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Academic Prospectus
Get the Vocational Prospectus too for the full picture of Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.
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Principal’s Welcome T
hank you for taking the time to look at We want them to be rounded individuals, our prospectus. not simply ‘trained performers’ but At Tring Park we provide a terrific ‘thinking performers’. We are also opportunity for our pupils to receive determined that when our young people a rigorous training in the performing leave Tring Park they take with them the arts combined with a balanced and values of kindness, fairness and tolerance wide-ranging academic curriculum. so that they can make a positive Within our nurturing community we contribution to the wider world whatever aim to inspire pupils always to aim for career they choose to follow. excellence, encourage their creativity and Please do come and visit us. We look develop the resilience necessary for them forward to welcoming you to our unique to thrive in their careers and lives after school. school. With my best wishes, We expect our young people to Stefan Anderson work hard, with real commitment and dedication and they rise to this challenge.
Inspiring excellence, creativity and resilience ina nurturing community
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ith our reputation for first-class Performing Arts training and an exceptional array of academic subjects on offer, at Tring Park we ensure that our pupils are equally impressive on stage and in their classrooms. We take pride in being the only leading full-time vocational Performing Arts school where students have the opportunity to graduate as professional actors, dancers and musicians with three, or four, solid academic A Levels behind them. It is rewarding watching our students gracing the stages at prestigious venues such as Royal Albert Hall, London Palladium and Sadler’s Wells, before returning to school, eager to give the same committed performance academically. Tring Park offers pupils the opportunity to undertake a full set of GCSEs and remains the only full-time vocational Performing Arts school where a triple Science GCSE and all core Science subjects at A Level are obtainable, allowing our pupils to keep all of their options open: students at Tring Park have attained places to study Medicine, Physics and Engineering as well as more arts-based subjects such as English, French and History at university immediately upon leaving school. With the wide extent of our academic offering, Tring Park graduates often have difficult decisions to make, regarding whether to accept a leading university offer, a prestigious Drama school place, or a Performing Arts contract upon leaving school. Tring Park students have accepted places at universities including Oxbridge, Durham, Manchester, Imperial College, UCL and the University of Southern California. One student was awarded a Scholarship to study English at Churchill College, Cambridge and another has recently taken up a place to study French at Oxford.
Director of Academic Studies In conjunction with our wide range of academic options, we also offer a number of additional subjects as private or small group lessons on request from parents. To date, these have included Afrikaans, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Polish, Russian and Welsh. Wherever possible, we endeavour to facilitate our students in studying the subjects that they wish to undertake. Tring Park has excellent provisions and facilities for students who have Special Educational Needs. Our staff are experienced in identifying pupils who may benefit from additional lessons and in ensuring that they receive the reasonable adjustments that they require for both internal and external examinations. Tring Park is committed to ensuring that each pupil achieves their full potential and, consequently, we also cater for the many Gifted and Talented pupils who choose to study at Tring Park. All of our classes are small in order that each pupil receives the necessary individual attention to maximise their progress. Our academic teachers work relentlessly to fit the teaching of their courses into half a day without compromising the quality of the tuition. We expect our students to demonstrate that same enthusiasm and work ethic in what is a long day of education and training. It is the mark of a Tring Park educated performer that they are determined to succeed in every discipline and to achieve highly across all areas. Consequently, it is hardly surprising that many of our vocational successes have also achieved remarkable accolades academically, with actress Lily James having attained one of the top five marks in the country for her GCSE Religious Studies qualification and Mission Impossible star, Thandie Newton, having gained a place at the University of Cambridge after training on Tring Park’s Dance Course. This serves to demonstrate that at Tring Park there is no need to make a choice between vocational and academic excellence: with our balanced dual curriculum, students are offered the best of both worlds.
