Independent School Parent Awards 2022: Shortlisted for INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OF THE YEAR FOR WELLBEING
FROM THE HEADMASTER
Here at Reigate St Mary’s, we provide children with an all-round education, developing their thinking skills and motivation so that they become lifelong learners, fully prepared for senior school and beyond.
All of this is achieved through our relentless focus on wellbeing. The school’s philosophy is underpinned by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, as we recognise that self-esteem and a sense of belonging are both critical to ensuring that your child achieves their potential. We aim to nurture and develop their grit, determination and resilience, setting them on a path to a happy and successful adulthood.
A rich, broad and stimulating curriculum, alongside truly holistic and individual support, ensures that each child can develop their strengths and accelerate their academic attainment as they progress through the school. A successful transition to senior school will build upon these successes, and ensure your child continues to be happy, healthy and fulfilled in the next stage of their education.
We always ask which senior school is right for a child, rather than asking whether the child is right for the school. From experience, children need to have some reserves available to them when they move into Year 7 and adapt to all the challenges that a secondary school brings. We recommend that families choose a school where their child’s self-confidence will flourish, and where they will be stretched academically to the right degree, leaving them time and energy to enjoy a rich extra-curricular life as well.
Marcus Culverwell Headteacher
KEY INGREDIENTS OF OUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Thorough preparation for senior school is about so much more than testing. We believe that our academic success is based on six key ingredients:
• A relentless focus on wellbeing: without the self-esteem, confidence and sense of belonging that are essential to wellbeing, it is impossible for your child to achieve his or her full potential. With them, the chances of success are optimised. That’s why wellbeing is the absolute bedrock of everything we do.
• Truly holistic and individual support: your child is known in the round by all staff thanks to a termly ‘form focus’ meeting, where every child is considered and discussed by everyone involved. The result is a joined-up picture of your child and an understanding that enables personalised support both in and out of the classroom. No child is invisible or slips under the radar here.
• A growth mindset: one that celebrates hard work and effort, and intrinsic not extrinsic reward. In focusing on the journey, and in embracing mistakes and failure as part of improving, your child will build the resilience and risk-taking propensity required to succeed.
“We strive to ensure that every child has the ability to confidently demonstrate their thinking skills in all areas of their learning.”
• A rich, broad and stimulating curriculum: one that covers STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), computing, languages, science, philosophy, PHSE, the humanities (history, geography and religious studies), art, drama, music and sport galore, as well as the core subjects of maths and English.
• Committed staff: those recruited for their desire to see children flourish and overcome hurdles. When coupled with staff ratios that facilitate individual attention and the time to have those conversations that matter, then real growth happens.
• An emphasis on lifelong learning: right from Reception your child will be part of our Philosophy for Children programme, which develops critical and abstract thinking. In discussing whether Red Riding Hood should have deviated from the path, for example, your child learns to question, evaluate, decide and articulate. In listening to others, and building on their ideas, academic standards are lifted for everyone and your child develops important soft skills such as communication and teamwork.
HOW YOUR CHILD WILL BE ASSESSED WHILE AT RSM
There is no single test to determine potential, therefore what we also look for is continuous excellent progress right up until your child leaves Reigate St Mary’s. Our full, rich curriculum nurtures the enjoyment of all subjects.
We hold a lot of data on all the children at Reigate St Mary’s. Our knowledge and assessment of their capabilities and their potential are based on in-depth understanding of their application as well as their attainment.
Regular and ongoing assessments (which the children are not asked to prepare for and many of which they will be unaware of) enable us to modify the curriculum and our teaching methods to meet their needs, and to provide tailored stretch and support throughout the academic year.
EARLY YEARS
EYFS (Green Shoots, Kindergarten and Reception) assessments do not take the form of tests. Instead, teachers seek daily feedback from the children, opening dialogue that ensures each child has a solid understanding of key concepts before progressing on their educational journey.
YEARS 1 & 2 (KEY STAGE 1)
Baseline data is collected in both Year 1 and Year 2 to help teachers identify the next steps for each individual child.
In Year 1, assessments are carried out in small groups or one-to-one settings, while in Year 2 they are completed as a whole class. These assessments do not require any preparation from the children.
Children in both year groups are also introduced to reasoning tests provided by a recognised external supplier. These help us understand whether each child is reaching their full potential, though it’s important to note that these tests offer only a snapshot.
In Year 2, children also complete end-of-year assessments in Maths, English, SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar), and Writing. These assessments provide a broader picture of each child’s attainment and help inform transition into Key Stage 2.
The emphasis in Year 1 and Year 2 remains on daily feedback. Teachers continually assess understanding through regular interactions to ensure that each child has a secure grasp of key concepts.
Regular parents’ evenings and end-of-year reports keep parents informed every step of the way.
YEARS 3-6 (KEY STAGE 2)
In Year 3, children are introduced to online reasoning tests from a recognised external educational supplier. These tests are designed to determine whether or not your child is performing to his or her potential. We do not prepare for these assessments, although the children do become very familiar with their format over the years. It is the results of these tests, along with the teachers’ assessments of your child, that enable us to form judgements of academic potential based on your child’s progress, resilience and attitude.
