MAIDSTONE GRAMMAR SCHOOL Learning for Life

INFORMATION PACK (sent to Y6 parents)

MAIDSTONE GRAMMAR SCHOOL – From the Headmaster

Thank you for your interest in our remarkable School.

Maidstone Grammar School was founded in 1549 when the town’s first charter gave ‘the mayor, juratts and commonalty full power and authority to set up a grammar school.’ The School used the Corpus Christi Hall in Earl Street and later moved to Tonbridge Road. We moved to Barton Road in 1930, thanks to a gift of land by George Foster Clark. Our self-contained, sixteen-acre site has allowed us to expand to meet new demands.

Our main school building is around a Tudor-style quadrangle with a cloister on one side. A block was added in the 1960s. A Sixth form and arts and crafts block was added in 1981. This newer building completes a second quadrangle. We have thirteen science laboratories, a language laboratory, seven computer rooms, a set of music rooms, lecture theatre, gymnasium and sports hall. As well as our 15 classroom teaching block and refectory, our 3 classroom Applied Learning Centre opened in September 2009 and in September 2011 our new Sixth Form Centre and Food Technology building opened.

At the beginning of September 2007 the School changed its status from a ‘voluntary controlled School’ to a ‘Foundation School,’ This means that the governing body owns the land and buildings and employs the staff. However, we continue to maintain our close links with County Council. Maidstone Grammar School has 1270 pupils and 130 staff. We take boys at 11 Plus by examination and boys and girls at 16 Plus on their GCSE results. We can take boys into other years if they have passed the Kent Selection Test and we have places.

Maidstone Grammar School is essentially a place of learning. The pupils not only achieve academically, but are inspired, and develop a respect for scholarship and learning as things worthwhile in themselves. We intend that they also develop an appreciation for human achievement in art, music, science and literature. They develop the ability to think critically, to respect evidence, to distinguish between opinions and prejudices and to make balanced judgements of their own. Through involvement in our varied extra-curricular programme every pupil develops and grows intellectually, physically and spiritually.

Maidstone Grammar School is a caring and supportive school. No young person learns effectively unless they feel happy and secure. At Maidstone Grammar we try to address the particular needs of every pupil through a comprehensive, supportive and flexible pastoral system. At Maidstone Grammar we value everyone as unique and special, capable of spiritual, moral, intellectual and physical development. As such we work together to develop self respect, self discipline and self understanding. We aim to make responsible use of our talents and opportunities, strive for wisdom and knowledge and take responsibility for our own lives.

Maidstone Grammar School is most certainly a community. We respect others for themselves, not for what they have or what they can do for us. We believe that the capacity to form strong relationships is the foundation of a happy and fulfilled life. As such we all strive to show others that they are valued, to earn the trust and loyalty of others and to work together co-operatively.

Maidstone Grammar School is at the heart of a wider community. We learn to take on our responsibilities as citizens. We respect and celebrate religious and cultural diversity. We promote opportunities for all. We place integrity, honesty, kindness and goodwill at the heart of our public and private lives. The ethic of service is more highly valued by us than that of self- interest. We believe that from those to whom much is given, much is expected.

M Tomkins Headmaster

Student Services Department Mrs Michele Anderson is Deputy Head, Staff and Student Development. Learning Managers have responsibility to track and monitor the progress of our pupils both from curriculum and pastoral points of view. The above are assisted by other members of the Student Services Department. These consist of staff who are on hand to deal with a wide range of non-academic issues. MGS aims to support your child as a whole in their development while they are with us. We have a dedicated team of staff to ensure that all pupils achieve their potential academically, socially and personally.

Student Services includes: Mrs Michele Anderson, Deputy Head, Staff & Student Development Mr Michael Hall, Learning Manager for Year 7 Mrs Naomi Lumutenga, Learning Manager for Year 8 Mr Paul Highway, Learning Manager for Year 9 Miss Alexia Lang, Learning Manager for Year 10 Miss Rachel Johnson, Learning Manager for Year 11 Dr Keith Derrett, Head of Sixth Form Ms Sharon Kennedy, Assistant Head of Sixth Form with responsibility for Year 13 Mr Paul Conisbee, Student Services Manager Mr John Arnold, Behaviour Manager Mrs Ann Lawrence, SEN Manager Mrs Michele Spendley, Attendance Officer

The Learning Managers work closely with form tutors, other members of the Student Services Department, subject teachers, parents and if necessary professionals from outside agencies, to monitor pupil progress and to help them with any problems that they encounter. The form tutor is the first point of contact and can be contacted by letter, School Planner, email or telephone. Mr Paul Smith, Deputy Headmaster is responsible for curriculum matters. He works closely with Heads of Subject Departments who are responsible for teaching and learning in a particular subject.