Preparatory Department Years 4-6
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ur Preparatory department consists of pupils aged eight to eleven. Pupils undertake both academic and vocational lessons which are intermingled throughout the day. Academic subjects are delivered by our Preparatory class teacher in their designated classroom, with some areas being provided by subject teachers. All vocational lessons are taught by specialists, many of whom have worked professionally in the Performing Arts industry. Our Preps have a varied and fulfilling curriculum: they are offered opportunities to take on special responsibilities, such as being elected to the Student Council, and are able to vote in prefect elections. Our Preparatory students are fully integrated into the main school and older students enjoy supporting them with reading and other classroom activities. Pupils go on excursions to enhance their studies including trips to The British Museum, The Natural History Museum at Tring and Chiltern Open Air Museum. Our pupils also participate in weekly swimming sessions. Preparatory students share their talents in performances including the Music Showcase, Young Dancers Show and their own, very popular, Prep Show (Drama based) each year. Our Preps are notable for their zest for life and determination to achieve in their chosen field. Discipline is a priority throughout all areas of their schooling, preparing them for secondary education and the disciplined Performing Arts industry. The integration of different age groups within the Preparatory department encourages children to be supportive and patient with each other and to lead by example, ensuring a smooth transition to secondary education.
Lower School T
First to Third Form Years 7-9
here is never a dull moment for our Lower School pupils at Tring Park. Our engaging blend of specialist Performing Arts training and solid academic underpinning provides a rare dual education that ensures that Tring Park is always creative and fulfilling. Our team of pastoral tutors are dedicated to making the transition from Key Stage Two to Key Stage Three smooth and enjoyable. At Tring Park, we recognise the Lower School years as a time for embedding core values: instilling academic discipline, vocational technique and moral responsibility. We aim to nurture each pupil to reach their full potential academically, vocationally, and as a person. Our efforts are supported through our close relationship with the Learning Support team, who have experience with a wide range of Special Educational Needs, as well as in extending the many Gifted and Talented children who choose to study at Tring Park. Although we offer an extraordinarily full timetable, we still find time to provide co-curricular activities to enhance our vibrant education. Our pupils
have entered and won public speaking competitions, have been published in literary anthologies, and we welcome visitors, including children’s authors, to give inspiring talks to our pupils. As a small school, Tring Park provides a close-knit and supportive community where we get to know our pupils thoroughly, and we are closely invested in watching them progress throughout the school and beyond.
Middle School Fourth and Fifth Form Years 10 & 11
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t is hard to visit Tring Park without perceiving the unique energy, steeped in creativity and artistry, that makes it the ideal school for pupils with performance ambitions. Our exciting dual curriculum, balancing academic rigour and vocational excellence, oers pupils the opportunity to pursue their passions and connect with similar-minded people whilst attaining a solid academic grounding. At Tring Park, we believe in active learning and encouraging pupils to think for themselves. We tailor our lessons to involve a range of teaching styles, ensuring that pupils are able to receive information in a way which works for them. With our Performing Arts emphasis, it is hardly surprising that many of our pupils prefer to be up on their feet or learning through music, so we make provisions for this, as well as incorporating traditional methods. We take a keen interest in tracking and assessing every pupil’s progress throughout the school. A range of co-curricular activities are oered to complement and enhance our eclectic timetable.
Recently we have coached winning public-speaking teams at external competitions, and our pupils are often entered for national poetry and short story contests, as well as being invited to complete their Intermediate Maths Challenge. With our supportive and close-knit community, we place a strong emphasis on team work, encouraging our pupils to lead by example and value the school’s ethos. Our Middle School pupils regard themselves as ambassadors for the school and as role-models to the younger pupils and their peers. We liaise closely between the academic and vocational departments and provide a point of contact for pupils and parents. Our dedicated team of tutors ensure that each pupil has personalised support. After GCSE examinations, Fifth Form pupils undertake our tailor-made post-exam programme, a fun and informative extension of our PSHE curriculum. Recently, pupils have received first-aid training and learnt a number of life skills, and have also enjoyed undertaking makeup-for-film tutorials and visiting local forests. It is always rewarding seeing our pupils become mature Sixth Formers who are a credit to the school and themselves. Most of our Middle School pupils progress to further study, a high proportion choosing to remain with us at Tring Park for Sixth Form. Our pupils are also well-prepared to focus exclusively on their vocational development at other Performing Arts schools, or at Sixth Form colleges nationwide.
