Nottingham High School Senior Prospectus

A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

As your child embarks on the next phase of their education, the chances are that you, like generations of parents before you, have many aspirations for your child.

You want your child to achieve excellent results, of course, and gain a place at their chosen university. But you also want your child to explore, to have fun, to make good friends, and in so doing identify talents, passions, interests and skills beyond the classroom. Above all, you want your child to grow into a well-rounded, grounded young person, confident in expressing opinions, self-effacing in manner. These things are, without doubt, important, and we share them as ambitions for every pupil in our care. But most important of all is that your child is happy and enjoys school, for it is only in feeling valued, respected and part of the school community

that your child will develop confidence, curiosity and a desire to achieve.

It is this fundamental belief that has shaped Nottingham High School into the stimulating and welcoming community it is today. Your child’s character and contributions will be appreciated; they will be stretched and supported by superb teachers and inspired to be the best they can be. Don’t just take our word for it, though; come and visit us and experience it for yourself. It would be my pleasure to welcome you to Nottingham High School.

Kevin

A NATIONAL REPUTATION

Nottingham High School has a strong reputation for academic success.

We were delighted to be named East Midlands Independent Secondary School of the Decade 2021 and to be ranked first for academic results in the East Midlands 2022, awarded by The Sunday Times Independent Schools Guide. We hope that the co-curricular and pastoral care outlined in this prospectus will also demonstrate the many ways that we are so much more than our academic success.

MISSION AND VALUES

We enable students from diverse backgrounds to flourish in an academic, compassionate environment engaging and inspiring every pupil to maximise their potential and enjoyment. We nurture quietly confident and happy children who are intellectually curious and cared for as individuals.

AT NOTTINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL WE VALUE

EXCELLENCE

We have high aspirations and pursue excellence across all areas of our provision. We nurture individual pupils to achieve their highest potential and make a positive impact in the world.

INDIVIDUALITY

We value each child and member of staff as an individual and embrace diversity in all its forms. We create the conditions in which our staff and children can be happy and flourish.

RESPECT

We are proud to be an inclusive and diverse community. We value kindness, integrity and modesty. We champion a culture of respect and understanding between all in the school community.

EMPATHY

All of our provision is underpinned by empathy and tolerance. We seek to build resilience and empower children to make a difference in the world.

CURIOSITY

We value intellectual curiosity and creativity.

We want every child to develop a love of learning. We embrace taking risks to enhance pupil development both academically and as people.

Throughout the school community, students demonstrate a strong sense of spiritual awareness. Responding to the school ethos of empathy and compassion, students display maturity and an appreciation of non-material aspects of life.

CO-EDUCATION

Our transition to co-education has been a great success, since becoming coeducational in 2015 hundreds of girls have already joined Nottingham High School with the numbers continually growing year on year. Recent intakes have been 40% girls.

Our maximum class sizes have not been affected as we know how important class size is to our parents. To meet the rise in demand for places we have increased our capacity, with the construction of more classrooms across the whole school, a large-scale extension and redevelopment of the Junior School and improvements to facilities across the school as a whole. There has also been a wide array of co-curricular activities and sports added to the school’s already impressive programme.

DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

One of the most unexpected aspects of Nottingham High School is the atmosphere that pervades the corridors and classrooms.

You would be forgiven for assuming that our consistently excellent results must stem from a very traditional approach to learning. The reality could not be more different. Step inside the formal exterior of the School and you will be immersed in a stimulating environment that exudes intellectual curiosity and adventure. It’s apparent in the passion of the staff for their

subjects, in the lively debates in the classroom, the array of co-curricular opportunities outside at lunchtimes and after school. Walk along the corridors and you’ll hear the laughter of relaxed, down-to-earth pupils at ease in their surroundings, enjoying school and, above all, keen to learn.

My experience of the tutor system is consistently excellent and any concerns raised are dealt with quickly, professionally and with my child’s best interest at the heart of any decisions.

The school supports the students in whatever choices they make and focus on everyone as an individual.

THE SECRET OF OUR SUCCESS

It’s all about the people. Highly qualified teachers will teach your children, and fellow students will share their desire to learn.

The learning process will be enjoyable. Your child will be taught by subject specialists, infectious in their enthusiasm for their area and knowledgeable beyond the constraints of the curriculum. Your child’s teachers will motivate him or her to reach that little bit higher and will challenge your son or daughter to achieve more than either of you might think possible.

They will support your child; they will help him or her to think independently, to formulate opinions and to question logically. They will encourage your child to be resourceful and to explore other avenues when one yields a dead end. Your son or daughter will gain skills that will serve as well in the workplace as they do in the exam room.

