BELONG
I
FLOURISH
I
ACHIEVE
HUTCHESONS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL
PROSPECTUS 2023
RECTOR’S WELCOME We are an institution which has been at the forefront of academic excellence for nearly 400 years. Long recognised for our impressive examination results, we focus on ensuring our pupils feel they Belong, can Flourish, and so will Achieve to the best of their abilities, wherever their talents lie. At Hutchesons’ we excel at understanding children. We appreciate each pupil for their curiosity, creativity, and compassion and work every day to deliver a well-rounded education. This includes encouraging a genuine love of learning and strong work ethic, ensuring pupils are prepared for their journey through life. The real lifeblood of the school, though, is its people and what makes this school great is the energy, focus, drive, dedication, commitment and humanity of every pupil and every member of staff. Watching young people grow, thrive, develop, and go on from here ready to take on any challenge is fantastic and makes teaching the best job in the world. I endeavour to lead the school in a manner that befits this great educational institution and continues to build upon its outstanding legacy. On behalf of myself, every staff member and all our pupils, we will look forward to welcoming you to Hutchesons’ Grammar School. Mike Martin Rector
IT IS TIME TO BELONG, FLOURISH & ACHIEVE Our 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. The six Hutchie values underpin our curriculum and are a touchstone, to which all future decisions can be referenced.
Resilience I Curiosity Compassion I Honesty Creativity I Independence These six simple words underpin the academic and co-curricular activities of the modern school and can also be seen to reflect the aims and ambitions of Hutchesonians throughout the decades. The values on which our curriculum is based are designed to produce flourishing, confident and engaged young adults ready to contribute to something amazing to society. We believe Hutchesons’ Grammar School offers the best education for children in Scotland. Not only has Hutchesons’ Grammar School been long recognised for its strong examination results, but our extensive extra-curricular offering at both the Primary and Secondary School allows pupils to explore a wide range of activities. With many clubs and societies running across both schools, we are confident pupils will find one they enjoy.
PART OF THE HUTCHESONS’ FAMILY We are a school which nurtures a strong community, and we are well known for being a Hutchie Family. For pupils at Hutchesons’, donning the Hutchie blue blazer every morning is both a symbolic reminder and tangible display of the expectations and standards embodied in the ethos of the school. Best described as a sense of identity that is recognised, understood, shared, and embodied by all in the Hutchie family. 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 actively nurtures and encourages compassion, honesty, tolerance, and responsibility. Our pupils develop as well-rounded individuals, with strong academic and rich co-curricular achievements.
The school motto,
‘Veritas’
underpins everything we do - truth to oneself and to others.
At Hutchesons’ we excel at understanding children. By working with each pupil closely, we help to deliver a well-rounded education so they can achieve their potential. This allows for individual attention and an excellent learning environment. We are academically selective and at Hutchesons’
‘IT’S COOL TO BE CLEVER’ We keep our curriculum under review to ensure that our values-driven approach will produce bright, articulate, personable and informed youngsters. Pupils are taught to be true to themselves and to excel in whatever they do.
“Enabling youngsters to find their inner voice, to encourage excellence without arrogance, to promote a strong sense of social obligation, to foster resilience and show a proper respect for the best of the past is a valid background to better future, all in a highly cosmopolitan environment. That’s the way I define the essence of the Hutchie ethos during my lifetime as a pupil and teacher.” Sandy Strang, Former Pupil & Depute Rector
A SAFE, NURTURING ENVIRONMENT 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 everyone within our school community. We continue to champion our Founders’ vision and encourage our pupils to aspire to be honest in their dealings with people, be resilient in the face of difficulties, be independent of spirit, be curious to explore new ideas, be creative in how they make things happen, and to always be compassionate to others. We know that to flourish requires attention to the whole person. Our House-based pastoral team ensures our children are happy and feel secure in their learning environment. We work closely with our Former Pupils, linking them to each other and to current pupils and parents. This “Hutchie Family” is of continual value both for the education of our pupils but also for lifelong learning.
