EXTRAORDINARY FUTURES

Prospectus 2019 Your future begins here Where passion creates success

Every teacher at School is passionate about Pupils leave Ipswich School educating younger people. They know the key to a successful education is sharing their passion and with many passions capturing the imagination of those they teach. They will also leave with a fine set of exam results. We are very proud of our academic success That is the essence of an which is of the key features of Ipswich School. Our pupils realise their potential. Prep School children Ipswich School education are generally working about a year above national expectations, with some considerably higher than this. At the end of their time at Ipswich School, pupils will have discovered their passions in life. It could In the Senior School our GCSE and A-level results be for a specific subject - we have an exciting range are outstanding and we are normally at the top to offer throughout the school. It might be for sport, of local results tables. drama or music, and we have outstanding facilities which provide the perfect environment to nurture skills in these areas. Choosing a school is probably one of the biggest decisions parents have to make. Whether you know Alternatively, pupils could develop an interest Ipswich School already, or perhaps are choosing from our extensive co-curricular activities. We can an for the first time, come and offer a great choice of options here. There’s bushcraft, see how we can help you to create your own horse-riding and skiing in the Prep, the cadet force, extraordinary future. community service and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme in the Senior School, among many others.

Nicholas Weaver Amanda Childs Headmaster Prep Head

3 A brief history of the School

The first hard evidence of Ipswich School is a bill, sadly unpaid, from 1399, though the school was probably in existence well before this date.

From these humble origins the school’s early history took on a very different course with the rise to power of former pupil . Wolsey set about refounding the school with a view to providing pupils for his college in Oxford. , Wolsey’s trusted adviser, took on the task and dissolved twelve local monasteries to pay for the school.

However, just over a year later Wolsey, unable to secure a much-needed divorce for Henry VIII, fell from grace and the monarch was keen to close his new school. Stones intended for new school buildings were shipped from Ipswich to London and used to build what is now the Palace of Whitehall. Against the odds Ipswich School survived. Cromwell persuaded Henry to grant the school its first charter, which was later confirmed by .

By the nineteenth century Ipswich School moved to its current site next to Christchurch Park. Prince Albert laid the foundation stone of the main school building in 1851. Shortly after this in 1883 the Prep School was established for children aged 7 to 11 years, providing a stepping stone to the Senior School. It moved to its striking new building in 2006. Teaching Individuals

At Ipswich School, each pupil is treated as an individual

That’s because our teachers know their pupils really well. We have ideal class sizes and teachers have the time to understand each pupil. There’s a relaxed respect between teachers and pupils. This means that learning can be adapted to suit individual pupils’ needs. The result is that pupils enjoy lessons and thrive academically.

This approach extends beyond the classroom. Sport, music and drama all develop individuals and help them discover their other talents. By teaching individuals and nurturing a passion within we can help Teaching beyond the classroom pupils achieve success both at school and beyond. What happens outside the classroom is just as important as what happens inside. Indeed it complements academic Achieving academic success work. That’s why we refer to it as our co-curriculum. We encourage all pupils to get involved in our extensive Ipswich School pupils thrive academically. From the co-curricular programme. It builds confidence, Prep to the Sixth Form, we have the teachers who can engenders team spirit and develops new and incredibly challenge the most able while also supporting those useful skills. who find the going harder. This is because we have created an atmosphere where all pupils want to learn This co-curricular programme runs throughout the whole and are keen to succeed to the best of their ability. school - from the Prep right up to the Sixth Form. It offers a range of opportunities that appeal to every child’s Skilled, specialist teachers have an excellent record sense of adventure while also developing important of success. One-to-one support is always available and interpersonal and life skills. we have highly experienced Learning Support Teams at both the Prep and the Senior School. Close monitoring and regular goal setting guide pupils throughout their life at school. All of this creates an environment where academic success becomes the norm. Our co-curricular As a result, our Prep pupils are working a year ahead of expectations. At the other end of the school we have programme has huge shown year after year that we can help pupils secure benefits. Pupils love it. higher A-level and GCSE grades. Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of our Sixth Form leavers They grow as a result of continue their studies at university, either in Britain it, and because of it their or abroad, with the vast majority getting into their first choice university. We have a proven ability to help get learning prospers. the right students into Oxbridge and medical school. Our Core Values Care Passion For each individual. For our subjects and activities. For the community. For each other. For the transforming power of education For others. to realise potential.

Children learn best when they are in a supportive Ipswich School teachers are enthused about their and nurturing environment. When they feel safe teaching and their subject and are just as keen to and cared for they can push their boundaries, enthuse others. explore in confidence and feel brave. We have great story tellers and explainers; great Our caring culture is something we believe makes musicians and actors; great linguists and scientists; Ipswich School special and that is why we put this great mathematicians and great geographers; great value first. From this everything else flows. sports coaches and artists.

Our pastoral system is the basis of our caring We have highly experienced, skilled and qualified approach. Pupils from the Prep right up to the staff - a significant number have additional Sixth Form have a teacher whose job is to look qualifications, and many are examiners and after their welfare. experts in their field.

