MGGS School Prospectus Curriculum Information Booklet 2014 to 2015

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Non sibi sed omnibus

Curriculum Information 2014 - 2015

a tradition of excellence

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Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Non sibi sed omnibus

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

www.mggs.org

3

Our Curriculum Our Curriculum Vision At Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, our curriculum is designed to deliver our core values and purpose. It enables students to achieve academic excellence and to develop wider social awareness in a caring and supportive environment. Through the curriculum we want to nurture and foster in our students a scholarly approach to their academic studies, to support them in becoming articulate and effective thinkers, and for them to have a life-long love of learning.

The world will undoubtedly be full of change in the years ahead and have its own unique challenges and opportunities. We wish to prepare our students for this future so that they will be able to make valuable contributions to society and use their talents and abilities for the benefit of others as well as themselves.

Curriculum Vision into Practice We have a broad and balanced curriculum - students study a wide range of subjects from across the academic spectrum. Our curriculum programmes link well with each other, helping to ensure continuity and progression. They are underpinned by a set of common principles which include:  ensuring that all students have access to a curriculum which is appropriate, challenging and related to their needs,  encouraging students to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of key ideas and concepts through an enquiry based approach to learning,  giving sufficient time to each Key Stage so that opportunities are made available for significant enrichment and extension,  ensuring that all students are intellectually challenged and develop as independent learners and thinkers.

Learning and teaching are the cornerstones of the curriculum and as a school it is our central focus for these to be of the highest order. a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

www.mggs.org

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Learning and Thinking We recognise that learning takes many forms and includes the acquisition of knowledge, the nurturing of understanding and the development of a range of skills. Cognitive processes underpin all aspects of learning and for learning to be truly effective, embedded and with the potential to be applied in different contexts, an understanding of the importance of these processes is essential. This is why we are an accredited Thinking School. We want our students to be able to use their intellectual abilities to the full; to be articulate, fluent and creative thinkers who can perceive the core issues of an argument, understand the subtleties and nuance of language, be able to ask astute questions and critically evaluate material. And of course we want our students to enjoy their learning, make excellent progress and achieve their full potential.

Literacy and Numeracy across the Curriculum We recognise the importance of literacy and numeracy. These are delivered and taught across the whole curriculum and not just within the subject areas of English and Mathematics respectively. We want all of our students to be highly literate and numerate individuals so that they can fully engage with their learning at School and be well prepared for the world of higher education and employment.

Teaching; Intellectual Ability All of our students are intellectually able. We have high expectations for them, and encourage everyone to realise their full potential by ‘teaching to the top’. We ensure that our students are sufficiently stretched and challenged in their learning and are aspirational in choosing their career pathways. As an accredited Thinking School students will be supported to develop their higher order thinking skills as much as possible and to have highly effective dispositions and strategies for their learning.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

www.mggs.org

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Curriculum provision includes:  designated enrichment lessons in Year 7 and 8 where a carousel of ‘Big Questions’ such as ‘Where does my language come from?’ and ‘What makes a great thinker?’ are explored by all students over the course of the academic year,  all students following a Key Stage 4 Science course leading to qualifications in GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics,  the opportunity for some students to study GCSE Astronomy,  setting in Mathematics and some Modern Foreign Languages,  enabling students in the Key Stage 4 top sets in Mathematics to also study some additional ‘free standing’ Mathematics qualifications as well as GCSE Mathematics,  the introduction of Mandarin as an extra-curricular activity,  providing opportunities for Sixth Form students to follow a five A’level subject route if appropriate,  providing access to Sixth Form students to complete a range of enrichment programmes including the Extended Project Qualification, the Level 3 Institute of Finance qualification in Personal Finance, Oxford University modules and Open University ‘Learn about Science’ non-accredited courses.

