The Gryphon School Prospectus

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2015 / 16

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‘Super much sought-after school at the very centre of its community taking on the Sherborne independents. Truly a model of comprehensive education at its best – a place for all comers, which children and parents set their heart on, so it bulges at the seams.’

Welcome

The Good Schools Guide2013

We are very proud of our school, which attracts students from around North and West Dorset as well as South Somerset. The School became an academy on 1 August 2012. We are a Church of England School, but as the secondary school for all children, our religious character is highly inclusive, embracing those of all faiths and of no faith. Students thrive and succeed in a positive, caring and respectful atmosphere.

Our special culture and ethos focus on high achievement both personally and academically. This comes from the tremendous work of all our staff and of our students. We strive to be outstanding in all respects – this includes continually improving the opportunities for the students, the ways of learning and the facilities.

The Gryphon gains high results for its students at both GCSE and A Level. Our large Sixth Form of 450 students is exceptional. We have an excellent record of success in university entrance, including places at Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group universities, as well as for training places and apprenticeships.

I want learning to be enjoyable but there is no substitute for commitment, attention to detail and hard work. We assist the development of students’ personal attributes such as communication, team working and a strong work ethic through the deep care and support we provide. I am a strong believer in everyday manners – saying please and thank you, thinking of others and being positive and ambitious. The aim is for a sense of family and belonging, in a large school with so many opportunities.

Our goal is to see every student succeed within that family and we work constantly to ensure students thrive in sports, the arts, drama, music, vocational and academic subjects.

We are the local community school, are outward looking and have excellent community links. We have strong relationships with other good and outstanding schools across the South West and throughout the country.

Students here fulfil their potential and more, are prepared for life after school and receive the standard of support and care expected of a highperforming school. Our students leave us with the potential to work anywhere in the world and we follow their successes with pride.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Steve Hillier, Headteacher

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At The Gryphon School, we teach a wide range of subjects from the moment a student joins in Year 7. Our pupils have a comprehensive choice of subjects for GCSE and for A Level and we also offer a number of BTEC courses. Gifted and talented students benefit from a diverse range of extension teaching and activities. Students requiring learning support are assisted, both in the classroom and in the dedicated Student and Family Guidance Centre, by one of the best teams in the country.

Su

‘The curriculum, advice and guidance leads to high levels of achievement and excellent behaviour.’

Ofsted 2014

Our school policies, including those related to special educational needs, the admission of pupils and disability access can be found on the school website.

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Art and Design / Biology / Business Studies Catering / Classics (Ancient History) / Chemistry / Computing (Computer Science, ICT and Digital Literacy)

ubjects Cope (Certificate of Personal Effectiveness)

Dance / Drama / Economics

English Language English Literature / French / Geography / German

Health and Social Care / History ICT / Latin / Law / Food Technology / Media Studies / Music / Photography / Physical Education

Physics / Product Design

Mathematics Psychology / Religious Education / Resistant Materials Spanish / Sport / Study Plus Programme (English and Maths)

Textiles / Vocational Studies / Science – Additional, Core

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Our pastoral care is second to none. Each year group has a team of people who are always available to solve problems and to give encouragement and help. The team is led by a Head of Year and Learning Support Manager. Every pupil in the school has a designated Tutor who sees them at least

‘Students are exceptionally well behaved and feel very safe’ Ofsted 2014

twice a day, knows them well and gives constant support. Tutors will, wherever possible, stay with their Tutor Group from Year 7 through to Year 11. This system helps students develop good relationships with teachers and with fellow pupils.

As a school we ensure that every child feels safe whilst they are with us.

Students who feel happy and safe learn effectively and get the best they can out of school life. The School Council runs an ‘I Am Me’ campaign to help promote a safe school environment. All students receive Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) which helps equip them with a sound understanding of risk underpinned by the knowledge and skills necessary to make safe and informed decisions. Our ‘Student Voice’ groups ensure senior staff regularly give students the opportunity to have their say.

Rewards play a major part in school life because we want to acknowledge good behaviour. Rewards for achievements, attitude and contributions to the school and the wider community include stickers, commendations, Good News Postcards and letters home and our annual Celebration of Achievement Ceremonies.

We have excellent links to local primary schools and all new pupils have extra support settling into their new school.

Our Student and Family Guidance Centre (SFGC) is available to all students and their families. The school has its own Chaplain who offers a listening ear, pastoral care and prayer for the whole of the Gryphon community. We also have an Attendance Officer who provides support to families and students to make sure all students have excellent attendance.

Care and Support

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Facilities THE GRYPHON SCHOOL HAS SuPERB FACILITIES ACROSS OuR CAMPuS AND WE CONSTANTLY MONITOR THEM SO THEY ARE uPDATED AND IMPROVED WHEN NECESSARY.