Sixth Form
Years 12 & 13
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ith Tring Park’s exciting dual academic and vocational curriculum and over twenty academic subjects currently on offer, the biggest challenge for our Sixth Formers is fitting everything in. Tring Park students graduate as well-rounded and confident individuals who are experienced in making the most of every day. The amount of academic options available at Tring Park is unparalleled amongst the leading full-time vocational Performing Arts schools in the UK. In recent years, our students have gained university places and scholarships for subjects including Medicine, English, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Environmental Science and Modern Foreign Languages at institutions such as the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and Russell Group establishments. Tring Park graduates are also well placed to secure Performing Arts scholarships offered by many leading universities. At Tring Park, we are committed to supporting students throughout their university applications both for the UK and abroad. We have introduced World Challenge, including a trip to Java. Students in the Upper Sixth are invited to stand for election as prefects, offering opportunities for leadership and charitable work.
We support our students with their time management, providing additional study time in the run up to examinations and extended deadlines around show times. Our tutors are committed to listening to students’ problems and attempting to resolve them. On results day, it is always rewarding to observe our students’ diligence being rewarded through their excellent achievements. It is also gratifying to see those same students excel in vibrant vocational shows, expertly choreographed and directed by specialist teachers from the vocational departments. Tring Park Sixth Formers progress to a wide range of destinations. In recent years some have gained places at prestigious institutions in the USA, such as Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory. Dance students usually gain employment after their graduate year and we currently have alumni in prestigious Performing Arts positions internationally, including Principal Dancers, ďŹ lm actors and commercial musicians.
Art, Craft & Design Nurturing creativity; enriching lives
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t Tring Park, we aim to use art practices to explore and nurture pupils’ creativity. We encourage risk-taking, and refine communication, thinking, and problem-solving skills. Through imparting knowledge and developing pupils’ understanding of artists’ work and culturally diverse art practices, we hope to enrich the lives of our pupils. The basic elements of line, form, colour, texture, pattern, and shape are explored through projects using the disciplines of painting, printing, mixed media, soft sculpture and textiles.
Biology has always fascinated me because you have the chance to learn about everything that surrounds you, and how it works
Biology From giant ecosystems to genetic engineering: the science of life
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nderstanding Biology is crucial for our pupils’ development in a rapidly changing world. It encompasses the food we eat, the biodiversity of Earth, human performance, and medical research, inviting pupils to question how, why, and what we are today. Our curriculum includes the functions of plants and animals, how energy and materials are recycled in ecosystems, and the interactions that impact them. Biology encourages pupils to maintain a healthy lifestyle and teaches them about the most effective responses to disease. The future of Biology lies in the study of how genes and molecules affect inheritance and variation, as well as in the cutting-edge use of stem cells in medicine and pharmaceuticals. Studying Biology equips pupils to make informed decisions about their own health, bioethics, and the state of our planet.
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Business Studies Managing data; adding value
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usiness around the world is constantly developing and evolving with new industries being created and new markets developing all the time. Business combines mathematics and essay skills. Students are required to analyse information in order to draw reasoned conclusions. There are not always right answers: instead the focus is on the quality of the argument and the ability to interpret data. Business Studies facilitates students to develop a critical understanding of organisations and the process of adding value. It encourages awareness of the dierent perspectives of a range of stakeholders and informs students about the current structure of business practice. An interest in current aairs is essential and discussion and debate are actively encouraged, as this helps to develop the analytical skills required for success. Students of Business Studies acquire a range of transferable skills including decision making and problem solving. Business Studies opens up a variety of career opportunities: possible pathways include management, marketing, ďŹ nance, accounting, banking, retailing, manufacturing and local government.
Chemistry The building-blocks of life; the future of humanity
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ur exciting Chemistry curriculum integrates dierent areas of the discipline, including principles of Chemistry, inorganic Chemistry, physical Chemistry, organic Chemistry and biochemistry. Many jobs of the future will be created in Chemistry to solve global challenges such as human health, energy and the environment. We recognise the diversity of interests and future intentions of our pupils by empowering them with the conďŹ dence to hone their abilities in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving areas. This enables pupils to progress to further education and to ďŹ nd opportunities in many sectors, including medicine, health, research, fashion, cosmetic industries, food and drink, and utilities.
