Rochester Additional Information Booklet

The Rochester Grammar School

Support • Encouragement • Achievement

supplementary INFORMATION

The Rochester Grammar School

FURTHERING EXCELLENCE THROUGH SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT AND ACHIEVEMENT THIS WILL BE EVIDENT BECAUSE: • STUDENTS WILL SUPPORT EACH OTHER AND BE MOTIVATED TO ACHIEVE • STAFF WILL PROVIDE THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, THE SUPPORT AND THE PERSONAL CHALLENGE THROUGH WHICH EACH STUDENT CAN EXCEL • PARENTS WILL SUPPORT THE SCHOOL ETHOS AND FULLY CONTRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL • GOVERNORS WILL BE CRITICAL CHAMPIONS OF THE SCHOOL

CONTENTS page 02 page 03 page 04 page 06 page 08 page 10

• • • • • •

The Curriculum WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP General Information Admissions Procedure 2014 OFSTED Inspection Report 2008 examination results

01

C

the curriculum The RGS is committed to providing a world class education for every child.

We believe the curriculum should meet the needs of individual learners.

Therefore our curriculum has been revised to extend opportunities and choice. As well as the individual subjects the emphasis is on nurturing independent learning through varied and active teaching styles that engage and excite.The school is an accredited Advanced Thinking School with Exeter University.

Girls entering the school follow all of the core subjects from Years 7 to 11. In Key Stage 3 for most lessons girls are taught in their house groups, although there is some setting in subjects such as Mathematics and Science.

Girls are encouraged to participate actively in their learning – with many opportunities for group work, discussion, and research. In addition a structured home learning timetable will enable girls to deepen their understanding of each subject.

The school has a compressed two year KS3 across the curriculum.

Girls can then access GCSE and Advanced Level study at a pace more appropriate for their needs.

At KS4 students study a range of GCSE and Advanced qualifications suitable for their ability. All students study a core curriculum of English, Maths, Science, ICT, Religious Studies, a Language and a Humanity.

In Years 12 and 13 students will have access to: a) New AS and A2 courses which means most students complete 3 or 4 A Levels as appropriate.

Students can also take the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma – Global Perspectives Course and the Extended Project qualification.

b) The IB Diploma Programme.This worldwide qualification extends our post-16 provision. For more details see: www.ibo.org.uk.

As an IBO World School we promote:

“INTERNATIONALLY MINDED YOUNG PEOPLE WHO RECOGNISE THEIR COMMON HUMANITY, SHARED GUARDIANSHIP OF THE PLANET AND HELP CREATE A BETTER AND MORE PEACEFUL WORLD.”

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP: Education without Borders As well as ensuring that all students achieve their full academic potential The Rochester Grammar School is passionate about providing students with opportunities to develop as well rounded individuals and to develop all their talents.

The Rochester Grammar School is a National Teaching School, and a National Support School.

This recognises the outstanding quality of education our students receive and also that we are recognised as an outstanding school with capacity to support others; lead on initial teaching training, professional development, educational research and school leadership.

Our New Horizons Teaching School Alliance places us at the heart of local, regional and national school improvement.Through this Alliance we are dedicated to improving the life chances of not only our students but those of our partners.

Music is integral to the life of the school. Over a quarter of students in the school receive extra tuition in music and singing.Talented former pupils have gained admission to the

leading national music schools and conservatoires. Choral work at RGS is recognised at a national level.The school has its own Choral Director who leads several choices both at RGS and in the community.There are scholarships available for talented musicians throughout the school and at Sixth Form level, supported by the Trustees of the school.

We have superb facilities including a recording studio, ICT suites, cinema projection and theatre seating.

There are a wide range of sports clubs and activities such as Eco Schools to encourage students to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Many students have played in district, county and national teams. In 2013, the Athletics team won the District Athletics Championship and both individuals and teams have had many successes across a range of sports.

School netball, hockey, football and athletic teams are encouraged to maintain excellent performances but the overall emphasis is on sport and leisure for all students whatever their talents. Girls may play the whole year on the new all-weather pitches; in addition the sports hall is excellently

equipped with table tennis tables.

Some sports include visiting expert coaches. In the Sixth Form students can follow a course in Community Sports Leadership Award.

The Rochester Grammar School is the second largest centre for Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award in England and every year over a third of a year group will complete their Bronze Award. Many go on to complete their Silver and Gold Awards.

We have excellent social and catering facilities with a fully equipped high street style Costa Coffee bar open through the day. Our catering facilities are also excellent and we use a biometric cashless catering payment system.

