SCHOOL
INTERNATIONAL & BOARDING PROSPECTUS
HEADMISTRESS’ INTRODUCTION Abbotsholme was founded by Cecil Reddie in 1889. His vision for education encompassed everything we still hold dear today – academic rigour and a wealth of co-curricular opportunities. If you ask our current pupils why they chose Abbotsholme, they would tell you about our equestrian centre, our farm and our passion for outdoor education. Delve a little deeper, and they would say they feel challenged, valued, and at ease with themselves and each other. Our teachers engage our pupils without limits. At the heart of our philosophy is the desire to instill confidence so that, whatever the level, each child makes outstanding progress. Our teachers reach for the top, carefully monitoring progress and encouraging each child to aim high. Every child is not just taught but known. It is my privilege to walk in Reddie’s footsteps, and to live and work alongside the pupils and staff who embody the spirit of Abbotsholme daily. Our 5 values of honesty, respect, humility, courage and integrity are reflected in everything we do. A kind school, we look after one another. We take pride in working in partnership with parents to give each child a tailored experience. We are a small school with a big heart!
Fresh thinking since 1889
It is therefore with pleasure that I welcome you to come and visit us at Abbotsholme at your earliest opportunity. You have to feel it to believe it! Helen Wilkinson
BACKGROUND, HISTORY & CULTURE Originally called ‘The New School’, Abbotsholme was established in 1889 by the visionary Cecil Reddie as an experiment for his progressive educational philosophies and theories, demonstrated through a balanced curriculum of conventional academic study, physical exercise, manual labour, recreation and arts. Abbotsholme’s main building is a stunning red-brick Arts & Crafts edifice, with many original features throughout. The school’s location and its glorious site, with abundant grounds and working estate farm, provided ample opportunity for Reddie’s philosophies to be tried and tested. The Chapel, with its original jewel-like stained glass, is a significant historic asset, featuring numerous motifs and fascinating imagery which have become intrinsic to the Abbotsholme story. Today, we all delight in our many unique traditions, such as our biannual whole-school trek to ‘Reddie’s Field’ to acknowledge the contribution of the founder, all of which help maintain the legend of our wonderful school for future generations.
ACADEMIC Whatever gifts a pupil may possess in other areas, a sound academic education and excellent examination results in core subjects are invaluable in an increasingly competitive world. Abbotsholme’s most recent ISI inspection identifies fulfilment of our objective to have a ‘strong academic curriculum’, and pupils have a positive and rewarding attitude towards learning. This healthy culture develops exponentially, so that success for our younger pupils may be built naturally upon the achievements of their forebears. Success builds success. Small class sizes are universally recognised as being positive to the teaching and learning process, with close, individual attention the accepted norm at Abbotsholme. Children learn at different rates and, through this one-on-one focus, our staff monitor progress continually to ensure that appropriate extra help can be given whenever required. Gifted individuals will be presented with challenges to ensure their minds and intellect are nourished and tested. Projects such as our Electric Car Challenge encourage pupils to think creatively in order to achieve a measurable result and a rewarding conclusion. From an early age we encourage curiosity and questioning, and the subsequent healthy classroom dynamic contributes towards fostering a confident but modest attitude in our pupils, and helps us all – pupils and teachers – to achieve our educational goals and, eventually, our life goals. Life is competitive and, increasingly, employers are expecting intellect and academic ability to be demonstrated beyond a list of exam results. Abbotsholme puts emphasis on critical thinking – learning to solve problems through analysis – which provides the ‘real life skills’ so valued by employers today, and ensuring Abbotsholmians stand out from the crowd in a competitive environment.
SCHOLARSHIPS Abbotsholme School awards a number of scholarships annually to recognise pupils with excellence, potential and talent in specific areas. Whilst Abbotsholme is a non-academically selective school we do recognise student talents and are therefore pleased to offer scholarships to appropriate students in several areas including: Academia Sports and Equestrian Music, Dance and Performing Arts Technology, Art, Design and Agriculture Should you wish to apply for a scholarship, you can do so either during one of our dedicated scholarship weeks, or at any other time during the academic year. Applicants are welcome to apply for any number of areas they feel suited for, and the requirements for each area can be found by viewing our scholarship policy on our school website.
EAL Our aim as a department is for every EAL student to take an internationally recognised English Language qualification during their time at Abbotsholme School. For some of the exams students may sit, there may be extra fees for attending such exams. Cambridge English Language Assessment gauges that each level is reached with the following guided learning hours.
A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Single Level
Total Learning Hours
180 - 200 hours Approx. 200 hours Approx. 200 hours Approx. 200 hours Approx. 400 hours
180 - 200 hours 350 - 400 hours 500 - 600 hours 700 - 800 hours 1,000 - 2,000 hours
Where entry level requirements are adhered to, the following is a guide to reasonable expectations for each year group.
Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 10 + 11 Year 12 Year 13
Entry Requirement
Expectation
Extended Expectation
A1 A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 IETLS (Band 5 - 6) IETLS (Band 6 - 8)
KET KET KET PET PET IGSCE
PET PET PET FCE FCE
The EAL department is committed to remaining flexible regarding syllabi and courses. Where an exam course is not suitable, academic English and general English course will be applied.
BRITISH VALUES IN EAL All students spending time in the EAL department will also study aspects of British culture and British values. The EAL department provides an ideal setting for the exploration and promotion of British values for international students. We also encourage the participation of British Abbotsholmians in our exploration of British values. Democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs. The EAL department actively promotes British values by introducing elements of British lifestyle and understanding in EAL lessons. All the course books selected by the department contain elements of British culture and everyday life. Additional materials can be provided to support the main course content. Elements covered by the EAL department typically include the UK legal system, the British understanding of morality, the UK’s political system, the UK’s religious diversity, the class system, the UK’s education system, the Arts and traditions. Stories within in the British press will be discussed in class, along with different viewpoints to promote the value of democracy. Students will be encouraged to share their viewpoints on different topics, these kinds of lessons and topics will be open to students in Year 10 and above. Voting is also used in most classes as a decision-making tool, and students are also encouraged to speak on topics of their own choice. We use this to underline the democratic nature of British society. Respect for other cultures is promoted through our programme of ‘culture exchange activities’. The aim of these activities is to generate interest in and to inform about the overseas student’s cultures. Typical events for these are, art-based projects, quizzes, presentations, class discussions.
BOARDING: OUR HOUSES & HOUSEPARENTS The boarding provision and associated pastoral care at Abbotsholme is excellent, and those who choose this option will enjoy a truly memorable educational experience enhanced by a superb range of opportunities beyond the conventional curriculum. Mindful that it is their home for much of the year, we listen carefully to boarders’ feedback to ensure we continually provide the best possible experience for all. As a result, boarding is an attractive choice even for those who live within commuting distance, with around one third of pupils choosing to board either on a full, weekly or flexi basis. Our boarding population, comprising children from across the UK and from 10 different countries, helps to shape the culturally rich and wonderfully diverse community of which Abbotsholme is rightly proud. Boarding is provided with rooms configured to accommodate the different ages and genders in the most appropriate way. Orchard House is home to girls from Prep to Senior, with ages ranging from 9 - 16, offering a well-balance accommodation to facilitate study and relaxation within a highly supportive framework. Cedarholme is the home for our boys, accommodating those from years 5–9 in one area downstairs and years 10 and 11 upstairs, with plenty of opportunity for joint activity as appropriate. As with the girls, the environment is designed to ensure that the boys are able to relax with friends, or to concentrate on their studies in a quieter space. Sixth Formers live as a small community in Barnfield, comprising a group of highly attractive and well-equipped log cabins, providing the students with an environment which is more appropriate for, and sympathetic to, their age and maturity. Although the Sixth Formers’ increased autonomy and independence is respected and encouraged, every student can be confident of access to the highest degree of appropriate pastoral care as a matter of course.
Orchard House Houseparent: Miss Kellie Sharrat & family
Cedarholme Houseparent: Mr Barry Hobbs & family
Barnfield Houseparent: Mrs Jen Dales & family
BOARDING: AIMS & ETHOS At Abbotsholme we want all our boarders to feel: Safe in their boarding environment Happy in their boarding houses Excited by boarding life Educationally supported Part of a boarding community Working within the framework of our school aims, boarders are encouraged to live their lives in and out of school by following the principles of honesty, respect, integrity, courage and humility. Abbotsholme School strives to provide an environment that enables our pupils to develop into well-balanced, happy teenagers and young adults who can make appropriate decisions. It is our aim as a school that our pupils are self-aware and independent and value others around them. Our boarders are supported by a dedicated team of boarding staff, within small boarding houses, set in the rural countryside. Boarders are given a structured framework and where necessary, individual support to enable to fulfil their academic potential. We provide our boarders with a variety of experiences, on and off school premises which are structured to help them develop as individuals and as part of a community.
