THE CRYPT SCHOOL Prospectus
The Crypt is a leading city co-educational grammar school, committed to providing access and support to the brightest students, regardless of their individual background.
At the centre of school life, is a powerful sense of community, dedicated to achieving academic excellence within a strong ethos of pastoral care. An educational approach based on personal challenge enables each individual to fulfil his or her own potential whilst making long and lasting friendships for life.
Welcome
Welcome
Since 1539 pupils have been educated at The Crypt School. Today we are proud to continue this enduring legacy through our educational philosophy and our pioneering approach which we believe provides the best framework for all our pupils to excel.
At the centre of school life is a strong sense of belonging, where pupils are supported and encouraged to learn and engage with each other and the wider community. Whilst we rightly focus on academic achievement, we place a greater emphasis on the importance of learning for its own sake, and through this approach aim to develop each child’s full potential. Our broad and balanced academic curriculum provides opportunities for all pupils to discover new skills and confidence that prepare them for university, the world of work and life in general. The School is a vibrant and innovative environment in which all pupils can progress. I am very proud, not only of each pupil’s achievements and contributions to the life of the School, but also of the generosity of our teachers who dedicate their time to ensure that all pupils make outstanding progress in both their academic work and in their personal projects. Confident, friendly and respectful; the high quality of our pupils’ personal development is remarkable and is one of the greatest strengths of the School. I urge you to visit us on one of our open days so that you can experience the sense of community and curriculum innovation that makes The Crypt a stimulating environment in which each pupil can thrive. N I C H O L A S DY E R , H E AD M A S T E R
Co-educational Co-ed On my first day everything felt unreal: everything was way bigger than I expected; but I was ready and rearing to go. Every member of staff made me feel welcome and secure. I have enjoyed all my subjects and I always aim to do the very best I can in everything I do. Every day at The Crypt is amazing with engaging lessons and fantastic facilities. I was worried about making friends; however, I have made lots of friends in my form group, House and in the other classes. I just can't wait for year 8 and further my journey at Crypt. BERTIE BIRD, YEAR 8
In 2018, we welcomed our first ever cohort of boys and girls into Year 7. By 2023, the School will be fully co-educational and our first intake of Year 7 boys and girls will have completed their GCSEs. They will have been educated for life in the 21st Century: a century which demands that men and women collaborate, think creatively together, are open-minded and adaptable. All our pupils will grow and develop in an aspirational and nurturing environment, with the ambition that they will, together, achieve highly and progress to become successful, caring and considerate role models. As our pupils progress through the School they form friendships with their peers and get to know each other through their tutor groups, academic classes, our House system, team sports, Music, Drama and other co-curricular activities. Our pupils are educated to respect one another, to value themselves and others, to help support the work of younger pupils and to excel academically. Our co-educational environment will provide the best framework for all pupils to discover new ideas, skills and enthusiasms, and to prepare for the future. It is our firm belief that boys’ and girls’ educational attainment and educational experience will only be strengthened by them learning and developing together in the conducive, accepting environment that is to be found at The Crypt School. This is the holistic education we aspire to deliver in the future, whilst being able to offer a real choice to the families of Gloucestershire.
Our legacy 1539
Founded in 1539 in the City of Gloucester by Joan Cooke with monies from her husband’s will, The Crypt School continues to uphold the legacy of its founders who were both committed to providing an outstanding education to pupils regardless of their background. Today, the School continues to flourish and grow, now educating over 1000 pupils on site and working in partnership with many other schools, universities and employers in the area.
1740s
Dame Joan Cooke established a new free grammar school to be located in a brand new building next to St Mary de Crypt Church using monies left by her husband John, who had been Mayor of the City of Gloucester. Their aim in founding the School, was to provide a free education in grammar for the pupils of the City in an age where few pupils received any formal education at all. The original school room still stands to this day.
1943 It was not until the Autumn of 1943 that the Crypt moved to its fourth and current site, at Podsmead on land originally bought by Joan Cooke at the time of the School’s foundation.
Old Cryptian George Whitefield helped develop the Methodist movement and he now has a School House named after him.
1939 Only two months before the outbreak of World War Two, on the 4th July the foundation stone of the fourth new site of the School was laid at Podsmead. The foundation stone, of Cotswold stone from Painswick was laid by H.R.H The Duchess of Gloucester.
1987 Admission of girls to the Sixth Form – the number of girls in the Sixth Form now stands at about 35% of the total.
The School became a National Teaching and Support school.
2013
1783 Old Cryptian John Moore becomes Archbishop of Canterbury. Moore now has a School House named after him.
1889 The Crypt School moved into a third set of purpose-built buildings on the site known to generations of Old Cryptians as “Friars Orchard”. This site was the orchard of the medieval Franciscan Friary of the Grey Friars.