FACILITATING LEARNING

This is a school that is contemporary in its thinking and its spaces. Facilities are purpose-built with learning in mind: our Science labs are being fully modernised to facilitate both theory and practical work in the same space and we continue to develop our more traditional classroom spaces for the needs of our classes and modern teaching styles.

ICT is plentiful and accessible throughout the School. Alongside our whole school ICT rooms and purpose built Sixth Form ICT space the school operates a fully BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programme where students can use their devices at any time during lessons.

The library is open daily from 8am to 4:30pm for independent research or reading novels, journals and newspapers.

Learning support is widely available for anyone who needs it. Your child will be able to pick up revision tips, home study skills, access on-going help for any learning need or simply find out more about his or her personal learning style. What’s more, teachers are always on hand to offer extra help whenever it’s needed, while Sixth Formers mentor younger pupils through buddying schemes for Maths and Reading.

Students approach their learning with a genuine sense of openness and intellectual excitement.

THE BEST DAYS OF YOUR LIFE

When your child joins our school community, they will be making friends for life.

Your child will be welcomed into a House community and a Tutor Set, comprising of up to 15 pupils in Year 7-10 or Year 11-13. Your child will remain in these familial groups throughout their time here and will form strong friendships and deep loyalties in equal measure. Everyone looks out for each other here. Your child’s Tutor will be your first point of contact with the school, always contactable by phone and email, keen to work closely with you as parents. They will monitor your child’s emotional wellbeing and academic progress, support and

encourage your child, and always be ready to listen.

From supporting transition into Year 7 to guiding your child through the UCAS process, Tutors provide one-toone support and expert advice to your child and you.

As a parent, you too become part of our school community. As well as coming along to the regular social events put on by our Friends’ Association, you can also keep up to date with school news through social media and by reading our blogs and newsletters.

CONFIDENCE. CREATIVITY. IMAGINATION.

What do these words have in common? All are essential skills for the workplace, and all are developed through the Arts.

During the first two years your child will experience Music, Art and Drama within the timetable. Alongside these lessons, they will be able to pursue any artistic interests further.

Some learn an instrument and join an orchestra, choir or band. Others participate in drama productions, on stage or behind the scenes. Your child might prefer to lay down tracks in the recording studio or help paint the annual art department mural. With excellent printing and clay facilities, SLR cameras and an ICT suite with Photoshop and Graphics Tablets, there is something for every budding artist.

There is a programme of over 30 concerts and music events through the year ranging from teatime concerts to formal concerts staged at a prestigious city venue. Plays, musicals and informal concerts are also regularly performed on campus, in our Theatre, Recital Hall and other purpose-built facilities. We will offer encouragement to explore the Arts and find a creative outlet.

Students display outstanding social skills, actively participating within their school community and demonstrating commitment to social outreach.

SCIENCE IS EVERYWHERE

Advances in Technology and Science are transforming our world at an incredible pace and your child will need to be literate in both these areas on leaving school.

Your child will have the opportunity to be taught Chemistry, Biology and Physics separately. They will learn about the subjects’ relevance and practical application to daily life and will conduct experiments on a regular basis. In Design and Technology, your child will learn to draw on intellect, creativity, and problem-solving skills as they design and make objects for everyday life. If your child has a passion for Science and DT, there are Science and Young Engineers clubs amongst many other clubs that can be joined. Your child might enter an Olympiad competition, apply to attend a national Chemistry camp or compete in a challenge to build a robot.

There will also be trips for your child to enjoy – a Spectroscopy Masterclass at Nottingham Trent University or a visit to Rolls Royce, for example.

DEVELOPING GLOBAL CITIZENS

Mankind is increasingly reliant on there being global citizens – people who engage with the world and have the understanding and skills to make it more just and sustainable.

The Arts and Humanities curriculum holds the key to many of the skills and abilities required for flexible and responsible global citizenship. Your child will gain an understanding of important social and environmental issues through Geography lessons; History and Religious Studies will give your child a respect for their own cultural heritage and that of others; learning to speak different languages will aid your child in communicating effectively, whether on holiday or in a future workplace.

Your child will be taught to research independently and think critically, to consider cause and effect. Trips and fieldwork will help your child understand his or her place in the local community and beyond: this might entail investigating the impact of a new supermarket in Nottingham, visiting Parliament and the local courts or touring the WW1 Battlefields.

Students develop a wide range of interests and skills outside the classroom through the extensive provision of clubs and activities offered by the School.

