SENIOR
THE SHERFIELD EXPERIENCE
Welcome The Senior School at Sherfield continues to go from strength to strength due to the exceptional work ethic of our pupils, the expert advice and guidance offered by our teaching staff, as well as the supportive and nurturing environment that Sherfield School offers. However, I also believe that the success of the Senior School is, in no small part, linked with the considerable benefits offered by our all-through school. It is conceivable that a pupil could join the Nursery at 3 months of age and leave as a young adult having completed Sixth Form study. This means that the teachers and staff have been able to really get to know the pupil and their family well, allowing for smooth transitions at key points in the child’s academic career, getting to know their strengths and challenges and working with them to make sure that their outcomes – academic, pastoral and co-curricular – are the best that they can be. It also means that future references are truly reflective of a pupil’s personality and achievements. Academic success is, of course, at the heart of what we aim for, but we are also committed to providing opportunities for every pupil to achieve their potential beyond the curriculum studied in lessons. Whether this is in competitive sports or other enriching activities, setting up a new society or organising a charity event, Sherfield pupils are encouraged to take the initiative and demonstrate individual strengths. At Sherfield, we provide A Level and BTEC courses, which both offer recognised routes to university, an apprenticeship or employment. There is also the opportunity for pupils to combine pathways and study a mixture of the A Level and BTEC. There is nothing more rewarding for a Senior School teacher than to help ambitious and engaged young people develop into curious adults and life-long learners, who are confident, resilient, happy, caring and self-aware citizens. At Sherfield this is the common goal of all members of staff.
Duncan Page Head of Seniors
2
SHERFIELDSCHOOL.CO.UK
3
THE SHERFIELD EXPERIENCE
4
SHERFIELDSCHOOL.CO.UK
Stimulating Senior School Teaching at the Senior School is stimulating and forward thinking, so that the learning is an exciting, challenging and enjoyable experience. GCSE courses start in Year 9 at Sherfield. There is close monitoring of all work in Year 8, with a view to giving careful individual advice to pupils as to the number and combinations of GCSE courses that would be appropriate for each pupil. School End of Year Exams and for those joining in Year 8, are also used as a confirmation that the choices are suitable. Parents, pupils and teachers discuss the options available to ensure that each pupil chooses a programme that meets his or her needs for continued studying in the Sixth Form and beyond. Pupils are encouraged to take 9–10 GCSEs allowing them to obtain the best grades possible. Preparing our pupils to be successful global citizens for their time after Sherfield is an important part of the School.
Sixth Formers are based in a spacious, state-of-the-art Sixth Form centre which adjoins the main building. It has two large study areas, a Sixth Form café, two classrooms which are dedicated to the teaching of A Level subjects and office space for the Senior School leaders. Years 12 and 13 are also taught in the classrooms of Buckfield House. Sherfield Sixth Form has a ‘business’ feel with pupils using the latest ICT and wearing office smart wear, rather than school uniform. We tailor the curriculum to each pupil’s individual requirements. Pupils will normally study three to four subjects in Year 12, some taking the fourth subject as an AS at the end of Year 12, most carrying all subjects through to A Level in Year 13.
100% of pupils passed three or more A Levels, August 2019, 2020 and 2021. 5
THE SHERFIELD EXPERIENCE
Academic Excellence Pupils are regularly and rigorously assessed in exam conditions to help them succeed in public examinations. In the Senior School, children continue to develop into independent and responsible adults. In Year 8, children are given guidance to help them make informed choices about their options as they progress towards GCSEs and in Years 12 and 13, they receive specialist support with their applications to higher education and training. To achieve a supportive learning experience, we provide: • High calibre, experienced A Level teachers
We are committed to ensuring that our A Level and BTEC teaching groups are not too large, in order to ensure that each pupil receives individual guidance and feedback on how to progress. Our resources are outstanding, with all subject departments fully equipped with the latest technology, specialist equipment and textbooks.
• Small teaching groups • Weekly tutorials • Academic mentoring
Pupils have excellent attitudes to study, demonstrating keen attention and the ability to work independently and collaboratively when provided the chance to do so. ISI 2017
6
SHERFIELDSCHOOL.CO.UK
7
THE SHERFIELD EXPERIENCE
Pupils are enthusiastic in their learning activities and take decisions readily and confidently. They are well prepared to lead and take responsibility for their actions. ISI 2017 8
SHERFIELDSCHOOL.CO.UK
University Leaver Destinations Career advice and preparation for life at university are essential elements of the Sherfield experience. During their time at Senior School, pupils are provided with a wealth of information regarding the university application process which includes: • University visits • Access to up-to-date careers • One-to-one mentoring • Assistance with the online UCAS application process • A workshop on how to write an effective personal statement • Twice weekly UCAS drop-in sessions for individual guidance on courses and universities
OXBRIDGE, MEDICINE, DENTISTRY AND VETERINARY PROGRAMME For those who are aiming to join competitive universities – such as Cambridge and Oxford, and applications to prestigious British medical, dental and veterinary schools – pupils are provided with specific guidance on the admissions process, as well as specific guidance on writing an academic personal statement, aptitude tests and interview techniques. Upon successful completion of A Level studies at Sherfield, pupils have received offers and gained places at the UK’s top universities including: • Imperial College London • University of Exeter • University College London • University of Bath • University of Durham • Oxford University
9
THE SHERFIELD EXPERIENCE
Exam Results At the end of their journey at Sherfield School, our pupils achieve excellent results, allowing them to move onto some of the best universities in the UK and internationally. We pride ourselves on focusing on the individual and work with both pupils and parents to ensure pupils are able to progress on to the next step in their education that is right for them.
Name: Will Class of: 2020 A Level grades: A* A* A* University choice: University of Exeter Studying: History
I have enjoyed the community feel and the sense of belonging at Sherfield, coupled with some great friends and excellent teachers. Also, I enjoyed the increasing sense of freedom, responsibility and mutual respect that unfolds as you progress through the school. I think Sherfield has prepared me well for university, making new friends and meeting new challenges.
10
SHERFIELDSCHOOL.CO.UK
11
Leading co-educational independent day and boarding school for children aged 3 months to 18 years
Sherfield School, Sherfield-on-Loddon, Hook, Hampshire RG27 0HU + 44 (0) 1256 884 800
sherfieldschool.co.uk