Fourth Form Information Booklet by Sherborne Girls

FOURTH FORM

INFORMATION BOOKLET

SHE RBORN E GI RL S FOURTH FORM

Contents Seeing is believing

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Our mission, values and curriculum 5 ..................................................................................................................................................................... School values 8 ..................................................................................................................................................................... A unique approach to a boarding education 9 ...................................................................................................................................................................... Fourth Form curriculum 11 ..................................................................................................................................................................... Digital learning 12 ..................................................................................................................................................................... Co-curricular opportunities 12 ..................................................................................................................................................................... An example of a school week

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A boarding education 16 ..................................................................................................................................................................... Meet the Fourth Form Team 19 ....................................................................................................................................................................

Seeing is believing ... Visits For 11+ entrance we would recommend visiting for a ‘tour morning’ during Year 4 or 5. Dates for the next tour mornings can be found on our website. If your daughter is in Year 6 and you are looking for a place for the next September, please contact admissions@sherborne.com without delay and we will arrange a tour for your family. Entrance Entry is through the ISEB Pre-Tests (online, multiple-choice assessments in Verbal Reasoning, Non Verbal Reasoning, English and Mathematics), which are sat where possible at the applicant’s current school in Year 6. Applicants will then complete our Sherborne Girls assessment papers (English and Mathematics) and an interview at the 11+ Boarding Taster & Assessment Weekend in the December of Year 6. A small number of places may also be offered at 12+ (Year 8). Pupils must be registered to sit the Assessments. If you have missed these timings, please contact admissions@sherborne.com to make individual arrangements.

Scholarships 11+ Academic Scholarships Academic Scholarships are held on the same day as our Entrance Assessments at the beginning of December. Further information is available on the school website. Other Scholarships (Music and Sport) Assessments for these scholarships are in January. Please find details on the school website. • Music – Grade 4 and above • Sport – Exceptional skill for their age Bursaries Bursaries may be available in cases of demonstrable need. They are awarded on the receipt of a means-test form and are subject to regular review. Most bursaries will be awarded in conjunction with scholarship awards.

SHE RBORN E GI RL S FOURTH FORM

Our mission, values and curriculum Graded ‘Excellent’ for quality of education in our most recent inspection, we provide academic excellence in the context of a busy and enriching boarding environment, where pupils are selfmotivated and driven to achieve. Our mission To provide a broad and enriching full-boarding education that develops the unique talents of every girl within a supportive community. To send out into the world girls of character, commitment and compassion who are able to think clearly and creatively, choose wisely and have the courage to make a difference. Our values Curious Sherborne girls are intellectually enquiring and imaginative. They seek challenge and inspiration in the pursuit of excellence. Courageous Sherborne girls are bold and adventurous. They have the courage to take risks, the resilience to overcome adversity and the inner confidence to lead others.

Louise Orton Senior Deputy Head (Academic)

Our curriculum Creativity, innovation and investigation are at the heart of our curriculum. Girls learn by doing, with inter-disciplinary opportunities and outdoor education adding to their experience. As a result, they gain confidence to explore, to question and to grow. Their boarding education is enhanced by the extended week, providing opportunities for a carefully crafted co-curricular and enrichment programme that supports the academic provision. Every girl learns a musical instrument or sings in a choir, and we encourage them all to perform in a school play. They enjoy sport or health-related fitness every day and benefit from a bespoke tutor support programme that aids their growth as individuals and promotes compassion, kindness and consideration for others. Entry points

Compassionate Sherborne girls are principled, considerate and kind. They have a sense of responsibility to make a positive contribution to the communities in which they live and work.

• Pupils joining at 11+ in Year 7 are in the Lower Fourth (L4)

Adaptable Sherborne girls are resilient and flexible. They adapt to the demands of the modern world and respect and celebrate difference.

• These two year groups live in our purpose-built Junior Boarding House, known as “West” (Aldhelmsted West).

Spiritual Sherborne girls understand Christian values. They value reflection, exercise self-care, and seek the wellbeing of others.

