Prospectus 2017

www.gryphon..sch.uk As an academy and Church of school, we are a highly inclusive state secondary welcoming those of all faiths and Welcome of none. Students come to study at The Gryphon from north and west Dorset and south Somerset.

Our Ethos

STUDENTS COME FIRST

Work hard, enjoy life, GO THE EXTRA MILE

BE FRIENDLY & part of the community

Thank you for wanting to know more happening within these walls, because institutes like London’s Central St Show integrity, HONESTY & MANNERS about The Gryphon and considering our to us, all our students are outstanding. Martin’s School. school for your child. Whatever an individual’s talent, we will nurture it, and them. In this ever changing world, we are Value, support & CARE FOR EACH OTHER Education changes lives and enables a early adopters. Wifi is throughout the person to be their very best. We achieve Our vocational courses are well school and we use smart phones and that by caring. We care about every day respected, offering a route to higher ipads in lessons. We developed our own being a good day, about excellence, education, apprenticeships or earn and iGryphon app for students and parents BE INQUISITIVE, about the little things and how to make learn opportunities. Our young people with online access to resources and embrace opportunities & experiences a difference. leave prepared for the world, confident information. and enthusiastic. So while the move to a new school is a I hope you will come and see that Lead, aspire, HAVE AMBITION big step, it’s also an exciting time and Our teachers are experts in their although we are a big school we live the opportunity for a child to grow into fields, committed communicators and like a small family. In this environment who they are. creative in the classroom. Our support children are happy, learn well and for students is deemed the very best become confident young people. TAKE PRIDE in all you do We work tirelessly to make sure every in the west. Proud of our academic child wants to come into school - to record, we also value reaching out to That’s what we all want for your child. learn, laugh and take another positive those more vulnerable than ourselves Appreciate QUALITY & EXCELLENCE step forward. and encourage students to give back We look forward to showing you generously, volunteering with their time our school. Our ratings reflect our high performance and commitment. as well as the good we’re doing. Ofsted says our Sixth Form is outstanding while Our sporting prowess includes the Real Schools Guide 2016 gave us football, rugby, cricket and hockey. five stars, one of only two Dorset schools Students can also play badminton, to achieve this standard. tennis, basketball and dodge ball. When it comes to individual sports, we have a Our academic results are some of the Team GB athlete and the current Dorset best in the county, way above the fencing champion. national average. We get more students into Oxford and Cambridge than some We are lucky to be situated on an open Outstanding Outstanding 5 Good Independents and many Sixth Formers green site with excellent facilities. Ofsted. Sixth Form SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Real School Guide 2016 Ofsted. School gain places at top Russell Group Anglican and Methodist Schools) universities. The school is a living canvas for the work of our creative students, from painters Accolades and awards are important but to photographers to poets. Students something much more fundamental is have gone on to study at world famous Steve Hillier, Headteacher

2 3 • We have a successful track record of sending students to Oxford and Cambridge • 99.6% A level pass rate Studying • 96% of students attend their university of choice • Students with five or more A*-C GCSE grades including English & Maths: 70% • Highest Dorset A*-C Maths GCSE pass rate • A* to A Extended Project Qualification: 65% of students