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omputing develops fast. What is novelty today, will be used every day tomorrow. Today, computer ethics and security are frontline political issues and tomorrow we will be negotiating high level ArtiďŹ cial Intelligence. For example self-drive cars, trains and planes are becoming a common occurrence. Therefore, it is inevitable that students are well prepared to be competent users of the computer as not all employers and devices use the same software or computer system. Transferable skills are inevitable. Students at Tring Park are encouraged to use computers throughout their studies and across the curriculum, preparing them for life in this increasingly new boxes technological world. ICT gives them the opportunity to look at real problems and how they need to go about solving them, which prepares them with lifelong skills.
Information and Communication Technology Thinking outside
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ance at Tring Park oers a challenging blend of practical and written work in equal measure. Throughout the course, students develop their analytical skills, reecting on their own practice, as well as that of other choreographers and performers. Students choreograph solos and group work and are able to perform in both a quartet and a solo in any Dance style. We study several seminal Contemporary Dance pieces, including works by Richard Alston, Matthew Bourne and Akram Khan, in depth, and students are required to consider choreographies within their contextual frameworks.
Dance
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Developing skills to grow more conďŹ dent as a dancer, choreographer and in the critical appreciation of Dance
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Drama Drama gives pupils transferable skills for life, such as problem solving, public speaking, initiative and working to a deadline
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CSE Drama is an exciting, inspiring and practical course that promotes involvement in, and enjoyment of, Drama as performers. It is designed to give pupils a broad and balanced experience of the subject. Over the course, pupils study performance texts, theatre genres and practitioners, devise and perform original work and extracts from written texts, and evaluate live theatre performances. The course is delivered by Drama specialists from the Acting Course who are experienced in teaching Drama and acting over a range of dierent qualiďŹ cation levels.
English Creative, informed and independent thinking
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nglish is central to pupils’ development across all areas of the curriculum. Reading stimulates the growth of creative, informed and independent thinking, and pupils at Tring Park are introduced to a wide range of texts, from key works in the English literary canon (such as Shakespeare and Dickens) to contemporary writing, world literature and non-literary texts, including the media. Our curriculum encourages a focus on accurate, imaginative and confident self-expression whilst embedding an enjoyment of literature. All pupils at Tring Park take both Language and Literature at GCSE Level and a significant number choose to further their studies.
Film Studies Enriching an existing appreciation and enjoyment of film
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ilm Studies offers the opportunity to engage with a wide variety of films and gain confidence with a range of critical approaches. Students will learn to ‘read’ a film, consider the relationship between films and their audience, and study the influence of social and institutional factors on film production. Critical analysis lies at the heart of Film Studies: it involves developing the skills to decipher the messages and values contained in films and to understand cinema as an industry. The subject lends itself to a wide array of approaches: class discussion, individual study, written analysis, and essays. There is also a practical element, enabling students to create a screenplay and storyboard, or to produce a short film.
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upils at Tring Park are able to study French throughout their schooling. Our pupils develop the ability to understand French and to express themselves, not only on personal topics, but also on contemporary issues. They acquire an understanding of the culture of Frenchspeaking countries, and, at A Level, are invited to consider literature and ďŹ lm. Pupils are encouraged to subscribe to language magazines ordered through the school. They are also introduced to online resources which enhance skills learning and aid revision. Languages should be fun, hence why games and activities are integral to our curriculum, alongside traditional methods. Enthusiastic, specialist teachers are eager to share their love of French and small classes ensure that pupils progress rapidly. A determined approach to learning entails the acquisition of skills that enrich pupils’ lives.
French Cultural awareness; lifelong
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Geography
eography allows students the opportunity to investigate the human and physical elements of the world. An essential part of the subject is Geographical Enquiry and Fieldwork. We offer many opportunities for fieldwork both in the local area and further afield, with compulsory fieldtrips for GCSE and A Level. Recent visits have included Snowdonia and Devon as well as optional trips to Morocco and Iceland. An interest in current affairs is essential: pupils will debate issues such as climate change and contemporary politics, empowering them to construct informed opinions on today’s challenges.
Expanding horizons Geography develops transferable skills such as critical analysis and problem solving. It hones pupils’ comprehension of statistical analysis and data presentation preparing them for careers in the wider world. Geography can take you down paths such as environmental science, weather reporting, diplomacy and international relations, international development or town planning, and provides a solid foundation for occupations involving data analysis and an awareness of global issues.