Students at The Rochester Grammar School also take part in many charity events ranging from the London to Brighton bike ride to cake sales; last year the school raised over £14,000 for local charities.

For further details please download our Information Pack from: www.rochestergrammar.medway.sch.uk

03

G

General information UNIFORM

for Girls. We now form the RGS/AFS Thinking School Academy Trust.This Trust ensures the long term aims of The Rochester Grammar School.

CHARGING POLICY

The Uniform supplier is S Simmonds who come into school during the term to sell uniform.

OUTLINE OF UNIFORM

GOVERNING BODY

Guide to prices at September 2013:

The main Governing Body of the school is highly active and plays a full part in the community. Interested parents are most welcome to consider standing as parent governors when elections are held. The Governing Body can be contacted via letter to the Chair of the Governing Body c/o the school.

Visits which occur during school hours must be provided free of charge, however, parents/carers can be asked to make voluntary contributions towards the cost of the trip. If insufficient voluntary contributions are forthcoming the visit may have to be cancelled. Students whose parents do not contribute cannot be discriminated against.

TRUSTEES

The Governors’ policy is:

As a result of the education trust used to found the school,The Rochester Grammar School has trustees that contribute a much valued dimension to the life of the school.

• To encourage parents to make voluntary contributions to costs so that activities during school hours, for which charges may no longer be made, may continue.

RGSA

• To remit charges for those who meet the criteria as detailed under the 1988 Education Reform Act.

• Tartan Kilt (royal blue/black and white) from £39.95

• Blue blouse (school design with logo) short sleeve from £17.95 • Navy blue jumper with school badge from £22.95

• Navy blue blazer with school badge 100% polyester from £32.95 • Polyester/viscose blend from £44.95

TIMES OF SCHOOL DAY

The present times of the school day are 8.35am to 3.10pm with a morning break and a lunch break 1.10pm to 2.05pm.

MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST In June 2012 The Rochester Grammar School became a multi academy Trust with the addition of All Faiths’ Children’s Community School joining our Trust and in September 2013 we were joined by Portsmouth Academy

The Rochester Grammar School Parents’ Association meets regularly to raise money and to organise social events. This organisation has grown tremendously in recent years and we would encourage all parents to support the Association.

Full details of the school charging policy can be obtained from the school.

• To make charges for educational and recreational activities as allowed by the 1988 Education Reform Act.

For further details please download our Information Pack from: www.rochestergrammar.medway.sch.uk

COMPLAINTS (CURRICULUM) The Governing Body has established a complaints policy explaining what parents should do if they have a complaint about the curriculum or religious worship. The procedure emphasises that parents should talk to the Principal in the first instance.

Copies of the general complaints procedure are available on request.

SAFEGUARDS (CHILD PROTECTION & RECRUITMENT) The school has staff trained as Child Protection Co-ordinators, including Mrs Britten (Assistant Principal Every child Achieves and SENCo) and all Heads of House.

Senior teachers and Governors are trained in safe recruitment and we have a safe recruitment policy.

All staff are DBS checked.

05

A

Admissions procedure 2013/14

THE ETHOS STATEMENT

The ethos of the school is “excellence for all”; we have the highest expectations of all our learners in terms of their commitment to academic achievement, respect for others and contribution to the school community. Our Mission Statement, “Furthering Excellence through Support, Encouragement and Achievement” articulates the strength of personal support, care and guidance given to each learner.

We have a clear policy on uniform and dress code as well as a Code of Conduct based on mutual respect.

The Rochester Grammar School will admit:

i. 175 girls aged 11 who fall within the top 25% of the ability range.

ii. to Years 8 – 10 if there is a vacant place and the pupils pass our own entrance test. iii. to the Sixth Form, Years 12 and 13: the number of intended admission of pupils not already on the school’s roll will be 50.

Parents of Year 6 pupils apply for admission to The Rochester Grammar School by means of the Local Authority’s Secondary Transfer Form. We are also encouraging parents to complete our “Expression of Interest form” which they should send directly to the school, particularly as it allows parents to tell us about their child’s musical aptitude.

Governors will allocate 2 places each year to selective girls with proven musical aptitude. The forms will be available at the school on request and also available, together with a copy of the school prospectus, to parents attending the Open Sessions to be held in Term 1.

The Common Application Form is available in the Medway ‘Admission to Secondary School September 2014’ booklet.

INFORMING PARENTS AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS All decisions relating to the test will be set out to parents on 4th October 2013.Those deemed non-selective can request a review of the decision by completing Form R1.

The result will be posted to parents on 25th October 2013. Parents then return the Secondary Transfer form with their school choices to their primary schools by 31st October 2013.

