Canford Impact Report - 2020 Edition

C ANFORD 2020 E D I TI O N

PUBLIC SCHOOL

OF THE YE A R

IMPACT Making a difference

WELCOME

“Thank you so much for the amazing job you and your team are doing. You truly are a model for other schools to follow.”

CURRENT PARENT, SUMMER 2020

From the

HEADMASTER The academic year 2019/20 started rather differently to the way it ended. Yet our school community rose to the challenges of lockdown in so many inspirational and creative ways, ensuring the continuation of the vibrancy, excitement and diversity that a Canford education offers.

I use the words ‘school community’ rather than ‘pupils and staff ’ very deliberately. All the achievements of the past year would not have been possible without the support of parents, friends, OCs and all other contacts associated with Canford. We were enormously grateful for all the positive comments during such challenging times. It was a steep learning curve for us all, and it was wonderful to feel that we were getting it right.

I hope you enjoy this second edition of the ‘Canford Impact’ which illustrates that breadth of opportunity which enables every pupil to make the most of his or her talents and develop the skills and qualities to move on beyond school to rich and fulfilling lives.

BEN VESSEY

THE SCHOOL VISION

OUR VISION A school community S

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“It is a privilege for us as teachers to be catalysts for our pupils’ learning.

Teachers and pupils work collaboratively in the pursuit of academic excellence, motivated by intellectual curiosity and a shared passion for knowledge” S UPPOR TI NG

LEARNI NG

Our academic standards are high and we want every pupil to achieve their very best.

Canford has an excellent record in external examination results at both GCSE and A Level and fully recognises the importance of these to the next stage of education and the world of work. We also want to provide pupils with a long-lasting love of learning and aim to develop an inspirational curriculum of study, offering a challenging and exciting academic enrichment programme across all year groups, where pupils are encouraged to think beyond the normal demands of subject material.

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Academic EXCELLENCE

CONNEC TI NG

IEUAN WEIR, DEPUTY HEAD ACADEMIC

OLLY HUTTON WINNER OF JUVENES TRANSLATORES CONTEST Each year the European Commission runs a translation competition for senior students in schools and colleges across Europe. On 21st November 2019, young linguists from across Europe were simultaneously tasked with translating a text online on the topic of what young people can do to help the future of Europe. The total number of entries across the EU was 3,116 from 751 schools. Oliver Hutton, who translated from Spanish to English, was proclaimed the overall winner of the entire UK competition which saw 313 entries from schools across the country.

“To win the overall competition in the UK against linguists from across the country demonstrates the exceptional talent that Olly has for translation work.” EUROPEAN COMMISSION TRANSLATOR PAUL KAYE

Oliver is now reading Law with Spanish at Jesus College, Oxford.

AC ADEMIC

“I just wanted to email to say a huge thank you for developing such a comprehensive remote learning programme.

Obviously I would rather be back at school but it is really super and such a collaborative experience. I have been surprised at how much fun it has been so far.”

CURRENT PUPIL

Lockdown and Beyond ...

“I have been involved, for various reasons, in phoning headteachers both of state and independent schools, and the difference in ‘offer’ during this period can be enormous. Canford independent school is the best I have come across and if you want an example of what can be provided, I suggest you look at Canford.”

LEADING EDUCATIONALIST TO THE EDUCATION SELECT COMMITTEE - JUNE 2020

Academic lessons were delivered via Microsoft Teams as a daily blend of live video sessions, independent study exercises or tasks and preparation of assignments, with the teacher available to assist and clarify via the Teams system during lesson times. With the cancellation of summer examinations, the Fifth Form moved into their A Level programme a term early, while the Upper Sixth engaged with a specially designed ‘Canford College’ programme, offering a wide range of educational enrichment, pre-university/future life preparation sessions, as well as professional and personal development.

C ATALINA TAYLOR WINNER OF INTERNATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION DURING LOCKDOWN

12,000 Online lessons during the Summer Term

200 Academic seminars delivered as part of the Canford College Programme

‘Never Such Innocence’ was formed to give young people across the globe a voice on the subject of conflict, offering opportunities to reflect on history through poetry, art, speech and song. This year’s poetry competition theme was ‘The Impact of Conflict on Communities’, and 4,003 entries were received from 44 different countries. Catalina’s poem ‘War Photograph’ was awarded joint first place in the 16-18 age group. Read Catalina’s winning poem at www.canford.com/main-school-news

“During lockdown, I became increasingly interested in poetry and found this competition’s theme of ‘The Impact of Conflict on Communities’ deeply thoughtprovoking. Inspired by Carol Ann Duffy’s ‘War Photographer’, my poem focused on the other side of the camera. I was thrilled that the judges liked it.”