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History
sing a wealth of primary and secondary evidence, pupils at Tring Park are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the study of the past. At all Key Stages, including A Level, pupils explore History from a variety of perspectives; topics include political revolutions, monarchies, wars, and social change. The skills that pupils
Exploring the past; predicting the future develop in History are some of the most transferable. At Tring Park, we encourage pupils to question evidence, speculate on the outcomes of events, and construct eective arguments. Video clips, kinaesthetic activities and digital technology are all incorporated into History lessons to make the subject engaging and accessible.
My passion for History was enhanced by brilliant teaching
Mathematics Essential skills; abstract ideas
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he study of Mathematics oers pupils the opportunity to acquire essential tools for everyday life, as well as allowing them to tackle challenging and abstract ideas. Mathematics trains the mind and hones logical thinking and problemsolving skills. All pupils at Tring Park study Mathematics to GCSE level. Mathematics is a facilitating subject for all mathematical and Science degree courses, as well as being highly desirable when applying for further study in other areas, such as Economics, Computing and Philosophy.
Music has helped me broaden my knowledge and aim higher in vocational studies
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usic at Tring Park oers a comprehensive and rigorous education that complements and enhances
Music
Complementing and enhancing vocational training our pupils’ vocational training. In our teaching, we focus on three core components: Listening and Appraising; Performing; and Composing, ensuring that our pupils acquire a broad and robust skillset. We equip pupils to take an investigative approach in learning about the rudiments of music through the study of a wide and culturally diverse range of traditions, including the Western Classical tradition, World Music, Pop and Jazz. Pupils are encouraged to apply their knowledge through composition tasks and in creating folios. We develop and nurture our pupils’ performance skills whilst maintaining a strong emphasis on technical accuracy.
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n Music Technology at Tring Park, students are guided in developing their music production skills and are made aware of the innovative technology available to them within contemporary recording studios. The study of Music Technology hones and enhances students’ talents in the creative, technical and compositional aspects of music production and provides them with a solid academic and practical base from th which to master their craft and extend their rm creative boundaries. Co ur
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Music Technology Technical innovations
Philosophy For the love of wisdom
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hilosophy at Tring Park enables pupils to gain a sound understanding about four fundamental philosophical areas: God, the mind, knowledge and ethics. Pupils will not only acquire a deep grounding in key concepts, themes, ideas, and techniques, but they will also attain a wealth of essential transferable skills. Firstly, pupils develop their critical and analytical thinking and problem solving. Secondly, they hone their ability to communicate, both orally and in writing. Finally, the subject will enhance their organisational skills, allowing pupils to prioritise and organise their independent work so as to achieve their full potential. Understanding, analysing, comparing, and considering dierent perspectives on particular problems will be at the core of their learning. Pupils will develop their ability to reason, form, and provide their own judgements; express themselves coherently; and contribute to the process of debate.
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Photography Thought-provoking images
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n Photography at Tring Park, we aim to develop an understanding of a variety of digital techniques, as well as honing the analytical and creative skills necessary to produce thoughtprovoking images. Students are encouraged to experiment with a range of methods and approaches throughout their study. We empower students to respond imaginatively to stimulating set briefs and to express their individuality through the exploration of subjects such as portraiture, landscape, natural form and street photography. Our teaching includes workshops in which students further their technical understanding whilst also being invited to experiment and take risks. Additionally, students are given the opportunity to undertake a personal investigation on a theme of their choice.
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he study of Physics at Tring Park is designed to give pupils a broad understanding of the forces and energy transfers that shape our universe. From the orbiting of the planets to the structure of atomic nuclei, Physics prompts pupils to ask, ‘How?’. At all levels, Physics addresses The forces that shape our current technological revolution and encourages pupils to consider its impact on our local, national and global environment. The wide range of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills developed through the study of Physics prepares pupils to enter the world of work in areas such as ďŹ nance, engineering, telecommunications, medicine and even astrophysics.
Physics our universe
Psychology Broad knowledge; close focus
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sychology, the scientific study of behaviour, combines innovative content with a rigorous, scientific approach to investigation. As Science has advanced, so has our ability to pinpoint the areas of the brain that are responsible for specific functions, making it unsurprising that Psychology has recently become one of the most popular subjects at both A Level and university. The study of Psychology encompasses a wide variety of different subject areas, including mathematics, statistics, biology, essay-writing and analytical skills, as well as elements of History, Sociology and Anthropology. With its wide topical relevance and the skills that it hones, students at Tring Park find Psychology both fascinating and accessible.