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• All classrooms fitted with interactive whiteboards and multi-media facilities • Art studios • Bistro – a training restaurant and kitchen • café@Gryphon, our spacious dining room, and The Pod, an additional food outlet in one of our quads • Careers Centre • Conference Centre and meeting room • Design and Technology Workshops • Drama Studios • ICT rooms with over 650 computers for student use • Library/Learning Resources Centre • iMac Photography Suite • iPads (the School has over a hundred iPads available for use in lessons) • Music Rooms and Recording Studio – Mac computers with Logic9, Sibelius and Garageband software • Pottery Kiln • Science Laboratories • Sports Facilities include: athletics track (summer only), artificial turf pitch for hockey and football, dance studio, dedicated Sports Studies’ computer room, extensive sports pitches, a state of the art fitness suite, a large sports hall, tennis and netball courts • Remote access to ICT facilities from home • Sixth Form Common Room and designated study area • Student and Family Guidance Centre with specialist support zones • Therapy Room • Virtual Learning Environment (accessible from home) • WiFi throughout the school

‘There is a clear sense that the whole school community is working together towards the same aims’.

Ofsted 2014

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Academic studies at The Gryphon School are enhanced by the many and varied opportunities, beyond the curriculum, available to our students.

We believe these are a vital part of a student’s education and help develop the self-confidence needed to succeed in the future. There are study visits in all year groups, from the very successful team-building trip to Carey Camp for all Year 7s in their first term, to visits to the Houses of Parliament for all Year 9s. School trips also include theatre visits, the annual Music Department International Summer Tour, a skiing trip, the History trips to Italy and China, the RE trip to India, Sixth Form trips to Japan and Rwanda and language trips to Germany, France and Spain.

Our students can take part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and all students spend time raising money for charities. This is a Rights Respecting School and through studying the Rights Respecting Charter, our students learn about children less fortunate than themselves, many of whom still have to fight for their basic rights and for their education.

Ambitious drama productions are put on regularly, many of which are jointly produced with the Music Department, such as our very successful production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. We also compete successfully in Rock Challenge uK - a series of performing arts events which promotes healthy life choices.

Our Music Department is very active in the community, giving concerts throughout the area and as far away as the Albert Hall. Students all have the opportunity to join choirs, the Big Band and various music ensembles. music lessons are also available.

We run Maths Challenges throughout the school to extend our students and have lunchtime and after school clubs covering many interests from Chess to Wildlife. We have an excellent sporting record and sports clubs include athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rounders, rugby and tennis.

These extra-curricular activities are added to all the time, often as the result of student initiatives. A full list can be found on our website.

Beyond the Curriculum

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Study Visits and Trips / Carey Camp / India

Japan / Rome / Rwanda / Germany France / Spain / Skiing / Dorset Coast Sherborne Castle / Wells Cathedral / International Music Tour Duke of Edinburgh Scheme / Maths Challenges / Theatre Visits

String Ensemble / Guitar Ensemble

‘Students have numerous opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities.’

Woodwind Ensemble / Music Lessons / Lunchtime and After

Ofsted 2014

FUNDRAISING FOR CHARITY / RIGHTS RESPECTING SCHOOL

Drama Productions / South Pacific / Rock Challenge Concerts / Choir / Big Band / Recorder Ensemble

School Clubs / Athletics Football / Basketball / Cricket / Hockey / Netball

Rounders / Rugby / Tennis ICT Club / Wargaming Club Knitting / Film Club / Boys’ Barbershop

HOMEWORK CLUB

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‘Students are strongly involved in looking at issues beyond their own locality and encouraged to consider the lives of others.’

Community

Ofsted 2014

The Gryphon School is proud of its links with parents and the wider community. These links, which include close ones with other local and national schools, bring extra learning opportunities to our students.

We welcome visits from parents and carers. As well as formal Parents’ Evenings to discuss students’ work we run more informal forums like those on ‘Study Skills’ to help you help your child. If you have any concerns you are always encouraged to contact us.

We have a thriving Parent Teacher Association (PTA), which regularly runs social events and information evenings at the school.

We have a full time Community Development Manager based within the school to promote and establish new community links. The Gryphon School encourages local communities to use the facilities on The Gryphon School site and we are committed to an ongoing process of strengthening and developing our links with the wider community.

Our ‘Jobshop’ and ‘Career Café’ exist for students to find out more about the world of work.

Former Gryphon students often return to school to talk about their careers and are an inspiration to our current students. Local business people join us at our annual Business and Enterprise Day and many are available to help advise our students.

Some of our students act as Youth Advisors to the Town Council and many are closely involved in local community projects such as ‘Sherborne in Bloom’.

As a Church of England school we are lucky to have our own Chaplain, the Reverend Diane Tregale. Diane, who conducts our regular Acts of Worship, is always available to support students, staff and parents who would like her advice and help.

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re is conc a stron g et ern hos for t of he w e l l - b s t r iv in g e in g for e of e xcel very lenc e, co i n d iv Ofst ed 2 uple i 014 dua d wi l in t the scho h a ol.’