23
national sporting champions since 2020
SPORTING EXCELLENCE An important part of the Hutchie curriculum is sport and we have some of the best school sports facilities in Scotland. A varied well-coached programme of sport is an integral element of a Hutchesons’ education. All pupils up to S5 enjoy physical education as part of the curriculum under the leadership of outstanding sportsmen and women, some of whom are internationalists and Olympians themselves. Our sports teams compete with the nation’s best and many Hutchesonians enjoy sport to a very high level and are proudly selected to represent both District and National teams. Hutchie team spirit is alive and well, and pupils can enjoy a wide range of competitive activities including:
Cricket, Football, Netball, Athletics, Rowing, Tennis, Golf, Cross-Country, Karate, Curling, Volleyball, Badminton, Aerobics & Rock Climbing.
The excellent indoor facilities at our Beaton Road campus houses two multi-purpose gym halls, a cardio gym, and a strength + conditioning suite. There is also an Olympic standard running track, hockey pitch and multi-use games area. Pupils also make use of additional hockey pitches at the neighbouring Clydesdale Cricket and Hockey Club, as well as Titwood Tennis Club’s tennis courts across the road from the school. At our Hutchesons’ at Pollok Park (H@PP) campus there is an outdoor rugby pitch, a large AstroTurf facility for both hockey and tennis, as well as an indoor gymnasium, dance studio and climbing wall. As part of our H@PP campus, there are three rugby pitches at Norwood Playing fields. At the Kingarth Street Primary campus there is an indoor gymnasium and a multipurpose school hall. Several of our pupils represent Scotland in Hockey and Athletics as well as Squash, Rugby, Karate, Triathlon, Rowing and Football to name just a few.
THE ART OF PERFORMANCE “Studying Drama is about so much more than becoming an actor. The importance of all the benefits of drama education can be summed up in one word: communication. The importance of effective communication cannot be underestimated. The best way to develop dynamic communication skills? Drama.” Lisa Queen, Head of Drama
Drama plays a key role in the personal and social development of our pupils. The Drama Department offers them a secure, creative environment, as they work with others to develop their self-esteem and sense of responsibility. Pupils gain confidence and refine their skills in the communication of ideas and feelings. This undoubtedly benefits the pupils in their personal lives, at school and in their future careers where interpersonal relationships are vital. Our purpose-built Drama studios were opened in 2012 by actor Richard Wilson, and houses performance and rehearsal spaces. The department offers courses at every level, including National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher and National Certificate. Drama has a busy extra-curricular schedule and recent productions have included: The Addams Family; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; We Will Rock You; Shrek; A View From The Bridge; and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
MUSIC FOR ALL A busy and vibrant Music Department at Hutchesons’ combines the principle of ‘Music for all’ with a commitment to excellence in performance. Our purpose-built music school comprises of three large classrooms, a music technology studio, a 350-seat auditorium, and several practice rooms. The Georgeson Room, a lecture theatre used for guest speakers and informal concerts, is also in the award-winning Fotheringay Centre. Music and Music Technology is taught to all pupils in S1 and S2, becoming optional from S3 upwards. Our curriculum aims to challenge pupils of all ability levels, encouraging them to participate in, and appreciate varied music styles and genres.
Complementing our robust music curriculum, pupils throughout the school are encouraged to learn an instrument. Pupils’ performing skills are further developed by participating in the full range of ensembles on offer, from choirs, orchestras, jazz, wind, and rock bands to various chamber ensembles. The Music Department regularly plays host to world class musicians and our pupils have enjoyed talks and workshops from international Violinist Nicola Benedetti, Accordion player Phil Cunningham and the world-famous Composer Sir James MacMillan. An excellent programme of individual tuition is available through our extensive instrumental tuition scheme which is staffed by high-level professional musicians. We facilitate on average 150 individual entries for ABRSM and Trinity music every session. Digital technology is also embraced with many pupils choosing this direction for a future career in music.