Special Needs Provision Students with special needs are well supported here. We ensure that they can access and fully engage with our curriculum. Support, co-ordinated by our full time Inclusion Manager may range from the provision of additional resources, differentiated learning and teaching strategies in the classroom, a modified timetable, staff or older student mentoring and the inclusion of recommendations and guidance from external organisations where appropriate.

Do contact us if you would like further information.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

www.mggs.org

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Pupil Premium and Financial Support It is important to us that all students have potential access to the curriculum programmes on offer. We are also keen to ensure that subject option choices by pupil premium students are not restricted because of financial concerns such as in the purchasing of any resources or materials. If you would like more information about how we can support you if you are experiencing financial difficulties do get in touch with us.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

www.mggs.org

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The Broader Curriculum Sex and Relationship Education, Citizenship and Personal, Social, Health & Economic Education School ‘Focus Days’, when the school timetable is suspended for a day, are held five times during the year and enable a range of elements of these programmes to be covered. Timetabled lessons also cover significant parts of these programmes of study. Timetabled Religious Studies lessons, assemblies and other school activities play a key role in the school’s Religious Education programme.

Careers We want our students to make informed choices about their career pathways into higher education, training, employment and apprenticeship programmes, have high aspirations and a good understanding of the world of work. The school is a holder of the nationally recognised Investors in Careers Award which acknowledges the high standard of our Careers provision.

We are lucky to have a full-time Careers Co-ordinator, a well-resourced Careers Library and a comprehensive virtual classroom about Careers that all students can access. We are committed to providing a series of carefully planned programmes of Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance for all students, in partnership with external agencies and organisations as appropriate. These programmes include as appropriate; Careers Education sessions, Careers Guidance activities, information and research activities, work related learning (including a one week work experience placement in Year 11 and a three day work shadowing placement in Year 12) and Careers based lessons and activities during some of the school’s Focus Days.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

www.mggs.org

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Other events such as Year 12 students attending a Higher Education Convention, a UCAS, Oxbridge & Apprenticeships Evening for parents and Year 12 students, ‘ASPIRE’ employer events, alumni visits and subject specific activities occur throughout the school year.

Extra-Curricular Activities We have a huge number of different extra-curricular activities for students to participate in and a summary of these can be found on our school website. The school has many well established traditions and activities including the annual House Arts Cup competition. This provides a fantastic opportunity for students to participate in a music, drama or dance based competition and is led by our Sixth Form House Leaders.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

www.mggs.org

9

Our Examination Results 2014 GCSE Grade A*-A A*-B A*-C 5 A*-C including English and Mathematics 8 A*-C including English and Mathematics Expected or more than expected progress in English Expected or more than expected progress in Mathematics A* - A in English Language A* - B in English Language A*-C in English Language A* - A in Mathematics A* - B in Mathematics A*-C in Mathematics A* - A in Science A* - B in Science A*-C in Science Students gaining the English Baccalaureate

% 60.4 89.6 98.6 98.9 98.3 91.0 97.1 48 88 100 68 94 100 55 88 98 92.1

A2 Grade A*-A A*-B A*-C 3 or more A*-A 3 or more A*-B 3 or more A*-C

% 32.8 66.8 92.1 14.3 42.9 78.6

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

www.mggs.org

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Student Destinations Post Sixth Form 2014 Destination Russell Group University University Employment Apprenticeship Gap Year Foundation Course Internship

% of Year Group 25% 46% 2% 1% 7% 1% 1%

Russell Group Destinations University of Bristol: Durham University: University of Exeter: University of Glasgow: Imperial College London: King’s College London: University of Leeds: University of Liverpool: University of Manchester: Newcastle University: University of Nottingham: Oxbridge: Queen Mary University of London: Queen’s University Belfast: University of Sheffield: University of Southampton: University College London: University of Warwick: University of York:

1 student 3 students 2 students 1 student 2 students 4 students 2 students 3 students 2 students 1 student 3 students 3 students 2 students 1 student 1 student 6 students 2 students 3 students 1 student

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

www.mggs.org

11

Joining us from Primary School “What happens and when?�

Parents and girls visiting the school often ask us how they join the school and what processes are involved in getting a place with us. This information is to help you understand what happens and when. a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

www.mggs.org

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What you’ve done so far June to July 2014

To sit the Kent Grammar School test in September 2014 you will have registered your daughter’s details between Monday 2nd June and Tuesday 1st July 2014.

