ADMISSIONS GUIDE

ADMISSIONS INFORMATION 2019 – 2020

1 InAdmissions Detail Guide Welcome

Ethos Learning is at the heart of the broad education we offer at School. This invaluable asset is underpinned by strong Christian values, especially those Welcome of love, care and compassion, which we emphasise in all activities and relationships within our community. The key ingredient when thinking about the right school for you or a member of your family is fit: does it feel right? There are plenty of empirical factors which can be brought to bear in the decision-making process, from academic results to pastoral care ratios, from the number and quality of co-curricular activities to the amount of engagement with the wider community. However, there are also less tangible factors such as the physical location of the school and the value system which underpins its routines.

We hope that this document, in conjunction with our website (www.norwich-school.org.uk), helps to lay out what offers so that you can analyse whether you feel there is a fit between you and us. It certainly contains information regarding measurable criteria and practical information about application, but I hope you can also get an impression of where we are and what we stand for from the images and explanation of our ethos and aims.

A document can only tell you so much, of course. We believe that a visit creates an even more vivid impression, so my colleagues, the pupils and I look forward to welcoming you in person to Cathedral Close. Aims

Norwich School is committed to:

• nurturing and developing knowledgeable, reflective young people who are capable of understanding difficult concepts and expressing complex and profound ideas;

• providing a rich, broad and varied education that develops the diverse talents of all;

• equipping our young people for a lifetime of leadership and service.

Steffan Griffiths Head Master

2 3 Admissions Guide Pastoral Care

The fostering of positive, constructive relationships between Pastoral Care home and school is seen as crucial

Lower School (pupils aged 4 – 11) In the Lower School, pupils are in the Every boy or girl is assigned to a House. The Lower School encourages and care of their Form Tutor who has a crucial These are Conisford, Heigham and initiates regular communication between role to play in the provision of pastoral Magdalen – named after the historic home and school. All pupils have a prep care. Form Tutors provide pupils with gates of Norwich. There are regular diary where parents may leave notes for a point of daily contact, monitor pupils’ competitions between the Houses as the Form Tutor. Parents may drop in to work and welfare and act as a channel well as a weekly House Star total. school in the morning to speak with a through which information passes to House Tutors monitor the pupils in teacher or telephone the Lower School and from pupils, parents and teachers. the House environment, and this dual Secretary to make an appointment. The fostering of positive, constructive pastoral approach with the Form Tutors There are also formal reporting times relationships between home and school allows for the caring and comprehensive during the year in the form of end-of- is seen as crucial. Boys and girls in the support of each individual. term reports and Parents Evenings in Lower School are encouraged to be fully November and June. involved in school life and to reach their full potential.

Senior School (pupils aged 11 – 18)

Boys and girls in Lower 4 upwards are For pupils in every year group, there is tutored by a member of staff who is a schedule of full reports, grade cards affiliated to the pupil’s House. The Tutor and Parents Evenings to communicate plays a key pastoral role, seeing the feedback on progress. pupil each day for registration and during weekly tutorial periods. The whole school comes together for daily assemblies and services in the There are eight Houses: Brooke, Coke, Cathedral and the School Chaplain, Seagrim, Nelson, Parker, Repton, School Reverend Corin Child, supports the and Valpy. There are approximately spiritual and pastoral needs of pupils 12 – 15 children per House in each and staff. year group, rising to approximately 20 per House in the . A child’s Tutor is the first point of contact for any pastoral issues. Each House is led by a Housemaster, who oversees the pastoral care of all the pupils in his or her House and provides continuity from year to year.

The Tutor plays a key pastoral role, seeing the pupil each day for registration and during weekly tutorial periods 4 5 Admissions Guide Curriculum

Lower 5 (age 13+) In Lower 5, the core subjects from Lower Senior School 4 and Upper 4 continue. They also In Middle 5 (age 14+) and U5 (pupils aged 11 – 18) study the creative (Art/Design, Music (age 15+) the core subjects are: or Drama) they opted for at the end of English Language Lower 4 (age 11+) Upper 4, as well as one from English Literature Curriculum Pupils in Lower 4 are taught a range and Greek, Latin or (based of subjects which can be seen in the on academic performance or choice). Mathematics table below. A language – French, German GCSE (age 14 – 16) or Spanish A total of 10 GCSE subjects are studied by each pupil. All subject areas Science – Biology, Chemistry, Lower 4 (age 11+) will study: are studied for at least 2 years (Lower Physics are taught separately Creative – Art and Design 4 – Lower 5) before choices are made. for Triple or Dual Award (including 2D Design, 3D Parents and pupils are consulted at Three options chosen from Design and Art), Music and option points. Classical Civilisation, Computer Drama taught separately Science, Geography, Greek,