This care extends beyond the school to the wider community. Our pupils - from the Prep upwards - raise thousands of pounds for charity each year.

Potential Communication Within each individual, our pupils and our Clear, comprehensive and timely. staff to grow and excel in all they do. The better informed parents are about their child’s With the right teaching in a supportive activities at school, the better able they are to support environment, pupils can do amazing things. their progress. We take communication very seriously and try to keep parents fully informed about all Those who might have believed it an impossibility aspects of school life. Parents receive regular updates can learn to draw, act, play a musical instrument, on their child's progress through parents’ evenings, solve a complex equation, out-skill their opponent timely reports and updates. on the sports field and even speak in Russian! Our parent portal - my.ipswich.school - provides all We appreciate that pupils only push boundaries parents with on-line access to essential information when they feel confident and supported. We encourage including timetables, team lists, attendance records, them to strive rather than play safe; to take calculated revision guides and the most comprehensive of school risks and move out of their comfort zones. Through calendars. Parents also receive regular magazines this they truly learn and through this they unlock summarising events that have taken place in school. their potential. Our door is always open should parents want to discuss anything.

6 When pupils feel safe and cared for they can push their boundaries, explore in confidence and feel brave. Preparatory School Turning potential into reality

At Ipswich Preparatory School we provide children with a supportive environment that encourages girls and boys to love learning, grow in self-confidence and acquire a wide range of worthwhile interests.

More than anything, children at the Prep School are happy. They are happy because they enjoy their lessons, they have a full and exciting programme of activities, and they are taught by people who are genuinely interested in them and know them really well.

Pastoral care is outstanding. At the Prep it is centred on the form teacher who spends a great deal of time with their pupils every day. They can call on more resources if needed, including a play therapist, the school matron, the learning enhancement team and mental health co-ordinator. With everyone keeping an eye out for your child, you can be sure that at the Prep Children even have the opportunity to learn exciting they are in the best possible hands. new subjects including Russian. They are also taught by some Senior School teachers in the upper years of We encourage children to treat others as they would the Prep School. And from Year 3 they are taught, as wish to be treated themselves. Providing a friendly they will be in the Senior School, in dedicated rooms environment in which children are valued and trusted for science, art and music. is critically important for their personal development. This encourages children to develop high self-esteem, At the Prep, we turn potential into reality. which is essential for effective learning and well-being. Staff actively seek opportunities to praise and reward Amanda Childs children for good work and behaviour. Personal Head, Ipswich Preparatory School development is fostered both in school and through a programme of visits, one of the highlights being the residential courses for Years 4, 5 and 6, where pupils learn survival techniques and have tremendous fun and a real adventure too. Children at the Prep are Our Life Skills programme greatly helps children happy because they enjoy develop and connects them with others and the world around them. Part of this programme is delivered in their lessons, have an lessons and this covers issues such as manners, friendship exciting programme of and citizenship. The rest of it lies beyond the classroom where, for example, children are challenged activities, and they are to do something different every day. This could be taught by people who climbing a tree, going for a walk in the rain or lighting a fire (supervised by teachers, of course!). are genuinely interested in them. As a result of all this, the Prep School provides the best possible preparation for entry into the Senior School. The Prep Curriculum

The Nursery The Upper Prep - Years 3 – 6

The Prep Nursery Class is for children aged rising The upper part of the Prep School is for children aged 3 and 4+ (for children younger than this we offer The 7 - 11. Children in Years 3 and 4 are taught by form Lodge Day Nursery just a few metres down the road). teachers in their classrooms for most of the curriculum. The children are given opportunities for structured In Year 5, children increasingly move from room to and unstructured play and they learn through a range room where they work with specialist teachers for of first-hand experiences. The school day starts at additional subjects, including music, art and science. 08.30, with lunch around noon and ends at 15.30. These subjects have excellently resourced rooms of their own. The school day starts at 08.30, with lunch There is a dedicated area for art, water and sand play, at 12:30 and ends at 15.50. and a secure area for outdoor play. Role play equipment is available and also an area for looking at books and Science lessons stimulate curiosity, enquiry and following quiet pursuits. The Early Years Foundation understanding of the natural and man-made world. Stage curriculum is followed. From Year 3 children are also introduced to more specialist subject areas such as history, geography, The Nursery teacher and staff are well-qualified art, design technology and computing. In modern and experienced, and the teacher:pupil ratio is very languages, children study a year each of German, generous, enabling us to offer teaching, supervision Russian, Spanish and French. English, maths and and care of the highest quality. science form the backbone of our broad and balanced curriculum. Children are encouraged to develop skills in reading, writing and speaking so that they can The Lower Prep - Reception, communicate clearly. The aim in mathematics is Year 1 and Year 2 to provide children with a richly enjoyable experience, developing appropriate knowledge, skills and All children are welcomed to our Reception Class, concepts. Provision is available for girls and boys whether they come from our Nursery or from who require learning support in English or maths. elsewhere. They can join from the September following their fourth birthday. In the Reception Class, the All children in the Upper Prep follow a homework children continue the Early Years Foundation Stage timetable and are encouraged to read regularly curriculum begun in the Nursery. The school day starts at home. Parents are encouraged to take an active at 8.30, with lunch around noon and ends at 15.30. interest in their child's learning.

Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of the basic The Nursery and Prep are a Monday to Friday school. skills of numeracy and literacy in the context of a broad curriculum which encourages creativity and personal development. There are extensive opportunities for practical learning experiences. The children are taught on the whole by their form teacher but there is some specialist teaching in music, French, computing, PE and swimming.

10 A day in the life of a pupil in the Lower Prep

I come to school in my car. When I get With my friends, I like playing dragons and to school I like to build stuff. My snake, stuck in the mud outside, I can run really fast. Hissy, is waiting for me in my classroom At lunch time I eat my food, I can cut it up so I like to have a little cuddle with him. on my own. My favourite day is Friday because we have ketchup! I like to go to a birthday assembly, because I like to sing happy birthday to people. After school I go to late stay, except for When it’s your birthday, you get to wear Thursdays. I love late stay because I get a birthday cake hat and blow out a candle to stay at school longer! that smells like cupcakes - it smells yummy! When I get home I play with my toys and At school I love having a choice and getting have my dinner. I am always tired when to play with all of the toys. My favourite it is time for bed. toys are the construction kits, I like to build bugs and castles. At school I have learnt how to read and how to do sums - I know that double 11 is 22! A day in the life of a pupil in the Upper Prep

Monday and Tuesdays I go to breakfast I also really love art lessons as I enjoy club. I always have two Weetabix being creative and using my imagination. to start the busy day. The art room is a great space to work. On a Wednesday and Friday we have Games Lessons start at 9.00am after we have lessons, these are my favourite lessons. had an assembly. On Thursday we have I really enjoy playing sport. My favourite achievement assembly or House assembly. sports are netball and hockey - I also play In achievement assembly, it’s great these sports outside of school. to hear what everyone has been up to. I love it if I get a commendation. It makes On Fridays we have Activities where you me feel very proud of myself. If it is a can choose what activity you do. There’s House assembly I go to the Upper Prep always lots of choice. These can be things Hall. I am really proud to be in Yelland. like gardening, skiing, craft, a range of sports or computer-based activities. We have maths lessons each day. I like This term I picked football. It has been so maths as we learn about lots of different much fun and we also played against things. I like working out different problems, other schools. especially involving money. The Prep Co-curriculum

The co-curriculum is central to the Prep and adds range of clubs such as ‘fun with food’, sewing, breadth and variety to children’s time at school. percussion and drama clubs, plus different sports More than anything it ensures that school is always clubs are held after school, including fencing, skiing full of fun and adventure. and sailing (please note - some of these clubs may incur an additional cost). The co-curriculum is made up of several different features. All Prep children have drama each week. We love plays and productions. The Lower Prep Breakfast club, lunches performs wonderful Christmas plays each year and and late stay Year 6 mounts a major production annually. The sets and costumes are spectacular; the performances We provide a breakfast club, the very best in are always memorable. Games and PE are another school lunches, and late stay options. significant part of the co-curriculum. Pupils experience a wide range of sports, including athletics, rugby, touch rugby, netball, hockey and .

All classes have one swimming lesson a week in the school’s indoor pool and one PE lesson up until Year 5 when the year’s programme is split between PE and swimming. In Years 3 - 6 all children have The Prep co-curriculum two longer sessions of Games, delivered by very ensures that school is well qualified coaches. always fun and exciting. A wonderful range of clubs and activities further enhances our co-curricular programme. Children from Reception upwards can participate in a wide

13 Senior School Creating Extraordinary Futures

At the Senior School our key aim is to encourage pupils to realise their potential. By treating them as individuals, caring about them and kindling a real interest in their studies they will really enjoy their education here and achieve great results.

We offer a broad curriculum that allows pupils to study a range of subjects at both GCSE and A-level. We appreciate the need for flexibility too. That’s why we have, for example, triple science, double science and combined science options at GCSE.

We also provide extensive co-curricular activities that will widen pupils’ experience, aid their learning and give them a great time too. We have top quality sport, music and drama and we run a multitude of other activities – both timetabled and during breaks Community Service and the Sports Leadership or after school – throughout each week. The facilities Programme. There are trips such as the hugely we offer are extensive and of the highest quality. popular week long residential visit to Cumbria in Year 8 and the end of term off-site adventures for Year 10. The welfare of each girl and boy matters greatly to us. Academic success has to be underpinned by attention We firmly believe that academic success must be to the 'whole person' and we are strongly committed complemented by the development of self-confidence, to this approach. Confidential help is available from inter-personal skills, the ability to work in a team matron, from the school counsellor and from the and leadership characteristics. These give our school chaplain. One of the distinguishing features pupils the edge. More importantly, they continue of Ipswich School is the emphasis we place on personal to be of immense benefit in supporting personal development. Our Life Skills programme is central relationships and careers. to this and starts in Year 7 and remains a key part of every school year. By the time pupils leave us, we believe that they have what it takes to create an extraordinary future Lessons cover topics such as sleep, social media, for themselves. relaxation, study skills, community awareness, relationships, presentation skills, and so many more vital skills pupils need to have today. There’s also Nicholas Weaver leadership training in the , and Headmaster teamwork within the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Senior School Curriculum