July 5th 2014

You may have been involved in our English, Mathematics and Thinking Skills Master Classes which took place on Saturday 5th July 2014 8.45am-3pm. We know lots of you came to this and afterwards we had lots of messages to say how enjoyable it was.

July 7th and 8th Our summer Open Mornings took place on Monday 7th 2014 and Tuesday 8th July from 9am until 11am. Following our Forte choir and dance performances, there was a short presentation given by the Headteacher and it was lovely to see so many of you in the hall that day. We hope that your tour of the school gave you a flavour of what it is like to be a student at the school during the day when lessons are taking place.

July 24th, 25th and 28th July 2014

Our Summer School Experience this year took place over three days. You may have been to one of these days and we hope that you enjoyed your time at the school. It didn’t rain, the sun was shining and you told us it was lots of fun.

September 10th You sat the Kent Grammar School test on Wednesday 2014 10th September 2014.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

www.mggs.org

13

What you need to do now October 14th 2014

Our Open Evening this year is Tuesday 14th October 2014 from 6pm – 9pm. Ms Wolloshin our Headteacher will give presentations in the school hall at 6.30pm, 7.15pm and 8pm. Student guides will be waiting to show you and your daughter around the school. There is lots to see and do so we hope you arrived early to give yourself plenty of time explore the whole school.

October 15th 2014

If you registered online The Kent Grammar School test results will be emailed to you after 4pm on Wednesday 15th October 2014. If you registered by post the results will be posted to you first class the following day.

October 20th, Our autumn Open Mornings this year are to be held on th st nd 21st, 22nd 2014 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the 20 , 21 and 22 of October 2014 from 9am to 11am. There is no need to book just come along at 9am and student guides will be waiting to show you and your daughter around the school.

If you require any help, advice or further information about MGGS prior to making your secondary school choices please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Hogan our Admissions Manager on 01622 752103 or email jhogan@mggs.org

October 31st 2014

Up to four schools can be selected in order of preference and online application forms should be completed and submitted to KCC by Friday 31st October 2014.

Alternatively complete and hand in Kent’s Secondary Common Application Form (SCAF) to your daughter’s primary school.

March 2nd 2015 National Offer Day. Offers of school places will be made on Monday 2nd March 2015. E-mail messages will be sent after 4pm to those parents who applied online, and letters will be posted first class to arrive on Tuesday 3rd March 2015.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

www.mggs.org

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March 20th 2015

You must have accepted the offer of a place at the school

by Friday 20th March 2015.

March 31st 2015

If you would like to appeal for a place at any school you named on the SCAF but were not offered, you should do so by Tuesday 31st March 2015.

If you require any help, advice or further information about appealing for a place at the school please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Hogan our Admissions Manager on 01622 752103 ext 203 or email jhogan@mggs.org May 2015

Parents and carers of students who have accepted their place at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls are invited to attend the Year 7 Information Evening.

June/July 2015 Students will be visited in their Primary school by Mrs Farnham the Head of Study for Year 7 or by a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

9th July 2015

Year 7 Welcome Day. Students spend the day at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls and meet other girls who will be joining the school in September.

3rd September First Day of Term.

2015

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

www.mggs.org

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Notes

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Non sibi sed omnibus a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

www.mggs.org

16

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Non sibi sed omnibus Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

a tradition of excellence

www.mggs.org

“A caring, distinctive andF: exciting to learn�

T: 01622 752103 01622 681947 place E: central @mggs.org www.mggs.org

Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF