St Edmund's College Prospectus

The College

College Life, Our Mission and Boarding

Headmaster’s introduction

One does not have to be at St Edmund’s for long before the atmosphere begins to rub off. There is a sense of energy and positivity here in which one is immediately caught up. This ancient institution is steeped in history, and its heritage is apparent in all areas of life – and yet we are a profoundly modern and forward-thinking school, always looking for new and better ways to bring out the God-given talents of our pupils.

We are proud to be the oldest Catholic school in England, and prayer and reflection underpin all that we do, but we are also a school where everybody is warmly welcomed, and it is by no means only Catholic families who choose St Edmund’s: our values are universal.

At St Edmund’s the spiritual, academic, pastoral and co-curricular are of equal value, and these four elements come together to offer a formation

which we believe is second to none. Academic success matters and Edmundians are stretched to achieve the very best they can, but enjoyment of learning is the key to this. When all is said and done, the true measure of our success should always be the qualities of the young men and women we send out into the world: excellent but never arrogant; ambitious but never selfish, robust but never uncaring; faith-filled but never intolerant.

Please come and see for yourself how we go about this. You can be assured of a very warm welcome.

Matthew Mostyn Headmaster

Academic life

St Edmund’s treats everyone, in each year group, as individuals, providing a broad, balanced curriculum as they move through the College.

We offer an excellent choice of subjects which allow individuals to develop their passions and discover new ones and whilst we do not focus solely on grades and pass rates, we are very proud of the College’s academic standing. We work hard to ensure that all our pupils leave us with the very best results they can achieve.

With small class sizes and outstanding tracking processes we are able to adapt with your child as they grow academically, adding additional support and further stretch and challenge as and when required. Each term you will be kept up to date with progress through grade sheets and reports accessed via our Parent Portal and at Parents’ Evenings.

Through well-qualified, dedicated staff, our Learning Support Department provides individual or small group support in its dedicated base, the Cardinal Suite, to students with

identified needs to improve their academic learning within the College. The department works with all subjects, implementing individual programmes to ensure that each student makes the best possible progress.

High Performance Learning

We utilise the High Performance Learning (HPL) framework, a universal model which provides a style of learning that removes barriers to achievement. The language of the HPL framework ensures pupils understand exactly what they have been successful in, and, as a result, develop confidence and independent learning skills.

Standards are high and we expect our children to work hard and enjoy their learning, be it in the classroom or independently.

Academic life

Stretch and Challenge

We work hard to ensure all students achieve their full academic potential but know that all benefit from an extension to their learning to ensure that they are stretched and challenged.

Additional reading and homework can be set on an individual basis but we also offer many academic challenges including Science Olympiads, Maths challenges, reading and poetry competitions and Young Enterprise initiatives to name a few. Our online resources offer a huge array of content across the syllabi, allowing individual learning at a deeper level.

To support our many international students we provide an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme which is designed to allow students time to assimilate subject specific vocabulary, develop social interaction skills with their peers, support homework and develop academic writing. The EAL programme is tailored to the individual’s needs to ensure each student receives the level of support required to thrive in their academic courses and participate fully in College life.

At St Edmund’s we support all our learning with an extensive and modern IT infrastructure which includes four ICT suites each with enough

computers for one to one access. All classrooms feature an interactive whiteboard with projector and audio, to enable all teaching staff to provide media rich, interactive lessons. Wi-Fi is available across the site, and students are encouraged to bring their own device.

To enable independent learning, the College has a range of online resources for each year group available through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and provides access to education websites such as Clickview, Mathletics, GCSEPod and Classoos.

Through our campus-wide focus on higher order thinking and advanced learning skills, Edmundians are gently stretched beyond the limits of what they perceive to be their ability and the cultivation of a love of learning in itself is key to this.

Our Mission

Educating the whole person: mind, body and spirit

Our five Mission aims align with the shape of the cross to help us keep them in our hearts and minds.

A Christ-centred education

Reflecting the scholarship of St Edmund with a balanced and challenging curriculum Building on our Catholic heritage

Demonstrating care and concern at home and in the wider community

Our Christ-centred education asks us to see Christ in every child and to ask every child to set themselves the highest possible standard.

The Scholarship of St Edmund focusses us on our academic standing, ensuring that each child leaves us with the very best results that they can achieve, by means of an engaging curriculum, delivered by experienced, dedicated staff and supported by excellent resources and facilities.

School and the wider community reminds us to always be mindful of our place in the world and our responsibilities to others and the world in which we live.