DECISIONS ON OFFERS OF PLACES TO THE ROCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL The school will use its own selection process, looking at test results.

If the number of selective girls exceeds the number of places available, the following criteria will apply in the order set out below to decide which girls to admit. a) Children in public care. b) Where a pupil can demonstrate specific musical aptitude as assessed by graded exams. Parents should write to the Chair of Governors with details or use the RGS Expression of Interest form. c) In rank order based on the scores achieved in the tests.

In the event that two pupils have equal ranking for the last place priority will be given to the pupils whose permanent address is the nearest

to The Rochester Grammar School as measured by Medway Council’s Geographic Information System.

Offers of places are sent to parents on 3rd March 2014. Parents will be asked to return a form indicating acceptance of the place offered.

If parents do not accept a place offered by the date specified on the return form and after a further reminder, the Governors will assume that the parents do not wish to accept the place, and it may be offered to the next girl on the waiting list.

For further details see RGS page in the Medway ‘Admission to Secondary School September 2014’ booklet.

ADMISSIONS INTO YEARS 8–10 Pupils will be admitted to Years 8–10 if there are vacancies and after a test.

Their current school records should also indicate that they could cope with the course at the level of admission.

The RGS Casual Admission Policy can be found on the school website.

ADMISSION INTO SIXTH FORM Admission at Sixth Form level will depend on curriculum provision being available without prejudicing the provision for existing students, and according to the candidate’s ability to benefit from the courses available.The minimum entry requirement is 5 A*– C GCSE subjects, including English and Mathematics. A B grade is normally required for the subjects to be studied. Many subjects require higher than a B grade and these are clearly shown in the Sixth Form Prospectus.

Up to 50 places will be offered to external students at Sixth Form level.

In the event of over subscription, those of highest achievement in GCSEs will be accepted.

In the event that two students have equal ranking for the last place priority will be given to the pupil whose permanent address is the nearest to The Rochester Grammar School as measured through the Medway Council’s Geographical Information System.

Offers of a Sixth Form place prior to the publication of GCSE results will be conditional upon the results received.

Transfer from secondary schools will only be made in consultation with the Principal of the pupil’s present school.

The school will agree any changes in its admission arrangements with the DFE. The Governors will establish arrangements for appeals against non-admission. Details of all admission and appeal arrangements will be published each year.

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES The school will admit children with disabilities in accordance with its admission procedure. Current facilities to assist access to the school are: • wheel chair access to the school • appropriate flooring, coloured walls and blinds • disabled ramps and handrails to Sixth Form block, hall and main school • disabled toilets • hearing loops in reception and main hall • evacuation chair • lift 07

O

ofsted 2008/2009

The overall effectiveness of the school is outstanding. Since the previous inspection, when many aspects of school life were excellent, there have been significant improvements. Standards are higher, the curriculum is more stimulating, both teaching and learning are outstanding in all years and support for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities is excellent.

“THE PRINCIPAL CONTINUES TO LEAD WITH DETERMINATION AND ENTHUSIASM AND THE GOVERNORS, SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM AND MIDDLE MANAGERS ARE EQUALLY DEDICATED AND EFFECTIVE.” When students leave the school, they have not only the qualifications they need to proceed to higher education but also the maturity and independent learning skills that serve them well in their chosen careers and futures.

Parents of boys and girls who join the school in the Sixth Form observe how quickly they feel welcome and settle in.

Many other parents write about how pleased they are with their daughters’ progress, being ‘constantly impressed by every aspect of the school’.

Teaching and Lessons

Students’ learning is excellent because they are taught by enthusiastic, knowledgeable, innovative and committed teachers, described by one parent as ‘inspiring, amiable staff’.

“LESSONS ARE DYNAMIC AND STUDENTS ARE WELL MOTIVATED AND CONCENTRATE HARD TO KEEP UP, OFTEN BEING GIVEN A SPECIFIC AMOUNT OF TIME TO COMPLETE TASKS.” A virtual learning environment is developing well with course details, assessment, information, resources and exemplars of good work easily accessible by students.

“THE SCHOOL IS ENTHUSIASTICALLY EMBRACING MODERN TECHNOLOGY FOR THE BENEFIT OF STUDENTS AND PARENTS.” Students receive excellent guidance about how to improve their work and how well they are working towards their target.

“ Year 7 students observe that the staff are ‘really approachable’ and they appreciated being helped by older student mentors in their first few weeks.”

