Taunton School - Senior Prospectus

SENIOR SCHOOL Y E A R S 9 - 11

Challenge • Nurture • Inspire

WELCOME

At Taunton School we aim to challenge, nurture and inspire young people to succeed in a global community.

The wellbeing of our students is at the heart of everything we do and all of our decisions must be of direct benefit to them.

Our main focus is on ensuring that we prepare young people for their lives beyond school and in a world that changes rapidly. Throughout their lives, our children will work closely with people from across the globe and must adapt to a world of ever changing technology.

As an IB World School, we are innovative, forward thinking, global in outlook and down to earth in approach. We recognise that a balanced education is vital in developing the whole person.

At Taunton School inspirational teaching can be seen and heard everywhere – from battle re-enactments in History, rockets launching in Design and Technology, to philosophical arguments and debates heard over lunch, and the sound of music rehearsals ringing from the Theatre.

We instil a love for learning which stays with an individual throughout their life.

Lee Glaser, Headmaster

01

Aims and values We aim to develop happy, balanced and open individuals who are ready to play their part in fashioning a complex and constantly evolving world.

Our young people learn the lifelong skills of comradeship and collaborative effort alongside the satisfaction of personal intellectual growth.

By the time they leave, our students are equipped and ready to make a real difference in a global society.

Our vision is based on five pillars:

02

Academic WE INSPIRE

Pastoral WE NURTURE

Outstanding teachers instil a desire to learn and provide an environment that will add value and maximise every student’s academic achievement. We aim to develop lifelong learners with inquiring minds and a thirst for knowledge.

We know every child. Our students feel comfortable in their own skins and are cared for by experienced professionals working in partnership with parents.

“Pupils demonstrate high levels of self-understanding for their age and make more intelligent and thoughtful choices.�

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report, 2017

Co-Curricular WE CHALLENGE

Community WE CARE

Global Outlook WE RESPECT

Through an extensive co-curricular programme our students explore opportunities in sport, the arts and a choice of activities developing key life skills and characteristics such as leadership, teamwork and reflection.

We instil a strong sense of identity, service to the broader community and loyalty both at school and beyond. All members of the school community share in its values and contribute to its ethos.

We are an inclusive school and welcome students from all backgrounds.

We celebrate differences and embrace uniqueness.

03

04

YEAR 9 ACADEMIC PROGRAMME

Year 9

Academic Programme The principal aim of the curriculum is to develop all students to the best of their ability.

Our outstanding teachers have a passion for their subject and inspire and challenge their students in equal measure, encouraging them to be actively involved in their own education.

Our young people need to develop the skills and flexibility they need to follow any number of university and career paths, some of which may not even exist when they are at school.

Moving from Taunton Preparatory School or joining us from another school is smooth and seamless.

From the very start of the Senior School, bespoke careers guidance is provided to help our students stand out from the crowd when it comes to applying for competitive courses at top universities.

05

YEAR 9 ACADEMIC PROGRAMME

In Year 9 all students study the core subjects: Art, Biology, Chemistry, English, Geography, History, Computing and ICT, Maths, Personal Social Health and Economic Education, Physical Education, Physics and Religious Studies.

Students choose at least one modern foreign language from: French, German or Spanish.

Students also choose two options from the list below: Business Studies, Classical Civilisation, Design and Technology, Drama, French, Latin, Music.

Please note that optional subjects offered may alter from year to year depending on demand.

Where English is not a student’s first language, the department of English as an Additional Language assess the student at the start of the Autumn term to decide whether he/she needs extra tuition in English rather than studying another language.

06

“A great fit for every boy and every girl.”

The Good Schools Guide, 2017

07

YEAR 10/11 ACADEMIC PROGRAMME

Year 10/11

Academic Programme Students study for a total of 8-10 GCSEs. This provides a rewarding range and stretches the students without overwhelming them. It also gives them the best chance of obtaining the high grades universities prefer.

As an independent school, we are lucky to have the choice whether to prepare students for GCSE or IGCSE examinations (the ‘I’ here stands for ‘International’). Both are equally valued by universities and employers.

In Years 10 and 11, core subjects for GSCE and IGCSE include: English Language, English Literature, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and a Modern Foreign Language.

Students are also encouraged to choose at least one Humanities subject, such as Geography or History, and at least one Creative Arts subject, such as Art, Drama, Music or Design and Technology.

Other GCSE option subjects include: Business Studies, Classical Civilisation, French, German, ICT, Computer Studies, Economics, Latin, Physical Education, Religious Studies and Spanish.