• Pupils joining at 12+ in Year 8 are in the Upper Fourth (U4)

Curious

Courageous

Inquirer, critical thinker, ambitious, imaginative, creative

Open-minded, risk-taker, resilient, ambitious, responsible, persistent

Compassionate

Caring, principled, socially responsible, respectful, communicator

Adaptable

Risk-taker, resilient, resourceful, flexible, collaborative

Spiritual

Reflective, Christian values, empathetic, humble, self-aware

School

VALUES SG Learner Proﬁle: Learning Attributes and Attitudes 8

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A unique approach to boarding education 11+ and 12+ entry

At Sherborne Girls, we help pupils grow in line with our School values, as described in our SG Learner Profile. To support this process, we were one of the first independent schools in the UK to create a Junior Diploma, helping our pupils foster a natural love of learning, a thirst for knowledge and a healthy attitude to life and work. By putting our values at the heart of the girls’ education, we help them grow to be adaptable, compassionate, courageous, curious and spiritual. These attributes are embedded in the Junior Diploma, and every pupil in L4 and U4 (Years 7 and 8) completes it during their time in West. This unique diploma includes academic achievement and assessments, independent learning, and community involvement. It refines their presentation skills, develops their ability to reflect on mistakes, and shapes their approach to risk-taking. Overall, it gives them a deeper understanding of their own learning.

Structure and form The Junior Diploma helps girls take full advantage of the opportunities on offer at School. It provides a wealth of ways to develop their skills, aptitudes and enthusiasms. It helps them integrate the various aspects of School life, ensuring they grow as people with self-awareness, self-understanding and deep compassion. With advice and guidance from their Personal Tutor, girls compile a portfolio throughout the year that charts their progress through the Junior Diploma, bringing together the threads of academic study, personal growth and their relationships with others. Projects are completed in various different forms and the girls are free to design a project that reflects their passions and interests. It may take the form of a research presentation about someone or something that embodies that value, a piece of artwork or sculpture, a photography project, Flipgrid vlog, a piece of creative writing, a science experiment, poetry or a musical composition; the possibilities are endless. The Junior Diploma then culminates in an exhibition, held in the Merritt Centre, at which the girls exhibit their projects, articulating and explaining how each one has helped them to develop their appreciation of each value over the course of the year.

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Fourth Form curriculum “The academic success of pupils is strongly influenced by much effective teaching which stimulates interest, provides a high degree of challenge and encourages active pupil involvement.”

Latest ISI Inspection Report

We continually review our curriculum to meet the changing needs of our pupils as they prepare for the rest of their lives. We have a strong focus on linguistics, science and interdisciplinary opportunities, with links made between subjects such as History, Geography and Religious Studies. Our unique approach creates an ideal context for learning and growth. We help pupils to thrive academically and identify their strengths and enthusiasms, all the time maintaining our commitment to the flourishing of our School, local community, and the wider world. Our “Inner Curriculum” focuses on enabling every pupil to excel both academically and personally, with a direct link to our school aim: To send out into the world girls of character, commitment and compassion who are able to think clearly and creatively, choose wisely and have the courage to make a difference.

“Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” Martin Luther King Jr

A balanced approach We are committed to developing our pupils as 21st century learners, capable of meeting all assessment objectives and ready to take their place in the world. We go beyond the formal examination courses to develop pupils who love learning, realise their potential and have important skills for life. Entrepreneurship, digital competence and leadership, adventurous activity, creativity, linguistics, appropriate challenge, environmental awareness. These are just some of the ways in which we bring our School values and vision to life through our every-day curriculum. Core subjects include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Art 3D design Textiles design Cookery Drama Dance English World Studies (Geography, History and Religious Studies) Latin Mathematics French or Spanish (set by ability and experience across L4 and U4) Music Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) Careers Education Science Physical Education Games Adventure and Leadership Entrepreneurship Arts Award Bronze