BRINGING LEARNING TO LIFE HIGH ACHIEVERS Geography, with a focus on core skills. We don’t just teach Maths, Science and We spot talent early and keep students They reconnect with their Year Group What they say about us Alumni the Arts, we bring them to life and make engaged, excited and interested. We for the rest of the time, so as not to feel them relevant for life. We offer a range of run a diverse selection of extension isolated from their peers. GCSEs and A levels, as well as a number teaching, workshops and activities Rhys Mumford of BTEC courses including Travel & to challenge the most able students, Super, much sought after school at the Tourism, Health & Social Care and Sport. develop intellectual curiosity and very centre of its community taking on the I remember a lot of laughs and the freedom realise potential. to be myself but maybe most importantly, From Physics to Photography our independents. the dedicated teachers who knew their teachers are experts in their field, THE BLUE ROOM subjects and how to teach them. The Good Schools Guide passionate about their subject and Our welcoming, calm space is for innovators in the classroom. We run I read Chinese Studies at Oxford University. students to study in smaller groups or regular trips, visits and exchanges that After working in the UK for a year or so one-to-one after returning to school broaden students’ knowledge and The curriculum, advice and guidance leads my wife and I relocated to Taiwan, where following illness, bereavement or if inspire them to explore the wider world. I began teaching English before getting they are struggling emotionally. We also encourage students to learn to high levels of achievement and excellent a job as a newsreader and copywriter for another language and teach French, Taiwan’s English language radio station. NURTURE GROUPS behaviour. German and Spanish. After over three years in Taiwan we “Some students made five years Ofsted returned to the UK where I worked as a progress in a year.“ pot washer before getting my Certificate LEARNING SUPPORT Gryphon nurture group teacher in English Language Teaching to Adults Students learn at different rates. Our The Sixth Form is outstanding. (CELTA). My first teaching gig was at Royal experience informs the numerous ways We have two full-time primary staff we help students to achieve, whatever for children joining in Year 7 who need Ofsted Holloway, helping international students prepare for their undergraduate courses. their ability or circumstance. We really to further develop skills. Students Then I got a job at an international school are a standout school when it comes remain in these groups for half the in Belgium - the British School of Brussels, to support and are proud of our hard school timetable and study the same The welcoming, friendly and supportive which is where you’ll find me now. earned reputation throughout Dorset. curriculum in English, Maths, History and atmosphere enables everyone to thrive. Director of Education, Salisbury Diocese • 25 GCSEs • 40+ A Levels Teachers know their • Extended Project • English Baccalaureate subjects well, have The Gryphon School has steadily expanded Qualification • 6 BTECs very good relationships in size and become a centre of excellence, • Extended Project with students and high attracting pupils from miles around. Qualification Ofsted The Telegraph expectations.

4 5 Care & support

There is a welcoming, friendly and supportive atmosphere throughout the school.

SIAMS

DOING OUR BEST School Council and elect members to each other and devised the I AM ME AND BEING represent their views and raise issues. slogan and logo. They wear wristbands THE BEST to show solidarity and we hand these out We are a close knit PEER MENTORS on junior school visits ahead of students community with a Our buddy support system is where joining The Gryphon to reassure them genuine sense of older students help younger and new we do not tolerate bullying in any form. caring. It’s at the pupils settle in, find their way around I AM ME clearly sends the message to all heart of our school and we’ve built an and feel at ease. students: you have the right to be you, enviable reputation and won awards for something we encourage every day. the way in which we look after students. OUR CHAPLAIN We acknowledge every student needs In school three days a week, our LGBT GOLD support at some stage. When they do, we chaplain plays a vital role in the pastoral We are a school for are there with a friendly smile, helping care team. She’s there for everyone. everyone and were hand and years of experience. proud to receive a gold PARENTS: ALWAYS IN THE LOOP award for LGBT inclusion YEAR GROUP FAMILIES All parents have direct access via from Educate & Our Year Groups all have extremely phone and email to their child’s year Celebrate’s programme. strong bonds, each with their own family Tutor, Head of Year and Student Support dynamic. Every child has a personal Manager so any concerns or queries can SCHOOL COUNSELLOR, FAMILY tutor they see at least twice every day. be quickly addressed. GUIDANCE & MINDFULNESS Regular contact means tutors get to know We have a highly trained and individuals really well and soon spot We also run forums in addition to experienced school counsellor who is any issues. We work hard to maintain Parents’ Evenings and our termly part of our Student and Family Guidance this relationship through Years 7 to 11 school newsletter. Centre and there to help when needed. so tutors can speak with genuine insight The centre is for all students as well as about the students under their wing. AWARD WINNING their families. CAMPAIGN STUDENT SUPPORT MANAGERS The Diana Award is In addition, we run Mindfulness courses Each Head of Year works closely with a given out in Diana, to help students learn better, think more Student Support Manager, who is also a Princess of Wales’ clearly and feel calmer. Mindfulness Teaching Assistant in class every week. name to young role involves shifting our attention to what’s They get to know students and their models who are selflessly transforming happening at that moment, rather than families and are in frequent contact the lives of others. worrying about the past or what might with parents. happen in the future. Our anti-bullying campaign won this SCHOOL COUNCIL amazing Award. Students wanted to Students have their voice heard on our celebrate difference rather than tease

6 7 Our Sixth Form

Outstanding. Ofsted

• Ofsted rated outstanding • 40+ A level & BTEC courses • 96% attend their chosen university • 82% A level A* - C • Places at Oxford, Cambridge & Russell Group universities • Armed forces, apprenticeships & on the job training