Please note that the optional subjects offered may alter from year to year depending on demand.

Although all three science subjects are taught separately there are two different qualification routes. The School will decide whether to enter a student for separate Sciences in Biology/Physics/ Chemistry, obtaining 3 GCSE grades, or for the Science Double Award, worth 2 grades.

If Religious Studies is NOT chosen as a full course GCSE students will study for a short course GCSE taken at the end of Year 10.

See our website www.tauntonschool.co.uk for more information about each subject.

08

TITLE

“Results at GCSE and IGCSE are above the national average and worldwide norms.”

The Good Schools Guide, 2017

09

10

YEAR 10/11 ACADEMIC PROGRAMME

How to decide which subjects to take?

Factors in decision making could include how interesting you find the subject, your ability in the subject and what you want to do in the future. The amount of coursework varies from subject to subject. French, German, Spanish, Latin and Design and Technology should have been followed previously if they are to be studied at GCSE. Business Studies, Classical Civilisation and Drama can be studied without any previous experience of the subject.

Consulting with parents and teachers is the best way to decide.

11

Academic enrichment and study skills

12

“ One of the best things about being a boarder is that you get to meet a lot of new people from other countries and learn a lot about their culture - but in English!”

International Student

Scholars’ Programme

Broadening Horizons

Our Scholars’ Programme offers weekly enrichment and extension to the curriculum in these areas: Academia, Sport, Music, Drama, Design and Technology (DT), Art and Computer Science.

Broadening our students’ horizons is at the heart of our aptly named Horizons Programme. It is designed to enable and encourage all students to participate, engage with the school community and take ownership in developing their interests further.

These sessions are not just for Scholars. Any student who wishes to broaden his or her mind can attend. The sessions feature talks from exciting internal and external speakers, including our own students, on a variety of interesting topics.

Previous sessions have included a talk from Professor Robert Winston, workshops on Shakespeare, presentations on China, Habsburg Marriage: A Tale of Imperialism and Incest, ‘Iconoclasm: Then and Now’, and talks on why reading is important, the Science Industry, The Mafia and the Rise of Global Angry Nationalism.

There are over 100 clubs, societies and journals to get involved with. Many of our clubs have been set up by the students themselves. Whether it’s The Lisk Society (History), Debating, Modern Languages, Scientific or Maths Society, Investment Club and Young Enterprise, Cookery, Horse Riding, Climbing, Computer Programming, Art or Chess Club, there are plenty of opportunities for students to have fun whilst developing friendships, knowledge and life skills.

In DT Scholars’ sessions our students have been creating a website for a local community group. In Drama they have been taking part in Digital Theatre Live, in Sport they have been looking at understanding pressure, elite performance, relaxation, sports psychology, speed and developing as a person, and in Music their programme has involved examining music careers, performance and critique, sound recording and production.

The Scholars’ Programme has proved extremely popular with students, staff and parents who value the extra challenging and inspirational opportunities on offer.

13

DIGITAL STRATEGY FOR TEACHING & LEARNING

We are determined to prepare our students for their future lives, as outlined in the Headmaster’s vision for education here at Taunton School.

Wherever our young people live, work and play in the future, digital technology will be a key feature of everything they do.

There are three strands to our digital strategy in the classroom. Firstly, we make extensive use of our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), called Firefly, which serves to provide a backbone of learning resources for students to access at any time.

Increasingly, prep (homework) is set via the VLE, and students are encouraged to organise their work via the Firefly student app on their mobile device. Mobile devices can also be used in lessons, at the discretion of the teacher, to facilitate all manner of interactive activities such as quizzes.

14

Last but not least, students are guided with their online reading, referencing and research, and have access to high quality subscription-based websites such as Britannica School, which offers varying reading levels to suit all students on a safe and trusted platform.

The digital curriculum starts in Year 9 with ICT as a compulsory subject. Both ICT and Computer Science are available as optional subjects for GCSE and also later in Sixth Form. The School has excellent computing facilities and dedicated teachers who guide students through their courses and encourage them to extend their learning beyond the confines of the curriculum.

Digital strategy for teaching and learning

15

LEARNING SUPPORT

Learning Support Carrington Library The well stocked and recently refurbished Carrington Library provides a quiet working atmosphere for private study and leisure reading for all Senior students.

Holding approximately 14,000 volumes and 7,500 catalogued journal articles, the Library also hosts a number of online and digital resources to support research and learning across the school.