Formal tests are carried out twice a year in Years 3 to 6 in comprehension, SPAG, writing and maths. The children enjoy the challenge, relishing the opportunity to demonstrate what they know. As teachers, we focus on individual development – celebrating children who are reflective and not afraid to take risks, as these are important life skills.
THE ROUTE TO A SENIOR SCHOOL WITHIN THE RGS FAMILY
All Year 5 pupils at RSM will receive an early offer to either Reigate Grammar School (RGS) or RGS Surrey Hills (RGSSH) without the need to sit an entrance exam or go through the 11+ process.
Reigate Grammar School is highly academically selective, with a proven track record of exceptional results. RGS will suit children who would benefit from a fast-paced learning environment alongside a plethora of extra-curricular opportunities.
RGS Surrey Hills is an academically aspirational day school (with a small amount of boarding) located in the beautiful North Downs. RGS Surrey Hills will suit children who may benefit from a smaller setting and those who are interested in a more inclusive educational offering. Pupils at RGS Surrey Hills can study both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB). We know our pupils well, and the early admissions process to Reigate Grammar School or RGS Surrey Hills is based on a proven track record of academic ability and excellence in behaviour and attitude over the course of a pupil’s time at Reigate St Mary’s. The indicators we use specifically include those for the core subjects, which are reported to parents in the termly feedback via reports and at Parents’ Evenings. Most emphasis is placed on the indicators from the Summer Term, once the whole curriculum has been covered.
THE ROUTE TO OTHER SENIOR SCHOOLS
If Reigate Grammar School or RGS Surrey Hills are not your choice for your child’s senior school, we will work closely with you to agree which school is the best fit for your child.
We have excellent and close relationships with many senior schools in the local area. These links, combined with a rigorous programme of 11+ preparation and support, often tailored specifically to the destination school of choice, mean that we are ideally placed to help children to gain places at their chosen schools.
In the past few years, children have moved on from RSM to a number of local independent and state schools, many with scholarships for academics, music, sport and art.
Any SEND requirements are also discussed with future senior schools, and our excellent SEND staff support families all the way through the process.
KEY DATES AND TESTING SUMMARY
YEAR GROUP
Year 3
Year 4
EVENT/DISCUSSION
Year 5
Parents’ Evenings in the Autumn and Summer terms.
Full annual written report in the Spring term.
Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning tests in the Autumn term.
Tests in English comprehension, SPAG, writing and maths in the Spring and Summer terms.
Year 3 senior school information evening.
Parents’ Evenings in the Autumn and Summer terms.
Full annual written report in the Spring term.
CAT Reasoning tests in the Autumn term.
Tests in English comprehension, SPAG, writing and maths in the Spring and Summer terms.
Meeting or letter from the Headmaster to discuss future schools. In the Summer term, a meeting with parents on the Reigate Grammar School or RGS Surrey Hills route.
Parents’ Evening in the Autumn term with English, maths and form teachers.
Full annual written report in the Spring term.
Parents’ Evening in the Summer term.
CAT Reasoning tests in the Autumn term.
Tests in English comprehension, SPAG, writing and maths in the Spring and Summer terms.
Further discussions on senior school suitability following the half term break of the Spring term and Summer term.
Year 5 (cont...)
The RGS Route
In the spring term or Year 5, parents confirm that they wish to apply for an early offer to RGS or RGSSH. RGS and RGSSH hold special Open Mornings for RSM Year 5 families as applicable.
Scholarships including sport, drama, art and music may be applied for by a parent if their child has been recommended for one by Reigate St Mary’s subject leads. Academic scholarships are automatically applied rather than being applied for.
RGS and RGSSH send out offer letters at the beginning of the Summer term and parents must accept and commit to taking up the place by the half term break of the Summer term.
The 11+ Route: Applying to other senior schools
From February of the Spring term, 11+ weekly classes begin with the 11+ teacher.
The 11+ weekly classes continue with access to online resources given during the Summer term and holiday. In the Summer holidays, maths resources are also given.
Parents’ Evening in the Autumn term with English, maths and form teachers.
In September, the children go on a residential trip to encourage team building, confidence and problem solving.
CAT Reasoning tests and a report given to parents in the Autumn term for those on the 11+ programme.
Tests in English comprehension, SPAG, writing and maths in the Spring and Summer terms.
Year 6
The 11+ programme continues until the end of the Autumn term, with specific support given for senior school entrance exams. Additional resource ideas are also provided by the 11+ teacher. Parents are given a Top Tips for Exams pack at the end of the Autumn term to help their child get ready for January exams, which is when most senior schools undertake these. Ongoing maths and English support is given.
Ongoing conversations and individual meetings with parents as necessary, particularly in relation to scholarship potential.
In the Autumn term, letters are sent to parents of pupils not going on to RGS or RGSSH requesting confirmation of all independent or state senior schools they are applying to.
Year 6 pupils have interview practice with a member of the Senior Teachers.