Our pupils consistently perform extremely well in SQA exams & regulaRLy record 100% pass rate at all levels.
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT Every child quickly finds their niche and is supported to get the best experience; they flourish and develop compassion. Hutchesons’ has a single and integrated approach to supporting pupils with potential or identified additional support needs. The unifying rationale is based upon inclusion and supporting access to the curriculum on offer. The Learning Support team specialises in identifying needs and providing additional support for children who experience challenges in their learning or who would benefit from enhancement to the core curriculum. In the Primary School, dedicated learning support staff work with individual children in the class, and together in small groups, to boost literacy and numeracy to benefit their learning. In the Secondary School, each House Team has an appointed staff member with responsibility for ensuring appropriate support is in place for pupils with additional needs. The Head of Learning Support has oversight of the work at both the Primary and Secondary School and ensures consistency and continuity of care. It is important that our children develop an environmental identity, and to do this we need to allow them to be present in nature all year round. At Hutchesons’ we understand the benefits that outdoor learning and adventurous activities provide. There are significant gains in terms of developing social skills, empathy, resilience, problem-solving, emotional literacy, and stamina. Outdoor learning also helps build confidence, improves wellbeing, and engages children with nature. We are fortunate that Hutchesons’ at Pollok Park (H@PP) enables us to offer a broad, progressive, and regular approach to outdoor learning for all pupils - from Nursery and Pre-School, through the Primary years and into the Secondary School. Regular time spent outdoors provides opportunity for pupils to discover for themselves, assimilate learning, and explore social boundaries. This deepens understanding, builds resilience, and develops interdependency.
Pupils fulfil their potential & achieve their personal goals.
Creative Arts Pupils across all ages and stages never cease to delight us with their creativity and imagination. The Art Department is located on the top floor of the school with four large classrooms, a photography studio, and an S6 Art Studio. The space is bright and welcoming ensuring a creative environment for our many talented pupils. The department recognises the importance of nurturing individual creativity whilst widening horizons. Junior classes have been introduced to many new materials and techniques, including portraiture, sculpture, still life, drawing, printmaking, jewellery-making, collage, papier mache, graphic design, photography, textiles and much more. Senior pupils benefit from a variety of different workshops and talks delivered by artists and designers. This experience helps them understand the full range of art and design career options which are open to them. Our creative art lunchtime clubs invites pupils from S1 to S6 to develop their skills in a variety of arts and crafts, embroidery and textiles, enterprise initiatives and photography. One of our many collaborative projects is with the Glasgow Print Studio where S6 pupils take part in annual workshops learning etching techniques under the watchful eye of master printmakers.
Pupils take part in competitions and their artwork has been displayed in exhibitions at Glasgow Art Club and the Friends of The Royal Scottish Academy Annual Schools Art Award in Edinburgh.
“Taking Advanced Higher Art has been an amazing experience and undoubtedly one of the main highlights of my senior year. Having our own S6 studio allows for us to feel a real sense of independence, giving us our own ‘art home’ ...the studio atmosphere and ever-lasting support of the art department has been incredible, and I couldn’t recommend the subject enough!” Sowmi Gopalakrishnan, Head Girl C2022
CHALLENGE & OPPORTUNITY There are a wide variety of co-curricular activities that take place before, during, and after school. Timetabled to offer the widest opportunities to our pupils, they are planned around their core curriculum studies and sporting commitments. Activities range from the Debating Society and Physics Club to Duke of Edinburgh and our Huthesons’ Choir amongst others. We are also keen to ensure that pupils at Hutchesons’ have every chance to connect with people and places across the world.
Model UN
Offers many pupils the opportunity to do this by taking part in Model United Nations conferences throughout the UK. We are building a network of partner schools which we can tap into at different levels to share ideas and enrich and enhance the curriculum.