A special collection of books boasting the title “The Wow Factor” encourages academically ambitious students to ‘read themselves interesting’ by exploring World and English literature and works of popular science and humanities subjects.

16

Educational Progress Department

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Our Educational Progress Department provides specialist education for students in Year 9, through to Sixth Form, in line with the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (2001).

Providing a friendly, social and supportive environment, our EAL Department offers comprehensive support and EAL lessons to international students of all year groups.

Students requiring short or long term support during their Taunton School education can benefit from the Educational Progress Department at any point during the school year.

A supportive, expert team of teachers is available to identify and provide the relevant assistance to meet students’ individual educational needs and ensure their full potential is met across the curriculum. We’ll continuously assess, screen and record your child’s progress to make sure you’re fully informed of how they are getting on.

Year 9-11 students receive EAL lessons to support many of the mainstream subjects across the curriculum and benefit from expert tuition in small classes. Whether it’s providing in-class support or help with a specific area of study or piece of work, our EAL teachers excel in educational and pastoral care for overseas students.

Academic Results GCSE

2015

2016

2017

Percentage of grades A*-C

92%

91%

87%

Percentage of grades A*/A

49%

51%

49%

A Level

2015

2016

2017

Overall Pass Rate

95%

100%

100%

of which grades A*, A and B

55%

64%

62%

IB Diploma

2015

2016

2017

Average Diploma Points

32

33

36

79%

76%

83%

BTEC Extended Diploma Sports and Exercise Science

2016

2017

Percentage of grades distinction*/distinction/merit (A* - C)

82%

100%

Percentage of grades distinction*/distinction (A* - A)

62%

76%

(World average: 30 points out of a total of 45)

of which HL grades 7, 6 and 5

(2016 includes Combined and Extended Diploma results)

17

18

“ Of all the school’s greatest hits, pastoral care stands at number one.”

The Good Schools Guide, 2017

Tutoring and Pastoral Care We communicate regularly with parents about the progress that students are making at school, so that successes can be highlighted and issues addressed in a timely manner. There is a cycle of about three weeks between reports - reports can be effort and achievement grades, tutor comments, or house reports. There are also parent-teacher consultation meetings once a year for each age group. The schedule of reports and meetings is sent out at the beginning of each academic year so that parents know what information to expect when. On top of written reports and face-to-face consultations, parents can expect to be in frequent contact via email or telephone with their child’s Tutor and house staff about day-to-day pastoral matters.

Pastoral care is of paramount importance to us. At Taunton School we recognise that young people growing up in this ever changing world need appropriate guidance and support.

Wellbeing is a key part of life at Taunton School and our students are taught to look after their bodies and minds.

There are many pitfalls faced by youngsters growing up today and they need to be equipped with the tools to take on the world. Resilience is vital and knowing how to cope with setbacks is a skill all young people must develop.

We provide exceptional care and support for our students.

Our house staff and tutors are always available to help, console or advise students on both academic and pastoral concerns.

Combining a mix of weekly tutorial group meetings with House Tutors and one to one meetings as and when required, students are fully supported throughout their Senior years.

Medical care We have an onsite Health Centre which is staffed at all times.

The medical team comprises of qualified nurses, a medical assistant and chartered physiotherapist. School Doctors visit the school four times a week for routine surgeries to see students.

If students have a problem they are able to go to other students, teachers, peer mentors, house parent or staff including two counsellors and our mental health nurse.

Our mental health nurse has over 30 years’ experience and has transformed the care we offer. Our students get direct and immediate access to the right care and our teachers are aware, trained, and confident in their practice.

19

House System Every child at Taunton School belongs to a house for their whole educational journey ensuring a real sense of belonging that offers the familiarity, consistency, support and care of the family environment.

20

Every child also has a House Tutor and house parent who are always available to offer support, advice and guidance both academically and pastorally. Older students are very supportive and often become role models for the younger children of the house. Our Peer Monitoring system ensures Seniors, who are trained as counsellors, are always available to support and assist other day students.

At Taunton School, belonging to a house encourages a sense of pride, camaraderie and an infectious team spirit that is fiercely demonstrated during in-house competitions and school events.

21

BOARDING

Boarding Our five boarding houses provide a safe and secure home from home environment for students aged 13 - 18 years old either for full or flexible boarding. The Fairwater, Wills East and Wills West boarding houses care for the boys and Weirfield and Woodyer care for the girls.

The boarding community lies right at the heart of Taunton School.

Cosy, cosmopolitan and centrally located, all five boarding houses are a hive of activity and all have their own distinctive identities, legendary characters and colourful histories.

