Senior School Prospectus

Education for a Lifetime SENIOR SCHOOL

Welcome to...

In today’s competitive and fast-paced world, the principles underpinning St. Edmund’s pupils are more relevant than ever. Our ethos actively promotes and expects respect, tolerance, individual social responsibility, and community involvement; values that will make them responsible and engaged members of society.

St. Edmund’s

In contrast to the many larger institutions available, our dedication to small teaching groups and our strong sense of unity creates an environment where our pupils can flourish both academically and personally.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is projected to transform more than 1 billion jobs over the next decade and generate 133 million brand new ones. Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, has recently stated that we must ‘ensure people have the right education, skills, and jobs’ to meet this ‘major shift in terms of the skills required for each job and the types of jobs that will exist in the future.’

We are therefore preparing our pupils for jobs that may not exist yet that will require them to use technology that has not been invented and to solve problems that we may not yet know about.

In a changing world of uncertainty, consideration must be given to what can best equip our pupils for their future and we must prepare our girls and boys not just for ‘a life of tests’ but also ‘the tests of life’. We therefore prime our pupils to be imaginative, creative and entrepreneurial, with emotional intelligence and compassion, a positive personal rapport and a sense of grit to achieve and thrive whilst appreciating the importance of caring for others.

We sincerely hope that you will be able to visit us. Many visitors comment on the indefinable “feel” of the school, its very special atmosphere and unique ethos.

This brochure can only paint a picture; the people will tell you the full story!

Adam Walliker, Headmaster

TEACHING INSPIRATIONAL

Our academic staff are knowledgeable and passionate about their subject areas – each and every one has been hand-picked not only because of their ability to teach, but because of their capability to inspire.

All schools claim that their teachers are talented and capable –at St. Edmund’s, our teaching staff go that extra mile to ensure that every pupil achieves more than they previously thought was possible. More of a greenhouse than a hothouse, St. Edmund’s instead chooses to inspire, innovate and encourage each child to grow, rather than apply excessive pressure.

ACADEMIC LIFE

Through high-quality teaching and resources, we aim to provide an inspiring experience for our pupils and encourage them to appreciate life-long independent learning.

A broad curriculum is on offer to pupils across Forms 9, 10 and 11 providing them with a firm foundation upon which to make future educational choices.

Through a challenging and enriching education, our Senior pupils learn effective study skills, acquiring the habits of mind which create successful young scholars.

Pupils choose their IGCSE options towards the end of Form 8, enabling them to start studying their selected options from Form 9. In Forms 9 to 11, pupils study a core curriculum of compulsory subjects of English Language and Literature, Maths, Science (Combined or Triple Award) and Religious Studies.

In addition, through discussions with teachers, tutors and the Deputy Head (Senior Academic), pupils will be able to make an informed choice regarding four further subjects to study at GCSE level. Subjects include Art, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, Drama & Theatre Studies, Design Technology, Food Preparation & Nutrition, Geography, History, Latin, MFL (French / Spanish), Music, Physical Education, Sports Science and The Triple Award Science Course (for able scientists).

Saturday Clinics are offered to pupils in Form 10 and 11, the aim of the sessions are to provide extra small group teaching time to assist with recent topics, revision and coursework.

UNRIVALLED PASTORAL CARE

CARE

Academic success at St. Edmund’s is, in our belief, intrinsically tied to the robust pastoral care framework that we have in place.

Boys and girls at St. Edmund’s have a positive and reassuring environment in which to thrive. Here, they are encouraged to question, be free, think independently and gain confidence as they progress through the school.

These qualities are effectively supported by our unique tutorial system with designated tutors always on hand. Twice a week, these tutors meet with their tutees to discuss progress, celebrate achievements, address areas for improvement, and navigate any pastoral concerns with care and consideration.

When pupils arrive in Form 9, they are also given a designated Form 10 Mentor. Whether they seek a role model, coach, sounding board, voice of reason, counsellor, trusted resource, or simply a friend, our Form 10s are there, guiding and helping them as they navigate senior life.