Pupil Exchange Programmes
Exchanges and trips are an important way of developing and cementing relationships. Each session pupil exchanges take place to Goulburn Valley Grammar School in Victoria, Australia and to Colorado Academy in Denver, USA.
Pen Pal Schemes
We have a literary pen pal scheme with our partner school in Nitte in which pupils exchange letters as well as their favourite books. Additionally, the Hutchie J8 groups contribute to our global outlook by raising awareness of issues of inequality, poverty, and lack of access to education.
International Trips
These are a highlight of our pupil and staff’s year. Groups have visited Rome, Florence, Japan, as well as Geography field trips to Iceland. Our Winter sports trips have included visits to the USA and Switzerland and are further testimony to the global reach of Hutchesons’. In all these ways, the aim is to produce pupils who have an international outlook, an empathy with other cultures and who are confident about taking their place in the world.
STEM AT HUTCHESONS’ STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are very popular at Hutchesons’ with many of our pupils choosing to study all three sciences at National 5 and Higher level. Our pupils perform well in Maths and Computing Science and a growing number are taking Engineering Science to Higher and Advanced Higher level. Every year many of our S6 students go on to study STEM related subjects at universities across Scotland and the rest of the UK. In 2022 half our S6 leavers chose to study STEM related subjects at university.
Chemistry
Is studied from first year onwards with approximately 100 pupils choosing to study Chemistry in S3 every year, working towards National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher SQA qualifications. Our key objective is to highlight the role of chemistry and how it impacts on our pupil’s daily life. There is a strong focus on practical work in the school’s wellequipped labs and the department also runs a Chemistry club at lunchtime when pupils get to try some more exciting experiments under teacher supervision. Sixth year pupils are encouraged to take part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge which is designed for A-level students in England, so it is challenging for our pupils. They are given assistance and coaching by our staff and our pupils have done extremely well in the past.
PHYSICS
Is the science that tries to explain how everything works from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies. It examines how things move as they travel through time and space. Physicists love to solve problems and physics graduates work to provide cleaner energy and transport, efficient homes and communication and safer medicine amongst many other careers. Every year many of our pupils compete in the national British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) – a competition hosted by the University of Oxford to “encourage the study of Physics and to recognise excellence in young physicists”.
BIOLOGY
Experimental and practical work is key to teaching and learning in S1 and S2 and practical work is also an integral part of the SQA biology teaching for Cells, DNA & Reproduction, Biology of Sport, Food Security and Plants, Transport Systems and Microbiology. Although there is now a lot less experimental work in Higher Biology, we are well resourced so able to do some technical experiments including Polymerase Chain Reaction, Horizontal Gene transfer in bacteria, the genetic transformation of Bacteria (genetic modification). The Independent Experimental Research Project is a
large part of the S6 course, and we are fortunate to have the resources and support staff to allow significant creativity and flexibility.
Engineering Science
In the Technology Department encourages pupils to explore the exciting and varied world of Engineering, Design and Technology. The teaching and learning taking place is very varied; activities and classes on offer include SQA qualifications in Engineering Science and Graphic Communication, Scalextric for Schools Club, and the Greenpower Challenge. The department has been part of the Arkwright Scholarships scheme since 1998. The scholarships aim to support and encourage academically able pupils who have been identified as potential future leaders in the engineering sector. A total of 32 Hutchesons’ pupils have been awarded this prestigious scholarship which represents a very high success rate.
Maths
In S1 and S2 allows pupils to follow a common course designed to develop the skills needed to achieve in the future but also to bring a love of maths into everything that they do and to build confidence with all the core skills. In S3 and S4 the pupils move onto the National 5 course. At Hutchesons’ we accelerate the National 5 course so that pupils are ready to start the Higher course in S4 which really helps pupils when they do their Higher work in Fifth year. The Department pushes pupils who are able and provides support to those who need it. In S6 the department offers all three Advanced Higher courses Pure Mathematics, the Mechanics of Mathematics and Statistics. The Department also has a Maths mentoring club and pupils get the opportunity to take part in lots of competitions, both internal and national, and has many awardwinning teams.