Although each house has its own unique personality, all have similar pastoral structures, a common ethos and modern facilities. Spacious dormitories, recreational areas, lounges and ICT suites are at student’s disposal to aid work, rest and play.

Taunton School boarders love their houses with a passion and enjoy nothing more than passing on stories to the younger generations. These include the Weirfield girls waxing lyrical about famous House Singing victories, the Wills boys joking about the tobacco Baron (Dame Janet Stancomb-Wills) who founded their house or perhaps best of all, the legendary tunnel that Fairwater boys love to boast about that is said to run from their house to the cricket pavilion on the other side of the school campus.

22

Understandably many of our day students are keen not to be left out of the action and have taken the opportunity to board on a flexi or weekly basis.

A team of House Staff, including Housemasters, Housemistresses and House Tutors are always on hand to advise, support and provide exceptional academic and pastoral care to all boarders.

Our excellent food hall provides a vibrant environment for boarders to enjoy a wide range of meals together, plus fun activities, clubs and down time take care of evenings and weekends.

Friendships formed in the boarding community last a lifetime.

Our boarders have a packed programme of weekend and evening activities which can include cinema trips, surfing, paintballing, shopping trips, conservation work, trips to Exeter and Bath, Clothes Show Live, football, discos, basketball and swimming.

TITLE

Military families Children from military backgrounds enjoy the stability, consistency and undisrupted education that Taunton School can offer, whether it’s through full or flexible boarding.

By buddying up with our mentors, Senior students learn the ropes, adapt easily to our house system and settle in very quickly. With our vast experience and pastoral care high on our agenda, your child also receives a high level of care and guidance.

We can offer significant financial support to military families in receipt of CEA and help with fees. Email registrar@tauntonschool.co.uk for more information.

23

Facilities We have an enviably spacious 56 acre campus on the edge of Taunton. Our extensive sports fields are utilised all year round and we have two excellent indoor swimming pools and a large sports hall. Our beautiful old buildings exude historical character and charm and comprise of vibrant modern classrooms, and specialist Arts, Music and Drama spaces. Our Design and Technology departments offer all the latest equipment and our bespoke recently refurbished ITC suites provide students with an exceptional learning experience. Our Science department is housed in its own beautiful block and with fully equipped laboratories.

Taunton School was founded in 1847. The now Grade II listed gothic-style building was constructed by Joseph James, complete with an impressive tower. In 1907, William Henry Wills, 1st Baron Winterstoke, sponsored the construction of the Chapel, which to this day still plays a key role in the School’s community.

24

ASSISTED PLACES & SCHOLARSHIPS

Assisted Places and Scholarships We believe that every child should have access to a life changing education. At Taunton School, we offer Assisted Places and Scholarships so that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

We know that for many parents, the dream of sending their child to a top independent school is out of reach financially. You may also have concerns that your son or daughter may struggle to fit in socially and academically.

One of the School’s most important aims is to do all it can to provide education for able students, whatever the financial circumstances of the student’s family.

Assisted Places are means-tested financial support and last the whole time your child is at Taunton School as long as your circumstances remain the same. Scholarships are not means-tested and are recognition of excellence and outstanding ability. All offers are subject to assessment, with students demonstrating ability in one or more areas.

There are also Awards, which are merit-based and offer a discount on fees. They are available for entry into years outside the Scholarship entry years.

13 + Scholarships (Year 9) We offer All Rounder, Academic, Music, Drama, Art, Sport, Design and Technology and Computer Science Scholarships to candidates for entry into Year 9 and, subject to suitable progress, these continue through to the end of the Sixth Form. Applicants must be under the age of 14 on the 1st September to qualify for entry.

For further information about 13+ Scholarships or Assisted Places, including deadlines and the application procedure for entry, please contact the Admissions Manager on 01823 703702, email registrar@tauntonschool.co.uk or visit our website.

25

Taunton

Bath

Bristol

Stonehenge

Location Taunton School is situated in Taunton in the beautiful English countryside and is only 1 hour and 45 minutes from London.

Taunton is the county town of Somerset, in the South West of England. The region enjoys good weather, areas of outstanding natural beauty and a wonderful coastline.

The cities of Bristol and Exeter are under one hour away in travel time and Taunton is on main road and rail links to London and other major cities. Exeter International Airport and Bristol International Airport are both 40 minutes by car. Heathrow London Airport is 2 hours and 30 minutes away and London Gatwick Airport is 3 hours and 30 minutes away.