Social and general development of pupils “RACIAL HARMONY IS VERY EVIDENT AND, PARTICULARLY WITH THE NEW VERTICAL TUTOR GROUPS, STUDENTS OF DIFFERENT AGES GET ON VERY WELL TOGETHER AND ENJOY HELPING EACH OTHER WITH WORK OR ANY PROBLEMS.” In addition to the many musical and other extracurricular activities, ranging from chess to kick boxing, the school organises numerous enrichment activities and trips in the United Kingdom and overseas.

These extend students’ horizons and understanding of the wider world. Many girls follow the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and experience adventurous travelling.

“THE SCHOOL CELEBRATES STUDENTS’ NON-ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS, KNOWING THAT THIS CONTRIBUTES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF GIRLS’ ENJOYMENT OF SCHOOL LIFE AND TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL PERSONALITIES AND MATURITY.” Students feel very safe and well cared for and know that the school will not tolerate bullying in any form; there are very few incidents. This view is confirmed by practically all parents.

“THE FACT THAT ATTENDANCE IS WELL ABOVE AVERAGE CONFIRMS THAT STUDENTS ARE HAPPY AT SCHOOL AND ENJOY THE RICH EDUCATION THEY RECEIVE.”

Students’ behaviour is excellent.

“THE SIXTH FORM IS OUTSTANDINGLY EFFECTIVE. THE QUALITY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING, STUDENTS’ PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE CARE PROVIDED IS AS EXCELLENT IN THE SIXTH FORM AS IN THE MAIN SCHOOL. STUDENTS HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE LEADERSHIP OF THE SIXTH FORM AND THOROUGHLY ENJOY THEIR TIME AT THE SCHOOL.” Ofsted grading of the school: • Overall School Effectiveness: Outstanding • Teaching and Learning: Outstanding • Leadership and Management: Outstanding • Sixth Form provision: Outstanding 09

results

A 39% B 24% A* 29% C 7%

gcse results 2013 % of Entry / Subject

A*

A

B

C

%A*/A

Art and Design Textiles Biology Chemistry D&T Graphic Products D&T Resistant Materials Drama English Language English Literature Fine Art French Geography German History Latin Latin Literature Mathematics Mathematics Additional Music Physics Psychology Punjabi Religious Studies Science Single Award Science: Additional Sociology Spanish Sport/PE Studies Statistics IFS – Certificate in Personal Finance OCR L2 Nat Award in ICT OCR L2 Nat Award in ICT OCR L2 Nat First Award in ICT

25 40 29 27 0 5 7 4 32 14 22 4 32 40 28 16 39 0 22 5 0 100 7 9 34 9 7 4 77 100 0 0

0 49 60 20 33 32 50 40 23 36 49 45 37 37 52 45 36 36 53 32 0 0 36 32 32 34 29 69 21 0 100 100

42 10 8 33 22 47 42 49 27 29 21 47 20 13 20 35 25 50 23 50 33 0 42 39 19 40 43 28 3 0 0 0

25 1 3 20 44 16 1 7 14 19 7 4 9 10 0 4 0 14 2 13 67 0 16 18 15 17 21 0 0 0 0 0

25 89 89 47 33 37 57 44 55 50 72 49 69 77 80 61 75 36 75 37 0 100 42 41 66 43 36 72 97 100 100 100

% of Entry

A*

A

B

C

Overall school

29

39

24

7

Overall school, cumulative

29

68

92

99

% grades A*/A

68

% students achieving 5+A*– A

83

% students achieving 5+ A*– C (including English and Mathematics)

99

Total Average Points Score per Student

771

Best 8 results per student (equivalent of 5 As, 3 A*s)