PREPARING FOR LIFE BEYOND C ANFORD

PREPARING FOR LIFE

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BEYOND CANFORD

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We can’t predict what the future will hold for young people in the world of work, but we can equip them with as many skills as possible to give them the best chance of success, whatever their chosen path.

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Presentation Skills Teamwork Social Responsibility Leadership Creativity Inclusivity Digital Literacy #E X P LO R E

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“The Ivy House Award is a fantastic opportunity to work with specialists with a wealth of experience in leadership.”

What do you want your life to look like in five years? Have you decided who

BEN VESSEY, HEADMASTER

development for emerging talent. Canford is one of a small number of schools

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which is involved in the first year of The Award. The course is run weekly, and

Sixth Formers taking par t in the Ivy House programme

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IVY HOUSE

Extraordinary Leaders, Extraordinary Lives you want to be, not just what you want to do? Do you know what you’re really good at? Do you know how to turn it into a career? These are just some of the questions posed to pupils who take par t in the unique Ivy House Award programme, a new, innovative programme of personal and professional

is based on 3 key principles – self-knowledge, self-empowerment and selfleadership – designated as the hallmarks of an extraordinary life.

“I think the Ivy House project is very worthwhile and interesting, especially for our year who are about to go out into the world – I’m sure those skills from Ivy House will be crucial.” SIXTH FORMER

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Faced with an unprecedented situation in the Summer Term of 2020, Canford wanted to offer its Upper Sixth pupils a meaningful end to their education, something which would broaden their horizons, provide focus and develop their skills in interesting, engaging and fun ways. Thus the Canford ‘College Programme’ was born.

Styled along the lines of a higher education ‘elective’ programme, the range of topics on offer was vast, with something to spark the interest of each and every pupil. They were encouraged to learn a new skill, such as computer programming, basic Italian, gardening, baking sourdough, interview skills, student finance or car maintenance and to take advantage of broadening general knowledge interactive live presentations by external speakers including BBC Diplomatic Correspondent James Landale, National Geographic photographer Bertie Gregory and Spoken Word Poet, Deanna Rodger.

“I am particularly enjoying the wide range of options in the elective section. I look forward to a Friday to see what new and exciting choices there are for the following week!”

CANFORD COLLEGE PARTICIPANT

INTERVIEW SKILLS There are numerous opportunities for Canford pupils to develop their interview skills. Prospective teaching staff invited to interview meet not only relevant current staff but also current pupils, which gives a more rounded insight and pupil perspective on a candidate and also enables pupils to learn about the interview process and how to make objective assessments as an interviewer. If pupils want to join one of our Partnership trips or become a Pupil Leader, they take part in a formal application and interview process.

“Having the ability to conduct yourself in a confident, informed way is a very valuable skill. A positive interview can indeed shape your whole future.” MICHAEL DOHERTY, HEAD OF CAREERS “It is hugely encouraging to see that through our enrichment initiatives pupils are enthused about developing their research and written skills which lay secure and firm foundations for the rest of their educational careers and beyond.” TOM MARRIOTT, HEAD OF ENRICHMENT

25,000 library resources

2,395 books and online resources borrowed in 2019-20

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Pupils also move on to Art Foundation courses at top colleges, prestigious universities in the USA and Europe and a number enjoy a GAP year.

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of places in 2020 at university of # E X P LO R E choice – 84% to Russell Group/ # C A N F O R D TO GE T H E R Sunday Times Top 12 # E XPL O R E

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Of the 159 applications for university through UCAS, 94% achieved places at their first or second choice.

84% headed to Russell Group and Sunday Times Top 12 institutions with all thirteen offers to Oxbridge met, taking the total Oxbridge offers to 93 in the past decade. Nineteen pupils headed to Bristol, sixteen to Exeter, fourteen to Durham, nine to Nottingham and eight to Edinburgh among the most popular destinations this year with places also gained on highly competitive courses at Imperial and LSE, London.

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Our Upper Sixth leavers had a very challenging time with the cancellation of A Levels, a lack of Leavers’ celebrations aside from an online Leavers’ Service and Speech Day and the very anxious results period in August involving Ofqual algorithms and Centre Assessed Grades. We were absolutely delighted to finally be able to announce excellent outcomes from this very talented year group, and wish them all every success whatever their plans for the future.