Lower School, Years 7 and 8 In Years 10 and 11 most pupils take 10 GCSEs. We offer the following subjects at GCSE: In Year 7 pupils are placed in tutor groups and they are looked after by their form tutors. They are taught • Additional Science • German in these groups for all their subjects apart from maths. • Art • History (IGCSE) Pupils stay in the same forms as they progress • Biology • to Year 8, and their form tutor will normally be with • Chemistry • Mathematics and Additional them for both Year 7 and Year 8. • Classical Civilisation Mathematics (IGCSE) • Computer Science • Music Lower School pupils study maths, English, principles • Design Technology • Physics of science, French or Spanish (they can choose which), • Drama • Philosophy/Religion/Ethics (PRE) classics, drama, music, PE, geography, history, art, • English Language • Russian PRE, Games and PE and Life Skills. Maths is taught • English Literature • Spanish in sets that are arranged part way through the year. • French • Thinking Skills (outside In Year 8 pupils learn individual science subjects • Geography the timetable) - biology, chemistry and physics.

The school day starts with registration at 08.40. Maths (IGCSE) and english and science GCSEs are There is a mid morning break at 10.30. Lunch is either taught in groups setted by ability, with languages at 12.20 or 13.00 and the school day ends at 16.15. banded where possible. We offer triple science, There are eight lessons each day on a two weekly combined science or even double science GCSE cycle. There is around an hour of very carefully for those wanting to take an additional non-science focused homework each night (we call it PSC - so it is subject. Top set mathematicians take maths IGCSE either to Prepare for future lessons, encourage pupils and freestanding additional maths in Year 11. to Stretch themselves, or Consolidate work done). Optional subjects are taught in sets which reflect the particular subjects chosen by individual pupils. Middle School, Years 9 - 11 The school day starts with registration at 08.40. There is a mid morning break at 10.30. Lunch is at 13.00 and In the Middle School, from Year 9, pupils are placed the school day ends at 16.15. There are eight lessons in House-based tutor groups and their House tutor each day on a two weekly cycle. There are more double will normally look after them until Year 11. lessons from Year 10 onwards. There is around an hour and a half’s PSC a night. Year 9 pupils study maths, English, biology, chemistry, physics, French or Spanish with an additional option of Latin, classical civilisation, German or Russian, PRE, Academic Excellence Programme geography, history, art, drama, Games and PE. Maths is setted on ability, and the sciences follow these sets. We run a programme to support and stretch the more Other subjects, notably English, history and geography academically able pupils in the Senior School. Conferences, follow sets drawn up to reflect language options. competitions and seminars are run by departments. Many subjects start to teach the GCSE curriculum in There are regular lectures open to all and weekly Year 9. During the course of the year, pupils decide lunchtime discussion groups. which GCSEs they are going to take.

16 GCSE Exam Results

In 2019 almost two thirds of GCSE exams at Ipswich School were graded 9-7 (equivalent of the old A*-A grades) with 100% of pupils securing grade 4 and above in English and Maths. A day in the life of a year 7 pupil

9:05am: After registration at 8.40am, 12:40pm: Next I have science and my I head to drama where we are working favourite science of all - chemistry. on slapstick. We act out funny scenes The best part about our science lessons and have a lot of fun. is the practicals. Last week we experimented with gases and watched the gas changing 9:50am: Next it’s French where we are colour as we added different acids writing character children’s books using and alkalis. all the vocabulary we have learnt this year. 2:05pm: After a break I have science again, 10:30am: Breaktime – where hanging this time biology where we are currently out with friends in the common room studying habitats with a giant cookie from the tuck shop is just great. 3.40pm: Our final lesson for the day is history. I love the start of these lessons 10:50am: I love English, which is next. where we consider a question given to us I am currently writing a mini saga by our teacher about the time period we about the end of the world. I am free are currently studying. to be creative and write about things that interest me. 4.15pm: I grab my violin from my locker and head for orchestra practice. Later 11:35am: It’s maths where we are looking at home I usually have one or two pieces at algebra and formulas. It’s hard, but of PSC to work on after school and relax I have a good teacher and it’s starting before bed. to make more sense to me.

12:15pm: Lunchtime and I have a packed lunch. There’s always someone to sit with and chat to. A day in the life of a year 10 pupil

9.05am: After registration at 8.40am I have These lessons usually involve a practical history. This year we have started our GCSE where we might look at the properties syllabus and today we are looking or behaviour of acids. at Civil Rights in post war America. 1.00pm: It is now lunch time and one 9.50am: My next lesson is English. of today's menu choices is beef and This lesson usually involves reading, bacon meatloaf, one of my favourites! discussing and annotating our books with notes. 2.05pm: After afternoon registration it’s time for Activities. I do the CCF. It usually 10.30am: It is now time for break and time involves learning how to safely handle to go to the tuck shop, play some football a rifle, command tasks or some theory or just talk to my friends. (for example, patrols or section attacks). If we’re lucky, we shoot a rifle on the 10.50am: Now I have Life Skills. This year school range. we have covered a range of interesting topics including sleep, health and 4.15pm: It’s time for me to walk charitable work. I have especially enjoyed back home, do my PSC and get the lessons where we have learnt to make ready for tomorrow. shortbread and fix a bike tyre puncture.