SPORT FOR ALL

The benefits of sport are well documented: improved self-esteem and confidence, a healthy mind and a healthy body. Sport teaches us about teamwork, to be gracious in victory and resilient in defeat. It is social, a great leveller and a wholesome way to counter life’s pressures.

The main sports are Hockey and Netball for girls and Rugby and Cricket for boys. There are also numerous other sports to try out both within and outside of lessons, with the choice of sports broadening as your child progresses through the School.

Whether your child aspires to play for a national side or just wants to keep fit, they will find a standard of coaching and competition to match ability and interest. Your child will experience the exhilaration of playing their heart out for house or school, cheered on by friends and family.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TODAY, PROVIDING THE SKILLS OF TOMORROW

You will undoubtedly want your child to explore new and diverse experiences during their time at school; you will want your child to unearth new talents and interests as well as to refine existing skills and pursuits. That’s why an education here extends way beyond the classroom with a compelling array of activities, clubs and societies.

Your child will be offered remarkable opportunities for adventure, teamwork, leadership and outdoor pursuits through the Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and our own Scout Group. Clubs such as Art & Young Engineers allow for creativity and problem solving. The Community Action, Sustainability and Wellbeing groups, will teach you empathy and of the great value in helping others and the fulfilment that comes from contributing to wider society, increasing your child’s Wellbeing and Mindfulness.

There are also many expeditions, trips and visits open to your child each year, some join a skiing trip, sports tour or a trip linked to the

curriculum like our Geography Trip to Iceland. Others might take part in an expedition which could see them building a classroom in Bolivia or scaling the peaks of the Swiss Alps.

All of these opportunities allow your child experiences and a sense of belonging to different communities and environments where they can develop and thrive.

Find your passion and find where you belong.

I love how many opportunities and activities the school present. there is always something for everyone.

BEYOND NOTTINGHAM

Almost all of our students go on to higher education, either in this country or abroad. And every year almost every student is admitted to their university and course of choice – an outstanding achievement.

This is because of the expert guidance we give, first in choosing the right A levels and selecting the right courses and the right universities, and then in helping your child make the strongest application they can. There is no such thing as a typical path after Nottingham High School, for we equip each student with the skills and interests to carve their own course. One personal trait is, however, common to our departing Sixth Formers - confidence.

Your child will leave us as a self-assured and well-educated young adult, ready to play their part in society and succeed in life, whatever direction they take. It won’t end there though; they will be able to stay in touch through the Old Nottinghamians Community which acts as a ‘hub’ for past pupils, providing useful social networks, contacts and advice as your child enters the world of work. Social events and informal reunions will ensure that friendships live on long after your child has left school

THE SCHOOL DAY

07:45

Earliest time of arrival for students

07:45 – 08:40 Breakfast available in the Dining Hall (parents welcome)

08:00 Reception, Student Services Office, Switchboard, Library and ICT Centre open

08:40 – 08:45 Warning Bell to move to Form or Tutor Groups (5 minutes)

08:45 – 09:10 Register in Form Groups or Tutor Sets followed by Assembly or Tutor Period (25 minutes)

09:10 – 09:15

09:15 – 10:15

Transfer time

Period 1 (60 minutes)

10:15 – 10:20 Transfer time

10:20 – 11:20

Period 2 (60 minutes)

11:20 – 11:40 Break

11:40 – 12:40 Period 3 (60 minutes)

12:40 – 13:55

13:55 – 14:55

14:55 – 15:00

Lunch and Activities (75 minutes)

Period 4 (60 minutes)

Transfer time

15:00 – 16:00 Period 5 (60 minutes)

16:00 – 16:30 Snacks and drinks on sale to students in the Brasserie.

16:15 Latest time for students in Years 7 to 11 to leave if not involved in an organised after-school activity or in After School Club.

17:00 Reception and Switchboard close. Latest time for Sixth Formers to leave is 18:00, if not involved in an after-school activity

18:00

After School Club closes

*One period each week will be either for timetabled PSHE or for Independent Study.

Nottingham High School offers great breadth and range of opportunities, curriculum and extra curriculum, and provides the environment for students to develop their independence, confidence and maturity.

I think the imaginative manner in which teaching is given helps to maintain and fuel interest, even in subjects that are not my child’s favourites.

Parent Survey

ADMISSIONS

The main point of entry is Year 7, but places occasionally become available in Years 8 -10.