435

B 32.2% A 32.2%

C 12.0% A* 16.9% D 2.1%

A2 results 2013 % of Entry / Subject

A*

A

B

C

D

E

% A*

% A*– B

Biology

17

34

26

17

6

0

17

77

Business Studies

20

20

30

30

0

0

20

70

Chemistry

15

27

46

8

0

4

15

88

Classical Civilisation

0

100

0

0

0

0

0

100

Classics

33

0

33

33

0

0

33

67

D&T Product Design

20

0

60

20

0

0

20

80

Drama

20

20

20

40

0

0

20

60

English Language & Literature

6

24

47

24

0

0

6

76

English Literature

7

60

13

20

0

0

7

80

Fine Art

33

33

33

0

0

0

33

100

Geography

18

45

27

9

0

0

18

91

Health & Social Care

0

29

57

0

14

0

0

86

History

19

25

41

16

0

0

19

84

Information Technology

14

29

57

0

0

0

14

100

Mathematics

23

33

33

10

0

0

23

90

Mathematics Further

20

40

40

0

0

0

20

100

Media Film and TV Studies

0

55

45

0

0

0

0

100

Music

0

100

0

0

0

0

0

100

Music Technology

0

0

75

25

0

0

0

75

Physics

23

15

31

23

8

0

23

69 100

Politics

56

22

22

0

0

0

56

Psychology

3

37

46

6

6

3

3

86

Religious Studies

33

17

50

0

0

0

33

100

Sociology

33

42

25

0

0

0

33

100 50 100

Sport/PE Studies

0

0

50

33

17

0

0

Cambridge Pre-U – Global Perspectives

25

75

0

0

0

0

25

% of Entry

A*

A

B

C

D

E

Overall school (A2)

16.9

32.2

36.2

12.0

2.1

0.6

Overall school (A2), cumulative

16.9

49.1

85.3

97.2

99.4

100.0

Overall school (A2 + IB)

18.6

36.3

32.4

10.2

1.9

0.5

Overall school (A2 + IB), cumulative

18.6

55.0

87.4

97.6

99.5

100.0

11

International baccalaureate 2013 – TWO YEAR COURSE

The Average Total Point Score per student was 36. This represents 2 A*s and 2 A’s at GCE A2 level.

Subject

7

Total Students

6 %

5 %

4 %

%

Avg. Point Score

World Avg. Point Score

3 %

ENGLISH – Higher

20

8

40

10

50

2

10

0

0

0

0

6.30

4.77

ENGLISH – Standard

10

0

0

4

40

6

60

0

0

0

0

5.40

5.02

FRENCH AB INITIO – Standard

9

4

44

3

33

2

22

0

0

0

0

6.22

4.92

FRENCH – Higher

1

0

0

0

0

1

100

0

0

0

0

5.00

5.33

GERMAN – Standard

1

1

100

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

7.00

5.29

LATIN – Standard

4

2

50

1

25

1

25

0

0

0

0

6.25

4.61

SPANISH AB INITIO – Standard

15

0

0

10

67

4

27

1

7

0

0

5.60

5.13

ECONOMICS – Higher

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

100

0

0

4.00

5.15

GEOGRAPHY – Higher

2

1

50

1

50

0

0

0

0

0

0

6.50

5.15

GEOGRAPHY – Standard

1

1

100

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

7.00

4.62

HISTORY – Higher

16

3

19

11

69

2

13

0

0

0

0

6.06

4.76

PHILOSOPHY – Higher

3

1

33

2

67

0

0

0

0

0

0

6.33

4.75

PHILOSOPHY – Standard

5

4

80

1

20

0

0

0

0

0

0

6.80

4.54

PSYCHOLOGY – Higher

10

2

20

7

70

1

10

0

0

0

0

6.10

4.57

PSYCHOLOGY – Standard

2

0

0

1

50

1

50

0

0

0

0

5.50

4.44

BIOLOGY – Higher

17

2

12

9

53

5

29

1

6

0

0

5.71

4.34

BIOLOGY – Standard

12

1

8

7

58

4

33

0

0

0

0

5.75

4.29

6 49% 7 23.5% 5 23% 3 0.5%

4 4%

Continued...

Subject

7

Total Students

6

5

%

%

4 %

%

Avg. Point Score

World Avg. Point Score

3 %

CHEMISTRY – Higher

11

3

27

4

36

3

27

0

0

1

9

5.73

4.55

CHEMISTRY – Standard

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

100

0

0

4.00

4.10

PHYSICS – Standard

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

100

0

0

4.00

4.18

MATHEMATICAL STUDIES – Standard

26

7

27

10

38

8

31

1

4

0

0

5.88

4.65

MATHEMATICS – Higher

2

0

0

1

50

0

0

1

50

0

0

5.00

4.41

MATHEMATICS – Standard

2

0

0

2

100

0

0

0

0

0

0

6.00

4.46

MUSIC – Higher

2

0

0

1

50

1

50

0

0

0

0

5.50

4.43

THEATRE – Higher

4

2

50

2

50

0

0

0

0

0

0

6.50

4.77

VISUAL ARTS – Higher

1

0

0

1

100

0

0

0

0

0

0

6.00

4.84

Avg. Point Score

World Avg. Point Score

5.77

4.70

Overall school total

Total

7

6

5

4

3

179

42

88

41

7

1

13

The Rochester Grammar School

The Rochester Grammar School, Maidstone Road, Rochester, Kent ME1 3BY Tel 01634 843049 Fax 01634 818340

www.rochestergrammar.medway.sch.uk