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Religious Studies By studying R.S. you get a wider outlook on the world
Exploring the human condition
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eligious Studies at Tring Park enables pupils to comprehend and articulate their own views and those of others. We explore moral and ethical issues to cultivate pupils’ ideas and to assist them in negotiating the relationship between religion and the world. Pupils develop fine-tuned analytical skills, and are guided in formulating cogent arguments. We encourage an empathetic insight into others’ beliefs, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared to enter the wider world. Studying religion is informative for pupils of any religious persuasion, or of none. Pupils are well-prepared for careers in the Performing Arts, law, journalism, advertising, teaching, and retail, and employers admire applicants who have acquired insight into different beliefs. Whilst personal faith is not a prerequisite for studying Religious Studies, a keen interest in the human condition is essential.
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ith over four-hundred million speakers across the globe, Spanish is one of the world’s most spoken languages. An official language across four continents, it is the mother tongue in twenty-one countries. Learning Spanish offers pupils at Tring Park the opportunity, not only to acquire knowledge of an additional language, but also to learn about Hispanic cultural contributions, enhancing pupils’ understanding of the world and broadening their imaginations. Spanish is taught from Second Form (Year Eight) onwards, and we are rigorous in developing all four core skills – listening, reading, speaking and writing – from day one. We aim to ensure that pupils can use the language effectively in a wide array of different contexts and situations.
Spanish
Enhancing understanding; broadening imaginations
Theatre Studies An exciting and inspiring course which prepares learners for further study
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rama and Theatre Studies is a rewarding A Level which is of value to anyone wishing to pursue further vocational training or seeking admission to a university. The course is a rigorous blend of both practical and academic study. There is a common misconception that this A Level is only ‘for actors’; this is not the case. The entire theatrical process is explored, including performance, direction, costume, lighting and sound design. Although there are practical elements to the course, written work remains central to the qualiďŹ cation and play texts are analysed in detail in preparation for the examinations. As part of the course, students will also watch live theatre and are encouraged to attend performances in their own time.
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Learning Support A
t Tring Park School we offer an exciting, challenging and diverse learning experience. We recognise that each pupil has their own individual strengths, talents and needs and we are dedicated to providing a supportive environment which actively helps and encourages every pupil to achieve their full potential. Learning Support is, therefore, integral to the school’s provision.
Who receives Learning Support?
How is Learning Support delivered?
A pupil at Tring Park School may require additional learning support if he or she has a learning difficulty which calls The Learning Support Department for special educational provision to be aims to provide support for pupils with made. Learning difficulties may result special educational needs, to enable from a number of circumstances. For them to develop as independent learners example, a pupil may have a specific and to enhance their self-esteem. We learning difficulty (SpLD) resulting aim to provide support for curriculum from dyslexia or dyspraxia. There may planning, teaching and assessment and be social, emotional or behavioural ensure teachers take account of a pupil’s difficulties which prevent the pupil from individual needs. achieving their potential, or which hinder Individual or small group tuition may be successful integration into the life of the offered to those pupils where a special school. educational need has been identified by Pupils may have learning difficulties the Learning Support Department, by an either throughout or at a specific time educational psychologist or by a medical during their school career, such as a professional. There is no additional physical or medical condition (either charge for support lessons, which are temporary or permanent) which makes normally an hour or half an hour per it difficult to access facilities or to week. The Learning Support staff are participate in school activities. all experienced and well-qualified Support is available from the Learning professionals and includes Learning Support Department for pupils for Support Assistants who provide in-class whom English is an additional language. support in academic lessons. We also recognise that many of our pupils are able, gifted and talented and the school aims to address their needs.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) P
upils whose first language is not English may need extra support to enable them successfully to pursue their academic and vocational courses, as well as helping them integrate and become part of the school with ease. We offer English language support on a one-to-one or small group basis according to individual needs. The lessons cover the key language skills of speaking, listening, reading, writing and language, as well as offering coursework support where necessary. Where appropriate, pupils are encouraged to follow courses which work towards a recognised English language qualification.
