Hutchesons' Grammar School Prospectus

Hutchesons’ Grammar School Established 1641

www.hutchesons.org

Hutchesons’ is a vibrant academic school which aspires to fulfil its ethos, promote honesty and build pupils’ resilience. Independence of spirit, curiosity and keenness to explore new ideas are valued.

Creativity and a sense of compassion towards others are at the core of everything we do.

I felt that it was important to learn from others why they think Hutchie is special: I asked parents, every pupil and each member of staff to tell me what they loved about Hutchie. Their quotes have been used throughout this prospectus to paint a picture for you from their perspective. Our pupils are our best ambassadors; we are proud of them and of everything that they achieve.

The following themes about what makes Hutchie special have come through loud and clear from the comments.

The detail to accompany these themes can always be found on the school website www.hutchesons.org.

Colin Gambles, Rector

A WARM WELCO

OME

High Standards & Expectations

Pupils are taught to be true to themselves and to excel in whatever they do.

A Safe, Nurturing Environment

Hutchie is a happy place to learn and to work. It is full of respect; pupils develop a sense of belonging because of the strong Hutchie community.

Individual Support

Challenge & Opportunity

Enriching Choices Incredible Academic Success

Every child quickly finds their niche and is supported to get the best experience; they flourish and develop compassion. Our pastoral care has inspired some of the warmest feedback from pupils and parents.

Pupils and staff love learning; creativity and curiosity are fostered. Pupils are challenged to get out of their comfort zone both academically and outwith the classroom.

Pupils build self-confidence, resilience and independence as they mature and develop into young adults.

Pupils fulfil their potential and achieve their personal goals.

www.hutchesons.org

“Our pupils are full of enthusiasm with a true feeling of Hutchie identity.”

Former Staff Member

HIGH STANDARDS & EXPECTATIONS

For pupils at Hutchesons’, donning the Hutchie blazer every morning is both a symbolic reminder and tangible display of the expectations and standards embodied in the ethos of the School.

For approaching 400 years the School has been at the forefront of academic excellence, encouraging a genuine love of learning and strong work ethic, ensuring pupils are prepared for their journey through life.

In 2019, 67% of all Highers in Fifth Year were awarded Grade A * Further details available at www.hutchesons.org/Higher-results www.hutchesons.org

Conscious of the legacy of their predecessors, pupils also recognise that being a Hutchesonian brings the responsibility of perpetuating a strong tradition of honesty, compassion, respect and service to society.

The school motto, ‘Veritas’, underpins everything we do - truth to oneself and to others.

Belong at Hutchesons’

“At the Primary stages there has been an emphasis on literacy and language. As a result, we noted that children’s writing is of a very high standard.”

Excerpt from The HM Quality Improvement & Professional Engagement letter 2015

From the moment children and young people join Hutchesons’, they feel supported and safe.

We provide a nurturing and caring environment, promoting a positive ethos, based on trust and mutual respect.

Parents, staff and pupils contribute to the wellbeing of each individual within our school community.

“Hutchie’s real strength is in getting to know the individual pupil, in finding that child’s own strengths and talents... My only regret is that I didn’t bring her here at an earlier stage.”

Parent

A SAFE, NURTURING ENVIRONMENT

“The thing I like is the friendship that runs through the School.

The pupils make you feel welcome.”

Pupil

www.hutchesons.org

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT “It’s wonderful to have such caring individuals in my children’s lives.”

S5 Parent

“You have helped me to become a stronger girl and I can’t thank you enough.”

S4 Pupil

“The School builds confidence and self-belief.”

Parent

Learning is our business - learning how to learn and learning how to live together.

We encourage the personal development of our pupils and guide them towards the most effective learning. Our aim is to provide a secure setting for all our pupils to make the most of themselves. Pastoral care at Hutchesons’ gives our pupils the support they need to be all they can be. Our young people will leave school ready for life, with resilience and independence.

Unconditional Positive Regard is at the heart of pastoral care at Hutchesons’ - shared by all members of the school community.

Flourish at Hutchesons’

www.hutchesons.org

“I really appreciate the fact that I can be myself at Hutchie without worrying what others think.”

