Further Information 2017/18
Contents 01 Academic Curriculum 03 Admissions Procedure 04 Fees & Extras 06 Location & Travel 08 Scholarship Information 21 Contacts
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Academic Curriculum At St Mary’s we provide a vibrant and varied curriculum which inspires our students to be academically ambitious as well as satisfying their intellectual curiosity. Our passionate staff offer the highest standards of teaching and support the girls throughout their educational journey to ensure they reach their full academic potential. We have high expectations of our girls to achieve their best both in and out of the classroom. Happiness, wellbeing and personal development are intrinsic to their success and we support their development towards becoming accomplished young women. We are passionate about this holistic approach to our academic and co-curricular education and we proudly strive to follow in our
founder’s footsteps as pioneers in girls’ education. Our approach to learning focuses on the individual and we work with the girls to set manageable and measurable targets. Regular reporting enables parents to monitor their child’s progress and gives our teaching staff the opportunity to quickly identify areas of strength and weakness. Our commitment to each and every pupil allows WKH JLUOV WR ÁRXULVK SHUVRQDOO\ and academically, and to be the very best they can be following whichever path they choose.
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Junior School ,Q WKH ÀUVW ÀYH \HDUV DW 6W 0DU\¡V we have specialist staff teaching all areas of the curriculum. This includes: English Language, (QJOLVK /LWHUDWXUH 0DWKHPDWLFV Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), French, Latin, History, Geography, Religious Studies, ICT, Art, Textiles, Food Technology, Design and 7HFKQRORJ\ 0XVLF 'UDPD DQG Physical Education.
GCSE We provide the girls with a balanced study programme which gives each individual a broad education until the end of their GCSE year, ensuring the widest choice of opportunities later on. A tailor-made timetable will include the core subjects, (English Language, English /LWHUDWXUH 0DWKHPDWLFV 6FLHQFH DQG D 0RGHUQ )RUHLJQ Language) as well as additional subjects from a number of different Option Blocks. We expect all girls to take a total of nine or ten GCSEs. Additional GCSE options are: Art, Classical Civilisation, 'UDPD 0XVLF +LVWRU\ Geography, Latin, Photography, Physical Education and Textiles. Girls who show an aptitude for Science may study Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately.
A Level In Sixth Form our students are able to choose from 22 A Level VXEMHFWV 0RVW VWXGHQWV RSW WR take three A levels although it is possible to take a fourth subject in some circumstances. All the girls will also be taught a bespoke Sixth Form Enrichment Programme which includes visits from motivational speakers, attending enrichment events and undertaking assignments to encourage independent thinking. All Sixth Formers have the opportunity to take our Global English Learning and Teaching (GELT) course which is accredited by Cambridge University, opening up exciting opportunities for our pupils once WKH\ OHDYH 6W 0DU\¡V A Level subject choices are: Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Drama, Economics, English Literature, French, )XUWKHU 0DWKV *HRJUDSK\ History, History of Art, Latin, 0DWKV 0XVLF 3KLORVRSK\ Ethics, Photography, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Spanish.
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Admissions Policy It is important to us that the new JLUOV ZKR MRLQ 6W 0DU\¡V DUH KDSS\ and secure within our unique academic, pastoral and spiritual community. To ensure that prospective parents and pupils have had the opportunity to experience the school to the full, we recommend that families try to DWWHQG RQH RI RXU 2SHQ 0RUQLQJV We hold at least one Open 0RUQLQJ HYHU\ WHUP 6HHLQJ WKH school at work, having a tour of the stunning campus and facilities and meeting our current girls, staff and Headmistress is a good way to establish an initial RYHUDOO LPSUHVVLRQ RI 6W 0DU\¡V We would then encourage you to come and meet privately with the Headmistress and other staff and for potential pupils to come and enjoy a taster day and sleepover. This is the perfect way to really H[SHULHQFH 6W 0DU\¡V DQG DOO WKDW we have to offer. Registration Parents are encouraged to register their daughters as early as possible. This ensures that you will receive our newsletters and any other information that may be of interest to prospective parents and pupils.
0RVW LPSRUWDQWO\ LW VHFXUHV your interest in a place at St 0DU\¡V DQG JXDUDQWHHV \RX WKH opportunity to sit our entrance exam which takes place in the January of the year of entry.