Digital learning We require all pupils to have pen-enabled devices and recommend a Microsoft Surface, keyboard case and Microsoft Pen. If pupils already have an iPad, we recommend a keyboard and pen compatible with the iPad model. Our digital vision We embrace technology in the classroom for teaching and learning when it enriches the educational experience, supports our School vision to create a community of empowered learners, and enables girls to use technology efficiently, effectively and responsibly in every facet of their lives. Our digital mission We use tablet technology to enhance the educational experience, providing greater potential for collaboration and opportunities for pupils and teachers to be taken on new learning journeys in the development of the SG Learner Profile attributes. Our digital objectives Building on the gradual implementation of the use of mobile tablets in lessons over the last three years, we are now adopting pen-enabled devices. These facilitate improved teacher feedback, quality use of prep time, and more creative individual organization. Their use also adds interest and pace to classroom teaching. We leverage Microsoft Office 365 technology to provide powerful learning experiences and quick access to resources from anywhere in the world, as well as developing the digital skills of our whole School community.

Digital media We make a clear distinction between technology for learning and social media. Mobile phones are left in West during the school day. When in House, the following rules apply to digital devices: • Phones and other digital devices are not to be used during the school day: they are put away in the device cupboard during break times, lunchtimes and overnight • Phones and devices are not allowed upstairs except for use during Prep sessions • With permission girls will be able to use their phones to call home at appropriate times

SHE RBORN E GI RL S FOURTH FORM

Co-curricular opportunities Opportunities in Music, Drama, Sport, and Adventure and Leadership are very much part of the rounded education we offer at Sherborne Girls in the Fourth Form. In a full-boarding community, what goes on outside the classroom is just as important as what goes on during lessons, and it is during these years that the girls will discover and develop those interests which will go on to be life-long passions. Music Music holds a very special place in the tradition of cultural excellence at Sherborne Girls. The school calendar incorporates a vibrant programme of large-scale choral and orchestral concerts alongside a series of Lunchtime Concerts and Celebrity Concerts in the Gransden Hall, bringing a variety of artists to give masterclasses and recitals. Individual lessons are available from our team of specialist Visiting Music Teachers on the usual full complement of orchestral instruments, along with the Piano, Harp, Recorder, Saxophone, Organ, Percussion, Guitar and Voice. The weekly cocurricular music programme is rich and diverse, with opportunities for all levels of musicians to participate in whichever genre they prefer, from Classical and Jazz to Pop and Rock in our dedicated Music Studio. There is a dedicated ‘West’ choir for pupils in the Fourth Form, and regular lunchtime concerts in House help develop the girls’ confidence to perform.

Drama There are multiple opportunities to get involved in co-curricular Drama. In addition to the annual West Play in the Trinity term, for those interested in acting, we offer group Speech and Drama lessons following the well-regarded Trinity College London syllabus. We aim to show the girls as much live theatre as we can and regularly run trips, welcome touring theatre companies, and show screenings of the National Theatre’s archive shows. We also have a wide variety of theatre companies coming to run workshops, such as The Paper Birds, Frantic Assembly, Splendid, Shared Experience, Vamos, Kneehigh and Wise Children.

Sport, Adventure and Leadership Girls in the Fourth Form have a wide range of sporting opportunities available to them both through the extensive games and PE programme and also through after school clubs. These sessions are delivered by specialist sports coaches and at this early stage in their sporting careers we hope they will sample as many sports as possible. As such, we provide opportunities for girls to play hockey, lacrosse, netball, cross-country, cricket, tennis, athletics, swimming and badminton. In addition, they can also take up horse riding, fencing, sailing or dance as extra activities. At Sherborne Girls we have a culture of outdoor learning in which we encourage the girls to be adventurous and courageous. Girls in the Fourth Form enjoy opportunities to take part in sailing, climbing and kayaking as well as learning basic navigation skills and exploring the beautiful Dorset countryside.

Other opportunities As part of the School’s programme of co-curricular clubs and societies, girls in the Fourth Form are able to access enrichment opportunities in areas such as maths, science (including astronomy), engineering, creative writing and modern languages, as well as participating in annual science competitions and entrepreneurship days. In addition, a full programme of weekend activities, including the annual PGL weekend, provides further challenge and opportunities to develop important transferable skills as well as having lots of fun!