11.35am: It’s double chemistry where we’re learning about how acids and bases react with different substances. Senior School Co - curriculum

We believe that non-academic aspects of school Sport life are incredibly valuable and truly complement what happens in lessons. Being active is so important for pupils’ physical and mental well being, and we certainly get our For pupils it can provide a thoroughly enjoyable pupils involved in sport and exercise. Sport forms break from academic work and an opportunity an important part of every pupils’ timetable. to express themselves in different ways. Being active and creative is vital for pupils’ wellbeing. Boys' and girls' inter-school fixtures are mixed between midweek and Saturdays. We run a lot of teams. While we have A and B teams for the more Music elite sportsmen and sportswomen, we also run C, D and even E teams just to give everyone an opportunity The Britten Faculty of Music caters for everyone to represent the school. from enthusiastic beginners to gifted musicians. All pupils have music lessons as part of their timetable The facilities for sport at Ipswich School are exceptional. until Year 10 and we can guarantee that everyone will On the main school site we have an indoor swimming be involved in some type of music making. pool, indoor cricket nets, squash courts, Eton fives courts, asphalt netball/tennis courts and outdoor Our New Music School provides the very best in cricket nets. The 30 acre school playing fields are teaching and practice rooms. It also has a large also nearby. rehearsal room, a keyboard laboratory and a music technology centre. We offer high academic standards Ipswich School’s Rushmere Sports Centre is the in a creative musical environment, provided by centrepiece of our sporting facilities. It has a sports dedicated teachers supported by approximately hall, three floodlit astroturf hockey pitches and thirty visiting instrumental teachers. six floodlit netball courts. In addition we have aerial video recording equipment and GPS trackers, A wide variety of groups rehearse and perform allowing in-depth post match analysis. regularly: symphony, intermediate and chamber orchestras; school and chapel choirs; show choir; choral society; chamber music groups; ensembles for strings, brass, flutes, clarinets and saxophones; big band, stage band, jazz and rock bands.

The facilities for sport at Ipswich School are exceptional.

20 Clubs and Activities Drama We are really proud of the range of clubs and activities Drama is a thriving part of the school community available throughout the Senior School. The range of and everyone has the chance to take part. It’s in the clubs is extensive and includes basketball club, careers timetable in Years 7 and 8 and each year everyone club, crosstalk Christian club, computer club, canoe has the opportunity to perform in a play or a musical club, engineering club and robotics, to name just a few. which is directed to professional standard. In the Lower School these are held at lunchtimes and after school. We have a purpose-built theatre with professional sound equipment and a lighting rig. Those who wish For the Middle School there continue to be a multitude to learn about backstage can work with our award of lunchtime clubs, but we go a step further and dedicate winning designer and experienced theatre technician. Thursday afternoons to what we call ‘Activities’. There’s everything from journalism, photography, indoor Some play casts span the ages across the school; climbing, The Duke of Edinburgh Award and, from others can involve the majority of a year group. Year 10, the Combined Cadet Force.

Drama is very popular and much encouraged, both in its own right and because we feel it is invaluable in developing confidence and the ability to speak Breakfast club, Lunches and in public. after school provision

We provide breakfast clubs, the very best in school lunches, and after school options.

21 Sixth Form The most important stepping stone

The Sixth Form is the most important stepping stone for today’s students. The world they will face is likely to be more challenging, uncertain and changeable than that of their parents. Our students leave with top To flourish in the years ahead of them students need to be well equipped with a broad skill set, have A-level grades. resilience, tenacity and an appreciation of how to sustain their overall wellbeing.

Our Sixth Form offers students all this. It also gives life is central to good mental health, and we really them the very best academic education. They leave try to promote this in our Sixth Form. However, we with top A-level grades. They secure places at the are all too aware that sometimes more support is university of their choice. They get into Oxbridge required. We have a excellent team on hand should it and top degree courses including law, medicine be needed. Our school matron has expert knowledge and veterinary science. Or they join a top quality about teenage physical and mental health. We also apprenticeship or enter the world of work with have a school chaplain. Beyond this we have school a clear plan for future success. counsellors with on-site counselling rooms and other specialists we can call upon. The wellbeing of our sixth Our teachers are all specialists in their field and they formers is always our highest priority. This is why work with ideal class sizes - usually around 10 or 12 sport is part of the sixth form curriculum. We offer top and never above 16. This means that students can quality games coaching in a wide range of sports and build an excellent rapport with their teachers. We competitive matches with other schools. We also have offer a wide range of A-levels, with computer science an abundance of opportunities in drama and music. and politics added recently, and our four subject Year 12 gives students added flexibility when it comes to Our recently refurbished Sixth Form Centre is a making their final A-level choice for Year 13. dedicated space for all sixth formers, including study rooms, computing facilities, a lounge area, coffee bar An exciting new feature of our Sixth Form is The Edge. and even a grand piano. They really enjoy and look This ground-breaking programme gives students the after this facility, which serves as their base throughout skills and knowledge that are a prerequisite for success, Years 12 and 13. and indeed survival, for the 2020s and beyond. A business-recognised qualification is the centrepiece Our Sixth Form is where our students’ extraordinary of The Edge, which runs throughout Year 12 and futures begin to be realised. into Year 13.