Each child has a unique combination of talents to be developed for the good of all. The Whole Person ensures that we develop and challenge ourselves not only in the classroom but through the wealth of co-curricular opportunities available each day.

We draw great strength from our Catholic Heritage especially having celebrated our 450th anniversary in 2018. Today, St Edmund’s offers not simply an education for Catholics but a Catholic education, welcoming people from all faiths, or none, ready to embrace the values that have made us a successful seat of learning and where we nurture a love of learning, confidence to succeed and a true zest for life.

Charity lies at the heart of all we do at the College.

As an English traditional Catholic school, the chapel is the best! The wonderful interior decoration lets me relax after a busy school day as we come together for evening prayers.

We are proud of our history and of the forward thinking Catholic school that we are today. Our mission cross is on display in every classroom and guides us in every aspect of life at St Edmund’s.

David, Year 11, Boarder

Chaplaincy

The Chaplaincy supports the religious life of the College and is open to all faiths or none, and provides a place where students of all ages can meet at break times to have some ‘down-time’, meet other students, reflect and importantly to talk through anything they need, whether at home or in College life.

Worship is at the heart of the College. Students and staff play an integral role in the preparation, participation and evaluation of retreats and acts of worship. Mass is celebrated regularly and every morning the day starts with prayer either in tutor groups, House assemblies, Headmaster’s Assembly or in Chapel; evening prayers are attended by our boarding community. Throughout the year we celebrate Holy Days of Obligation and key College feast days. There are

also regular opportunities for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

All students in the College are invited to join our Chaplaincy committee which works throughout the College supporting the religious life and the numerous charitable activities which take place throughout the year, enabling our students to respond to Catholic Social Teaching on a local, national and international level.

This commitment is supported via our Chaplaincy, located at the heart of the College, in the Ambulacrum.

At St Edmund’s we are committed not just to the academic growth of every child but also to their spiritual development regardless of their religious background.

Pastoral care and the House system

Students enjoy the feeling of belonging to St Edmund’s College and exhibit mutual respect for all staff and fellow students alike.

At St Edmund’s we have a very strong pastoral system comprised of five Houses which oversee the personal development of the students, so that each child, be they a day student or boarder, is well looked after and encouraged to achieve their personal best.

We have five Houses; Challoner, Douglass, Pole, Poynter, and Talbot. Each House has its unique character but all work together to deliver the College's mission to educate each student in mind, body and spirit. Students meet with their tutor twice a day and groups are small enough for each individual to be well known to their tutor and Head of House. Academic progress is carefully tracked and students are mentored to maximise their potential.

In addition to the House System, in Elements and Rudiments (Year 7 and 8) and in Rhetoric

(Sixth Form), there are Heads of Year who are experienced in the transition of students to the College and in further education and UCAS preparation respectively.

Students at the College are not just a name on a list, but young people who are well known to the staff and are nurtured to ensure that they achieve their full potential in all areas of College life.

Music and Drama

We have thriving Music and Drama departments and there are an array of opportunities for students to participate, develop and express themselves.

Music and drama are at the heart of the day-today life of the College. Many students have music lessons through the Music department with one of the 20 dedicated specialist instrumental and voice teachers, and have the opportunity to perform at frequent concerts and recitals during the academic year.

There are various groups and ensembles that meet and perform regularly, including our Orchestra, Jazz Band and Schola Cantorum. The Schola Cantorum, our College Choir with over 70 members, leads sung worship for the major events in the College Chapel and has performed at a number of prestigious venues, including Westminster Cathedral.

In addition to Drama’s place in the curriculum, there are many opportunities to become involved outside the classroom. Each year there are a number of productions, from smaller student-led performances to the bigger whole school productions; in recent years these have included Les Misérables, Side Show, Starlight Express, Me & My Girl and School of Rock, all of which give our students a true theatre experience, be it on the stage or behind the scenes.

In addition to instrumental and voice lessons, students have the opportunity to undertake individual acting and public speaking lessons with one of our dedicated LAMDA team. These music and drama lessons can lead to examination performances with the ABRSM, Trinity, LCM or

LAMDA. There are regular recitals, informal concerts and showcases where students have the opportunity to perform. These events are a real celebration and encourage students to develop self-confidence and a love of performance.

Musical Theatre Programme

We are proud to have a track record of a 100% LAMDA examination pass rate, and we are a registered Private Examination Centre; so, examinations take place at St Edmund's.

