Founded in 1936 and conducted by the English Dominican Sisters, this is a Roman Catholic school welcoming pupils of all faiths. The school is set in beautiful grounds and is based in the original 19th century convent building. The co-educational nursery and preparatory departments are close by. True to the Dominican spirit, the school centres on the holistic development of each individual, within a caring and supportive environment. An all-round education is provided and examination results are good. Small classes create an environment in which each pupil's potential can be realised. There is a strong music tradition, and fine art and drama flourish. Commitment to the local community is strong and there is an established record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 2-18; 300 day pupils (30 boys, 270 girls). Senior department 11-18, 185 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade B (including sixth form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements.
Variable number of scholarships (academic and performing arts). Bursaries, based on individual need and sibling discounts. Parents expected to buy textbooks, lunches and stationery; other extras optional.
Headteacher: Mrs Pat Adamson, appointed 2008. Teaching staff: 23 full time, 16 part time.
GCSE: 27 pupils in fifth: 84% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 15 in upper sixth, passing an average of 3+ subjects.
100% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (4% after a gap year). 14% take courses in science, 43% in humanities and social sciences, 43% in arts.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 15 GCSE subjects (all take RE), 18 AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 3-4 subjects at AS and A-level; in addition, all take AS and A-level general studies. All take key skills level 3 - integrated into curriculum, plus discrete workshops. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Dyslexia specialist available. Languages: French (compulsory from age 9), Italian and Latin offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges to France and Italy. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Pupils take GCSE ICT. 47 computers for pupil use (access all day) all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Almost all pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups including orchestra, choir, recorder, wind, percussion. Regular school concerts. Many pupils in county Youth Orchestra and Youth Choir. Drama and dance: Both offered. LAMDA exams may be taken (popular at all ages). Some pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Pupils participate regularly in drama and public speaking festivals. Art and design: Fine art, textiles and design offered. Internal exhibitions, annual art trips, interaction with wider artistic community.
Sport: Athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cross-country, dance, football, gymnastics, hockey, netball, rounders, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball. Regularly county and regional team players. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Clubs include technology, art, needlework, chess, public speaking.
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form, where black business suits an option. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head girl, head of house and house prefects elected by staff. Religion: Roman Catholic. Dominican ethos nurtures spirituality of each individual and faith. Daily assemblies; Mass for days of celebration and obligation. Opportunity for sacramental preparation. Social: Trips abroad for eg language, classics, history and arts. Meals self-service.
Aims to ensure that good moral values, attitudes, behaviour and self-discipline are at the forefront of school life. Expectations for courtesy and communal responsibility are high.
Lisa Hackney (international golfer), Kirsty Bertarelli (former Miss UK).
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