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

OCs have gone on to work in a diverse range of companies including: Army

Lazards

Barclays Bank

Lewis Manning Hospice

BBC

Mathys and Squire

BNP Paribas

Morgan Stanley

Boston Consulting Group

National Motor Museum

CEG Group

Navy

Cisco

NHS

Deloitte

NATO

Ernst & Young

Omnicom

Flux London

PWC

Goethe Institute

Qatar Airways

House of Commons

RAF

iProspect

Rolls Royce

Julius Baer

Saatchi Mobile

KPMG

Unicef

Knight Frank

Entrepreneurial OCs have also founded and run highly successful businesses, such as: Divide Technology (bought by Google in 2014) Apian Aero www.apian.aero Child’s Farm www.childsfarm.com Virtual Recall www.virtualrecall.com Ocean Quay www.ocean-quay.com Babylon Health www.babylonhealth.com Pala Eyewear www.palaeyewear.com Yull www.yull.co.uk Intaconnected intaconnected.co

CAREERS PLANNING Choosing the ‘right’ career path can be daunting. The Careers Department at Canford supports and guides pupils through the process of future career consideration, course selection and university applications and to prepare for life ‘Two Steps Beyond’ school.

C ANF O RD

GLOB AL CONNECT www.canfordglobalconnect.com is an online platform enabling networking with fellow OCs to expand their professional network. Parents can also join and you can access the platform using your LinkedIn login.

Recent leaver Michael Bryan W19 has used Canford Global Connect to great effect. Via the platform, he contacted fellow OC, Roderick Bramwell (F60):

1,286 users of Canford Global Connect

“Roderick, an obstetric anaesthetist in the U.S, gave an amazing insight into the juncture between medicine and academia and, based on his advice, I submitted a few applications to national committees that were accepted. Canford Global Connect definitely works as a way of harnessing the experience of OCs.”

“In an increasingly competitive job market, we believe it is vital to start preparing pupils with the knowledge and skills they will need to develop as early as possible. We aim to open pupils’ eyes to as wide a range of opportunities for development as possible that will help them be successful in the world of work.”

MICHAEL DOHERTY, HEAD OF CAREERS

C AREERS SYMPOSIUM Although it was unable to go ahead this year, usually this event is a highlight for the Lower Sixth and consists of:

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OCs and parents

different industries

speed networking sessions

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Beginning in the classroom, but extending well beyond it ...

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CONNEC TI NG

Exam results are obviously of great importance. However, we view education as fostering a real love of learning, with results achieved within a culturally enriching intellectual environment. In recent years, our enrichment programme has included: •

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A unique programme of cross-curricular festivals, events and visiting and virtual lecturers to develop enquiring minds, encourage debate and to provoke creative thought A post GCSE programme to challenge and excite after the rigours of exams Departmental and cross-curricular societies for all year groups Extended Project Qualifications for Lower Sixth The annual cultural Festival of Ideas Theme Week which this year was replaced by Black History Month University interview exchange programme in collaboration with local schools and the City of London Academy

BLACK HISTORY MONTH For the first time, we have brought together all the events going on to mark Black History Month into one programme. BHM is a month to celebrate and highlight the history and achievements of the British black community and their contributions to the UK. As Equality and Diversity pupil leaders, we challenge everybody to go out of their way to learn, immerse themselves into the events on offer and take their experiences with them.

INÉS DE LA CRUZ & GEORGE VESSEY, PUPIL LEADERS

Laurence Anholt - Novelist Abi Austen - Author, UN Special Envoy Dean Atta - Poet and Author Jamie Bartlett - Politics and Technology Thinker Laura Bates- Everyday Sexism Project, Author and Journalist Colonel John Blashford-Snell - Explorer Alison Branitsky - Speaking on living with mental illness Britten Sinfonia - World Class Music Residency Daisy Buchanan - Award Winning Journalist Alastair Ekyn - Sky Sports Commentator and Journalist Heather Fell - Olympic British Pentathlete Debbie Flood - Olympic Rower A C Grayling - Philosopher, Writer Fiona Hathorn - Women on Boards Professor Minesh Khashu - Consultant Neonatologist James Landale - BBC Diplomatic Correspondent Professor William Lane-Craig - American Philosopher Sir Oliver Letwin - Politician MP Carol Murraine - Eastside Young Leaders Marie-Christine Nibagwire - Survivor of the Rwandan genocide David Olusoga - Historian, Writer and Broadcaster Henry Schachter - Holocaust Survivor Sir Anthony Seldon - Historian and Education Commentator Leila Singh - Leadership coach Ed Smith - England Cricket Selector Peter Tatchell - Gay rights campaigner Rabbi Roderick Young - Finchley Synagogue

IN 2019/20

20+ Ted Talks to Four th Form Scholars

20+ Tower Society discussion lunches

GLOB AL THINKING

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A school does not sit in isolation. We want our pupils to think globally, to explore cultures and continents and to use this in their learning.