Pastoral Care P
astoral care at Tring Park is delivered to both boarding and day pupils by an experienced team of House Masters and House Mistresses and personal tutors, all of whom are committed to the growth and wellbeing of the pupils that they support. They are well versed in the highs and lows of boarding school life and they are always ready with a sympathetic ear, sound advice and a mug of hot chocolate. Many members of our pastoral team were boarders themselves or experienced boarding as parents through their own children. This wealth of knowledge and understanding is invaluable when it comes to forming solid relationships with our pupils and their families.
Support
There is always someone to talk to at Tring Park. In addition to their House Master or Mistress and personal tutor, new pupils are given a peer mentor upon arrival to guide them through the daily routines and to help them settle into school life. Pupils also have access to our Student Support Service, a team of counsellors and independent listeners who are ready to listen and help pupils resolve any worries. Our Medical Centre sta are as good with advice as they are with the medical needs of the pupils in their care. At Tring Park, we understand that young artists are more likely to push themselves, both vocationally and academically, when they feel safe and supported in their surroundings. The pastoral team is integral in teaching our pupils about core values and respect for each other. This is evident in the family atmosphere that we see at Tring Park every day.
Activities
In addition to the well-equipped common room facilities, there are plenty of after-school activities for boarders at Tring Park. These range from movie nights and swimming trips to knitting tutorials, or perhaps a game of football on our back lawn. Weekends are an opportunity to relax after a busy schedule of academic and vocational study, but we also offer a full programme of activities for those who wish to keep busy. After Saturday morning prep, our pupils have the opportunity to take part in craft workshops and, of course, there is the ever-popular weekly tuck-run to the local supermarket for our younger pupils. On Sundays, we always have a trip on offer: this could be anything from bowling to rock climbing, or even visiting a theme park!
Menu
Our dedicated catering team at Tring Park is committed to providing varied and balanced menus for our pupils, all of which are made from scratch using fresh ingredients. We have a three-week menu cycle which changes each term. For breakfast, we offer cooked food and a wide selection of cereals, fresh fruit, fruit juice and ample supplies of toast and hot drinks. On selected Sundays, we also have brunch, when pupils are treated to a full English breakfast.
For lunch, we have a choice of three hot meals including a vegetarian option. Homemade soup is also on oer, as well as a salad bar, a selection of fruit and, of course, a proper pudding! Afternoon tea consists of homemade cakes and biscuits, as well as plenty of bread and jam, fruit cordial, milk and hot drinks. For supper, pupils have a choice of soup and three hot meals, including a vegetarian option. We also provide a salad bar and a pudding, plus fruit salad or yoghurt. In addition to this, we have themed menu days in order to introduce foods from around the world, or sometimes just for fun - like the hugely popular Pirate Week! Special diets can be catered for on request.
Spirituality
Tring Park is a non-denominational school with a Christian foundation and we welcome children of all faiths. On the second Sunday of each month, Prep to Fifth Form boarders attend either Tring Parish Church or the Roman Catholic Church of Corpus Christi for their Sunday service. Pupils are not required to attend church if it is contrary to their personal faith. On the last Sunday of each month, talks or services from representatives of dierent faiths are held at school to educate pupils about a wide range of religions.
Sixth Form
In the Sixth Form, pastoral care underpins the strong work ethic that is instilled in our students by our academic and vocational departments. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own time management and they are provided with the resources that they need in order to achieve their potential. Sixth Form residents enjoy the privilege of more freedom at weekends and in the evenings. Each Sixth Form house has its own residential House Master or Mistress who endeavours to provide a secure and relaxed environment whilst encouraging a respectful attitude within the house.
Catering
tringpark.com
Design: Brian O’Carroll Editors: Miriam Juviler and Imogen Myers Photography: www.gentlevisions.com Elaine Mayson Asya Verzhbinsky Brian O’Carroll Desiree Samaai (CBA) and Edward Hawkins (Geography)
Disclaimer: The school reserves the right to change the structure of the courses and subjects it offers without prior notice.
Contacts Tring Park School for the Performing Arts Mansion Drive Tring Hertfordshire HP23 5LX Tel +44 (0)1442 824255 Fax +44(0)1442 891069 info@tringpark.com tringpark.com Registered Charity no. 1040330