We offer a professional Musical Theatre Programme, offering training in Singing, Acting, Jazz, Tap and Ballet. The team of teachers across all disciplines are industry professionals, from the West End to The Royal Ballet, put together to inspire the students to work at the highest, professional level.

Musical Theatre Programme

Students who join the Musical Theatre Programme have access to song, dance and acting (LAMDA) in both groups and 1:1. Students will perform in musical theatre showcase throughout the year, presenting their skills and progress to family, friends, and industry professionals. Each young performer will have the chance to shine!

The traditional College Production, the highlight of the year! Another opportunity for our young talent to experience a full production process, from the rehearsal room to the stage.

A Profession, A Hobby, A Health Kick

Whether it is classical ballet, lyrical jazz, musical theatre, contemporary or tap, for fitness or fun,

professional or hobby, St Edmund’s now boasts the platform to offer our students the opportunity to have fun and thrive in theatre!

Head of Musical Theatre

Mr Veasey trained at Guildford School of Acting and has been a professional within the Arts for many years, appearing in a number of television dramas and theatrical tours. As well as an illustrious career in theatre and television, Mr Veasey has coached acting and singing at some of the UK’s top drama schools. Mr Veasey has been a 1:1 vocal coach at St Edmund’s for eight years but is delighted to begin his role as a full-time Head of Department.

"To focus my skills to build a competitive and bespoke musical theatre programme is the perfect fit for me; I am so passionate about my role as Head of Musical Theatre. I am proud to share my skills and experience in theatre and business to shape the lives of future industry professionals, inspiring confidence and entrepreneurial tenacity across all career choices."

Sport

Our excellent on-site sporting facilities and extensive grounds provide sporting opportunities for everyone to enjoy.

Competitive sport and physical activity are central to our ethos of healthy bodies and healthy minds.

Sport at St Edmund’s College is inclusive for all; we nurture those striving for sporting excellence and assist students in realising their God-given potential.

We are continuously expanding quality engagement and have therefore introduced our Aspiring Athlete Programme which allows top-performing students to nurture their sporting prowess from a physical, psychological, nutritional and leadership perspective.

Physical education and games lessons take place each week with many other opportunities to get involved in sport through our daily co-curricular programme. Sporting fixtures, in our key sports of rugby, football and cricket for boys and netball, hockey and rounders for girls are mostly played on Saturday mornings.

Extensive grass pitches, large, floodlit, all-weather surfaces and hard courts, as well as our indoor sporting facilities, including our Physical Conditioning and Cardio Suite, offer opportunities for a wide variety of physical activity and healthy competition. The addition of an indoor swimming pool ensures that we offer a full and varied programme of sports for all.

Co-curricular

At St Edmund’s we offer a broad education, where academic excellence is complemented by cultural, sporting and social development.

Learning outside the classroom is vital to the all round education that we offer. We pride ourselves on the variety of co-curricular activities on offer, ensuring that there really is something to excite and stimulate everyone. Every day, after academic lessons finish, students have a timetabled hour called Period 7 where they choose from a range of over 80 activities from horse-riding, golf and table tennis to rocket building, debating and cooking. Music and drama are also a major part of the co-curricular life at the College, using this time to create, rehearse and perform, either in ensembles, choirs or the orchestra.

These experiences are not just fun and a change from academic lessons, but also a vital opportunity to try new things, learn new skills and develop independence of thought and action.

For students in Grammar, who choose not to take CCF we offer the St Edmund’s Award, a programme of activities where students learn practical skills ranging from ironing, sewing buttons and name labels on clothing to learning highway code and undertaking a mock driving theory test. At the end of the year the students are awarded a badge for their achievements which helps them to start thinking of their effort versus achievement as they look towards academic studies.

Each term students participate in the Community Service programme in which older students help the younger students in their activities on-site and visit local care homes in the community.

Each year a number of regular overseas trips take place, there are sports tours, activity centre trips, subject specific trips and cultural outreach trips to many destinations across the world.

Our students are articulate and confident, with a strong sense of social responsibility. We take pride in providing a rounded education for the whole person: intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual.

Combined Cadet Force

CCF offers students the opportunity to develop new skills and disciplines such as first aid, drill and aircraft and RAF knowledge.

Our Combined Cadet Force gives the perfect opportunity for personal development and challenge and the growth of confidence and leadership ability. Students are able to enter the Army or Royal Air Force sections and through the voluntary, weekly activities students improve their own independence, resourcefulness and teamwork.

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) contingent meets weekly, learning skills such as navigation, survival and leadership. Both sections offer our pupils many opportunities to immerse themselves into the military lifestyle by

attending overnight camps within the College grounds or travelling to army bases in the UK to put their new skills into practice.

