate investments in Dunottar to develop the already excellent facilities. The technology infrastructure was upgraded to ensure that computers and the wifi network were up to date, fast and secure, so that pupils can use iPads in classrooms to enhance learning. In 2018, the Learning Resources Centre was completely refurbished and a Design & Technology suite was created. To meet the future needs of the school community, 2019 will see the state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre completed, and a new Assembly Hall due to open in 2020. United Learning is a national group, which includes several successful schools in the Surrey area such as Guildford High School and Surbiton High School. Each of these schools is successful but different. Dunottar School has cemented its own place in the group, with a strong educational offer and a treasured ethos.

Assembly Hall

Sixth Form Centre

Warrior Learners

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At Dunottar School, we want our pupils to develop a lifelong love of learning and also to step out of their comfort zones and try something different. Our Warrior Learner concept encourages pupils to embrace the behaviours of aspiration, tenacity, curiosity, creativity, collaboration, inclusivity and independence, preparing them for the fast paced and ever-changing world in which we live.

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Curriculum

A broad, well-balanced curriculum provides a rigorous foundation for innovative, inspiring teaching. Teachers at Dunottar are passionate about their subjects, offering pupils a rich, varied and thought-provoking curriculum, facilitated by our small class sizes. From Years 7 to 9, pupils at Dunottar study a broad and well-balanced curriculum, including separate sciences, a modern foreign language (French or Spanish), humanities and creative subjects including Design & Technology, Computing, Food & Nutrition, Music, Art and Drama. At GCSE level students begin to focus on those subjects that will take them in the direction of their future higher education and careers choices. Support and guidance is given in choosing these subjects and small class sizes for GCSE teaching ensures individual attention from teachers. GCSE results are consistently strong, giving students an excellent foundation for their A Level studies. A Level students at Dunottar benefit from tutorial style teaching groups in which every student makes significant contributions to discussions.

Be... successful From exam results and sporting triumphs to community projects and entrepreneurial challenges, success comes in many shapes at Dunottar as pupils achieve and exceed their personal goals. The ‘added value’ in exam results at Dunottar is our focus, meaning that our pupils achieve more than they would elsewhere. Academic results are strong and pupils have the confidence to aspire to interesting and challenging higher education and career pathways. Dunottar pupils know that exam results are just one aspect of their school achievement. They grow into articulate, interested, considerate and confident young people who are ready to face the challenges of the fast-paced and ever-changing world in which we live.

“Dunottar not only shaped my future, but me as an individual. I was constantly pushed to achieve above and beyond my goals, with a brilliant support and pastoral network behind me.” Connie, former Sixth Form pupil

Be... happy The atmosphere at Dunottar is truly special; children can be themselves and are celebrated for what they contribute. Our comprehensive pastoral curriculum includes the delivery of the PSHE programme. This is combined with a positive approach to pastoral care, supported by tutors and Heads of Section. When individual pupils require personalised support, of an academic, social, emotional or behavioural nature, the tailored guidance and help they need is on hand.

Be... distinctive We don’t want Dunottar pupils to fit a mould. We support and guide our pupils to define their own idea of success, to create their own place in the school community and to achieve their own dreams. There is no “one size fits all” approach because every child is an individual and we value and appreciate their distinctive personalities, attributes and abilities. Our aim is simple; we do our utmost to help every child to be happy, to love their school years and to be the best that they can be.

“I have so many exciting things since joining Dunottar. We went on a fantastic school bonding trip and had an amazing languages week. I have made lots of new friends and have met some lovely teachers.” Year 7 pupil

Be... creative Music, art and drama flourish in the vibrant artistic community at Dunottar. Our choirs, ensembles and soloists regularly delight audiences with performances at a varied programme of concerts and we create opportunities to enjoy group playing and involvement with a wide range of musical styles. The Ballroom, which houses one of the school’s two grand pianos, makes an atmospheric setting for recitals. Drama adds vibrancy and dynamism to school life, through popular clubs and memorable annual productions, with recent performances including Oliver and Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations. Stunning art works adorn the walls of Dunottar and the modern, airy art studios and our photographic studio give pupils the space they need to develop ambitious, creative works. From Year 7 creating paintings and sculpture, to A Level students developing their personal style, art adds to the school’s cultural richness.

Be... active Sport at Dunottar is fun, competitive and varied, with participation actively encouraged at all levels. We have a busy fixtures list for all boys and girls and our elite sports scholars are supported to achieve their full potential. The main boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sports are rugby and football, lacrosse and netball for girls; cricket, swimming and athletics are for all. From basketball and rounders, to hockey, tennis and HIIT sessions, pupils are encouraged to embrace fitness, teamwork and competitive sport. PE lessons, our Sports Leadership Programme and co-curricular clubs help to instil a passion for sport and its many benefits that will last well beyond the school years. Our excellent on-site facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a large purpose-built sports hall with 4-lane cricket net system in partnership with Surrey County Cricket Club, and outdoor tennis courts. Successful links with local sporting clubs extend the off-site sporting opportunities with dedicated rugby, lacrosse and cricket facilities.

Be... adventurous With 15 acres of land, adventure is never far away at Dunottar. Woodland nature trails, a zip-wire and outdoor activities can all be experienced on the doorstep. Dunottar pupils are encouraged to be tenacious and have courage when faced with new challenges. They discover that, by embracing new opportunities and persevering in everything they do, they will surprise themselves with how much they can achieve. The outcome is that they grow in confidence and develop valuable skills while having fun. Learning outside the classroom enhances and extends lessons learnt in school. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is a popular way to gain new skills. School trips bring topics to life, put theory into practice and provide inspiration by opening eyes and minds to new ideas. Our programme of international trips is rich and varied and has recently included a visit to Zambia to work with street children, a cricket tour to Spain, a French trip to Angers and a visit to the World War I battlefields.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you provide new experiences the students challenge themselves. It is fantastic to see them working as a cohesive group in ways which stretch their imaginations and broaden their understanding.â&#x20AC;? Mr Marc Broughton, Deputy Head

Be... involved Dunottar students are encouraged to be active, responsible citizens who contribute to their community, who are aware of the world around them and who have a wide range of interests. The co-curricular timetable offers opportunities for interesting activities during lunchtimes and after school. Pupils form friendships, learn new skills and develop cherished hobbies. From Dissection Club and Food Investigations to Lego Robotics, Photography and Russian Club, plus a host of sports clubs, drama and music activities, the co-curricular options are exciting and engaging. From Year 7 through to Year 13, opportunities are created for pupils to take on responsibility, learn about leadership and contribute to their school community. Sixth Form buddies spend time with younger pupils, building valuable friendships and acting as role models. Pupils enthusiastically raise funds to support selected charities and participate in the House system which builds bonds across forms and year groups, deepening the sense of belonging within school. From the annual Caring@Christmas lunch for local elderly people to sports leadership projects with local schools, to participation in groups such as Model United Nations, Amnesty International and Eco-Schools, Dunottar pupils learn the value of caring about the world around them and giving back to their community.

The Difference is Dunottar

WWW.DUNOTTARSCHOOL.COM Dunottar School, High Trees Road, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 7EL Tel: 01737 761945 Email: info@dunottarschool.com