MOVING UP AND ON Law or go onto Oxford or Cambridge, our and download our separate Sixth Form Starting the Sixth Form is an exciting preparation programme fast tracks early Prospectus. time, marking new horizons and deadline applications to ensure the best ambitions. We are tremendously proud chance of success. We want every student to leave with of our vibrant upper school students. skills for a long, successful and rewarding They give as much to us as we do them, We are here to help every step of career. And have fun along the way. and are great role models for the rest of the way, from the daunting personal the school. statement to choosing the right apprenticeship. Each student has a We have 450 Sixth Formers, a mix of Personal Tutor for guidance and support, Alumni Gryphon students and those from a Head of Year and Head of Sixth Form who they can turn to for advice. neighbouring state and independent Rebecca Bevan schools. Our bus service covers outlying villages and towns and many students We provide specialist careers advice I could not be more grateful for the travel considerable distances to study and guidance, working with students support I received throughout my with us. and discussing options with parents. years at The Gryphon School. We hold interviews to assess all aspects Students say that after around two of an individual, from their talents and I studied Children’s Nursing at the weeks “you can’t see the join” between personality to special interests and University of Greenwich, which Gryphon students and those from other goals. meant leaving sleepy Sherborne schools, testament to our Sixth Form and moving to London. I graduat- working together as one. EMPLOYMENT NETWORKS ed with a BSc (Hons) degree and Our knowledge of the latest courses, started my job as a paediatric FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE business pathways and apprenticeships nurse at Chelsea and Westminster There is no uniform, regular study is constantly updated. We visit UCAS Hospital. I chose to start my career periods, silent work area and separate conventions, offer extensive work on a rotation, spending six months Common Room with rolling news. We shadowing opportunities and have on a general paediatric ward and encourage more self-directed study but strong relationships with businesses and six months on a gastro and surgical are there to provide ongoing support. professionals so students can gain hands ward. I am enjoying my new job on experience away from the classroom. and living the dream in Chelsea! Our Sixth Formers balance greater responsibility and independence with We run Business & Enterprise days a genuine sense of fun and tremendous throughout the school so students camaraderie. experience thinking in an entrepreneurial way from an early age. By the time THE HIGHEST RESULTS they’re in the Sixth Form, it’s second We have some of the highest A level nature to see business as part of life. results in the South West and get more students into Oxford and Cambridge JOINING OUR SIXTH FORM than some independent schools. To find out more about studying with us, For those wishing to study Medicine, please visit www.gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

8 9 Our facilities

FUTURE PROOF pitches, drama studios, music rooms, give everyone the opportunity to study The Gryphon prepares students for the gym and an outstanding Learning well, play hard and let their dreams take wider world, whether it’s by working on Resources Centre. We’re lucky to have centre stage. industry spec iMacs, making music in our such a big green space right on our recording studio or competing on our doorstep and make the most of being playing field. outside all year round.

Whatever a child’s interest, we nurture We enable students to to try things it. We have our own science labs, sports outside their comfort zone. Our facilities

LEARNING RESOURCES CENTRE SPORTS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY • Two dedicated Librarians • Football, rugby & cricket pitches • Science labs • 15,000 resources • Astro Turf pitch • ICT rooms with over 650 • Books, DVDs, magazines, • Rounders pitches computers newspapers • Tennis courts • Wifi throughout school • Online library catalogue database • Netball courts • Virtual & remote learning • Careers centre • Sports hall • Industry spec iMacs • Scanners & photocopiers • Gym • 3D & laser printers • Secure lockers to store & charge • Food Tech kitchens devices

THE ARTS CLASSROOMS CAFÉ CULTURE • Art, Photography & • Interactive whiteboards • The Bistro kitchen & training Recording studios • Multi media facilities restaurant • Drama studios • Specialist subject rooms • Café@Gryphon • Digital SLR cameras • Well equipped • The Pod food to go • Ceramics & kiln room • Student displays • Open all day • Design & Technology workshops • Bright & welcoming

10 11 Extra curricular opportunities

The breadth and enthusiasm for sport and the arts make The Gryphon an all- encompassing school.