Visiting speakers with stories to tell of experiences around the world are complemented with a celebration of cultural events and talks by international pupils on the political, social or historical side of life.

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The Global Connections Programme at Canford mobilises and equips pupils to go forth and to explore, care for and participate in the world beyond the school gates, enabling them to:

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engage with complex global challenges explore links between their own lives and people, places and issues throughout the world understand the global context of their local lives express how they can play an active role in their local and global community, throughout and beyond their time at Canford

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Global Forum Chinese New Year Model United Nations Global Partnership Trips Hun School Exchange, USA Sagar School, India Academic Trips International Film Nights Spanish Tapas Evenings Culture Focus Day International Student Day International Student Fairs International Careers Advice SAT Testing Centre Sports Tours

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raised for our global partnerships in the last 4 years

“I am very thankful to have the chance to give 53 children all our energy and love for three weeks and for them to bring perspective to our own lives.”

SIXTH FORMER, ARGENTINA PARTNERSHIP

THE PARTNERSHIP JOURNEY THE ENTERPRISE JOURNEY THE GEOPOLITIC AL JOURNEY

THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT JOURNEY

SPORT

Regularly in top

STATS BASED ON 2017-2019 ACHIEVEMENTS DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS IN 2020

25 U18

Daily Mail Schools Rugby merit table

England selection and National finalists

U18

U16

Bath

Academy selections

Several players on County Academy programmes Professional contract with

Hampshire

U19

4th in national finals

U16

England selection and National finalists

4th in national finals

100+

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pupils currently row with the Boat Club

teams

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discus thrower ranked no. 1 in England

SOUTH WEST

representation at English Schools’ Nationals

Swimming

England National Junior Squad selection

GLANVILLE & ABERDARE CUPS

Quarter finalists HWR19

GOLF

Golfers in England Golf South West Regional Squad

“The school provides an amazing environment for an excellent work life balance in such a beautiful setting. It is humbling to be a part of the wider team across the school, and to be able lead the sports department, all of whom are striving to make the experiences of the pupils at TONY DIPROSE, DIRECTOR OF SPORT & PHYSICAL WELLBEING

LOVE SPORT FOR LIFE Whether you are an athlete competing at a national level, or you simply enjoy keeping fit, with over 30 sports available at Canford there is something for everyone.

@CanfordSport

In addition to lessons and fixtures, scholars are offered: • 1-1 coaching sessions • Encouragement to aim for county,

regional and national selection

• Mentoring • Practical workshops • Weight training and conditioning advice • Video analysis • Lectures and seminars • Additional training sessions

Entry in

WJ4+

Canford School the very best they can be.”

SPORTS SCHOLARS

@canford_sport_and_wellbeing

115 teams across over 30 different sports

98 staff involved in sports coaching

RUGBY . HOCKEY . CROSS COUNTRY . SWIMMING . SQUASH . REAL T E N N I S . G O L F . S A I L I N G . C A N O E I N G . K AYA K I N G . B A S K E T B A L L FOOTB ALL . FITNESS . SCULLING . DANCE . ROWING . B ADMINTON L AC RO S S E . N E T B A L L . A E RO B I C S . S P I N N I N G . S T R E N G T H A N D CONDITIONING . TENNIS . CRICKET . ZUMB A . CIRCUIT TRAINING

WELLBEING

Wellbeing at Canford • New peer mentoring programme • New Wellbeing Wednesday menu

with foods to support mental wellbeing

to go alongside our normal weekly

menu supporting physical wellbeing

• 2 members of staff recently trained as

sleep practitioners who will help

ensure good sleep is achieved for all

• Wellbeing programme based on core

values of Self-Efficacy, Hope,

Gratitude and Connectedness

• A Wellbeing Journal focused on sleep

and relaxation, healthy lifestyle,

goal setting and feelings

• Wellbeing questionnaire to parents • Contacts across the school provide

help and advice, alongside numerous

online resources

The wellbeing of our pupils is of the utmost importance, no more so than through this pandemic.

We had tried and tested support systems in place already prior to Covid-19 and these areas have been reviewed and added to, to reflect and accommodate increased support for every member of our community. Our wellbeing mission statement ‘Reflect, Return, Reignite’ reflects our wish to ensure we understand individual experiences, but also to help guide each person to look forward, to focus on hope and positivity for their futures.