26

Taunton School is walking distance from the town centre which has excellent amenities and is the perfect place to do some shopping, meet for coffee or visit the theatre or cinema during evenings and weekends. Taunton is quintessentially British and is home to the highly successful Somerset County Cricket Club, has a beautiful town centre park and a traditional food and craft market.

It is close to Stonehenge, one of the Wonders of the World and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe, and the historic city of Bath, a designated world heritage site with its grand Georgian architecture and one of the world’s best-preserved Roman bathhouses.

Transport Our efficient, safe and reliable transport network is at your disposal to get to and from school. Our fleet of three coaches and 11 minibuses covers a wide catchment area with convenient pick up points from Exeter to Glastonbury and Weston Super-Mare.

All of our drivers are fully vetted, DBS checked, fire and first aid trained and employed by Taunton School.

Our Campus and Boarding Houses FOXCOMBE

WILLS WEST WILLS EAST

WOODYER THONE

WEIRFIELD FAIRWATER

27

CO-CURRICULAR

Co-Curricular There are a myriad of opportunities on offer outside the classroom.

We believe that participation in sport is a vital part of any education and participation by our students is high. Teamwork, support and regular practice and success help to develop pride and self-esteem. Competition is healthy and we cater for students of all abilities whether they have ambitions to compete in the Olympics or gain a place in a school team.

With an array of Art, Music and Drama groups, combined with societies, events and clubs, there is something for all tastes and abilities.

Our Music department offers a huge range of performance opportunities including instrumental and vocal ensembles, solo opportunities and large scale concerts. Our highly professional Musical Theatre productions occur every two years combining musical and acting talent alongside opportunities to work behind the scenes.

28

Our Drama department puts on several plays throughout the year and offers trips to experience live theatre productions.

Our CCF is one of the biggest in the South West with three sections (Army/RN/RAF) and we also offer Trek Force for the non-military minded. The cadets take part in orienteering, map reading, camping, self reliance exercises, teambuilding, Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors, amongst other activities.

CCF is compulsory for Years 10 and 11.

There is also a large number of overseas trips that students can opt to go on such as exchange trips, treks and expeditions, and sports tours.

At Taunton School it is the norm to opt in and enrich your learning experience.

“ Outcomes for pupils in the co-curricular programme are outstanding.�

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report, 2017

29

TRANSITION & PROGRESSION

Transition and progression The majority of our students stay on for the Sixth Form to study A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB) or BTEC. We are an experienced provider of the increasingly popular IB Diploma, one of few in the area. Our results are excellent, displayed on page 17.

Transition into the Sixth Form is easy and smooth. Classes are taught in the same classrooms by the same teachers so students have a head start by already knowing the staff and the school environment well and vice versa.

Sixth Form students enjoy having access to The Guvvy, their own dedicated space where Years 12 and 13 can be more independent and get away from the rest of the school in their free time. It is a relaxed area with TVs and sofas.

On average, three students a year will be awarded places at Oxford or Cambridge University.

Students gain places at a range of different UK universities.

Russell Group Universities account for a large number of places despite Taunton School not being selective. Places at top 20 universities who are not Russell Group regularly include Loughborough, Bath and Surrey.

Many students go on to study Medicine, Veterinary Science and Dentistry and a significant proportion travel to other countries for university such as Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and the USA.

30

31

Admissions The only way to truly appreciate what makes our school so unique is to come and visit. That way you’ll discover the amazing academic and co-curricular opportunities on offer to all Senior School students, as well as meet the teachers who help them to reach their full potential.

The main age of admission to the Senior School is 13 (Year 9), but entry into other year groups is also possible. No entrance examination is required and selection is based on an interview, report and reference. Admission may also be gained via Common Entrance examination (by students entering Year 9 from a Preparatory School) or by Scholarship entry.

32

Our admissions process is easy.

Once you express your interest in Taunton School we will invite you to come in for a visit, to have a look around and meet the Headmaster. You may also like to arrange a taster day with us.

We will ask you to complete a registration form and, with your permission, contact your current school to obtain reports and a reference.

Students in education outside the UK may be asked to sit assessment tests. Once this is completed we will be in a position to offer you a place.

We educate our young people so that, on leaving, they have the qualifications, confidence and worldliness to take advantage of the many opportunities on offer.

Taunton School, Staplegrove Road, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6AD Telephone: +44 (0) 1823 703703 Email: registrar@tauntonschool.co.uk

www.tauntonschool.co.uk