$OO SURVSHFWLYH SXSLOV PXVW IXOÀO the school’s entrance criteria. They must show they have the ability to follow the core academic curriculum and the desire to develop other skills and interests.
Registration Forms are available from the Registrar and should be completed and returned with the non-returnable registration fee of ÂŁ150.
Formal Offer and Acceptance of a Place
Entrance Assessments We have our own Entrance ([DPLQDWLRQ 'D\ DW 6W 0DU\¡V for all girls starting the school in Years 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (UII to UIV). This takes place in the January of the year of entry and LQFOXGHV (QJOLVK 0DWKHPDWLFV and a Verbal Reasoning Test. Sixth Form applicants will be assessed using their predicted GCSE grades, and may also be required to take our school entrance exam. Each pupil will be personally assessed, including by interview, and a candidate will be accepted on the basis that we are FRQÀGHQW WKDW 6W 0DU\¡V LV WKH right environment for the pupil to reach their full potential.
UK Applicants Provided the candidate reaches the required standard in her assessment, a formal offer of a SODFH DW 6W 0DU\¡V ZLOO EH PDGH 7R FRQÀUP WKLV SODFH ZH DVN WKDW a completed Acceptance Form is returned to us with a deposit of £750. This is non-returnable until WKH SXSLO¡V ÀQDO WHUP ZKHQ LW ZLOO be credited, without interest, to WKH ÀQDO LQYRLFH International Students The admissions procedure for International Students is the same as our UK applicants although there will be provision made for them to sit their entrance exams in their country of residence. On accepting the offer of a place an additional deposit of £10,000 is normally required.
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Fees & Extras Fees for the academic year 2017/2018 are as follows:
Public Examination Fees Charged in the Spring Term
Upper IV to Upper VI (Years 9 to 13) Boarders £ , per term International Boarders £10, per term Day Pupils £6, per term
Optional Extras
Lower IV (Year 8) Boarders £8,850 per term International Boarders £9,300 per term Day Pupils £6,100 per term Upper III (Year 7) Boarders £8,400 per term International Boarders £8,820 per term Day Pupils £5,800 per term Lower III (Years 5 & 6) Boarders £6,500 per term International Boarders £6,850 per term Day Pupils £5,250 per term Occasional boarding Girls may board at school on an occasional basis (maximum three nights a week), subject to availability. £40 per night – charged in arrears.
Speech and Drama (LAMDA) 10 x 35 minute lessons per term. Individual lessons - £260 Shared lessons - £160
Music 0XVLFDO LQVWUXPHQW RU VLQJLQJ tuition is charged per term. 10 x 35 minute lessons £250 (Theory of music and aural classes are free of charge)
English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) Individual lessons £25 per lesson Shared lessons £12.50 per lesson
Dance Advanced Ballet £225-£265 per term (average 10 lessons) depending on class size
Language lessons (extra-curricular) Individual lessons £35 per hour Language taster lessons (Sixth Form only) 5 week course £35 per course
Beginner/Intermediate Ballet, 7DS RU 0RGHUQ 'DQFH £100 per term (average 8 lessons) TLW Dance Academy POA Tennis Coaching £75.00 per term (minimum 8 lessons per term) Riding Lessons £30 per lesson (including transport)
Learning Support lessons For each lesson per week, per term One pupil per class £245 per term Two pupils per class £185 per term Three or more pupils per class £140 per term
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Scholarships and Bursaries 7KHUH DUH $FDGHPLF $UW 0XVLF Sports, Dance, Drama and Allrounder Scholarships available DW 6W 0DU\¡V DOO RI ZKLFK DWWUDFW 10% remission of core day or boarding fees. We have an 11+ Local Catholic Primary School Academic Scholarship which offers a remission of up to 50% of the fees, in accordance with parental means. The level of support may be increased by applying for further bursarial assistance. Bursaries 6W 0DU\¡V LV DEOH WR RIIHU assistance with school fees to enable pupils to attend the school who otherwise would not EH DEOH WR GR VR 0HDQV WHVWHG Bursarial Awards may be given in the form of remission of up to 50% of fees, or occasionally higher, depending on the ÀQDQFLDO FRPSDVVLRQDWH RU other relevant circumstances of the applicants. Our full bursary policy can be obtained from the Bursar.