WELLBEING PUPIL LEADERS Every Wednesday our Wellbeing Pupil Leaders use the Canford School Instagram to post an Instagram story under the hashtag #WellnessWednesday. One part of their initiative is to support pupils to be more open about their mental health.

“Through my work as prefect responsible for Pupil Wellbeing I have attempted to reduce the stigma of discussing mental health by devising a programme of events and organising outside speakers to facilitate this.”

NUALA, WELLBEING PUPIL LEADER

Keeping spirits high during lockdown During the period of remote learning it was vital that pupils and staff looked after themselves both in terms of keeping fit and in their wellbeing and mental health. With these aims in mind, wellbeing leaders and the sports department put together a programme of options making full use of online resources, to offer something to suit all abilities and interests: • MINDFUL MOMENTS, NO TECH 90 • HOUSE MEETINGS AND SOCIALS • INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGES FROM SPORTING HEROES • 5K RUNNING, YOGA POSE & 97 CHALLENGE • ONLINE WORKOUTS & TIMETABLED SESSIONS • VIDEOS BY HEADS OF SCHOOL

THE ARTS

62 live and remote concert performances during the past year

40 Drama events ranging from radio plays to large scale productions

200+ pupils involved in House Art 2020

Canford School Music

“I could not be more proud of the pupils. The willing engagement and a ‘let’s get this done’ spirit from all has been extraordinary and inspiring.”

CHRISTOPHER SPARKHALL, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC - SUMMER 2020

MUSIC

Can’t stop the music ...

HOW THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT THRIVED DURING LOCKDOWN Nothing was going to stop the Canford Music department from performing ... they simply moved online, got their instruments (and voices) warmed up and started making recordings to keep spirits high! Learning new skills rapidly, and adjusting to the rather strange experience of playing solo to a backing track or metronome click, there were challenges aplenty - for staff, too. Rehearsing a choir of 60 pupils and not being able to hear a single one is a surreal experience for both conductor and singers. The musicians produced somewhere in the region of 25 remote ensemble recordings, ranging from a small group of Shells covering some James Bond themes to a thrilling culmination of a combined staff and pupil choir.

We are all very proud of OC Grace Hewett (D19) who successfully auditioned for a place in the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (NYCGB) during her final year at Canford.

Following a competitive audition process, Grace was selected to sing a solo during a performance at The Royal Albert Hall. It’s amazing to think Grace sang the same solo at Canford 12 months earlier!

100% of all 29 Grade 8 and ARSM diploma exams awarded Distinction or Merit (2019-20) CHAPEL CHOIR CHAMBER CHOIR CANTABILE CHOIR ORCHESTRA JAZZ BAND CONCERT BAND WIND ORCHESTRA SENIOR STRINGS STROMENTI STRINGS INFORMAL CHAMBER GROUPS THEORY

THE ARTS

ART • D1 achieved at Pre-U Art and Design consistently for the last 3 years.

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Recent university courses include Interior Architecture, Textiles, Architecture, Fine Art, History of Art and Foundation Diploma

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Recent destinations: The Ruskin School of Art, Cambridge University, Bartlett School of Architecture, Leeds Arts University, St Martins School of Art, Kingston School of Art, Manchester School of Art

Our artists found a variety of ways to embrace their creativity during lockdown. Lower Sixth pupil Jess put a fantastic video together to share her knowledge on various painting materials.

Pupils have also been mindful of the isolation many were in, and through a Post It! Initiative created postcards to send to their Canford community action contacts.

ART IN THE COMMUNITY Canford artists contributed to a wonderful exhibition of art at Wimborne Minster. The Cuthburga project asked young artists to produce illustrations which could be used to promote the beauty, uniqueness and quirky stories from the Minster. In addition to a display of Canfordian art, a tote bag using the design by Canford artist Emma Dalton was sold in the Minster shop. “The work which our pupils have produced is varied and makes use of different genres and materials. I hope all those who visited the exhibition are inspired by the artistic interpretations.” Nicola Will – Head of Art

DRAMA SCHOLARS: All scholars enjoy regular sessions where they meet and view live productions, both online or at the theatre and then discuss together their thoughts on the play. There are also opportunities to meet with professionals involved in all aspects of the industry either online or in person at Canford and also to enjoy seminars with staff to enrich our scholars with a holistic view of drama beyond the exam specifications.

“I feel extremely honoured and I know this will be an exceptional platform from which to kickstart my career in the theatre industry.”