There are considerable pressures on sixth formers Ben Cliff today, and many of them are not academic. Having a Head of Sixth Form positive outlook and being actively involved in school Sixth Form Curriculum

Sixth Form A-Level choices Academic Excellence Programme

Three or Four A-levels? Students with a flair for one or more subjects are Normally students in our Sixth Form start Year 12 encouraged to join our Academic Excellence studying four subjects, which usually drops to three Programme. This includes talks, conferences and in Year 13. The reason we start with four is that it gives lectures. Many of the students on this programme students an important element of flexibility. All too give a lecture to their peers on a topic that fascinates often a student may choose A-levels in Year 11 which them. They also lead discussions at the weekly might not fully suit them when they get into Year 12. Sixth Form Athenaeum lunchtime discussion group. Taking four subjects at the start of Year 12 gives them the opportunity to try them all out, but to later refine this to just three subjects. Pastoral support

There are different times throughout Year 12 when Sixth Formers are placed in House-based tutor groups students can decide to drop a subject, but for most which combine Year 12s and 13s. The average size of students we would encourage them to keep going one of these tutor groups is 16. Our pastoral care is until the end of the year with all four of them. In some based around House tutors who really get to know cases, often for scientists and mathematicians, students their students and so are best placed to provide all the will go on to take all four A-levels at the end of Year 13 pastoral care they need. Tutors are also supported by and in some exceptional cases, the most able students Heads of House who take a keen interest in the welfare may even be able to sit five A-level exams. of sixth formers and who are in daily contact with them.

We offer the following subjects at A-Level: Careers and university • Art • History applications • Biology • Mathematics • Business • Further Mathematics The majority of our students go on to university • Chemistry • Music and we have developed a highly effective process • Computer Science • Philosophy, Religion to support our students’ UCAS applications. We have • Design and Technology and Ethics excellent contacts with universities and have honed • Drama and Theatre • Physical Education our support for Oxbridge candidates, medics, lawyers • Economics • Physics and other specialist areas over the years. Our record of • English Literature • Politics success is excellent in helping these students - and all • French • Psychology others - secure a place at the university of their choice. • Geography • Russian • German • Spanish We also support those heading into apprenticeships or straight into work and have helped an increasing The Extended Project Qualification is also an number of students take this career route. option. Most Sixth Form subjects are taught by two teachers, and each subject has 13 lessons We have very good links with employers and host a fortnight in Year 12, rising to 14 a fortnight an annual careers and universities convention which in Year 13. Many, but not all, lessons are doubles students have found highly useful in planning their lasting around 85 minutes. next steps after school.

24 Sixth Form Exam Results

In 2019 94% of A-level exams at Ipswich School were graded A* to C and a quarter of Year 13 students achieved at least one A* grade. A day in the life of a Sixth Form student

8:30 am: Having caught my bus at around 12:20 pm: This is a single lesson of 7.00am, I’m now in my tutor group where psychology where we are learning I am notified of any important messages, about mental health. then head to House Assembly 1:00 pm: At lunchtime I go to the sixth form 9:05 am: I begin lessons with double dining hall. Afterwards I chat with friends physical education where we are currently before visiting the Model House of Commons learning about biomechanics. I like how which is a club where a student-led team PE integrates physics into sport and talks about political issues. explains how elite athletes perform to such a high standard. 2:00 pm: It’s Activities and usually I will play my favourite sport, rugby, however 10:30 am: Breaktime and usually people now the season has ended I am doing purchase items from the tuck shop at the Athletic Development. Sixth Form Centre such as the cookies (they’re very good!) 4:15 pm: I arrive back at school and get on my bus for the journey home. After some 10:50 am: It’s ICT and I enjoy working with relaxation, I complete PSC before preparing computers and have improved my knowledge my bag for the next day. of social media channels and my use of Photoshop and InDesign. A day in the life of a Sixth Form student

8:40am: After arriving by bus I register and We have lunch in our sixth form dining then have a sixth form chapel service, room with many options of meat, fish, this provides an opportunity to focus on vegetarian or sandwiches. a philosophical topic, away from school work and prepares us for the day ahead. 2:00pm: I change into sports kit during lunch and if there’s some free time my 9:00am: My school day begins with double friends and I go into town. We head to chemistry, where we are learning our the astro for our games afternoon where organic module and completing a required I do Athletic Development which is practical on oxidising alcohols. With A-level a strength and fitness focused programme. chemistry we are given more responsibility I especially like the fact that it is run as handling chemicals and apparatus. a mixed gender session.