Diplomats and Armed Forces The school offers an award to daughters of serving Diplomats and Armed Forces parents which attracts a 10% fee remission FROM THE DATE IT IS CLAIMED
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Location & Travel Situated on a stunning 55-acre estate on the Wiltshire/Dorset ERUGHU 6W 0DU\¡V RIIHUV WKH very best of English Country Boarding. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, its historical buildings, sweeping drive and elegant grounds nestled within rolling hills cannot fail to provide the pupils with the space and inspiration to thrive and succeed. The school is located just outside the beautiful North Dorset town of Shaftesbury. Featuring frequently as Shaston in Thomas Hardy’s novels, Shaftesbury has retained the traditional quality of a quintessential English rural town ZKLOVW EHQHÀWLQJ IURP PRGHUQ transport links. Just 15 minutes from the A303 and Tisbury and Gillingham train stations, there are excellent links with London (1 hour 40 minutes) and the nearby cities of Salisbury (30 minutes) and Bath (45 minutes).
To the South, we are just 45 minutes from the worldfamous Jurassic Coast and are exceedingly lucky to have the historical monuments of Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral and Avebury right on our doorstep.
Finding St Mary’s By Road 6W 0DU\¡V LV ORFDWHG RII WKH $ the road between Salisbury and Shaftesbury, and is just two miles outside of Shaftesbury. Using your sat navThe postcode is SP7 9LP. We run an escorted coach to Richmond, London for pupils at half term and exeat weekends subject to demand.
By Rail The nearest mainline stations are Tisbury and Gillingham; both are on the London to Exeter railway line. Taxis are available from both, but should be booked in advance. The school organises taxis for pupils travelling to and from school by train. By Air London Heathrow and Bristol Airports are both approximately 1 hour 30 minutes away. London Gatwick is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes away. Coaches and minibuses are arranged for pupils travelling to and from airports and the cost varies depending on numbers.
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Scholarship Information 6W 0DU\¡V SULGHV LWVHOI RQ offering a variety of scholarship opportunities across the whole curriculum. These prestigious awards are open to all external candidates who demonstrate exceptional talent and ability in one or more subjects. Our scholarship programme supports the ethos that runs throughout the school of students being encouraged to strive to realise their full potential.
6W 0DU\¡V LV DGPLUHG QRW RQO\ IRU its success and achievements RQ WKH VSRUWV ÀHOG DQG LQ WKH exam hall but also for its values and pastoral care. The girls take pride in this reputation and we would expect our Scholars to uphold these values and share in belief that supporting and encouraging your contemporaries is equally as important as personal success and achievement.
:H KDYH 6FKRODUV LQ 0XVLF $UW Sport, Drama and Dance as well as our Academic Scholars and we have high expectations of them all. They have a pivotal role in demonstrating and FKDPSLRQLQJ WKH 0DU\ :DUG values that are at the heart of the school and that make St 0DU\¡V DQ H[FHSWLRQDO OHDUQLQJ environment. Our Scholars are expected to challenge themselves in their area of specialism, but also in a variety of areas throughout the school, whilst inspiring those around them.
For those who are exceptional in one or more disciplines and excited by the prospect of challenging themselves and inspiring those around them, a scholarship application is GHĂ€QLWHO\ DQ DYHQXH WR SXUVXH
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Academic Scholarships Academic Scholarships awarded at 9+, 11+ and 13+ will normally continue through to the end of Sixth Form. 9+, 11+ and 13+ Academic Scholarships (for entry into Years 5, 7 and 9) The selection process is as follows: The candidate is expected to attain a high standard in the school entrance examinations and will be required to sit and additional academic scholarship examination. The candidate will have an interview with a member of the 6HQLRU 0DQDJHPHQW 7HDP 6W 0DU\¡V ZLOO UHTXHVW D testimonial and academic report from the candidate’s present school along with any other available supporting evidence.