The Good Schools Guide 2016

EXPLORING AND DISCOVERING CAREY CAMP Some of the most memorable moments All Year 7 students have the opportunity involve school trips, activities and to go on our fun team building trip early Alumni events: that first time walking on stage in the term to get to know their new in a big production, the intake of breath classmates. It’s an outdoor adventure entering the Houses of Parliament, that with sleeping under the stars in a shelter Gwilym Lawrence sense of accomplishment crossing the students help to make, and eating food finishing line of the Ten Tors challenge. they help to cook. It’s a great start to life I look back on my time at The at The Gryphon. Gryphon School with such We’re just as busy outside school fondness. I always felt encouraged and there’s something for every GIVING BACK to pursue my interests and find student with our many clubs, societies Considering others and giving back new ways to think about things. and productions. plays a big part in our school. We encourage all students to raise money I left The Gryphon School with A We’ve sung at London’s Royal Albert Hall for charity or do some community levels in Theatre Studies, English and the Sherborne Abbey Music Festival; volunteering. Every second of time Literature and Philosophy & Ethics explored the history, culture and people given selflessly is valuable and Gryphon then spent six months teaching of China, India, Italy, Japan and Rwanda; students have been recognised in many and travelling in South America, immersed ourselves in the languages of ways, including winning Dorset & Wilts before heading to the University Germany, Spain and France; skied down Young Volunteer of the Year and the of Warwick to read Theatre and the slopes of Austria, run our very own Diana Champion Volunteer for work in Performance Studies. At Warwick arts festival and won the southern final Sherborne and Rwanda. I realised I wanted to direct of Rock Challenge, the international theatre. After graduating, I moved dance and drama competition. If a child has a particular interest and to Newcastle and spent two years we don’t have a club, we’ll encourage doing as many theatre projects We delivered an outstanding them to start one and pass on their as possible. I was lucky enough performance in the national Maths enthusiasm to others. It’s a great to get funding from the Arts and Challenge and our students were invited opportunity to learn, socialise and Humanities Research Council to join a prestigious Masterclass at Bath gain confidence. (AHRC) to move to London for an University and the Mathematical Circle. MA in Advanced Theatre Practice at We went on to host a Maths Feast for the Royal Central School of Speech schools in the South West. and Drama. I now live in Sheffield and am doing a PhD at the DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD University of Manchester, where I Starting in Year 9 there is the chance will spend three years making and to work towards a Bronze, Silver and writing about site-specific theatre, Gold Award and be part of our Ten Tors funded again by the AHRC. Challenge team.

12 13 Alumni

Rewards and Ollie Devoto achievements Professional Rugby Player Ollie was at The Gryphon School from Years 7-11 where he excelled in all sports but showed a particular aptitude for rugby. Being picked for the development squad at Bath was a huge achievement and showed his dedication, motivation and passion to succeed. Ollie joined Club on a professional contract, was capped for England then moved to . We are immensely proud of what Ollie’s achieved and excited to see what the future holds.

It’s a good feeling to know you’ve done held in the magnificent Sherborne a great job, made a difference or helped Abbey, right on our doorstep. Past out. We celebrate achievements in a speakers include Christian Guy who was variety of ways and never tire of seeing David Cameron’s Special Adviser and the smile that says it all. We give out former Chief Executive of the Centre for academic prizes but also rewards for Social Justice; Olympic double trap gold working hard, positivity and contribution medallist Peter Wilson and Dorset Police to school life. Chief Constable Debbie Simpson.

CELEBRATIONS & COMMENDATIONS SPORTING SUCCESSES TEAM GB We hold special lunches with One of our students competes Headteacher, Steve Hillier for students internationally in Triathlon and with good end of year reports. represented Team GB in the European and World Championships. Other We have chosen six learning muscles Gryphon Team GB students compete in and these are the things we really Dragon Boat Racing and one is a member want children to develop because they of the Shooting development squad. not only inform learning but also life. We acknowledge every time a student ANNUAL SPORTS AWARDS ‘flexes’ these muscles with various This evening celebrates our talented rewards, for example, digital stickers: individuals and recognises their five stickers means a commendation commitment throughout the year. Guest then a letter home explaining the speakers have included Olympians in latest achievement. the Triple Jump and Bob Skeleton, a former England Rugby Coach and Welsh RFU Collection via Getty Images SHERBORNE ABBEY International Hockey Player. Our annual Prize Giving ceremony is

Our learning muscles

RESILIENCE ENQUIRY CREATIVITY REFLECTIVENESS COLLABORATION EMPATHY

14 15 Our Community

Students are strongly involved in looking at issues beyond their own locality and encouraged to consider the lives of others.