APPLICATIONS

YEAR 7 ENTRANCE ASSESSMENT

ENGLISH PAPER: (60 MINUTES)

The examination paper is in two sections, Reading and Writing. In the ‘Reading’ section, candidates are given a short extract or extracts, followed by several questions. These questions will test the candidates’ comprehension of the passage, and their ability to comment on the author’s language or other techniques. In the ‘Writing’ section, candidates are given a choice of tasks: having chosen one, they should produce approximately one page of writing. The purpose of this assessment is to demonstrate the candidate’s writing skills – their ability to generate and organise ideas, their ability to write interesting and engaging pieces, and their spelling, punctuation and grammar skills..

REASONING (1 HOUR)

This test includes Verbal Reasoning and some Non-Verbal Reasoning questions. The Non-Verbal Reasoning questions use shape, images, and mathematical questions. We regret that we are unable, because of the copyright restrictions imposed by the suppliers of these tests, to provide sample tests. However, it is possible to buy copies of similar test questions online. The Reasoning test is carried out using a computer. Before children start answering the test questions, they will have the opportunity to do practice exercises.

AFTER THE EXAM:

MATHEMATICS PAPER: (50 MINUTES)

This contains approximately 25 questions. The first 15 concentrate on arithmetic and the final 10 involve solving problems and questions on shape and space. There will be a few questions towards the end of the exam that are harder than the rest. The mathematical knowledge required for most of the questions on the paper is at what would be appropriate for a good school mathematician in year 5 or 6.

The examination papers are marked very quickly after the event and it is our normal practice to call approximately 100 candidates for interview. Whilst this process is time-consuming, we feel that it is vital because we know that each candidate is far more than just an examination mark. In addition to general questions, the interview will include a review of some of the Mathematics and English questions from the examination and some general problem-solving questions.

We have approximately 70 places available for external candidates (with approximately 50/60 pupils moving up from our Junior School) but, although we always have a large number of candidates, we do not feel we can offer a meaningful interview to more than 100. We do not usually interview Nottingham High Junior School candidates as we have a very close knowledge of them via our Junior School staff. After the interviews have been held, our final selection for bursaries and fee-playing places can be made.

CURRICULUM IN YEARS 7-11

All pupils take the following mandatory subjects. We follow a 50-hour fortnight timetable and students begin to select options in Year 9 as they progress towards the GCSE years. All subjects are available in each of Years 7 to 11. Shaded cells indicate compulsory subjects.

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11

English Mathematics Biology

Chemistry Physics

Geography History

Religion, Philosophy and Ethics

French (MFL)

German (MFL)

Spanish (MFL)

Latin N/A Year 7 N/A Year 8

Art Drama

Music

Food and Nutrition

Design and Technology

Computing

Students select 2 of the 3 languages as they enter the school to study in Years 7 and 8 Students select 4 more subjects from the creative subjects and MFLs (at least 1) to study in Year 9.

Students select 7 subjects to study for their (i)GCSE years.

These will include two Sciences and at least one language.

Students can only continue with subjects they have studied during Year 9.

MFL = Modern Foreign Language

In addition to the traditional curriculum above, students also have the following as part of their curriculum.

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11

Independent Study

PSHE

Physical Education and Swimming Games

YEAR 7 AND 8

Students study a breadth of subjects across these years. It is important to enjoy learning at all stages but particularly in the early stages of Key Stage 3 to help students begin to build an idea of what subjects they may look to follow later on in their school career. Students select two languages from French, German and Spanish when they enter the School and these languages are the ones that they will follow as they progress through the school. Students get at least one hour per week on each of their subjects with more time given to Maths and English.

YEAR 9

This is a transition year for students as they start to focus on their subject choices. Students maintain a core curriculum of Maths, English, Sciences and Humanities but also now reduce the number of languages and creative subjects to allow more time to be spent on prospective (i)GCSE subjects. Latin can be selected for the first time at this point. All subjects now have at least 1.5 hours per week studied, with more time allowed for Maths and English.

HOMEWORK

YEAR 10 AND 11

Students study for their (i)GCSEs during these years. Students study Maths (some student will do the FSMQ if placed in the higher sets), English Language and Literature and seven further subjects (which must include two Sciences and a MFL), making a total of ten subjects. Those subjects selected must have been studied in Year 9 to allow the material to be built on in preparation for external exams at the end of Year 11. All subjects have at least four hours per fortnight studied, with more time allowed for Maths and English.

All lessons are fully supported by our homework programme. Parents are requested to help by providing a suitable workplace at home for their child and adequate time to fulfil their study commitments. In Year 7 the homework routine starts early in the Autumn Term. Form Teachers will give your child a copy of the individual homework timetable for you to sign and return, thus confirming that you know exactly what should be done and when.