CV PE, History, Latin, Religious

Studies, Art, 2D Design, 3D English Design, Drama, Music, German

Geography or Spanish

History

Latin

Mathematics

Modern Foreign Languages

(two from French, German or

Spanish)

Science

Sport

PSHE

Religious Studies Sport forms part of the curriculum in % every year, with two sessions a week, as do the tutorial provision and In Lower 4, CV is a broad course assembly time. which covers study skills and a range Lower School of subjects that the pupils may not The curriculum is complemented OF GCSE PUPILS (pupils aged 4 – 11) have experienced before, such as by a variety of day and residential ACHIEVED A* The following subjects are ICT, Philosophy, Exotic Languages, 45IN 2018 trips, e.g. to Hautbois House (L4), a taught in the Lower School: Relaxation Techniques, Field Studies The Lower School curriculum offers an science trip to Mannington Hall (U4) Art and Study Skills. and German, French and Spanish exciting and challenging range of subjects Modern Foreign designed to develop a strong foundation Computer Literacy exchange visits (L5 and M5). Languages (French, Lower 4 pupils can expect of skills and knowledge. Pupils are taught Computer Science Spanish and German) homework in two subjects per night by their Form Teacher as well as subject of approximately 20 minutes each. specialists. We aim to nurture a love of Design Technology Music Exam Results learning and give pupils the confidence to be Personal, Social, We aim Drama Upper 4 (age 12+) fully involved in all aspects of their education. Health and Economic GCSE to nurture In Upper 4, pupils continue with their In Reception, our curriculum focuses on English Education (PSHE) Lower 4 subjects. Upper 4 pupils can Year A* Grade A* or A Grade A*, A or B Grade fulfilling the Early Years Foundation Stage a love of Games Philosophy expect homework in three subjects for learning and development. 2018 45% 70% 89% per night of approximately 20 minutes Geography Physical Education learning 2017 47% 73% 91% each. At the end of Upper 4, the pupils Optional tuition is available in speech and History Performing Arts considering studying Music or Drama 2016 44% 72% 85% drama and around 20 different musical Mathematics to GCSE opt for these. The remainder 2015 43% 75% 86% instruments. Classroom activities are Religious Education do a foundation year in Art and Design. complemented by day and residential trips 2014 42% 75% 89% Science There are opportunities to switch for all pupils, e.g. a visit to a Victorian creatives and to take three to GCSE in 2013 51% 81% 89% workhouse as part of history studies or a consultation with the Director of Studies. For the purposes of this document the new 9-1 gradings have been converted to: residential coastal erosion study in geography. A* = 9 A = 7 B = 6 C = 5 or 4.

6 7 Curriculum Curriculum %

OF A LEVEL PUPILS Sixth Form pupils will select three subjects to study

83ACHIEVED A* – B Sixth Form from the following: IN 2018 Ancient/ In the Sixth Form, a wide range of Computer History * Physics subjects are taught by expert teachers. Classical Greek Science* Latin Psychology* Sixth Formers typically study three linear Art 2D Design * A Levels over two years. Mathematics Politics * Art History * 3D Design * Further Spanish Sixth Formers enjoy access to study Biology Economics * Mathematics and leisure facilities in the Bishop’s Sports Science * Business and Palace and Junior Common Room. English Music Enterprise * Theatre Studies* French Philosophy, Chemistry Geography* Religious Classical Studies Civilisation * German and Ethics*

* Subjects which may be studied without NB: It may not be possible to provide previous knowledge provided that good every permutation of subjects listed GCSE grades have been achieved in here and confirmation of a combination appropriate complementary subjects. should be sought from the Director of Studies. Usually a minimum of four pupils is needed for a subject to be viable.

Exam Results

Advanced Level (A2) Year A* A* or A Grade A*, A or B Grade National Position 2018 24% 57% 83% 71st 2017 24% 60% 85% 55th 2016 24% 62% 85% 58th 2015 27% 66% 86% 55th 2014 28% 67% 89% 49th 2013 27% 67% 89% 57th

8 9 Admissions Guide Leadership and Service

We aim to equip our young people HOURS for a lifetime of leadership and OVER service. We see these two concepts as interdependent; inspirational 300 leadership always involving the PUPILS SPENT OVER service of others, and through 5,700 service, essential leadership skills are developed. OUT IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

AS PART OF THE COMMUNITY Sport All pupils are given opportunities to develop their leadership skills SERVICE PROGRAMME IN 2017/18 through planned activities across the school including: Lower School Senior School Taught lessons, workshops and training; (pupils aged 4 – 11) (pupils aged 11 – 18) Societies and pupil representative bodies; RAISING Team leadership; An annual Upper 5 Pupils take part in a variety of team During the Fourth Form (Years 7 and 8), Upper 5 and Sixth Form pupils have leadership conference; The Community £2,030 and individual sports including hockey, boys will play rugby in the Michaelmas access to over 20 different sports options. Service Programme; Sea Scouts and , rugby, athletics, Term, hockey in the Lent Term, and cricket Visit www.norwich-school.org.uk for Duke of Edinburgh. and tennis. in the Term. Girls will play hockey in more information about the sports on the , netball in the Lent offer. Although the school would always In the Lower School, through service in There is a comprehensive fixtures Term, and cricket in the Trinity Term. promote multi-sport, it recognises that the community, pupils can work towards programme for team sports. some pupils will know where they want a Leadership and Service Award. In Those pupils outside the A teams will also to continue their sporting aspirations the Senior School, Lower and Upper 6 have access to a rotation of ‘Sport for Life’ on leaving Norwich School and we pupils take part in weekly-timetabled options including athletic development, are, therefore, able to offer two term community service activities. The swimming and dance. specialisation through our core and placements bring pupils into direct performance sports programmes. Each contact with a wide cross-section of In Lower 5 and Middle 5, is an term, there is also a range of other ‘Sport the Norwich and community. additional core sport. In addition to the for Life’ options available to try to ensure core sport programme, more options are that all pupils leave the school with a sport available through our performance sports that they will pursue in higher education – cross-country, sailing, kayaking and and into adulthood. athletics, as well as another rotation of Pupils thoroughly Lower School Senior School ‘Sport for Life’ options. There is a comprehensive fixtures enjoy the many clubs (pupils aged 4 – 11) (pupils aged 11 – 18) programme for all year groups. on offer and show The Lower School offers a comprehensive The Senior School offers a wide-ranging great commitment co-curricular programme of activities programme of activities and events and events. All pupils are expected to be outside formal lessons, most of which Upper 5 and Sixth involved in some aspect of this provision. revolve around the interests of the pupils. Pupils thoroughly enjoy the many All pupils are encouraged to take part Form pupils have different clubs on offer and show great in at least one activity. access to over commitment to the music groups, choir, different drama productions, sports teams and sports numerous other activities. 2 10 0 Admissions Guide Dance Dance The Dance Department at Norwich Pupils engage in a variety of dance School strives to develop an energetic, styles: from musical theatre to hip hop, enthusiastic and healthy community jive to commercial, Norwich School of pupils. It aims to give all pupils dancers have the opportunity to experience in a range of dance styles explore and adopt a genre to suit and dance performance. All pupils them. Pupils are also encouraged to are encouraged to partake in a variety choreograph and create their own of dance events and dance classes, routines for performances. pupils took to whilst we provide gifted dancers with opportunities to work with industry All pupils are encouraged to involve the stage in this professionals and to choreograph shows. themselves in our many dance year’s Dance opportunities as there is something for everyone. Each year, the talent is Festival showcased at the annual Dance Festival.

One of the best British schools representing the arts Drama The Arts enjoy a strong profile and in There are Lower School, Junior, – School House Magazine 2017, Norwich School was named ‘one of Intermediate and Senior productions the best British schools representing the in our yearly repertoire, including an arts,’ by School House Magazine. Pupils annual musical. have opportunities to become involved in the many and varied arts activities on Performances take place in our own offer. Our aim is to provide a rich, varied Blake Studio, a purpose-built theatre and broad education that develops the and plenary space, and in local theatres diverse talents of the boys and girls including The Norwich Playhouse, and enables them to make their own Norwich Puppet Theatre and mark on the creative life of the school Epic Studios. and beyond. Our Senior Shakespeare production In both curricular and extra-curricular usually takes place outdoors in the drama, we offer pupils the most Cloisters of during our professional theatre experience possible. end-of-year creative arts festival, Gather.

12 Admissions Guide Cathedral Choristers Cathedral Choristers Boys Choir Girls Choir The Cathedral Choir Being a Cathedral Chorister provides Norwich Cathedral Girls’ Choir is a Endowment Fund pays an unparalleled musical education voluntary choir for girls aged 11 – 18,

alongside the other opportunities on drawn from schools across the area. 50% of school fees for offer at Norwich School. The girl choristers sing Evensong in all boy choristers the cathedral every Tuesday during The Cathedral’s Master of Music is term time, and rehearse on Saturday happy to meet parents at any time mornings. In addition, they sing to discuss the possibility of their son at the major cathedral services at becoming a Cathedral Chorister. Christmas and Easter, give concerts, make recordings, go on tours and The choristers sing daily services in take part in radio broadcasts. the Cathedral during term time, at Christmas and Easter, and take part in concerts, tours, recordings and live broadcasts.

Parents of boys aged 6 – 8 are Further information about Music encouraged to bring their son for an both opportunities is informal audition without obligation, available from the Cathedral before making a formal application Master of Music, Mr Ashley Lower School Senior School to the Cathedral Choir. Boys usually Grote: 01603 218306 or (pupils aged 4 – 11) (pupils aged 11 – 18) start in the choir in Year 4, with formal [email protected] auditions taking place each January. Music plays a vital role in Lower School With over 20 different music Singing is at the heart of school life. Instrumentalists can join a string ensembles rehearsing every week, life and features in daily cathedral The Cathedral Choir Endowment Fund orchestra, wind band, recorder club, there’s something to suit everyone! assemblies, with concerts, musicals pays 50% of school fees for all boy guitar club or percussion group, Pupils can choose from a range and services throughout the year. choristers, with further means-tested all of which are led by musical specialists. of choirs, bands, orchestras and Our choirs have earned a reputation bursarial support available so that no We believe that singing is central to a chamber ensembles designed to for excellence and some pupils are boy is excluded on financial grounds. musical education. We have exclusive nurture musical performance at all members of the National Youth Choirs. choirs in the Reception – Year 2 section, levels. Most ensembles do not Year 3 and our large school choir is open require an audition. More than 35 music teachers visit the to all pupils in Years 4 – 6. There is also a school for individual music lessons, smaller Chamber Choir, for which pupils The Senior Concert Band recently many of whom play an active part in who enjoy a challenge may audition. performed at the Royal Norfolk Show, the musical life of the city and county. The choirs take part in many different and the Chapel Choir sang in the final Specialist instrumental tuition is events including the Marie Curie Service of the Barnardo’s Choral Competition available for a range of instruments. of Light, the Barnardo’s National Choir at London’s Royal Festival Hall. competition and Young Voices at the O2 arena with an audience of 12,000! ABRSM Music Exams are held here, with entries welcome from pupils 75% of our pupils learn instruments, learning both in and out of school. many of them taught within the school by Theory tuition is also available. our numerous peripatetic teachers. There are many opportunities for soloists to perform at our regular Informal Concerts. All pupils in Year 4 learn a musical instrument (violin, flute or trumpet) as part of the music curriculum. MORE THAN different music ensembles rehearse every week 14 20 15 Admissions Process

Sixth Form International Admissions (pupils aged 16 – 18) (pupils aged 16 – 18)

The deadline for receipt of completed Norwich School is proud to welcome applications for the Sixth Form is 15th pupils from all over the world to join our November 2019. Sixth Form community. Our international pupils join us in our Lower Sixth Form Sixth Form candidates are assessed and are wholly integrated into our by interview, testing and academic academic and extra-curricular life. reference from their current school. Pupils are given the opportunity Interviews will take place on Saturday to rapidly improve English skills in 30th November 2019. individually matched homestays. We admit very small numbers and are over-subscribed every year.

Norwich School is a Tier 4 Sponsor and is able to issue Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to support a visa application.

