“Through its values, aims and objectives, which staff, pupils and parents understand and share effectively, the school gives clear direction and sets out firm principles that guide all areas of school life.� Estyn, 2008 2 Sixth Form Prospectus
Welcome to Howell’s At Howell’s our primary aim is to encourage each of our girls to become self-aware, enquiring, positive young women with the skills to equip them for life. With an independent mind and values of courtesy, sensitivity and responsibility your daughter can join society with the foundations for a glorious future. The school holds an exceptional record of academic excellence; since its founation in 1859 the upmost has been done to ensure the girls excel in their academic potential and develop a passion for learning but that is just the beginning of what we can offer. Your daughter will develop enthusiasm, independent work habits and a true sense of achievement which will spur her love of learning, all of which are the benefits of our educational ethos that is present throughout all age groups at Howell’s. There is clear evidence that girls perform best in all-girls schools where they can focus on their education and Howell’s is the only all-girls boarding school in Wales. The school also offers outstanding extra curricular and enrichment activities which allow your daughter’s talents to develop and flourish. I would like to invite you to visit our community and experience our unique environment where learning, arts, competitionand exploration prosper. Emma Jones Academic Principal Sixth Form Prospectus 3
Sixth Form Life Life in the Sixth Form teaches students how to achieve a balance between personal growth, academic success, enrichment and social activities. Small, tutorial style classes, led by teachers as facilitators, enable students to develop their independent learning skills. A private Sixth Form study facility and coffee shop allows them space to practice what they learn. Sixth Formers are expected to play an active role in school life. Our inclusive community provides the ideal environment in which participation in and responsibility for a range of activities enables girls to develop leadership, inter-personal and organisational skills– invaluable in their future careers. Expert careers advice aids students in their university and career decisions. Sixth Form Students leave Howell’s School with the necessary skills, academic achievement and quiet confidence to realise their true potential in life.
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“The school provides pupils with very good care, guidance and support that enables them to achieve high standards of personal, social and moral development.� Estyn, 2008 Sixth Form Prospectus 5
“The daily enrichment activities allow pupils to develop their skills and knowledge across a range of sporting, linguistic, scientific, artistic and cultural activities.� Estyn, 2008 6 Sixth Form Prospectus
A Rich Curriculum The A-level curriculum at Howell’s is designed to meet the needs of each student and facilitate them for the skills they require in their desired career. Students are able to choose from a variety of subjects to suit them. Nationally the norm is for most Sixth Formers to study four subjects in their first Sixth Form year (Year 12) and drop to three in their second year (Year 13), ending up therefore with one AS-level and three A-levels. At Howell’s this is the minimum that we will allow pupils to do. Most pupils will want to do four subjects for both years and end up with four full A-levels, although some do five. Below are the subjects offered at A-level, before a student’s admission into the Sixth Form we would need to know their preference for subjects. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Mathematics Music Spanish PE Chemistry Drama History Biology ICT French Physics English Media Geography Art Business Studies Sixth Form Prospectus 7
Boarding at Howell’s Girls who decide to board at Howell’s are given access to a whole wealth of social and cultural opportunities which contribute to their well rounded development. Enabling your daughter to become independent, responsible and socially adept through regular boarding activities and trip away at weekends. The trips can be very diverse, from shopping and a trip to the cinema one week to a tree tops adventure course or ice skating the next. There are also optional church visits on Sundays. A great sense of camaraderie is present between all ages of boarders and strong bonds in both of the houses, with the girls making great friends and memories they will never forget. Our housemistresses are friendly, well qualified, non-teaching staff and have a great relationship with the boarders; every girl is monitored closely to ensure she is comfortable and happy with appropriate support in all aspects of a boarder’s life. All boarders benefit from extra curricular and homework support from senior teaching staff in the evenings following enrichment time. The younger girls live in St George’s House where excellent dormitory and leisure facilities provide the perfect balance between academic study and social activities. Stanley’s House is for the older girls from 5th year to upper Sixth Form and offers an environment which reflects the girls growing maturity, self reliance and inference. Sixth Formers have the privacy of a study bedroom and a life style which totally prepares them for every aspect of university. The facilities available to borders are second to none, with their own fully equipped gym, kitchens and communal social area. The houses also have their own nursing staff that are highly qualified and experienced in caring for girls in house, our student’s health and safety is our upmost priority. 8 Sixth Form Prospectus
“The good provision for boarding pupils makes a strong contribution to the overall educational aims of the school.� Estyn, 2008 Sixth Form Prospectus 9
“The school places emphasis on maximising each pupil’s potential in a caring and supportive environment with aspirations for each pupil to develop a thirst for knowledge and the skills to enable lifelong learning.” Estyn, 2008 10 Sixth Form Prospectus
After Howell’s Inevitably your daughter’s time at Howell’s will draw to an end, this can be a very exciting yet daunting time for our girls. This is why we provide support and guidance to all of our girls to help them to make the transition into the career, university or path that is right for them. The majority of our girls go on to be accepted into some of the most prestious universities in the United Kingdom and around the world including Durham, York and Manchester. Others choose to have a gap year where they can travel the world or gain some high quality work experience. Whatever path our girls choose to follow they can leave Howell’s taking with them a desirable set of values, skills and an outstanding education with friends to last a lifetime. We also hold a close link with the old Howellian Alumni Society which plays an important role in keeping the former students in touch and up to date with news from the school.
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Howell’s School Park Street, Denbigh, Denbighshire, LL16 3EN Phone: +44 (0) 1745 813631 Email: enquiries@howells.org www.howells.org
Photographs by Byrom Barr: www.byromphotographics.co.uk