Enriching choices Pupils build self-confidence, resilience & independence as they mature & develop into young adults. 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. We aim to ensure that the direction each pupil takes, regarding subject choice and Higher Education, is firmly centred on the recognition of individual strengths and the intrinsic curiosity held for their field of study. Irrespective of when a child joins Hutchesons’, emphasis is firmly placed on fostering the ability to think independently and the resilience and self-confidence to meet challenges in his or her learning. Pupils are supported in this by a highly professional, dedicated teaching staff committed to ensuring each child fulfils his or her potential. By offering expert and specialist support in the broadest possible range of scientific, artistic, human, linguistic, athletic, and technological fields, each child can find their own way to become successful, fulfilled and engaged citizens of the world. Our consistently high academic results are a testament to the success of our curriculum in developing the pupil to reach his or her full potential and our recent leaver destinations is evidence of the diverse career paths followed by our pupils and of our commitment to and success in providing excellence in education.
PASTORAL CARE A strong, positive, and caring ethos. Hutchesons’ Grammar School is a vibrant, forward-looking school in which pupils of all ages are known and valued as individuals and encouraged to realise their potential both in and out of the classroom. The strong, positive, and caring ethos which underpins every aspect of life at Hutchesons’ starts from the moment children join our school and become part of the diverse ‘Hutchie Family’. Staff work hard to ensure the children feel happy and secure. Mutual respect is a core value, and the House system creates a tangible sense of community across all year groups through House families, activity days and monthly House assemblies. In the Primary School, we actively promote this sense of belonging through a playground friends’ system; Primary 6 and 7 pupils mentoring younger pupils; Book Week and regular story reading during which upper primary and infant children enjoy paired reading; Science Week and a Focus Week for Social Studies. Our Hutchie School Councils comprise of class representatives from P1-7 which discusses and influences decisions about aspects of school life. Pupils can also join the Eco-Council, Fair Trade Committee, and the Charity Committee. The Secondary School offers the challenges of high academic demands while being supported by an effective pastoral care system. An extensive pastoral structure, overseen by a Depute Rector, ensures that your child is supported and nurtured throughout their time at the school. First level guidance is provided by form teachers, who interact with pupils daily, getting to know them as individuals and promoting a group identity via form time.
Positive teacher & pupil relationships are key at Hutchesons’. Our staff are always available to listen to pupils and can advise on a wide range of topics. They are well trained on issues such as stress and anxiety, positive mental health and coping strategies, eating disorders, depression in adolescence, and bereavement. The form teachers are supported by experienced House staff, who oversee all aspects of pastoral provision and ensure your child is known well throughout their time at Hutchesons’. The form teachers and House staff will remain with your child for all six years of their education. Family groups are placed in the same House allowing you and your child to build a strong, consistent relationship with pastoral staff. Both our Primary and Secondary matrons work closely with the pastoral staff. Our Beaton Road Matron is based in the well-equipped medical suite.
Safeguarding Young people thrive best when they feel secure. We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and have a robust Wellbeing and Child Protection Policy which provides a framework for all staff. We work hard to ensure that we create a safe environment for young people; staff are well trained and know how to respond to concerns. We also work hard to maintain an environment where young people feel confident about approaching any member of staff if they have a problem or worry.
RIGHT RESULTS Year on year we stand amongst the top results in Scotland. The Hutchie culture of commitment, hard work, high quality teaching and determination, creates a genuine in-depth understanding at each subject level, which is an ideal strategy for success. When parents entrust their child to us there is no knowing what talents and potential will be unlocked as they journey with us through their school years. 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. Our pupils regularly go on to study at the best universities and this year, several pupils have received their places at Oxford and Cambridge.