CALLUM BRUCE, NYT PLACE 2020

The tenacity and imaginativeness of the Canford pupils could not be suppressed during the lockdown. If we could not come together to create, then we would simply do it apart. We enjoyed access to world-class theatre online and we made sure that we, too, contributed to the continuation of the arts through the incredible all-student radio plays. Since returning we have staged productions having rehearsed them with social distancing in place and shared live performances with year groups both in the theatre and via live streams. Although it has been challenging, drama at Canford is always about creativity and inclusivity and where there is a will there is always a way; an attitude embraced by all involved in the recent productions.

@ar t_canford

DRAMA

COMMUNITY

The Bourne Academy 10 YEARS OF SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP RECENT JOINT INITIATIVES INCLUDE:

against a background of respect. The Bourne Academy’s vision is articulated clearly through the mnemonic, ASPIRE, to develop citizens who are ambitious, selfconfident, physically literate, independent learners, resilient and emotionally literate.

Canford has sponsored The Bourne Academy since 2010 and is this year celebrating its 10th Anniversary.

The successful partnership is a beacon of success in UK education. Canford’s belief that good education depends crucially on the relationships between staff, pupils, parents and key stakeholders was and remains a core part of the vision for the school. Mutual support, pride, ambition, trust and high expectations combine to allow impressive academic achievements

“We value our links with The Bourne Academy tremendously and there is a great mutual benefit to the staff and pupils at both our schools from our collaboration.” BEN VESSEY, HEADMASTER

• Science tutoring to help Year 10 students who are struggling to achieve a C-grade • A Year 9 Book Club which meets regularly • Canford-led Years 7 & 8 Geography Quiz • Year 12 Careers Symposium • Canford classroom assistants for TBA pupils • Academic par tnership day at Canford • Bourne Academy pupils join Canford pupils on a CCF RN sailing trip

In celebration of their ten-year partnership, Canford has pledged that for every stone that is sponsored on the path leading to the new library currently being built, a book will be donated to The Bourne Academy.“I am delighted that we are able to support you in your reading programme in this way. We place a similar emphasis on literacy at Canford and are looking forward to pupils from both our schools meeting in person again very soon for our joint Book Club.”

Ben Vessey, Headmaster

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Canford has community links with 20 local schools and education centres.

“SHINE has ensured that families can look to the future with a greater sense of purpose and hope.” HEAD TEACHER,

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The Canford Community stepped up - delivering food parcels, Easter cakes, sending cards, making PPE and Steven Ives, current Canford teacher, visited Joan Clark every week in her sheltered accommodation in Wimborne.

Steven was Joan’s only visitor apart from her cleaner during the lockdown which demonstrates the extent to which the pandemic isolated so many people. When Joan celebrated her 100th birthday in August, Steven and Canford colleagues were determined to mark the milestone, delivering a cake, a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a large ‘100’ balloon!

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‘Making a difference to the lives of others’ is part of Canford School’s mission statement and central to the very fabric of life at the school, but seemed particularly important during the lockdown when many of our elderly and vulnerable friends have been isolated and now, more than ever, members of our community have needed support.

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We were delighted to be featured in the annual ISC Celebrating Partnerships review, where our sponsorship and ongoing support of The Bourne Academy was highlighted.

AWARD WINNING EDUC ATION

TATLER PUBLIC SCHOOL

OF THE YEAR There was great excitement in both London and Dorset as Canford took home the prestigious ‘Public School of the Year’ trophy at the Tatler Schools Awards held at the Landmark Hotel in Marylebone. Canford was chosen from a shortlist of Brighton College, Harrow, St Paul’s and St Mary’s Calne in awards the magazine describes as ‘The Oscars of the Independent Schools World’.

Full Boarding

Community

Pastoral Care

We offer a 7 day a week boarding school experience for the 21st century.

“The heart and spirit of any community are forged by its people.” Ben Vessey

House matrons and tutors complemented by health centre and chaplaincy staff.

Central Dining The whole school comes together for meals in the Great Hall.

Facilities An impressive range of sporting and cultural spaces.

Weekend Activities

Campus Setting

Thriving School

Extensive programme from beach trips to pizza making to film nights.

“Among the top 10 most beautiful schools.” The Daily

Canford is thriving with highest roll in the school’s 96 year history.

Telegraph

“I am absolutely delighted

for all my colleagues, our pupils and the entire wider Canford Community, as without their dedication this success simply would not have been possible.”