The registration fee and acceptance deposit for international candidates are £350 and £550 (acceptance deposit is Open Day refundable after two years) respectively and reflect the additional costs of Admissions Process Our annual Open Day takes administering these applications. place in September. This is a We also ask for the first term’s fees for September 2020 Entry superb opportunity to meet to be paid in advance. our pupils and staff, take part in activities, see our beautiful location and hear from the Head Master. The school also Lower School Senior School hosts two Open Afternoons (pupils aged 4 – 11) (pupils aged 11 – 16) each year, which take place during the school day in March The deadline for receipt of completed The deadline for receipt of completed and June. Parents and pupils applications for the Lower School is 10th applications for the Senior School is The deadline for Lower School have the opportunity to take a December 2019. 10th December 2019. and Senior School applications tour of school and see lessons is 10th December 2019 in action. Registration for these For entry into Reception to Upper 1, Candidates will be assessed during the events is via the admissions children will be assessed during the morning of Saturday 11th January 2020 pages on our website. week beginning 6th January 2020, with interviews taking place on Saturday followed by a group assessment on 25th January 2020. Saturday 11th January. Boys and girls attend in casual clothing. For entry into Lower 2 to Upper 3, All children undertake papers in children will be assessed on 11th January, mathematics and English, with a verbal The deadline for with successful candidates being invited reasoning paper being taken by 11+, 12 Sixth Form applications Application for interview at a later date. + and 13+ entrants. All pupils are then is 15th November 2019 invited in for an interview day which forms Boys and girls attend in casual clothing includes a variety of activities. Please and will undertake a number of activities note that we will seek an academic Application for entry into where their verbal and social skills, reference from your child’s current the Lower School, the Senior intellectual aptitude and reasoning are school unless you have indicated School or the Sixth Form assessed. For children of school age, we otherwise on the application form. can be made via the will seek an academic reference from school’s website. your child’s current school unless you For help with applications visit A non-refundable application have indicated otherwise on the www.norwich-school.org.uk/ fee of £95 is payable application form. admissions/ per application.

16 17 Scholarships and Bursaries Tuition Fees

Bursaries Scholarship programme for The school sets aside generous funds The school funds bursaries from many A holding deposit of £500 is required 2019/20 fees excellence and potential to enable boys and girls to come to sources, which include its own savings once a place has been offered – this is held until the end of the last term The school offers a range of Norwich School who would not be able as well as contributions from the and used to pay any extra charges awards for excellence in five to do so without financial help. Worshipful Company of Dyers, the Old Year Group Per Annum Per Term areas. A place on one of our All bursaries are means-tested and Norvicensians, the Friends of Norwich outstanding once the pupil has left. can result in a reduction in fees of up to School and other charitable trusts. Any remaining money will be refunded Scholarship Programmes is Lower School £11,493 £3,831 made available to Senior School 100%. There is a sliding scale dependent to parents. A sliding scale of deposit (Reception – Year 2) pupils with outstanding ability on family income and finances, and on The criteria for the Dyers’ Bursary operates for pupils awarded and potential which the school the resources of the school. Resources Scheme are similar to those outlined bursarial assistance. Lower School £15,441 £5,147 assesses by examination, are finite and demand can exceed the in this section and potential applicants (Years 3 – 6) interview, portfolio and audition, funds available. As a general rule, it is should simply register interest in bursarial Fees for Reception — Year 2 age groups as appropriate. unlikely that a bursary will be awarded assistance on the application form. include a hot lunch and care between Senior School £16,941 £5,647 when family income is greater than four The Registrar will inform you of 8am and 4pm. There is an additional (Years 7 – 13) Selection is made in the following and a half times the school fees or eligibility at a later stage. cost for after school care of £7 per hour, areas: academic excellence, assets are greater than 20 times the per child between 4pm and 6pm music, sport, drama and art school fees. and design. If you wish to apply, The support of the please indicate your interest on Scholarships and bursaries are available the application form. Pupils may for Senior School applicants. If you school, through my apply in more than one discipline, wish to be considered for bursarial studies, music and though it is unlikely that more assistance, please indicate that interest Details of fees for international than two awards are made to on the application form and the relevant financially has been any individual. students can be found on the paperwork will be sent to you. A detailed truly invaluable. school website at Application for Financial Assistance Means-tested financial support form, covering all aspects of your family’s – Sixth Form bursary recipient and musical scholar. www.norwich-school.org.uk is also available to candidates finances, would need to be filled out and applying for these awards. sent to the Bursar prior to the prospective pupil’s assessment.

18 19 71a The Close Norwich, NR1 4DD

Tel: 01603 728 449 Email: [email protected] www.norwich-school.org.uk

@NorwichSchool @norwich_school @NorwichSchool