Ofsted

Our school is at the heart of Sherborne’s annual Business Enterprise Day, which community: it’s where we live, work is very popular and gives local business and spend much of our time. We are people a chance to get an insider’s look Alumni part of the fabric of local life so when at the school. It’s also a platform for how the youth club was threatened with we can further partner together to offer closure, we couldn’t just sit back and opportunities for Gryphon students. James Gard watch it happen, it was too important to us all. We volunteered to help run it and JOB SHOP & CAREER CAFÉ The Gryphon not only gave me an campaigned to keep it open. Thanks to a Our alumni have gone on to have diverse outstanding academic education lot of local support as well as our efforts, careers at home and around the globe. but also provided all the support Tinney’s Lane Youth Club is going from We love to hear their news and welcome and advice to confidently make my strength to strength and children once them back on a regular basis. Their next steps. again have positive things to do in the success inspires everyone and it’s always evenings and at weekends. It’s a great heart warming to see past and present I am doing a degree in Engineering example of The Gryphon’s community students sharing experiences. at the University of Cambridge and spirit in action. have just finished my first year DOING OUR BIT with a 2:1. I plan on specialising PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION Students act as Youth Advisors to the in Manufacturing in my third If you would like to get more involved, Town Council and are also involved year and one day set up my own our PTA always has room for volunteers. in many community projects from business. The course has proved They run social events, are a source of Sherborne In Bloom to the Positive incredibly challenging. Highlights information about the school and a way Street Art project, depicting the town’s include a masterclass with Dyson to keep in touch with other parents. history in a large mural at the Old engineers, building a working AM Market. Radio from scratch and testing OPEN DOOR material properties in a bath of We like to see you and welcome visits, LEISURE & CONFERENCE CENTRES liquid nitrogen. Out of lectures, host open days and events as well as The Leisure Centre is open to the public I have performed a stand-up gig more formal Parents’ Evenings and outside school hours and runs activities with the Cambridge Footlights, forums. We value your input and want to for all ages. The Conference Centre and built and raced a cardboard boat, know if you have any concerns so we can Wessex Room can be hired for meetings, taught maths in a local school and deal with issues quickly and effectively. parties and events. Evening classes also helped run a choir. I spent two take place in the school. months gaining work experience OPEN FOR BUSINESS with a local engineering firm Links with businesses, professions and specialising in film special effects projects is one way we prepare students and pyrotechnics. for the world of work. We have our own

16 17 Need to know

ADMISSIONS premises by an in-house catering team. Alumni We have 240 places each year and These are available during the morning all admissions are handled by Dorset and at lunchtime. County Council. For full information on Betony Clasby the application process and to apply THE LRC visit www.dorsetforyou.com or call The large Learning Resources Centre I wouldn’t have done any of this 01305 228509. has a huge selection of books, online without The Gryphon giving me a journals and e-books, a stationery shop, taste of what Psychology can offer. TRANSPORT photocopying facilities, computers, Several school bus services operate from and areas for quiet study. The library I gained a degree in Psychology the surrounding area. Please contact the catalogue is available on all mobile at the University of Exeter and Bursary for details. For those students devices and computers. have just had my first research brought to school, there is a dedicated article published in the Journal drop off/pick up area and, for those WISEPAY of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. who walk, a designated crossing patrol. WisePay is the school’s secure online I’m moving to Australia to Students have the use of bike racks and payment system, an easy way to pay for become a researcher at the may also obtain a parking permit for cars trips, transport, tickets or add credit to a Murdoch Institute for Children’s and motorcycles. child’s dinner money account. Students Neuroscience. I’m also conducting can make purchases from the café using a study on the levels of emotional UNIFORM their thumbprint, which is biometrically literacy in the deaf and have School uniform can be obtained scanned and linked to their account. designed a new tool for measuring from Sporting Classics in Sherborne WisePay helps parents see what their emotion identification in deaf (01935 812232) and consists of a navy child is buying, stops cash being brought young people. I plan to apply for a sweatshirt and white polo shirt, both into school and reduces frustrating Masters at Oxford University. with the school emblem, and black queues. For more information, please trousers (and/or skirt for girls), socks and email [email protected] or shoes. Sports kit must include the School call 01935 811073. navy blue with red stripe reversible rugby/hockey shirt and navy shorts or VISITS & OPEN DAYS tracksuit trousers. If you would like to visit the School, please come along to one of our DINING Open Days or contact us to arrange an Reasonably priced healthy snacks and individual visit. lunches are prepared and cooked on the

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