S6 Pupil

“We will never be able to thank staff enough.

We will always value the impact they’ve had on our child.”

“Our pupils challenge ideas, force you to question your own and surprise you in so many ways.”

Parent

Staff Member

We give pupils the opportunity to flourish in a wide range of cocurricular activities. They are encouraged to get involved, push themselves, take on new challenges and be agents of change.

We are proud of our relationship with local charities and our engagement with overseas communities, too. Staff and pupils from across the world visit us on exchange programmes and study visits while we encourage senior pupils to take responsibility for planning their own trips.

Our special relationship with our partner school in India has been the catalyst for a school-wide commitment to understanding global issues.

CHALLENGE & OPPORTUNITY

www.hutchesons.org

ENRICHING CHOICES

“I love that we learn something new every day because it makes me brainy.”

Primary Pupil

There are many choices, linked to academic and career development, for each pupil to make throughout their time at Hutchesons’ and beyond.

Wise decisions are based on knowledge and experience and our pupils are consistently encouraged to develop a strong sense of self-awareness allied with an understanding of the importance of first class information and advice.

Pupils benefit from a strongly integrated approach involving Academic, Pastoral and Careers staff at all levels.

The direction each pupil takes, in regard to subject choice and Higher Education, is firmly centred on the recognition of individual strengths and the intrinsic curiosity held for their field of study.

Achieve at Hutchesons’

“I’m looking forward to the athletics season because the facilities are fantastic!”

Pupil

“Here it is admired and somewhat ‘cool’ to enjoy learning, get results and do extra-curricular activities.”

Pupil

“The School demonstrates strong performance in ensuring positive destinations for young people.”

Excerpt from The HM Quality Improvement & Professional Engagement letter 2015

www.hutchesons.org

“Over 90% of dentistry, medicine & veterinary medicine applicants have achieved places.” * When parents entrust their child to us there is no knowing what particular talents and potential will be unlocked as he or she journeys with us through their school years.

“Staff have met the School’s target to help most young people in S5 achieve Highers at A-Grade across subjects.”

Excerpt from The HM Quality Improvement & Professional Engagement letter 2015

“So many pupils have a genuine thirst for knowledge.”

Staff

It is our aim to provide the highest quality expert support to meet the ambitions of every child in the widest possible range of academic subjects.

By the time they encounter the challenge of external exams they can be confident that they have built upon the School’s values academically and are ready to achieve. Pupils can take between four and seven Highers in S5.

In S6, pupils can take Advanced Highers in most SQA subjects. Studying at Advanced Higher level offers depth of learning and prepares the pupils for the academic rigour of further and higher education. They can also feed their curiosity through our Independent Research Project which allows them to explore an area of academic interest to them.

Our consistently high attainment in SQA exams is one benefit of the Hutchesons’ ethos, which also celebrates the many tiny moments of inspiration throughout a school career. * Pupil destinations available at www.hutchesons.org/Career-Development

INCREDIBLE ACADEMIC SUCCESS

“I like the high expectations and opportunity to excel. Before Hutchie I didn’t expect to have a chance to take 6 Highers.”

Pupil

“Pupils go on to degrees in Fine Art, Architecture, Fashion and Textiles, Printmaking and Jewellery.”

www.hutchesons.org

Hutchesons’ Choose the best for your child.

Grammar School Established 1641

How can I find out more?

For more information about our Open Mornings, the application process, school fees and available bursaries please contact our Admissions Registrar Mrs Aileen Burns:

0141 433 4402

admissions@hutchesons.org www.hutchesons.org/admissions Please note that in the spirit of our founders’, George and Thomas Hutcheson, there is up to 100% fee assistance available dependent on S1 entrance examination performance and family circumstances.

© 2019 Hutchesons’ Grammar School. All Rights Reserved.

Hutchesons’ Grammar School is governed by Hutchesons’ Educational Trust, Registered Charity Number SC002922.

Quoted material, unless otherwise indicated, is taken from staff, parent and pupil feedback.

www.hutchesons.org