Life in Hind House

We encourage students for whom the EPQ can offer the most benefits to take part, by helping them to develop their intellectual interests and learn new skills. It is also very important that the students we select are capable of managing their own time and workload. In particular, we are looking for students with: a strong academic record and potential or well developed creative skills; the ability to think about topics in unusual or original ways; the ability to plan and manage their school work and extra-curricular activities; high aspirations for their future. The EPQ should not be taken where students are struggling with their core subjects. The School will advise if they feel your other studies will be affected negatively by taking the EPQ.

The School Day

During the first term of Year 12, students register twice a day in Tutor group rooms, which are all based within Hind House; once at 8.25am and once at 2pm. This affords all students the time to get used to life in Hind House and get to know each other and their Form Tutor. In the Hilary term of Year 12, students are permitted to come into school in time for their first lesson of the day. During the morning registration slot Form Tutors will arrange one-to-one meetings with students to help look at their progress and discuss how things are going.

Life Skills is taught in year groups and each year we welcome a number of external speakers who deliver talks on a variety of topics from careers to consent.

Students have four double periods a week for each of their chosen subjects, often split between two teachers. Students are expected to spend an additional four hours a week on each subject beyond the classroom. Some of this will be set work, but we increasingly expect students to take on individual reading around the subject as well as reviewing of notes and preparation for future lessons. Dedication and hard work is key to success.

Free time

Students will have a number of study periods each week where much of this work can be completed in school using study rooms and the Resource Centre. If a student does not have a lesson after 2.45pm then they may go home or back to the boarding house at this time. This is a privilege and will be revoked if a student falls behind with their studies.

Lunch

Lunch is provided by the School each day, with options for both hot and cold meals. Students are permitted off site during lunchtime 12.50pm – 2pm but must return for afternoon registration and activity.

The Common Room

The newly refurbished Common Room is an excellent space for relaxation and for time with friends. There is a constant supply of tea, coffee, hot chocolate and toast.

Lecture Programme

Throughout the course of Year 12 and the start of Year 13 there are a range of lectures for the students. These provide an excellent enrichment opportunity, developing breadth in our students’ knowledge. Alongside this, there is the opportunity for the students to go to lectures at Merchant Taylors’ School who themselves will join us for certain lectures and socials throughout the year.

RMS Choices

From October half term of Year 12 to the end of the Trinity term all Year 12 students will choose one or two RMS Choices. These are lessons which are non-examined, nonhomework options. The aim is to provide students with the opportunity to develop skills beyond their curriculum. Over the last few years we have covered areas such as leadership skills, thinking outside the box, presentation skills, Italian, feminist culture….and so much more.