1918
Many pupils fought in WWI; some 55 were killed and together with some 80 Cryptians who were killed in WWII, they are today commemorated on two plaques in the Crush Hall of the School.
1875 Crypt School pupil WE Henley writes the inspirational poem Invictus whilst recovering in hospital. Henley is the name of one of the four school houses.
Born in Gloucester, England, poet, editor, and critic William Ernest Henley was educated at Crypt Grammar School. At age 12 Henley was diagnosed with tubercular arthritis that necessitated the amputation of one of his legs just below the knee; the other foot was saved only through a radical surgery performed by Joseph Lister. As he healed in the infirmary, Henley began to write poems, including Invictus, which concludes with the famous lines “I am the master of my fate; / I am the captain of my soul.”
Future
2018 Admission of first cohort of 50 girls into Year 7 – the School becomes co-educational in the main school, building upon the success of its co-educational sixth form.
Opening of the new sports Pavilion and new sports courts. The Crypt School is expected to become a sponsor school, and a multi-academy trust, forming strong partnerships with other local schools.
Well-beingbeing Well From the moment your child is offered a place at the School, they become part of our supportive and welcoming school community. In the term before your child starts at the School, we will visit them in their primary school; two taster days in July allows your child to make new friends and meet their Form Tutor before they start with us in September. Form Tutors have overall responsibility for the welfare of pupils, and will be their first point of contact. Form Tutors are supported by Heads of Year who have specific responsibility for overseeing the pastoral needs of the pupils in their year group. The School’s pastoral care system is overseen by an Assistant Headteacher who is a member of the School senior management team. Alongside this pastoral team, we have a School Nurse, School Counsellor and Welfare Officer. Pupils belong to one of the five School Houses – Raikes, Henley, Brown, Moore and Whitefield. Houses offer the chance for students to come together for House assemblies, competitions, charity events and most importantly, friendship.
20
different languages are spoken in the School
It is our view that a successful, broad education depends on an effective partnership between pupils, teachers and parents so that everyone is focused on the same priorities. This approach enables personal concerns to be addressed promptly and sensitively for the benefit of each pupil. We aim to develop positive relationships with all parents early on and establish strong channels of communication between home and school.
These relationships formed between school, parents and pupils often extend beyond school: our parents’ association, the CSPTA, is active and immensely supportive of the School and its development, while former pupils keep in touch with each other and the School through the Old Cryptian network.
A positive, encouraging approach results in outstanding levels of behaviour and discipline throughout the School, which in turn provides the perfect environment for students to learn and succeed. O F S T E D 2 012
Space to Grow
Spa
Environment The Crypt School offers a stimulating environment in which pupils can learn and develop: we have wonderful grounds of 32 acres and this open space gives pupils the time and freedom to think, play and socialise. The landscaped campus and open public spaces provide a safe environment where all pupils can enjoy their time at school.
ace to be yourself
Space to Learn
Academic success
Success
Our aim is to develop an inspirational teaching and learning community which supports the progress of each and every pupil. Outstanding teaching and learning at the School places the pupil at its heart, enabling each pupil to reach his or her full potential while focussing on celebrating individual success. Teachers are encouraged to develop their own teaching skills and expertise and, through this, raise the standard of learning throughout the School. Pupils go on to achieve exceptionally well in their academic work which is shown in our outstanding examination results and the progression of our students on to university and highly-respected apprenticeships.
Progress throughout the School is outstanding‌The School consistently adds significant value to the performance of all groups of students across the range of subjects. O F S T E D 2 012
98%
of KS3 pupils polled said Food Preparation and Nutrition was their favourite subject.
7&8
Years 7 & 8
Boys and girls entering Year 7 will join form groups of up to 30. Form groups are given very careful consideration and we try to ensure pupils are in a form with at least one familiar face. We assess all our pupils on entry to establish their potential in each subject and cater for their individual needs. Pupils and their parents receive regular information on progress and achievement. There is no streaming on ability since admission is already an academically selective process, although in Year 8 pupils are divided into sets for Maths. Year 7 is very much about ensuring all pupils make a successful transition from primary school, where our aim is to build their confidence in the full range of subjects that they will be studying. The Head of Year 7 and the Year 7 tutor team ensure that all pupils settle in well and liaise closely with teachers to monitor the welfare and academic progress of each pupil.
In Year 8, pupils build upon their work in Year 7 and develop their skills and knowledge across the full range of subjects under study. In these two years, all students follow a broad and balanced curriculum which lay the foundations for their future academic success.
'I really wanted to come to The Crypt because it felt like a nice environment to learn in and I wanted to be part of the first girl's intake. I've already made some good friends and settled in really quickly. I'm very happy here.' OLIVIA PERKINS , YEAR 7
The Crypt School is a positive, inviting and warm community which is made up of individuals who are motivated to learn thanks to the help of the extremely supportive teaching staff. Through my experience, I have had nothing but good things to say about The Crypt. When I think about my school, I am overcome with a sense of pride, determination and joy. I love this school, and the people that I have met and the memories that I have made will be treasured all of my life. DANIEL RODERICK YEAR 10
9, 10 & 11 Years 9, 10 & 11
Pupils in these years are working towards their GCSE examinations. In Year 9, pupils follow GCSE-style programmes of study, to help prepare them for their GCSE studies in Years 10 and 11 and also to help them make the right combination of GCSE subject choices. In Years 10 and 11 pupils work on their GCSE courses: all students will study 9 or 10 GCSEs, with additional courses such as Further Mathematics available for the most able. All students will continue to participate in Games and PE lessons and receive careers education and guidance in a structured programme which will also include the personal, social and health curriculum.
12 & 13 Years 12 & 13
We combine an enjoyment of academic study with a lively Sixth Form life that prepares students for university study, highly-regarded apprenticeship programmes and the wider world. Entry to the Sixth Form is based on academic attainment at GCSE and most of our Year 11 students stay on into Year 12, where they are joined by up to 50 new students each year. Our outstanding, fully co-educational Sixth Form enables all students to make a successful transition to a more adult learning environment where students increasingly take charge of their own learning and development. It is during these two final years at school where students play a leading role in the life of the School, support the work and development of younger pupils and are well prepared for their next step into the wider world.
Crypt has changed and shaped my life in many different ways. Whilst initially I lacked confidence in School, with the encouragement of both teachers and other staff, my talents emerged and my self-esteem grew. As a keen engineer, I chose to join and then lead the School’s F1 team, but there are so many opportunities and activities to involve yourself in and enjoy on a personal level. An active participant in the lower school, I have been form captain and a member of many committees that had significant impact on school life, while further developing personal skills to enable great relationships throughout the School. I could never have imagined myself having the confidence to be a member of the Student Executive; managing teams of students, making presentation speeches or helping organise events. However, I am now who I want to be, ready and prepared for my future at university. GEORGE BARKER, YEAR 13
Enrichmnet Academic enrichment
R
Multi-Faith Day
V Sp
Education in the classroom is enhanced through a programme of enrichment opportunities, designed to broaden the intellectual and cultural horizons of our pupils. Prospective engineers can develop their knowledge thanks to our links with Renishaw, a locally based but global company while coding clubs enable pupils to develop their computing skills. Pupils are also given opportunities to learn other languages, develop business and entrepreneurial skills, write poetry, attend study and support sessions and take part in academic competitions.
MFL Film Club
Spelling
Basketball
Crypt School Sinfonia
Founders' Day Service
Maths Challenge
Rising Aspirations
GCHQ Young Entrepreneurs Competition
Maximise Study Skills
CAREERS GFutures Employability Passport
Voluntary Work
Frenc for A
CITIZENSHIP
BUSINESS STUDIES
MATHS
Languages Day
MUSIC
Tenner Challenge
Quiz Club
EDL Poster Competition
Charity Events
Parliament Day
Careers Fair
Engineering Day
GE Aviation Employability Award
Homelessness Education Talk
Infobuzz Drugs Education
F1 Challenge
Lego Robotics
ENGINEERING Journalism Club
Girls Get SET
Holocaust Education Trust
Boccia Rugby
GA World Wise Quiz
Shakespeare’s Plays
ENGLISH
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
s
Lacrosse
Black Country Living Museum Trip
Cambridge Chemistry Challenge
RSC Top Of Bench Competition
Biology Olympiad
Physics Olympiad
Sports Academy
Civil War Day
Correze Trip
WW1 Battlefields Trip
South Africa Rugby Tour
Fitness Suite
P.E.
Paper Craft
Barbados Cricket Tour
Annual Ski Trip
Medieval Day
Strength and Conditioning Pathway
Orchestra
HISTORY
Dodgeball
ART & DT
SCIENCES Köln Trip
MAG & T Workshops
Psychology
RSC Analytical Chemistry Competition
Creative Writing
German Market Visit
ch Poems Armistice
Choir
Go4set
German Market Visit
g Bee
GEOGRAPHY
Public Speaking
Visiting peakers
French Trip
Iceland Residential Trip
Debating Society
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Field Study Trips
Drama Club
Chess Club
History Club
The Voice
SCHOOL PARLIAMENT
DRAMA Primal Beat
Forensic Psychology Club
All are given opportunities to shine through a rich mix of sport, creativity and music regardless of their ability. The students develop a respect for each other’s talents and abilities and this is promoted well through events, for example the Crypt Enrichment Challenge and school theatrical and musical productions. O F S T E D 2 012
Beyond
Beyond the classroom
265
pupils complete the Duke of Edinburgh award.