11+ Local Catholic Primary Schools Scholarships (for entry into Year 7)
Sixth Form Academic Scholarships (for entry into Year 12)
The Local Catholic Primary School Academic Scholarship is open only to children at the IROORZLQJ VFKRROV 6W 0DU\¡V 5& 3ULPDU\ 6FKRRO 0DUQKXOO Wardour Catholic Primary, 2XU /DG\ RI 0RXQW &DUPHO 5& Primary School, Wincanton RC Primary School and St George’s RC Primary School Warminster.
Scholarships are offered for the two-year duration of Sixth Form. The scholarship is open to both internal and external candidates.
A day scholarship is awarded annually to a Catholic girl of academic merit, who would otherwise not seek admission. The scholarship will be for up to 50% of the fees, in accordance with parental means, and will normally continue through to the end of the Sixth Form subject to a satisfactory annual review.
Scholarship candidates are expected to achieve a minimum of eight GCSE passes, with Grade A in at least their three A Level choices.
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External Candidates The candidate’s mock examination results will form the basis of the selection process together with the following: Candidates will be asked to attend academic examinations and an interview with a panel which may include the Head, Deputy Head, Head of Sixth Form and Heads of Departments. There will be a series of examinations consisting of a general intelligence paper, a general essay paper and papers for two of the A Level subject choices. If one of the choices is D 0RGHUQ )RUHLJQ /DQJXDJH DQ oral component will be included. Internal Candidates The candidate’s mock examination results will form the basis of the selection process together with the following:
A letter of application from the candidate to be submitted to the Head. An interview with a panel which may include the Head, Deputy Head, Head of Sixth Form and Heads of Departments.
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Art Scholarships
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Art Scholarships (for entry into Years 5, 7, 9 and 12) Scholarships are offered at 9+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ to girls whose work shows genuine promise and who demonstrate a sincere interest in the visual arts. The selection process is as follows: All candidates are required to submit a portfolio of work. This should contain varied examples of work produced both under guidance as part of a school programme and pieces which have been done purely for interest in free, undirected time whether at school or home. All artwork is accepted (textiles, ceramics, constructions, photography etc.) but we expect examples of drawing and painting to be included. Pieces should be clearly labelled as guided (G) or undirected (U). No prescribed number of pieces is required but we urge candidates to think about quality rather than quantity and suggest a maximum of 20 items.
Candidates successful in the initial selection will then be required to attend an interview, sit a practical exam within the Art Department and pass the school’s entrance examination. Our Art Scholar would be expected to study Art for GCSE or beyond. An award made at
13+ will continue throughout Sixth Form if the Scholar studies Art for A Level. A student offered the Art Scholarship at 16+ be expected to take Art or a related subject at A Level.
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Music Scholarships Music Scholarships (for entry into Years 5, 7, 9 and 12)
0DLQ ,QVWUXPHQW *UDGH Second Instrument Grade 4/5
Scholarships are offered at 9+, 11+, 13+ and 16+. As well as the standard 10% fee reduction, our music scholars receive free tuition for two instruments which equates to 10 x 35 minute lessons per term.
Candidates are required to perform two contrasting pieces on their main instrument/voice and one piece on their second instrument/voice.
We ask that candidates play two instruments to the standard stated in the following guidelines. It would be an advantage if one of those instruments is the piano. However, potential as a musician is more important than actual grades, so not having reached the indicated levels should not prevent a scholarship application being made.
Sight reading is expected on the main study only. Documentary evidence of examinations passed in both practice and theoretical grades must accompany an application.
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Tests in general aural awareness will also be given. This may take the form of studying an unseen piece of music for 20 minutes and then performing it. Candidates will take part in other musical activities on the day of their audition.
0DLQ ,QVWUXPHQW *UDGH Second Instrument Grade 1/2
The successful candidates must have passed the school’s entrance examination.
0DLQ ,QVWUXPHQW *UDGH Second Instrument Grade 2/3
2XU 0XVLF 6FKRODUV ZRXOG EH H[SHFWHG WR VWXG\ 0XVLF DW GCSE and A Level.