A third of our pupils will enter Russell Group Universities
91% 70%
of all S5 Highers were awarded an A grade
of our pupils in 2023 were offered a place at their first choice University
92%
achieved Advanced Higher in S6
100% PASS RATE IN
Art ★ Biology ★ Chemistry ★ English ★ Physics Geography ★ Music ★ Music Technology ★ Computing Studies Engineering Science ★ Photography ★ RMPS ★ Spanish
In 2023 our results were amongst the best in the country, and we are rightly proud of our pupils’ academic achievements.
Admissions BE One Of Us Hutchesons’ is looking for well-rounded, curious pupils with a genuine interest in learning. We also value interests that stretch beyond the confines of the academic curriculum. Our entrance process is designed to gain a better understanding of each child and identify their potential. P1 - P2 Entry The assessment process in infants is low key. We want to establish where the children are in their learning and development. By chatting with the children, we will learn what they are interested in; likes / dislikes, hobbies, or sports they enjoy. There is no preparation required. Assessment for Primary 1 P1 applicants are invited in for a group assessment. This is a chance for your child to feel comfortable in a new environment, playing games and chatting about their interests. We like to have this completed before the January assessment. January Assessment We cover a variety of areas through a range of activities and puzzles, in line with tasks the children would do in nursery or pre-school or school, depending on age. We want to establish where each child’s understanding or development is in relation to curricular areas. Eg Fine and Gross motor skills, listening to and following instruction, numeracy and language skills and identifying patterns. Assessment for Primary 2 This assessment follows a similar format as above for P1 and allows us to establish where each child’s understanding or development is in relation to phonics, numeracy, story writing and reasoning (identifying patterns in shapes and words).
P3 - P7 Entry Our entrance process is designed to gain a better understanding of each child and identify their potential. To do this, our assessment has two stages: Stage 1: An informal chat with one of our Depute Rectors ensures that we hear each child’s story. We ask for any relevant information about your child’s learning: their interests, strengths, challenges, and previous schooling. It is also a good opportunity for you to ask questions and to talk more about life at Hutchie and how we can meet your child’s needs.
Stage 2: This stage assesses a child’s aptitude or learning potential. We use a computer-based assessment tool that focusses on assessing different areas of learning: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. Key competencies in reading, writing, and spelling are also assessed. The information gained helps us to understand your child’s learning needs so that we can make sure that we have the right support in place. There is no preparation needed for these assessments. We also use the same tests at the beginning of each academic year with our current pupils.
S1 - S2 Entry Our entrance process for S1 – S2 entry follows the same format as the P3 - P7 entry and is designed to gain a better understanding of each child and identify their potential.
S3 - S4 Entry Stage 1: We ask for your child to bring in something that they are passionate about to talk about in an informal chat with one of our Depute Rectors. There is also opportunity for you to ask questions and to talk more about life at Hutchie and how we can meet your child’s needs. Stage 2: This stage assesses the child’s English and mathematics level; Close Reading Paper - a short passage with questions based on the passage. Composition Paper - there will be an option of 3 questions, the child must pick one and write a story. There is no word count, but this is an opportunity for your child to show off their writing skills. Mathematics Paper - this is a calculator based paper where pupils will be tested on their mathematical skills.
S5 - S6 Entry Entrance into S5 and S6 is based on the child’s predicted results at National 5/Higher (or equivalent) followed by an informal chat with one of our Depute Rectors, to check on subject choices and to get to know your child’s aspirations.
We hope to welcome you soon. For more information about our Open Mornings, the Application process, School Fees, and available Bursaries, please contact our Admissions Registrar, by phone on 0141 433 4402, by email at admissions@hutchesons.org, or alternatively visit hutchesons.org/admissions.
BELONG
I
FLOURISH
I
ACHIEVE
HUTCHESONS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Phone 0141 423 2933 | email admissions@hutchesons.org website hutchesons.org @Hutchesons |
/HutchesonsGrammar |
@hutchesonsgrammar