The spirit of Alton School by altonschool4

Educating boys and girls from 6 months to Sixth Form

The spirit of Alton School

We are one School that values and cares about every child, from six months to Sixth Form. The following pages share our approach and continuing commitment to finding the spark within the children we teach, nurturing and empowering them to be the best that they can be.

Who we WhatOnearecommunitywestandforOneSchoolWhychooseus?TheAlton040711100508ContentsSchoolpupil Be the best that you can be 3

We are a School that celebrates progress, that is truly rigorous, purposeful and that strives to achieve the highest educational standards. At the centre of this one School community approach is a continuous educational and pastoral journey which is planned strategically for each pupil from 6 months to 18 years.

Who we are

We are one School community that values and cares about every child from 6 months to Sixth Form and every member of our wider community. Much of who we are stems from our Catholic heritage and regardless of your own faith we warmly welcome you. We aim to be the number one choice for families who value our knowledge of their child and our ability to find their spark above everything else. We have a fantastic team of teaching and support staff, who all work incredibly hard to achieve the very best academic results for all our pupils, always putting individual progress and each child’s wellbeing first.

“The

We are proud to be part of a vibrant international community fostered by the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Providence. Our Sisters remain an integral part of our Community. Our parents are hugely supportive. We have a wonderful PTFA who organise opportunities for parents to meet one another and fundraise. We value the importance of getting to know those around us. We have close relationships with our local schools, support local and national charities and participate in cultural, environmental and educational community initiatives. minute you step foot in Alton School you feel the sense of family, care and community.” you can

One community 5Be the best that

Listen, Learn, Love We are one community, where we listen to each other, learn from one another and love and respect those around us. 6

The School was founded in 1938 by the Sisters of Our Lady of Providence to provide an education for local children. Their Catholic faith, dedication to teaching and compassion sets an example to us all and forms the basis of our values today.

What we stand for

Love It’s at the heart of who we are and how we educate. Everything we do is because we care, and our actions come from a position of compassion. Our values are at the heart of how we educate and who we are as a community.

Learn The classroom is where the journey begins and where the magic happens. It’s at the centre of everything we do. Listen Everyone has a voicewe value honesty and transparency.

The life of the School is founded in the Catholic tradition, which underpins who we are and how we behave. Be the best that you can be

One School Alton is an all-through School with a clear academic offer; one that recognises global demands, one that encourages ambition and prepares our young for the world that they will inhabit. 8

We prioritise getting to know each child and create open-ended opportunities for learning. Everyone makes the most of our beautiful grounds for sport, woodland play or even den building. We know that children need to get lost in their imagination, try new things, develop their independence, resilience and team skills. As well as the core subjects of reading, writing, numeracy, speaking and listening, Lower School pupils benefit from their own specialist teachers for Spanish, PE, Music, Computer Science and Art. By Year 6 the majority of subjects are taught by Senior School staff, helping to ease the transition into Senior School. Learning is at the centre of everything we do and is reflected in the excellent progress our young people make at every educational stage.

Alton School Nursery 6 months to 4 years With our beautiful woodland setting, bespoke rooms and outstanding care and teaching, our parents know their children are in a safe environment that is both energetic and magical. Pre-school learning includes Phonics, Numeracy, PE, Art and Music. Children socialise widely, so they are ready socially and emotionally for school.

Upper School Years 10 to 11 This is the stage where pupils begin to shape their own future. Teachers work closely with pupils to help them determine the best choice of subjects at GCSE. We follow the Science Triology Award at GCSE and encourage all pupils to study at least one Language and one Humanity. Most of our students will also take an Arts subject. These are studied alongside the non-examined core subjects of Religious Education, Physical Education and PSHMEE. Our broad range of core subjects ensure that pupils move on to Sixth Form with a solid academic foundation. Our pupils regularly outperform expectations, often by a grade or even two in every GCSE.

Lower School Reception to Year 6

We make sure the first days and weeks of Senior School are fun, friendly and settling. Pupils enjoy a broad curriculum with excellent teaching in all subjects including exposure to three languages (French, Spanish and Latin), weekly lessons in Art, Music and Drama as well as Sports afternoons in every year group. Our science offering is supported by additional STEM co-curricular activities and learning in English, Maths and Humanities is enhanced by curriculum trips and events. We get to know each of our pupils individually and understand how best to balance the challenge, support and encouragement that they need to succeed.

Middle School Years 7 to 9

Our Sixth Form Centre offers students a supportive environment which inspires students to work independently and prepare for life beyond school. They can choose from a broad selection of subjects at A level and benefit from the close support of personal tutors. Exam results are consistently of a very high standard in all subjects and students go on to study a wide range of courses such as Law, Medicine, Architecture and Engineering at the top universities. Students are supported through the UCAS process, Oxbridge and medical applications with a bespoke Higher-Education evening, interview training and tutor time. We also run careers fairs and careers weeks, offer work experience opportunities, and invite inspiring speakers to broaden horizons. Be the best that you can be 9

Sixth Form Years 12 to 13

Pupils at our School identify themselves as learners and as part of a local and international community. Through many trips and foreign exchanges pupils broaden their outlook and learn to better understand themselves and what they can contribute to the world. They further enrich their education through cocurricular clubs and our Hypatia Programme. Consistently strong results at testament to the importance we place on progress and allow our leavers entry to the Universities and careers of their choice. Our students leave us as inquisitive and independent young people who are kind and eager to make a difference.

The Alton School Pupil 10

Our Hypatia Programme recognises achievement and ambition in our Senior School. The programme focuses on enrichment and extension and is available for Music, Drama, Art, Sport and Academic. Pupils take the opportunity to stretch themselves in their chosen field by undertaking an independent research project with the support of a staff mentor. At the end of the year we celebrate the pupils’ work at an evening exposition.

Hypatia

Enrichment

There are many things that set us apart. Some would say it’s our beautiful grounds, woodland walk and outdoor learning and play - so perfect for those early years. Others point to the sense of community you can just feel. But if you are a parent looking for the best place for your child’s education, it’s likely to be our inclusive and nurturing nature which stands out the most. Knowing your child as an individual and being able to spot their spark - these are the things that will make sure your child is supported and challenged every step of the way. Find out more altonschool.co.uk Be the best that you can be

Throughout their school years pupils can further develop their talents and interests through sport, music, drama, art and enrichment opportunities.

Why Choose Us?