Behaviour Pupils are expected to work to the best of their ability and adhere to deadlines for the completion of work. They are expected to behave in a way which shows respect for all members of the school and wider community. They should also expect to be treated with respect by others. We believe behaviour should be excellent on the way to and from school and on school trips. The Headmaster, staff and prefects will take action if work or behaviour is unacceptable. Sanctions include order marks, lunchtime detention, detention after school or on Saturday morning. In the most serious cases pupils may be suspended for a period or expelled. The Headmaster reserves the right not to enter candidates for public examinations if work and preparation have been negligent and there is no realistic chance of success.

Attendance The School supports the DfE and Local Authority advice that children should not be removed during term time for holidays. Our default position is that requests for term time holiday will not be authorised. Should there be a need to apply for extraordinary leave of absence a form is available from the School Office or the School’s website for completion and return to Mrs M Anderson, Deputy Head no less than 2 weeks before a planned absence. Parents should not enter into any holiday commitments before obtaining leave of absence. Only the School can authorise absence. In the case of illness we ask that parents phone the School Attendance Line on 01622 623922 at once and provide a letter for your son or daughter later. Difficult or urgent problems should be referred to the Student Services Department.

Recognising Diversity MGS aims to ensure the right of every child in the school to learn in a safe, secure and supported environment where they feel free from the fear of intimidation, harassment, victimisation or ridicule from other pupils, staff or from groups of individuals. MGS aims to integrate the promotion of equality and recognition of diversity into all its activities from key policy decisions through to day-to-day operations. It does not tolerate harassment, victimisation or unjustified discrimination.

MGS acknowledges that bullying, whether physical or non-physical, may lead to lasting psychological damage for the individual. We promote a climate where bullying and violence are not tolerated and cannot flourish. Our policy on bullying has been developed in full consultation with parties within the school community.

“We believe that in the vast majority of cases the staff at MGS take appropriate action over bullying. We feel that the punishments for bullying should be severe but also that they should be aimed at ensuring that bullies learn from their mistakes. We are pleased to see that the School takes bullying seriously and action is taken quickly as we feel that bullying should not ever be dismissed as something less serious. We are also glad to see that this policy recognises all types of bullying as we feel this hasn’t always happened in the past. Finally, we strongly agree with the way that this policy reinforces the need for communication between the pupil, the parent and the School as we feel this is essential to combating bullying.” MGS School Council 2012

Child Protection Any case involving danger to a child should be reported to Mrs M Anderson, Deputy Head who is the Designated Child Protection Coordinator (DCPC). She can if necessary, discuss intimate matters in complete confidence. Mr P Conisbee, Student Services Manager is Deputy DCPC. If Mrs Anderson is unable to act, you should approach the Headmaster. In all cases we keep parents informed.

Special Educational Needs All pupils follow an inclusive timetable. This includes those with special needs. Where a special need has been established before a pupil arrives at the School, we take over the responsibility. Where parents express concern, we investigate and offer an assessment. If you require further details about our SEN procedures or have other general enquiries, you should contact our SEN Manager, Mrs Ann Lawrence.

Gifted & Talented All pupils within a grammar school are gifted by national standards and our curriculum provision for all reflects this. However, we do identify the most able as gifted and talented and also ask departments to identify pupils with particular talents in their subject. These pupils are flagged to teachers so that they can extend and develop them through the work they set. Mrs Sharon Acaster is the school’s Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator and any concerns should be addressed to her in the first instance.

Academic Information to Parents You will receive one full School report a year as well as two shorter academic progress summaries. During the year there is a series of parental interview days when staff are available for consultation. We have a Welcome Evening for new parents, as well as curriculum and course information evenings; and an evening to explain university applications. You can also arrange consultations at other times.