BEN VESSEY, HEADMASTER

Canford received high praise in the 2020 edition of the Tatler Schools Guide ‘... the school firmly asserts itself as a full boarding school with a packed seven-day programme of activities. Boys and girls gain the results needed for their futures and are very natural and grounded, with few affectations ...There is a strong sense of pupil pride and they are acutely aware of how lucky they are to be here ... Head Ben Vessey is championed as a ‘brilliant Head: accountable, bright and trusted’.’

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STAFF DEVELOPMENT

SUPPORTING STAFF Canford subscribes to LifeWorks, a staff wellbeing and assistance platform which offers useful information and support on aspects such as:

Developing staff

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We want everyone who works here to feel valued and supported and for Canford to have a positive impact on all areas of your life. There are a variety of new and existing initiatives that you can benefit from as a member of Canford

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Improving health and wellbeing for Canford staff

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health, including face to face and online counselling

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By promoting professional fulfilment and wholeheartedly investing in staff development and ourOOpupils ##CCANFO ANFO RRD Dsupporting TO TOGGEETTHE HERRtheir wellbeing, ##CCANF ANFO RRD DTO TOGGEETTHE HERR ANF LLLEEEAAARRRNN CO NI IN IN NGG G CO CONN NNN NEEECCCTTTI IN IN NGG G SSSUU UPPPPPPOO ORRRTTTI IN IN NGG G LLLEEEAAARRRNN CO NI IN IN NGG G CO CONN NNN NEEECCCTTTI IN IN NGG G SSSUU UPPPPPPOO ORRRTTTI IN IN NGG G benefit from an engaged body of staff, committed to excellence and with a sense of community and purpose. The weekly staff development programme is a mix of academic, cultural and social activities designed to stimulate and challenge. In our recruitment, #EXPLORE #EXPLORE #EXPRESS #EXPRESS #EXCEL #EXCEL we of course look for staff who are highly skilled in their particular areas, but many have other hidden talents too!

L I F E : family and legal H E A LT H : physical and mental

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Through the Defined Project Award programme, staff are encouraged to engage with the leadership and development of specific projects designed to bring about whole school improvement.

Such projects seek to innovate and inspire as well as enhance the quality of the School’s educational provision and the other services it provides to pupils, parents and the wider Canford community. Topics researched to date have included Mental Health and Pupil Wellbeing, Inclusivity and Diversity, Pastoral Tracking and Welfare and the Role of a Head of Department.

DEVELOPMENTS

Building for the future ...

Canford is committed to a development programme which improves and modernises our infrastructure for the benefit of both our current pupils and staff and for those in the future.

Two exciting projects are already complete, with a relocated and enlarged Outdoor Education Centre incorporating our CCF and a reconfigured Assembly Hall, with a new library and a relocated School House to sit alongside the existing Court and Franklin boys’ boarding houses both due to open in 2021.

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NEW LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT 327 linear metres of open book shelving

Multimedia facility giving access to multiple online resources

Seminar spaces with video conferencing to support global connections

Collaborative learning and technology study spaces

Single-storey glass link to the Assembly Hall offering a break out space, refreshment area and creative arts display

Increased seating capacity to 740+ with new mezzanine level and balconies with tiered retractable seating at each end

DEVELOPMENTS

MODERNISED ASSEMBLY HALL

After eleven months of construction work, the Canford community welcomed the reopening of the Gisborough Hall at the beginning of November 2020. The aim of the project was to reconfigure the old Assembly Hall which the school had outgrown and was therefore no longer fit for purpose. The newly reworked space now has capacity to bring the whole school together in one building. The project combined modernisation and improvement to the facilities with sensitivity to the existing building.

As a result, the space offers greater opportunities for presentations and events, alongside a much more comfortable room for examinations.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE The new COEC Building brings together all of the strands of the outdoor activities and challenges programme at Canford, streamlining the cadet and Duke of Edinburgh’s activities into one. The purpose built facility includes all of the stores, a drying facility, a 25 metre indoor range, a leadership challenge facility, the assault course and a landscaped area from which battlecraft and tactics can be conducted. Canford was delighted to be crowned ‘Best School CCF’ in the country in The Week’s Best Schools of 2020, and the new building offers an excellent facility for this award winning area of school life.

Described recently by the senior Royal Marine running the Royal Marine cadets organisation as “state of the art” it will enable cadets and other venturers to enjoy a first class experience in keeping with The Week’s label “the best of the best”.

The building is now presided over by Major Craig Risbey and Lieutenant Matt Cowlard and combined with superb support from the Headmaster and the staff within the CCF, otherwise known as cadet adult volunteers (CFAVs), the entity strikes the Gold Standard to which many other CCFs currently aspire.