10:50am: After break time I have a double 4:15pm: The school provides numerous geography lesson, we are currently co-curricular activities. As part of the first working on our non-examined assessments XI hockey team we have after school team which requires independent study on training and open sessions that take place a chosen topic, completing field work and throughout the summer term. After this developing presentation skills. I head home to finish my PSC.

12:15pm: I have a free lesson before lunch and I usually do personal and prefect administration, and begin PSC (homework).

Sixth Form Co-curriculum

Music Drama

Sixth Form students enjoy some of the very Sixth formers can get involved in the wider theatre best facilities in music at our New Music School. community. We run a drama activity on Thursday They don’t have to study A-level music, they afternoons. Students produce and perform their simply need a passion for making music. own pantomime regularly to over 600 primary school pupils. We also run international trips to learn about For those wanting to take part in concerts we have different theatrical cultures. Drama also fosters so much on offer. We have bands, choirs and groups. a special partnership with world renowned Gecko There are plenty of opportunities for soloists at these Theatre Company, which is based school offices. events, the highlight being the chance to perform on stage at our annual summer concert at the renowned Snape Maltings Concert Hall. Clubs and Activities

Sixth Formers run a range of lunchtime clubs for themselves; some specialist clubs are run by staff. Sport Clubs include art, audio engineering, book club, blogging club, debating, drone club, five-a-side Sport is very much part of Sixth Form life. Every football, Mandarin, show choir to name but a few. student has Games factored into their weekly Each year as students find others with similar timetable. The main team sports for boys are rugby, interests new and exciting clubs appear. hockey and cricket. For girls the main sports are hockey, netball and cricket. We offer the very best facilities for all sports and our coaches are of the highest quality – many have represented their Breakfast and Lunches country in their sport. We provide breakfast in the school dining hall, which is a particular favourite among sixth formers. Other sports are offered at both recreational and We also have the very best in school lunches. competitive levels, and these include cross-country running, golf, tennis, football, rounders, badminton, squash, sailing, aerobics, yoga, swimming, fitness and Eton fives. Facilities include a state of the art conditioning suite, an indoor swimming pool, two sports halls, four astroturf hockey pitches and numerous football, rugby and cricket pitches.

29 The Edge

The Edge is designed to equip Ipswich School Sixth A highlight of The Edge programme is when the Form students with a series of skills, which will set entire year group spends a week at a residential them apart in today’s rapidly changing and increasingly activity centre in Devon towards the end of the competitive world. This unique programme has summer term in Year 12. Here the students have the been devised in response to issues identified by opportunity to enjoy many of the outdoor activities universities, employers and parents to address aspects that this environment has to offer, whilst also of personal development which are not naturally developing important skills, including personal safety, present in the academic or co-curricular spheres. stress management, interview skills, car maintenance and much more. Students plan, organise and cook The programme is delivered across Years 12 and much of their own food and learn what it takes to 13 in four lessons per fortnight. Students undertake ‘survive’ independently away from the family home. modules in understanding mental health, giving They also learn how to surf. briefings and making presentations. Through these studies, students complete a Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management, accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and awarded by the City and Guilds of London Institute. Such qualifications are rarely completed by students still at school and are highly valued by employers, The entire year thus giving our students a competitive edge. group spends a week

Within the programme, those wishing to complete at a residential activity an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), begin this centre in Devon. at the end of Year 12, allowing the independent research element to be completed over the summer.

30 The programme gives students the edge in today’s rapidly changing and increasingly competitive world. Boarding Boarding at Ipswich School

Ipswich School has attractive boarding facilities As a largely day school we offer a wonderful opportunity at Westwood, a Victorian mansion set in wooded for our small number of full-time overseas boarders grounds about 200 metres from the school campus. to mix with British pupils and to enrich the culture Westwood has a welcoming atmosphere and numbers of the school. Our boarding provision also provides are limited to 50 boarders, most of whom are older a safety net should family circumstances change, students with many in the Sixth Form. and an opportunity for pupils to experience living away from home before moving on to university. There is a real community in the boarding house with a strong sense of identity. The accommodation is comfortable and our staff foster a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The boarding house is well-resourced with games and music practice rooms, and one of the school's astroturf pitches is located within the recently As a largely day school restored Westwood gardens. we offer a wonderful

We offer flexible boarding arrangements. Full boarding opportunity for our small and weekly boarding are both available and we number of boarders to enjoy reserve some spaces so that day pupils are welcome to stay in the boarding house for short periods. Weekly a close knit community with boarding is an excellent option for pupils living some a strong sense of identity. distance away and a particularly popular option for sixth formers.

33 Admissions Ipswich School Admissions

Prep School Admissions Year 9

• Admission is by means of either the Common Nursery Entrance Examination, which normally takes place in June, or our own entrance exam which normally • Children aged up to three years old can join the takes place in March. Lodge Day Nursery. • We will ask for a confidential reference from a pupil’s • Children can join the Nursery from the beginning school in the February before the entrance exam. of the term after they have turned three years old. • The Admissions Office can arrange for exams at • Normally we would expect children to be toilet other times should circumstances mean that pupils trained and out of nappies. are unable to sit them at the dates above.