Sex Education (PSHCE) All pupils in Key Stages 3 and 4 take part in the School’s PSHCE programme. This course brings together different strands, focusing on what makes a good citizen. As well as looking at and discussing international issues, pupils also learn about personal, health and economic education, study skills, the requirements of good citizenship, relationships and substance abuse. Sex Education is an important part of this programme. Part of this includes sex education where both health visitors and the PSHCE team cover the physical and emotional side of sex within a relationship. If you have any concerns about this strand of the PSHCE course then you may withdraw your son from these lessons, but not where it features in the National Curriculum, as in Biology.

Curriculum Mr Paul Smith, Deputy Headmaster, is responsible for the curriculum. In children are usually taught each subject by a different specialist subject teacher. The teaching of each subject is managed by a Head of Department for that subject. The curriculum for the compulsory years of education is divided into Key Stages 3 and 4.

Key Stage 3 Key Stage 3 is the first part of the National Curriculum for secondary school. At MGS Key Stage 3 is completed in Years 7 and 8.

As in the most important subjects remain English, Maths and Science. However a wide range of other subjects are also studied. All pupils will take Art, Information and Communication Technology, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies and Design Technology. We also place importance on learning foreign languages. All pupils study two modern foreign languages from French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. In addition to this some pupils have the opportunity to also learn Latin.

The timetable, which runs on a ten day cycle, also includes Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education where staff introduce pupils to a wide range of issues (outlined above). Assemblies and tutor time also form part of a pupil’s wider education. Pupils in Year 7 and 8 will also participate in three Applied Learning Days which develop team work and project management skills. During Year 8 pupils are guided towards an appropriate programme of study at GCSE which they will take over three years. They will take part in two Career Activity Days to help guide those choices. At the end of Year 8 there are national assessments in the subjects they have studied at Key Stage 3.

Key Stage 4 Pupils are in Key Stage 4 during Years 9, 10 and 11. This is when they study for GCSEs. Details of all GCSE In total pupils usually study eleven GCSEs based upon the courses are given in a following structure: booklet distributed to English Language and English Literature.

Year 8 pupils just after Mathematics: gifted Mathematicians may also study a Christmas. A copy of qualification beyond standard GCSE. last year’s booklet is Biology, Chemistry and Physics as components of GCSEs in available on request. Science and Additional Science. The courses available A Modern Foreign Language. may not be the same from year to year and A Humanity (History or Geography) it may not be possible An Applied Learning Course (including Business Studies, to run every course Applied ICT, Music Technology, Design and Realisation, Leisure every year. It will and Tourism, Applied Science). depend on the number Pupils will study three other subjects taken from: a third Science of pupils wishing (making separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics), to study a particular another Modern Language, Art, Classical Civilisation, subject and the availability Computing, Geography, History, Latin, Media Studies, Physical of staff. Education, Religious Studies, Design Technology (either Electronic Products or Resistant Materials).

In addition pupils will also take compulsory courses in PE and Games, functional ICT, Religious Studies and Personal Development Careers and Citizenship.

Sport

Sport is an important part of school life at MGS. There are four full time specialist PE teachers who manage teams in a variety of sports. We also have a lot of help from external specialist coaches. All help us to achieve excellent results. Recent seasons have been particularly good for rugby, football, cricket and athletics and many league and cup trophies have been won. At MGS there is a vast extra-curricular programme for sport. Inter-House competitions, clubs and team practices run at lunchtime and after school five days a week! The school has very good sporting facilities, which include a sports hall, gymnasium, weight training room, three rugby pitches, indoor and outdoor cricket nets, two grass and artificial cricket pitches, three tennis courts and a sports pavilion. We also use Cobdown Sports Centre for football fixtures and Maidstone Hockey Club for team practices and thanks to the support of the local club, Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club helps with the development of rowing.

Outdoors We offer specialised outdoor activities to pupils in Year 9 and upwards. The School has one of the oldest Combined Cadet Forces in the country (founded 1906). It has Army, Navy and RAF sections. All sections have been successful over the years with many national and local competitions being won. RAF cadets have gained flying scholarships and private pilot's licences. Army cadets have been awarded scholarships at Welbeck and Sandhurst. Naval cadets have won places at Dartmouth. Our shooting team has been very successful. Cadets can take part in activities such as abseiling, first aid, map and compass work, climbing, canoeing, flying, gliding and sailing.