‘The

FAQS

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QS

TRANSPORT Several school bus services operate from the surrounding area. Please contact the Bursary for details. For those students brought to school, there is a dedicated drop off/pick up area and, for those who walk, a designated crossing patrol. Students have the use of bike racks and may also obtain a parking permit for cars and motorcycles.

uNIFORM School uniform can be obtained from Sporting Classics in Sherborne (01935 812232) and consists of a navy sweatshirt and white polo shirt, both with the school emblem, and black trousers (and/or skirt for girls), socks and shoes. Sports kit must include the School navy blue with red stripe reversible rugby/hockey shirt and navy shorts or tracksuit trousers.

SAFETY • Strict discipline and attendance requirements apply to all students • Emergency contact and medical information is regularly checked •

Mobile phones should not be used in school

• The School has full CCTV coverage for added security Parents are encouraged to seek advice on any issue about which they are concerned or unclear.

DINING Reasonably priced healthy snacks and lunches are prepared and cooked on the premises by an in-house catering team.

These are available during the morning and at lunchtime.

THE LRC The large Learning Resources Centre has a huge selection of books, online journals and e-books, a stationery shop, photocopying facilities, computers, and areas for quiet study. The library catalogue is available on all mobile devices and computers.

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The Gryphon School prides itself on its academic excellence and w

Overall attainment is very high and our results are amongst the best in the county, both at GCSE and at A Level. Our students also achieve excellent results in vocational subjects. The proportion of students achieving A* or A grades at GCSE is well above national averages.

Around 70% of Gryphon students will stay on into our Sixth Form to take A levels and our A level results are also outstanding.

Accordingly our students aspire to top universities, with over 95% usually securing a place at the university of their choice including offers from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge and from other highly competitive Russell Group universities.

Our students also secure places on further training courses and go on to much sought after apprenticeships. Every grade matters to us and we celebrate the amazing achievements of all our students. For details for current results please see our website.

www.gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

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nd we constantly strive to ensure our students fulfil their potential

‘The proportion of Students achieving A* or A Grades at GCSE is well above the national average.’ Ofsted 2014

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and 11 study and formal examination and assessment are considered. During Year 9, subject taster lessons can be tried by students, whilst parents/carers have a dedicated options information evening. At this stage, many students will also be considering what they may wish to do after Year 11. Our Careers Manager is in school to assist in this thought and planning process. We also arrange valuable work experience opportunities.

FROM YEARS 7 – 11, STuDENTS are guided to make the most of their abilities and interests; to achieve their personal best in all that the school offers. As part of this process, a rewards system both recognises achievements and encourages students to aim higher. The most outstanding work is recognised by the Headteacher in one-to-one celebration of success meetings.

From Year 7, Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) helps students start to think about their future plans.

The process becomes more formalised in Year 9 Citizenship lessons. Here, options for Year 10

The majority of our students choose to stay on at The Gryphon Sixth Form to continue their studies beyond Year 11, mostly for two years, but some for just one. Many students from other local schools also successfully apply to join our Sixth Form each year and, of course, some Year 11 students head off to other establishments or employment as they wish. An application form is available from the school for those who wish to join. Extensive preparation for the transition from Year 11 to Year 12 includes an induction day towards the end of the summer term and a dedicated parent evening.

Our large and vibrant Sixth Form is very popular and successful.

Places are offered depending on GCSE results and an individual interview, itself based on the completed application form. The Sixth Form continues to thrive and offer a broad range of subjects from Classics to Economics, from Law to

Psychology, alongside the academic and vocational subjects offered in the lower school.

From Sixth Form, most students apply to universities to continue their studies, but whatever an individual student chooses, their Tutor and Head of Year will continue to support them to achieve this goal. The full Sixth Form experience is detailed on our website.

Achievements throughout the school are celebrated annually with a prize-giving ceremony held in Sherborne Abbey or at the school.

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‘The Sixth Form is outstanding.’

Ofsted 2014

‘Inspiring and innovative’

‘CELEBRATING SuCCESS’

‘We change lives’

Invitation

1,650 students 450 Sixth Form students

If you would like to visit the School, please come along to one of our open days or contact us to arrange an individual visit.

260 staff

All admissions are handled by Dorset County Council.

For full information on the applications process and to apply for a place at The Gryphon School, visit www.dorsetforyou.com or call 01305 228509.

The Gryphon School Bristol Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 4EQ T: 01935 813122 E: office@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

For further information, please see our website

www.gryphon.dorset.sch.uk The Gryphon School is a company limited by guarantee Registered in England with Company Number 08130468 All information correct at the time of publishing - Please see the website for full and current information

70+ Teaching Bases

‘High Achieving’

‘Happy, fulfilled and self-confident students’

Designed and Printed by Shelleys The Printers 01935 815364

STuDYING IN SHERBORNE: SERVING DORSET AND SOMERSET

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‘LEADING EDGE

TECHNOLOGY’

‘Inclusive, supportive and caring’ ‘Many and varied opportunities’