The Duke ofEdinburgh’s Award

The award offers individual and team challenges which encourage the participants to develop self-reliance and perseverance. These are all required as students leave the College ready to begin the next chapter of their young adult lives.

The College currently has over 150 students involved and a very high completion rate at Bronze, Silver and Gold award. Students have the opportunity to complete the expedition on foot, by bicycle (currently available at Bronze level only) or by canoe (Silver and Gold levels only) with the majority of our expeditions taking place in the Chiltern Hills, Peak District, River Nene, River Great Ouse, Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains.

Through our dedicated co-curricular periods during the school day, students can complete some aspects of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as we have many volunteering opportunities, skills-based activities and physical activities for students to choose from.

The College is proud to be a directly licensed centre for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a very popular choice for many students in which they can develop their confidence and learn new skills for life.

Boarding at St Edmund’s

Each boarding house offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere within an organised and clear structure. Boarders enjoy time to rest and relax after the school day, but there is always a wide variety of activities in the evenings and at weekends.

Making friends from around the globe, learning new perspectives and enjoying all that boarding offers is what makes the boarding experience so fulfilling. Our boarding community allows students from across the globe to form a closeknit community, making friendships that span across year groups, hobbies and interests. Boarding fully supports our aim to develop confident, caring, well-grounded students who are well prepared to go on to the next stages of their lives and are ready to make a difference to the world in which they live.

Boarding can be seen as an adventure. An opportunity to experience living away from home, learning to develop strategies to cope with the highs and lows of living within the community. We encourage the boarders to take responsibility for themselves, their possessions and the smooth

running of the boarding house in general and specifically their own evening routines. These skills are essential for life beyond school and our students agree this can make starting university far easier.

Students are welcome to board from age 11 and this allows them to develop in the fullest sense, spiritually, academically and socially, by taking advantage of everything the College offers. Students live in separate boarding houses for boys and girls. They share twin bedrooms up to and including Poetry (Year 11) whilst in Rhetoric (Sixth Form), students benefit from single occupancy rooms allowing them quiet study time and personal space. All students have their own desk in each bedroom to allow for independent learning. Wi-Fi is available so they are able to chat to family and friends at home during the evening. Continued

Boarding can be a key step towards developing maturity and confidence. Students thrive through the experiences gained by the opportunities available to them, many of which are not always possible at home.

Boarding at St Edmund’s

Full, weekly and flexible boarding is offered and we do not have exeat weekends, which is a benefit for our international boarders and those that live further afield. Flexible boarding is a great opportunity for students who take part in the many extra-curricular activities, those who will benefit from staying at College for the supervised study time or simply to take a break from the daily commute with an overnight stay. Flexible boarding is particularly easy with our travel links and proximity to London and major airports.

Supported by dedicated and experienced boarding staff, students settle quickly into what is a busy, friendly and inclusive community. Should our boarders experience homesickness, help is offered by staff members but importantly also by our senior boarders through peer mentoring. Many have experienced the same feelings when

leaving home for the first time and they are pleased to be able to work with the younger students as they settle into boarding life.

The day begins with breakfast and then morning prayers followed by academic lessons, structured evening prep sessions, sports, music, drama and activities and trips. At the end of the school day we give thanks through short evening prayers and prepare for supervised study and evening relaxation.

During study times students have full access to the College library and other learning resources to support their progress in all areas of College life. A full evening and weekend activity programme is in place with trips to the theatre, cinema, sporting events, shopping and outdoor activity days as well as sight seeing trips to London, Cambridge and Oxford.

Throughout the boarding areas there are common rooms where students can relax, play computer games and just chat with friends.

BOARDING ROOMS

SPORTS HALL

SPORTS FIELDS

DOUAI HALL

SCIENCE LABS

CLASSROOMS

ICT SUITES

ART STUDIOS

SPORTS FIELDS

SWIMMING POOL

CHAPEL

CRICKET PITCH

As England’s oldest Catholic school we are fortunate not just to enjoy beautiful surroundings and buildings, but also draw upon over four centuries of tradition and history to inspire us all.

TENNIS COURTS

COFFEE SHOP

ASTROTURF PITCHES

St Edmund’s is an independent, Catholic co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3- 18

St Edmund’s College & Prep School

Old Hall Green

Ware, Hertfordshire

SG11 1DS

Tel: 01920 824247

Email: admissions@stedmundscollege.org

www.stedmundscollege.org