PASTORAL CARE

Our pastoral system is a collaborative effort, involving our staff, parents, and pupils. Our most effective pastoral care is achieved by close and regular contact, and by retaining an awareness and sensitivity to the needs of the children in our care. Beyond academics, we offer crucial support during the formative years of each child’s unique development, guiding them through the transition from childhood to adulthood.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Our co-curricular provision forms a significant part of our children’s educational journey, involving activities that extend well beyond the academic curriculum, and almost invariably outside the classroom.

At St. Edmund’s, we view co-curricular activities as an indispensable element to the overall learning experience. Pupils are provided with the opportunity to learn about life in its broader context; its challenges and opportunities, how to respond to successes and occasional disappointments, and most importantly how to adopt the mantra of ‘give everything a try’.

After-school activities offered may be sporting, artistic, dramatic, creative, musical or cultural in nature. These are all engaging sessions, brought alive by the expertise of our teaching staff. The majority of after-school activities are provided as part of the St. Edmund’s experience, however on certain occasions sessions are supplemented by the talents of external experts, which may necessitate a contribution from parents.

THEME NIGHTS

EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL VISITS

Theme Nights stand out as the highlight of the school calendar. Imagine running around our secure 40-acre site in the dark, immersing yourself in The Great Escape. With nearly 200 children participating in an array of fun games throughout the school grounds, these nights create unforgettable memories that your child will cherish and reminisce about for years to come.

ACTIVITY NIGHTS

Year group activity nights are an opportunity for classmates to get stuck into numerous fun activities. No two nights are the same, however our most popular nights in the past have involved laser tag in the dark, giant inflatables, and nerf gun games.

Throughout the school year, pupils take part in excursions which enhance their learning experience and encourage them to develop as thoughtful, independent and confident individuals. Teaching staff regularly organise visits related to their areas of study, both locally and abroad; to theatres, galleries; to university departments and historical buildings; to Rome, Athens, Cadiz and Iceland, as well as a sports tour to Barcelona and a trip to the Somme Battlefields.

In addition to the day-to-day curriculum, we offer optional trips to help broaden each pupil’s horizons. We believe children should free to explore the world purely for the joy of discovery, and not simply because it ‘might come up’ in a GCSE exam. Notable examples of these trips include a recent trip to Iceland, and our eagerly anticipated annual ski trip.

At St. Edmund’s we wholeheartedly believe that an active, healthy body paves the way for a joyful, healthy mind. We provide a wide range of sport for our pupils, catering to both those who relish competition as well as those who just want to have fun and stay fit.

Led by a team of seasoned coaches and teachers, our sports programme is designed to cultivate personal growth - irrespective of age or ability. At the heart of our approach lies a focus on teamwork, leadership, and the nurturing of good sportsmanship.

Whether revelling in victory or facing the challenges of defeat, our children are taught to be gracious and humble, shaping them into not just skilled athletes, but into well-rounded individuals.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR SPORT

We offer an extensive range of extra-curricular sporting options for our pupils including access to professional coaching and after and before school, clubs. These options and activities change termly to give a wide variety to those who want to try something new! Some of these are listed below:

Athletics, Cricket, Fitness/Gym, Football, Fundamental Movement Skills, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Netball, Rugby, Shred (off-road mountain biking), Swim Squad, Tennis, Trampolining, Triathlon and Volleyball.

ART, MUSIC & DRAMA

EDUCATION IS A SONG... SING IT

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT ST. EDMUND’S HAS AN OUTSTANDING REPUTATION IN MUSIC.

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MAKING MUSIC

The vast majority of children at St Edmund’s eagerly embrace the world of music, with many showcasing their talents by playing instruments or lending their voices to one of our five vibrant choirs.

Senior pupils can enhance their music knowledge with further studies in our GCSE Edexcel Music Course. The course provides an engaging exploration of set-works to nurture musical understanding and sharpen composition and performance skills. We support every pupil, ensuring they navigate the course with confidence and excellence.