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Sport Scholarships Sports Scholarships (for entry into Years 5, 7, 9 and 12) Scholarships are offered at 9+, 11+, 13+ and 16+. The following are guidelines to the standard required of candidates: The candidate should demonstrate an exceptionally high standard of performance in at least two major sports, county representations is an advantage. 0DMRU VSRUWV +RFNH\ 1HWEDOO Tennis, Athletics and Swimming. Ability in other sports may also be taken into consideration. Candidates who apply for a Sports Scholarship will be assessed in the following:
show their last season’s best times and performances. Time trials, jumps and throws may be undertaken on the scholarship day. Swimming: Candidates will participate in an assessed swimming session. Tennis: Current standard will be assessed through the candidates playing a singles game. We will be looking particularly for game awareness and potential. Candidates will be asked to perform a skills circuit in order WR DVVHVV WKHLU ÀWQHVV VSHHG agility and coordination. All candidates will undergo a short interview with members of the PE Department.
Netball and Hockey: Candidates will be expected to play an accomplished game for their age in their chosen position as well as understanding of at least one other position.
Candidates are expected to be conversant with rules, tactics and training schedules for their sports relevant to their age and standard and to be familiar with current topics of debate in the world of sport.
Athletics and Cross Country: Candidates will be expected to
Candidates will submit a written record of all their sporting
achievements and any positions of sporting responsibility they have held during their time at school. Successful candidates must have passed the school’s entrance exam. (Candidates should bring their own kit and equipment). Our successful Sports Scholars are expected to show full commitment to the sports GHSDUWPHQW DQG DQ\ À[WXUHV RU events.
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Drama & Dance Scholarships Drama Scholarships (for entry into Years 5, 7, 9 and 12) Drama Scholarships will be offered at 9+, 11+, 13+ and 16+ to girls who can show H[FHSWLRQDO FUHDWLYH à DLU D strong use of movement and voice, good imagination and an active interest in theatre. We would expect candidates to have some performance experience outside of their school environment although this isn’t essential. Assessment will take place through an audition where the candidate will be expected to perform two contrasting monologues. It is important for candidates to show a range of ability, be that of accent, age, mood and attitude, through voice and physical performance skills. Candidates will be interviewed by the Head of Drama may be asked to partake in an improvisation workshop. The successful candidates must have passed the school’s entrance examination.
Dance Scholarships 6W 0DU\¡V ZRUNV LQ FROODERUDWLRQ with Shaftesbury’s renowned TLW Dance to provide our Elite Dance Academy. Through our Dance scholarships we attract some of the brightest and most talented dancers in from the UK and abroad to live DQG VWXG\ DW 6W 0DU\¡V ZKLOH training to the highest standards at TLW. For more information about entry requirements please contact our Registrar on registrar@stmarys.eu
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All Round Scholarships Mary Ward Scholarships 2XU 0DU\ :DUG 6FKRODUVKLSV are available at 9+, 11+ and 13+ and are awarded to girls who will contribute to the school as a whole through their abilities in more than one area. We require girls to be able to demonstrate a high standard LQ $UW 'DQFH 'UDPD 0XVLF RU Sport as well as having good academic ability. Girls are also H[SHFWHG WR OLYH E\ WKH 0DU\ Ward ethos which is at the very heart of the school. &DQGLGDWHV IRU WKH 0DU\ :DUG Scholarships will be assessed through interview, and during the relevant scholarship days. Successful candidates must have passed the school’s entrance exam.
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Conditions The majority of our scholarships attract 10% remission of core day or boarding fees apart from our 11+ Local Catholic Primary School Academic Scholarship which offers a remission of up to 50% of the fees, in accordance with parental means. A pupil who is awarded a scholarship is required to work hard, to contribute positively to the life of the school, to set a good example to others and to engage in their scholarship subject beyond the classroom. All scholarships will be reviewed annually. If a pupil has fallen below the required standards in terms of progress, there will be consultation with the parents and pupil. Ultimately, if standards continue not to be met there is the possibility that the scholarship will be withdrawn. For more information on any of our scholarships please contact our Registrar on registrar@stmarys.eu
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Contact Admissions 0UV &DWKHULQH .HOOHKHU 01747 857111 registrar@stmarys.eu
Head’s PA 0UV -R 6DPSVRQ 01747 857105 headspa@stmarys.eu
Bursar 01747 851188 bursar@stmarys.eu
General Enquiries 01747 852416 enquiries@stmarys.eu
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+44 (0)1747 852416 www.stmarys.eu