Skills are further developed in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme which has four sections at Bronze level: expedition, volunteering, skill and physical. Activities include: expeditions, community service, motor car maintenance and sub aqua diving. Possibilities are almost endless. Many pupils gain bronze and silver awards and some go on to gold. We also have a number of school trips and foreign residential trips available to year groups throughout the School.

Drama and Music MGS has a long tradition of staging entertaining dramatic productions. Pupils are encouraged to participate in all forms of stage craft, including acting, stage management, sound and lighting. Pupils have even written and directed their own original plays. Some of the Senior productions in recent years have included We will Rock You; Les Miserables, School Edition; West Side Story and Little Shop of Horrors. To encourage younger pupils into Drama, we recently staged a junior production of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents and Twelfth Night. We have also produced …..The Wind in the Willows, Me and My Girl, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at the Hazlitt Theatre.

Music plays an important part in school life. There is at least one major concert each term featuring a wide repertoire of music and opportunities exist for pupils to take part in lunchtime concerts and events beyond the school. Many pupils play instruments and ensembles exist for beginners and advanced instrumentalists. The Orchestra performs pieces from the symphonic repertoire and music from film scores. The Symphonic Wind Band follows an equally ambitious programme, taking part in concerts locally and further afield. Our four part choir sings many choral classics in addition to lighter pieces. Pupils are encouraged to form their own ensembles and pop groups and these make an equally important contribution to the musical life of the school.

Useful Information

School Uniform Pupils in Years 7 to 11 must wear a black blazer with the school badge sewn onto the breast pocket and a House school tie. Shoes and trousers must be black; shirts must be white and unpatterned. When summer uniform has been declared pupils must wear either short or long sleeved white shirts. There is a different dress code for Sixth formers. We send details of uniform requirements to all parents of new pupils.

Sportswear Games - New pupils in Years 7 to 11 should have a pair of navy-blue rugby shorts, rugby or soccer boots with British standard safety studs, a reversible blue and amber/navy blue rugby shirt, a pair of navy blue and amber rugby socks and a towel. PE - pupils need a House T-shirt, shorts, socks and trainers. For Rugby and Hockey mouthguards are compulsory. For Football and Hockey shinpads are compulsory. For Rugby and Football studded boots are compulsory.

Special Activities For Crafts and Chemistry, we recommend a white overall or apron. No responsibility can be taken for damage to clothing if an apron is not worn. Goggles for eye protection are provided for some lessons.

Equipment All pupils up to Year 11 should have pens and scientific, non-programmable calculators. We provide normal stationery up to Year 11, but ask Sixth form students to provide their own files and file paper. Pupils are responsible for the return of all books and equipment issued. If school property is lost or damaged, you may be asked to pay.

School Shop You can buy uniform, sportswear and stationery from our School Shop, which is on your left after you come in through the gatehouse or you can order on line on www.simmonds-ltd.com.

School Meals The Refectory is run by Independent Catering and operates a cashless system based on the use of a swipe card. The current price of a 2 course meal is £2.20.

Amenities Fund We ask all parents to contribute £30 per pupil for the year or £50 for a family. This makes possible many of the activities for pupils. It also pays for the school magazine, The Maidstonian, which is produced annually by a team of pupils. Year 7 parents can pay in advance at a reduced cost of £125 for five years. The School is grateful for gift aid returns and the additional funding it generates.

Parents Association All parents are automatically members of the Parents’ Association. You will receive a regular newsletter outlining PA events. The PA are also in attendance at our various Evening functions and welcoming to all parents.

Mailshots You receive invitations to plays, concerts, speech day and other occasions. ParentMail is our main route of communication with paper documents sent to those not signed up to ParentMail.

Houses MGS reintroduced a House system in 2007. The whole school were fully involved in the naming of the Houses and those chosen by the School represent the qualities reflected by the three contingents of the CCF. Our Houses are:

Challenger Churchill Endeavour Invincible Hurricane Spitfire

These Houses are arranged vertically to encourage pupils of different ages to build relationships with each other. We are very pleased that pupils have responded to the House system so positively. Some assemblies are organised on a House basis as is Sports Day, Charity’ Days and other inter-house events.

Further Information For further information about the School, including our online Prospectus, please visit our website www.mgs.kent.sch.uk