Throughout the academic year, music pupils participate in music galas in our Farley Hall, concerts in our chapel, church services, scholarship concerts, nativities, music showcases, performing arts productions and themed concerts. We also celebrate our performers with a biographical display of our ‘Young Musicians of the Month’ for our Lower Prep, Prep and Senior Schools pupils.

PERFORMING ARTS

The Drama department is a thriving hub of creativity, providing all pupils with the chance to immerse themselves within the world of the stage. There is a heightened focus on Theatre Studies, blending academic insights with hands-on practical experience. This strategic approach equips pupils with the necessary skills and techniques for GCSE Drama in Form 9. Pupils learn to collaborate with others, think analytically and evaluate effectively.

Our Senior Drama pupils also attend professional and amateur theatrical productions and develop the habit of analysing them critically from the point of view of performer, technician, director, and designer.

Opportunities abound for everyone in our Senior programmes, with pupils taking centre stage and contributing behind the scenes, from classic productions to contemporary hits. Recent Senior productions have included: Shrek, Oliver, Legally Blonde and Goodnight Mister Tom.

ART

Art at St. Edmund’s is designed to be as exciting as possible, so that each pupil not only enjoys their lessons, but also develops skills across a spectrum of techniques and media.

Our spacious Art room is a haven for creativity, and is well-equipped to enable artistic exploration, ranging from traditional painting and drawing to textiles, sculpture and ceramics. Embracing technology, we also provide several computers for pupils to integrate digital techniques unto their creative process.

The department’s aim is to develop a love of creating; to enjoy and learn from all aspects of the Art & Design process, from sketches to finished pieces and for all levels of ability. Pupils are encouraged to develop visual awareness and vocabulary, learning not to just look but truly ‘see’ the world around them.

In Form 9, pupils start their Art GCSE if they have chosen it as an option. We currently follow the AQA Art, Craft and Design GCSE syllabus. Pupils explore the works of various artists, and experiment with a wide range of art media.

As the GCSE course progresses, pupils are given increasing autonomy, allowing them to develop their own artistic voice in response to a diverse range of stimuli. Complementing this experience are numerous trips for Senior pupils to some of the best renowned galleries in London, with the potential for trips to overseas galleries in the near future.

For more information about the GCSE courses we follow, please view our most up-to-date GCSE Options booklet.

EXAMINATIONS

Every year, we take immense pride in celebrating the academic achievements of all our pupils at St. Edmund’s. For some it will be gaining straight 9’s at GCSE; for others it will be achieving good pass grades in all of their subjects. We expect the highest standards from all of our pupils, regardless of their ability. At St. Edmund’s, we emphasise the significance of added value; indeed for some, their real achievement is measured through the progress made over their years studying with us.

For detailed information on this year’s GCSE results, we invite you to explore our website.

WE ARE WHAT WE EAT

At St. Edmund’s, we believe a healthy outside starts from the inside. With this in mind, we offer an exciting and healthfocused menu, served in our new state-of-the-art dining hall.

Fresh fruit platters and sandwiches are prepared at break times, and water is available for the children throughout the day. At midday, freshly prepared hot lunches from the School kitchen are served, with non-dairy and vegetarian alternatives available.

Processed foods are kept to an absolute minimum, and meals generally feature a low sugar content, and no added salt. Special dietary requirements for the children can be easily accommodated.

VISITING ST. EDMUND’S

Attending an Open Morning is an ideal way to get to know our school, meet our Head Dr. Walliker, and hear from our pupils as they explain what they like best about St. Edmund’s.

If you are unable to attend an open morning, our Registrar, Annabella Toms, will be pleased to arrange an alternative visit to St. Edmund’s. She can be contacted on:

Tel: 01428 609 875

e-mail: registrar@saintedmunds.co.uk

St. Edmund’s is easily accessible from the A3. Due to our position on the three counties border, our pupils travel to school from the many towns and villages throughout Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire. St. Edmund’s enjoys a fleet of branded school mini-buses which operate on a large number of routes.