Pupils can also enter the school in Year 8 and Prep 10 and there are age-appropriate examinations for all these entry points. • Children can join the Reception Class in the September following their fourth birthday. Sixth Form Admissions • Children should be five years old by 1 September for entry into Year 1, six years old for Year 2, etc. • For new students, entry to the Sixth Form is dependent on GCSE grades, an interview with • There is a an appropriate assessment for each age the Headmaster and a school reference. group based on numeracy, literacy and behaviour. • To enter our Sixth Form and be successful, we like • We will also ask for a confidential reference from to see grade 7s in the GCSE subjects a student a child’s present school. wishes to take at A-level or in relevant subjects, with at least six grade 6s overall.

• We do accept students whose grades do not quite Senior School Admissions reach this level, but in such cases we will consider Year 7 carefully, on an individual basis, if our Sixth Form is the right match for the student. • Our entrance exam assesses potential and takes place at the end of January or early February and consists of a reasoning test and papers in For details about fees for all age groups, mathematics and English. please visit our website.

• We will ask for a confidential reference from a pupil’s We have provided here the essential information school before they sit the entrance exam. about admissions, for more details and a step by step guide explaining how to apply please see details on our website.

www.ipswich.school

35 Bursaries and Scholarships Ipswich School Bursaries and Scholarships

A range of scholarships and bursaries are available Sixth Form scholarships for the Senior School. • Academic, sport, music and all-rounder scholarships are available. Year 7 scholarships • These are awarded for academic excellence, • Academic, art, music and sport scholarships for exceptional musical or sporting talent and for are available. an all-rounder who will do well academically and contribute outstandingly in other areas of school • Candidates showing potential in the entrance life such as sport, music or drama. exam are automatically considered for an academic scholarship. Senior School and Sixth • Music and art scholarships are assessed Form bursaries via audition or portfolio. Our Founding Futures campaign raises funds to enable • Sport scholarships are awarded to pupils who less well off pupils to benefit from an Ipswich School will make a significant contribution to the education. A number of Ipswich School means-tested quality of sport at the school. bursaries are available for Year 7, 9 and 12 entry for pupils of high academic or all-round ability whose parents could not otherwise afford the school fees. Year 9 scholarships These awards vary from a small amount to 100% of full fees and they are means tested on an annual • Academic, art, music, sport and all-rounder basis, taking into account both income and assets. scholarships are available.

• Candidates seeking an academic scholarship For further details about deadlines and how sit additional scholarship exams across all to apply for scholarships and means-tested curriculum subjects. bursaries please visit our website

• Music and art scholarships are assessed www.ipswich.school via audition or portfolio.

• Sport scholarships are awarded to pupils who will make a significant contribution to the quality of sport at the school.

37 Bus Services

Bus services are organised from the following Details of all the bus services are available at: places to Ipswich School, picking up pupils www.coachhire.com/ipswich-school at designated stops along the way: Bus application forms are available when you visit • Brantham • Hadleigh the school, or via email at: [email protected] • Bury St Edmunds • Halstead • Claydon • Hitcham • Colchester via Ardleigh/Capel St Mary • Holbrook • Colchester via West Bergholt/Boxted/ • Helmingham Langham • Kelvedon • Debenham • Nayland • Dedham • Stowmarket • East Bergholt • Sudbury • Eye • Tendring • Felixstowe/Trimley • Witnesham • Frinton • Woodbridge

Contact Us Mrs Kate Frankland Now that you have read this prospectus, Prep Admissions Manager we would love to show you around Ipswich 01473 282800 School or Ipswich Prep School in person. Mrs Laura Trainer To arrange a tour or to speak to us about Senior School Admissions Manager anything you have read in this prospectus 01473 408300 please contact us at:

38 What people say...

I used to have to drag - almost literally - my son to the local primary school. Within a few weeks at the Prep he was pulling me there every morning.

Parent

What a legend and an inspiration! I have really, really appreciated your inspirational teaching and wide knowledge (of just about everything) as well as your warmth and wisdom.

Student

It’s often been said that it’s not the subject matter but the teacher that gets people interested in a subject. For me, it was wholly the teacher...you have been an inspiration and you’ve always pushed me to do my best.

Student

Sending our son to Ipswich School is probably one of the best decisions we have ever made. We have to consider the fee by far the best money that we have spent even though it has meant we have had to make sacrifices.

Parent Designed by Mackman | mackman.co.uk Designed by Ipswich Preparatory School Ipswich School Ivy Street | Ipswich | IP1 3QW Henley Road | Ipswich, | IP1 3SG 01473 282800 01473 408300 [email protected] [email protected] www.ipswich.school www.ipswich.school

Our prospectus documents describe the broad principles on which Ipswich School is presently run. Although believed to be correct at the time of printing, they are not part of any agreement between parents and school. Charity Number: 310493