WIDENING ACCESS TO C ANFORD

BURSARIES

CHANGE LIVES

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pupils currently benefiting from 75% or more bursary funding

MARTIN MARRIOTT

FOUNDATION

Our fundraising focus at Canford in recent years has been very much centred on transformational bursaries, which focus on young people from backgrounds which would otherwise preclude access to Canford and who are thus given what is truly a life changing opportunity. Canford has built close links with both The Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation and also its partner, Eastside Young Leaders’ Academy. This is a charity giving life-transforming opportunities to disadvantaged and vulnerable children. These young people typically come from a background of social deprivation.

MARTIN MARRIOTT

FOUNDATION “Put simply, bursaries change lives. We want to provide the opportunity to add structure, substance and reality to the dreams and ambitions of young people whose life chances are likely to preclude this, whether that be due to general socio-economic factors or specific difficulties and hardship within the family or locality where they MARTIN MARRIOTT live.

This is very much a partnership as not only will pupils accessing a bursary benefit FOUNDATION greatly, but their presence within the Canford community will add breadth and richness to the educational and life experience of all within it.” BEN VESSEY, HEADMASTER

£1.2m

MARTIN MARRIOTT

FOUNDATION

MARTIN MARRIOTT

FOUNDATION

put towards bursaries at Canford in the 19/20 academic year

MARTIN MARRIOTT

MARTIN MARRIOTT

“My outlook on life has opened up tremendously since joining Canford. I have higher aspirations. Being surrounded by hard working, intelligent people has allowed me to develop lifelong friends. I doubt I would have applied to the universities I have offers for and I am confident that I have a bright future ahead of me.” RECENT BURSARY RECIPIENT

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THE C ANFORD DIFFERENCE

T H AT M A K E T H E #CANFORDTOGE THER C ANFORD LEARNING

SUPPORTING

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IMPRESSIVE PUPIL OUTCOMES

TEACHING EXCELLENCE

DIFFERENCE

AFTER CANFORD ...

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Over 95% of Canfordians move on to university to study a wide range of subjects. 80% of applicants received at least one offer from Russell Group/Top 12/US Ivy League universities in 2018. Canford is a SAT testing centre and pupils have recently received offers, some with #EXPR ESS #EXCEL to California, Colorado, Columbia, Michigan, Princeton, Stanford and Texas. #EXPRscholarships, ESS #EXCEL

#EXPL #EXPLOR OREE

OXBRIDGE

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DEVELOPING HEARTS & MINDS

102 pupils have been offered places at Oxbridge in the past decade.

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THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE

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Canford has an excellent record gaining offers of places at medical schools. In the past 10 years, 120 pupils have applied and over 80% have received offers.

POPULAR SUBJECT #EXPRESS #EXCEL #EXPRESS #EXCELAREAS 2014-2018 (NUMBER OF PLACES) ENRICHMENT

Canford School, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AD Tel: 01202 847207 admissions@canford.com

www.canford.com

Arts

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Biochemical Sciences

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Business/Management Economics/Finance

Engineering History/Ancient History Language and Literature Medicine Physical and Environmental Sciences Social Sciences 0

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POPULAR DESTINATIONS 2014-2017 (NUMBER OF PLACES)

INSPIRATIONAL SETTING

Cambridge Oxford

Bath Birmingham Bristol Cardiff Durham Edinburgh Exeter Leeds Manchester Newcastle Oxford Brookes Reading Southampton York 0

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The school is well served by rail, air and road links. It is under two hours from London, Oxford and Exeter, 90 minutes from the M3/M25 junction and within easy reach of London Heathrow, Bournemouth, Exeter and Southampton airports. Shells join Canford from over 50 different Prep and Junior schools each year.

CENTRAL SOUTH LOC ATION

CANFORD FULL BOARDING AND DAY • CO-EDUCATIONAL • 13-18

Stay Connected CanfordSchool

See our award winning education in action at one of our Open Days

@CanfordSchool @CanfordFriends @canfordschool @canfordcommunity canford-school

24TH APRIL 2021 9TH OCTOBER 2021 OUR MISSION

www.canford.com

‘To build a community of open minded people who are motivated to embrace learning in all its forms, and committed to making a difference to their own lives, and to the lives of others. Our exceptional education grants freedom to grow and creates opportunities for all to explore, to express and to excel.’

t: 01202 847207 e: admissions@canford.com WIMBORNE

ALL FACTS AND FIGURES CORRECT TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE AT TIME OF PRINT

DORSET

BH21 3AD