All homework is published by the teaching staff on ‘Google Classroom’ and both students and parents can access this via the internet or via an app on a smartphone. This is a very easy system to use.

LEARNING SUPPORT

Nottingham High School recognises its responsibility to respond to specific learning needs. The Learning Support staff provide assistance by regular timetabled withdrawal lessons with pupils, once per fortnight, and by assessing progress in written reports to parents. In some cases, referral to outside support agencies may follow after consultation with Tutor, parents and Deputy Head [Academic]. If your child has a recognised condition for which an Educational Psychologist’s report includes standardised scores below 85 and an evidenced standard method of working which support the award of extra time or rest breaks, these may be awarded in the Maths and English entrance assessments. This will always be assessed on an individual basis at the time of the Entrance assessment.

DEPOSITS, BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS

DEPOSITS

The parents of a child accepted for a fee-paying place will be asked to pay a deposit of £800 within 14 days of notification. The parents of a child awarded a bursary will be asked to pay a deposit of £200 (unless their child is awarded full fee remission, in which case no deposit is payable) within 14 days of notification.

In the event of a deposit and/or written acceptance not being received within the stipulated time frame, the offer of a place will be withdrawn. The deposit will be retained until the point at which your child leaves the school. It will then be returned, less any outstanding balances owed to the school. In the event of a child not taking up the place, the deposit will only be returnable under special circumstances at the discretion of the Headmaster and Governors. A small number of pupils will be placed on a waiting list for places and will receive offers if and when vacancies occur.

BURSARIES

There are a limited number of Nottingham High School means tested, full and partial, bursaries available. Bursaries are only awarded to pupils entering the Senior School in Year 7. The bursary level awarded is dependent on parental income and assets and the bursary level may change annually when these are reassessed. Parents who wish their child to be considered for assistance must be prepared to provide confidential information concerning their financial situation.

All bursaries will be awarded at the Headmaster’s discretion and will normally continue until a pupil leaves the School

unless your financial circumstances improve. Once a bursary has been awarded, it will then be renewed on an annual basis and parents will be required to submit details of their finances each spring/summer when contacted by the Finance Team.

Bursaries may be up to 105% of the full published fees, to cover school meals, uniform and travel costs. However, the majority of parents benefits from a bursary contribution will have to pay for school meals, uniform and other necessary clothing, travel costs, and any other additional charges which may be incurred during the academic year.

A family may be eligible for bursaries for two or more children simultaneously, in which case the same level of bursary will be awarded to each child.

If you have any queries about bursaries, please telephone the Financial Controller on 0115 845 2209 for clarification.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships of a fixed sum may be awarded to pupils at the end of Year 7, the award is based on academic progress and performance throughout a pupils first year with us at Nottingham High School. The Scholarship is not linked to parental finances and will normally continue throughout a pupil’s school career. Application does not have to be made for part-scholarships as these are awarded at the discretion of the Headmaster.

INSTRUMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Up to four Instrumental Scholarships covering free tuition on one instrument (including voice) will be awarded to pupils during the course of Year 7, and the scholarship will stand until the end of Year 11. As a guide, applicants should be Grade 4 standard or higher on their principal instrument, although they need not have taken the examination. Pupils who are successful will be expected to participate fully in the musical life of the School, which would normally include membership of a choir. All parents of Year 7 pupils are emailed information about the audition process in the September that your child joins us. Applicants are asked to complete an application form and submit a recording of one performance piece, which should be at least Grade 4 standard. Shortlisted applicants are then invited for interview. Interviews take place before October half-term, and the candidates will be given a short sight-reading test, musicianship tests and asked general questions about their current musical activities. If you have any enquiries about the Instrumental Scholarships or any other aspect of the musical life of Nottingham High School, please do not hesitate to contact music@nottinghamhigh.co.uk. Any award (PartScholarship or Bursary) may be withdrawn at the discretion of the Governors and Headmaster if a child’s conduct or academic performance proves unsatisfactory.

SCHOOL POLICIES

Our Safeguarding Policy alongside all other Policies are available on the School website: http://www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk/policies

Hard copies are available upon request.

CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

The current chairman of Governors is Mr Stephen Banks and he can be contacted by email at chairman@nottinghamhigh.co.uk

HOW TO FIND US

We are a short walk or tram journey from Nottingham Town Centre, with ‘The High School’ tram stop on the doorstep. Directions and information on transport links can be found on our website www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk

Nottingham High School, Waverley Mount, Nottingham NG7 4ED

Information in this prospectus is correct at time of printing. For the most up to date information please see our website www.nottinghamhigh.co.uk.