Robert Muchamore is the most popular author with his CHERUB series of books like Divine Madness and Maximum Security being widely read by pupils.
Our huge range of co-curricular pursuits reflects the skills, interests and enthusiasms of our school community. We create opportunities for a demanding and enriching programme of physical, creative and community activity. Exciting events, such as the Crypt Enrichment Challenge and school theatrical and musical productions allow pupils to develop a respect for each other’s talents and abilities. In any given week, there are as many as 40 clubs and activities that are scheduled at lunchtimes or after school. Through our sports and physical education programme, students can develop skills and talents and enjoy sport as a member of a team, as an individual or simply for recreational purposes.
Drama, Art and Music offer further opportunities for students to develop their creative talents. Pupils enjoy a rich and varied range of travel opportunities which extend their learning through the exploration of new ideas and cultures, and stretch their personal boundaries though outdoor challenge and adventure. Many students from Year 9 upwards enjoy participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. These and other activities encourage those ‘soft’ skills which young people need to become effective team members and leaders.
Sport Sport
The Crypt has always enjoyed a strong reputation as a centre of sporting excellence. Many pupils have achieved representative honours in a wide variety of sporting disciplines. With over 32 acres of grounds, our sports facilities include a newly refurbished sports hall, a dedicated fitness room, rugby and football pitches, access to an athletics track and a grass and an allweather cricket wicket and nets. A new sports pavilion and an all-purpose sports area , which will house netball and tennis courts, will be completed in the academic year 2018-19 to complement these outstanding facilities. For pupils who love sport, the School have a busy timetable throughout the year with competitive fixtures played in team games such as rugby, football, cricket and netball, complemented by individual sports such as athletics, tennis and skiing. Fixtures take place between local schools and many teams enter local and national competitions such as the Rosslyn Park Rugby 7’s tournament. Sporting tours at home and abroad complement the fixture list. The School caters for every level of enjoyment and ability and for those pupils who wish to develop their own performance further, we have a unique elite performance sports academy. Sports Science is taught at both GCSE and A Level in two new purpose built teaching rooms housed next to the refurbished Sports Hall.
A unique feature of the School is the on-site athlete academy which focuses on preparing students to compete at high levels through personal strength and conditioning work. Programmes are tailored specifically, to meet the needs of teams andindividual competitors. O F S T E D 2 013 S U R V E Y I N S P E C T I O N : COMPETITIVE SCHOOL SPORT
Art & Design
Drama
Drama
Every pupil will study Drama until at least Year 9, and they can then choose to continue their studies at GCSE and A Level if they wish. Each year, the School stages a whole-school production which gives pupils the experience of involvement in a production, not just as actors, but as producers, directors and lighting and sound technicians. A dedicated drama studio is complemented by a main stage housed in the School Hall. Recent productions have included: Oliver, Macbeth, Oh! What a Lovely War, and the hit musicals School of Rock and Billy Elliot.
Works of art by our pupils can be seen all over the School and they show the high standard of skill and creativity encouraged and developed by members of our art and design department. There are two dedicated art rooms, a new textiles room and three design and technology rooms; GCSE and A Level art and design students use these spaces to work outside lesson times on their portfolios and projects. Many pupils progress onto Art and Design foundation courses and then go on to study Art and Design-related courses at University.
I have been involved in the music department for nearly 6 years now. It is a fantastic department which has enabled me to improve my skills and grow as a person. The social aspect is also so great; we’re all like a big family. Without the music department, I wouldn’t be nearly as good as I am today with the aspiration of a career in music. M A R C U S KO N G , Y E A R 1 2
1,760 music lessons are taught each year
Music Music
Music is a key feature of life at The Crypt School and all pupils are encouraged to sing and listen to and play music. Music is part of the Year 7-9 curriculum and taught at both GCSE and A Level. Over 10 ensembles rehearse weekly and regularly perform in school and public events: The Crypt School Sinfonia and Choir have presented concerts in Devon and Gloucestershire and always give an outstanding performance at the annual Founders’ Day Service in Gloucester Cathedral. Recent music tours to Italy and Germany have also given our musicians and choristers an opportunity to perform abroad in settings such as Cologne Cathedral. There is a range of ensembles to cater for pupils with some musical ability to those who are keen on studying music for a career. Many of our pupils have achieved great distinction with their music, being selected for local and national youth orchestras, for example. Each year several students go on to study music at degree level at leading conservatories and universities and our Musician-in-Residence scheme offers a leading school musician a opportunity to teach at the School for a year after their A Levels.
I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. I N V IC T US by W IL LI A M ER N E ST H E N L EY T H E C RY P T S C H O O L A L U M N U S 18 6 7
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