BOARDING LIFE Responsibilities Evenings in boarding are structured with time allocated for activities, leisure, supper, assignments and winding down before bed. Bedtimes are staggered by year group and supervised by duty staff. It is the responsibility of all boarders at Abbotsholme to make sure their house runs smoothly, with a cleaning rota drawn up in conjunction with all boarders of the house ensuring that communal areas are tidied each evening. Morning An Abbotsholme School day runs from 8:00am - 5:00pm. Boarders are woken at 7:00am so they can be at breakfast for 7:45am. During this time, boarders can shower, get dressed into their school uniform and gather their materials for the day ahead. As part of their morning routine, boarders are expected to: Make their beds Tidy their rooms Ensure they have washed up All boarders attend meals in the Dining Hall, although Sixth Form boarders in Barnfield have the option of eating in their cabins over the weekend. On Saturdays and Sunday, brunch is available in the Dining Hall at 12:30pm. Evenings At the end of the school day, boarders return to their houses, with supper served at 5:45pm during the week. Each evening when boarding at Abbotsholme allows pupils the time to relax, complete assignments and engage in a range of activities. Boarders up to and including year 10 complete their assignments with supervision in the library from 6:15pm - 7:00pm Monday - Thursday, whilst senior boarders from year 11 upwards complete assignments in their bedrooms at their desks. Assignment times are monitored carefully and boarders are expected to work sensibly. Boarders in year 10 and below are expected to hand in electronic devices overnight so they are well rested and ready for the day ahead. The school Wi-Fi is turned off by 10:00pm and the use of phones, iPads and other devices is monitored by boarding duty staff.
BOARDING PASTORAL CARE All boarders are welcome in the duty office, where staff are happy to talk to pupils about any concerns, or just listen to them let off steam after a challenging day. The Director of Boarding and/ or resident staff can be contacted at their houses after hours and in an emergency. Every pupil at Abbotsholme is assigned a personal tutor who is a member of Abbotsholme staff. The tutor oversees academic progress and shares responsibility, with the Director of Boarding and Houseparent, for the well-being and pastoral care of our boarders. At the end of each term, the tutor collates the pupils school report, reviews it with the pupil, helping them to assess personal achievements and set targets for the following term. Boarding staff at Abbotsholme School work with the parents and guardians of boarding pupils to encourage them to become involved in their new environment to gain the confidence they need to feel happy and secure within the Abbotsholme boarding community.
FARM & ESTATE A 70-acre working farm, equestrian centre and country estate form part of Abbotsholme’s overall 140 - acre site, and are integral to the ‘education for life’ ideal which we espouse. The largely arable farm has been running as part of Abbotsholme since the school was founded in 1889 and helps to maintain our strong and congenial relationship with the farming and wider community. All pupils play an active role in rural life at the school and, from year 10, they can choose to study Agriculture and Estate Management or Equestrian as part of a tailored programme. From year 7–9 pupils study towards a Level 1 BTEC in Agriculture; in years 10 and 11 they can choose to study Level 2, with an option to achieve Level 3 in the Sixth Form. The curriculum provides invaluable opportunities for the teaching of environmental sustainability for all pupils through outdoor education, working with animals, clay pigeon shooting, beekeeping or gardening, which helps develop their understanding of the natural world and the environment. Our kitchens provide healthy meals with produce direct from our own farm, helping us convey the ‘farm to fork’ story and inculcate the importance of animal welfare. The BHS-approved Equestrian Centre is located close to the heart of the school and offers an additional sporting dimension which is enjoyed by pupils of all ages, some of whom choose to take the opportunity to study towards towards a BTEC Level 2 during years 10 and 11 or BTEC level 3 during years 12 and 13. There is also an opportunity to undertake BHS qualifications alongside the BTEC. The outdoor manège facilitates tuition throughout the year, with private or shared lessons available on the school’s horses and ponies either purely for pleasure, or towards competition. Subject to availability, we also offer pupils the chance to stable their own horse at school, so that the continuity of the relationship with their equine friend can be maintained.
LOCATION East Midlands Airport - 40 minutes Birmingham Airport - 1 hour Manchester Airport - 1 hour 15 minutes London Heathrow Airport - 2.5 hours Abbotsholme’s magnificent estate lies in a beautiful, rural location on the Staffordshire/ Derbyshire border in the heart of central England, just a few miles from the important Peak District National Park which is highly prized as a feature of our outdoor education programme. Although in a countryside setting, Abbotsholme enjoys easy access to the neighbouring towns of Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, Nottingham, Burton upon Trent and Birmingham, whose industrial heritage is renowned worldwide. Transport links are excellent, with Birmingham International Airport a little over an hour’s drive away, and the major road network within easy reach. Uttoxeter is just six miles south; famed for its racecourse, it is also the location of a convenient railway station with nationwide links. Our geographical location enables us to reach all parts of the country with relative ease, so that a museum trip to London, for example, is a formality which can enrich the academic educational experience. Importantly, we are also able to enjoy frequent visits from authors, artists and other professionals who bring perspective to the pupils’ academic, artistic and sporting endeavours.
Uttoxeter Train Station - 15 minutes Stoke Train Station - 30 minutes Derby Train Station - 40 minutes Birmingham Grand Central - 1 hour 20 minutes
To view our full school prospectus click here or scan the QR code below.
INDEPENDENT BOARDING & DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGED 2 - 18
Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5BS Telephone +44(0)1889 590217 • enquiries@abbotsholme.co.uk www.abbotsholme.co.uk