SHE RBORN E GI RL S FOURTH FORM

An example of a school week: Our school week is designed around our girls’ need for quality sleep, good nutrition, and regular relaxation and social time, at the same time as helping them take full advantage of the academic, creative and sporting opportunities we provide. Time to pause in the middle of the day follows lunch in Boarding Houses. Our extended lunchtime is a period when pupils can think of others, develop their emotional intelligence, interact with their Tutor, attend a music lesson, enjoy quiet reflection, or take time to interact with their friends.

Period

Time

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thur

Fri

Sat

07.30-08.05

Breakfast

07.55-08.05

House meeting

08.10-08.25

Assembly

Prayers

Prayers/Hymn Practice

08.30-09.15

Lesson

09.20-10.05

Lesson

10.10-10.55

Lesson

Sport

Lesson

10.55-11.25

Break

11.25-12.10

Sport

Lesson

Sport

12.15-13.00

Sport

Lesson

Sport

13.00-13.45

Lunch

13.45-14.30

Inner Curriculum

14.35-15.20

Lesson

Sport

Lesson

15.25-16.10

Lesson

Sport

Lesson

16.15-17.00

Lesson

17.00-18.00

Extra-co-curricular

18.00-18.30

Supper

Later Supper

18.30-19.30

Prep

20.00

L4 to rooms, Bed 20.15, Lights out 20.30

20.15

U4 to rooms, Bed 20.30, Lights out 20.45

Sun

Brunch

Weekend Matches/ Weekend

Programme continues

Programme starts

School Service

A boarding education What makes West special?

Aldhelmsted West, known as ‘West’, was purposebuilt in 2013 for girls entering School at age 11 or 12. It accommodates approximately 50 pupils. Girls enjoy comfortable four-bedded en-suite rooms (each named after a flower), study areas with stunning Dorset country views and various communal areas for relaxation and socialising. The House has its own kitchen and a spacious, light and airy dining room that leads out onto a tranquil garden. West is a very friendly, positive place, buzzing with life every day. The girls enjoy a huge variety of exciting activities throughout the week and at weekends. Typical weekend activities include

trampolining, visiting museums, ceramics workshops, ice skating, discos and parent and grandparent functions. Adventure and Leadership features strongly in the West calendar and girls enjoy frequent opportunities for outdoor learning, helping develop their confidence and resilience. Pupils say: ‘Life in West is always warm and welcoming. It feels like home as soon as you step inside. The dorms are lovely and spacious with really comfy beds. The food is great and it’s so fantastic to have a house dog! The atmosphere is like one big family, because everyone cares and looks out for each other.’

Not for Oneself but for All 16

House Motto

SHE RBORN E GI RL S FOURTH FORM

West Boarding House

SHE RBORN E GI RL S FOURTH FORM

Meet the Fourth Form Team Academic and Pastoral Tutor Team All teaching staff at Sherborne Girls are Personal Tutors to a group of seven or eight girls. They are attached to Boarding Houses and see their tutees for lunch at least once a week and for individual tutorials. The Tutor oversees both the academic and pastoral wellbeing of pupils and they are one of the key contacts for parents. The experienced West Tutor Team engages regularly with the girls, encouraging them to ensure balance in their weekly programme and a breadth of enrichment opportunities.

Mrs Emma Jamieson and family Housemistress

Mr Richard Barnes Head of Fourth Form

The House Team Housemistress Emma Jamieson is supported by a Resident Matron, Day Matron and Resident Graduate Assistant. In addition, non-resident Tutors support resident staff and girls in the evenings and at weekends.

Mr Barnes works closely with Mrs Jamieson. Together, they are responsible for the academic and pastoral wellbeing of the Fourth Form girls. Mr Barnes holds year group meetings, coordinates the Junior Diploma and advises on the curriculum for Years 7 and 8.

If you’d like further information or to visit Sherborne Girls and ‘West’, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Sherborne Girls Bradford Road Sherborne Dorset DT9 3QN 001935 818224 admissions@sherborne.com Sherborne.com

Fourth Form Information Booklet

Articles inside

A unique approach to a boarding education

Seeing is believing

A boarding education

Meet the Fourth Form Team

Fourth Form curriculum

Our mission, values and curriculum