2023 AND BEYOND CANFORD
FROM THE HEADMASTER
BEN VESSEYIn a fast changing world, it is essential that Canford’s educational offering is both dynamic and relevant. Our facilities and accommodation need to be fit for purpose and our pastoral care must meet the highest standards. Our strategy is focused on ensuring this is a reality, both now and in the future.
The Sixth Form at Canford is critical as we prepare our pupils to make the transition from school to life beyond. We are seeking to further enhance our existing Sixth Form programme to reflect the ever evolving demands of 21st century life and ensure Canfordians can flourish personally and professionally.
As Mungo Dunnett, a leading educational research specialist, states: “For multiple reasons, Sixth Form needs to have its own feel, a separate mini-school, while still retaining important elements of the junior experience - a bridge between two worlds.”
We are excited to share our vision for a new Sixth Form at Canford.
The School Governing Body signed off a strategic plan in 2018 to ensure that Canford continues to thrive into its second century. Significant progress has been made to turn the ‘Canford 2023 and Beyond’ plan into a reality. We are now moving to the next stage - the Sixth Form development.
2018
New dining facilities and new Nineveh Coffee Shop opened
2020
Opening of new Outdoor Education Centre and modernised Assembly Hall
2021
Opening of new School boys’ boarding house and Library
2022
Opening of enhanced Lancaster day house
2023
Opening of new Wimborne and Salisbury day houses in the Manor House plus new Monteacute boys’ boarding house
2025 (anticipated)
Opening of enhanced Sixth Form and future life facilities
2025 onwards
Modernisation to existing boarding houses
2018
2020
2021
2022
2023
2025
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NEXT STEPS - THE COLLEGE CONCEPT
Our intention is to create a new College concept, which enhances the educational offering for academic study, future life and personal development for all Sixth Form pupils. Alongside this we will provide a different transitional experience for the Upper Sixth, so they will be better equipped to engage positively with the pressures of life beyond Canford but within the supportive structure of the School.
There will be scope to introduce different rhythms than exist in the current house structure where the age range is so broad. We will consider, and consult on an ongoing basis as to how this initiative offers new ways to prepare pupils for higher education, the world of work and adult life.
“An inspirational, innovative, integrated Sixth Form experience at the heart of the School.”
SIR GARY COWARD, CHAIR OF GOVERNORS
THE SIXTH FORM EXPERIENCE
The College concept sees Upper Sixth pupils move from their current house at the end of the Lower Sixth and join together as a year group within this building. The world has changed since the advent of the traditional boarding house model bringing together Shells to Upper Sixth. Expectations and the personal development needs of 17-18 year olds are quite different from those of younger pupils, and academic pressure on final year pupils continues to grow as they prepare to gain places at top universities and career openings in an increasingly competitive and global market. We can cater better for those pupils by bringing them together under one roof with stage-specific guidance, appropriate expectations and demands.
• The broader educational and personal development of all Sixth Form pupils will be overseen by the Assistant Head College.
• The College will provide facilities which bring together the whole Sixth Form educationally and socially.
• For those joining Canford in the Sixth Form this structure will provide a smaller social and pastoral base for the first year as they find their feet, and existing pupils will retain the physical and emotional familiarity of their house at the start of their Sixth Form journey.
• Specialist Sixth Form tutors will guide and support their tutees through the two Sixth Form years at Canford to ensure continuity of care and connection as the pupils move from their old houses to The College.
• Close relationships and clear communication between parents and dedicated Sixth Form tutors will be maintained throughout the two Sixth Form years as a central feature of this structure.
• The Lower Sixth year will have enhanced opportunities for leadership and progression in their houses. This will be supported by bespoke training on leadership, mentoring and coaching.
AT THE HEART OF THE SCHOOL
Much will remain constant in terms of the focus, rhythm and flow of life in the Sixth Form and the role our Sixth Form pupils play in school life as a whole. We will aim to strike a balance between keeping the Upper Sixth at the heart of the school community and acknowledging the demands on their time during their final year. Keeping the warmth and energy of our school community and building on existing strengths are fundamental.
• Day to day supervision and management of the daily pastoral care and wellbeing of Upper Sixth pupils based in The College will be run by the College Pastoral Warden, supported by two Assistant Pastoral Wardens and a team of staff.
• The co-location of the Upper Sixth will enhance opportunities for collaboration and a strong collective work ethic.
• Upper Sixth pupils can broaden their networks across the whole year group.
• Our academic, co-curricular and pastoral programmes already ensure a significant level of cross year group interaction and this will not change.
• As now, Upper Sixth pupils will continue to oversee whole school pupil leadership until their final ‘exam-focused’ term.
• The Upper Sixth will maintain close bonds with ‘their house’ through a programme designed to keep the ‘house spirit’ strong and vibrant.
SIXTH FORM - NEW FACILITIES
The College facilities will include areas for the whole Sixth Form as well as those dedicated to the Upper Sixth:
• Separate single sex residential wings with en suite accommodation for Upper Sixth boarders.
• Dedicated mixed lodge space for Upper Sixth Day pupils.
• The College Hub - an exciting educational and social space for the whole Sixth Form with a central social hub.
• The Future Pathways Centre (Higher Education/Careers).
• Conference and seminar space for workplace-style physical and virtual events and networking.
• A range of other educational and social spaces.
• A teaching kitchen and entertainment dining area for small pupil-led functions.
• The Hub, lodge spaces and residential areas will form three sides of an attractive quad in the heart of the school, close to the Library, Layard Theatre, Music School, Sports Centre, Manor House and academic teaching areas.
The images of our new Sixth Form development within this document are architect designs and should be treated as concepts.
A DYNAMIC EDUCATION AT ALL STAGES
We will continue to review, refresh and revise the programmes within the Lower School (Shell - Fifth Form). This part of our offering will retain its existing successful core elements and structure academically, pastorally and in the co-curricular context. These combine well to provide significant breadth, depth and rigorous challenge within a framework of carefully focused pastoral support allowing Canfordians to navigate the crucial early to mid-teen years. Laying those foundations is critical and we will continue to ensure these are both firm and well-rooted in our Vision and our Values where we seek to instil the following in all our pupils:
PURPOSEFUL ENGAGEMENT
COURAGEOUS ATTITUDE HUMBLE AMBITION GRACIOUS LEADERSHIP
• For younger pupils the College concept will offer a clearer sense of dynamic progression, difference and relevance to their development and experience as they grow through the School and start to look actively at what lies beyond.
• Existing house teams will have more time to support pupils across four year groups instead of five.
• We will be able to improve the quality and feel of current boarding and day facilities including providing more social space and other upgrades to existing houses.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We recognise that there is much still to do to ensure that we maximise on the opportunities the new Sixth Form concept presents and are keen to take advantage of the skills, experience and knowledge of all members of the Canford Community in developing the detailed plans.
Canford School, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3AD 01202 841254 www.canford.com