Sidcot School Admissions Information 2015/16

Sidcot SchoolAdmissions Information

2015/16

Since its foundation, the values of the Society of Friends have been at the heart of Sidcot School. Quakers believe in living life adventurously and letting their lives speak.

In practice that means an approach to teaching that encourages individual thought, questioning and exploration, whilst making sure that students have all the support they need to grow as individuals with their full range of talents recognised and celebrated.

‘Let your life speak’

Young people in Quaker schools are encouraged to be outward looking and adventurous, to participate fully in the life of the school and to be of service to the community. Emphasis is placed on the way students and staff lead their everyday lives and how they treat others. Mutual respect and concern for the natural world and the environment are integral to Quaker beliefs.

Finding the best in everyone

With the belief that there is ‘that of God’ in every person, the Quaker philosophy to education aims to ensure that:

• Every student is approached with optimism.

• • Individuals are encouraged to believe

in their own ‘immense potential.’

• Methods of discipline are based on trust, mutual support and a desire to promote the positive.

• Responsibility is encouraged, as is questioning, exploration, honesty and openness.

How will your child benefit from an education in a Quaker school?

• By being encouraged to work hard and make the most of opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom.

• By learning in an atmosphere of friendliness and openness, where relationships are based on trust and on the expectation of sensible, thoughtful behaviour.

• By having the opportunity to develop academically, personally, socially and spiritually.

Find out more about a Quaker educationby visiting www.aquakereducation.co.uk

At Sidcot we welcome studentsand staff of all faiths and none.

What makes a Quaker school different?

Admissions Information 2015/16

What you need to know

The application process 04

Admissions policy 05

Opportunities to visit 06

Scholarships, bursaries and Learning Support 07

School transport 08

Uniform 09

Fees and conditions 10 to 13

Life at Sidcot

Nursery and Junior School 14

Senior School and GCSE subjects 15

Sixth Form and A Level and IB subjects 16

House system and boarding 17

Keeping in touch 18

Arts, sports and activities 19

Equestrian 20

Sidcot people 21

Student success – exam results 22

Leavers’ destinations 23 to 25

School policies 26

Practical details

Our location and contact details 27

How to get here 28

Term dates 29

Sidcot School’s aims and values 30

Contents


This is your guide to Sidcot School. In it you’ll find everything you need to know if your son or daughter is thinking of joining the school.

For a more detailed picture, including photos of our beautiful campus, do visit our website www.sidcot.org.uk

10 steps to Sidcot. The order may vary according to individual circumstances.

1. Research. Request a prospectus or view online.

2. Visit. Choose an Open Day or contact Admissions on 01934 845236 to arrange an individual visit. We recommend that all applicants, including those living abroad, visit Sidcot during the admissions process.

3. Taster. A Taster Day will give your child a chance to have a good look round the school and meet some prospective classmates and teachers. For Junior School students the Taster Programme lasts two days.

4. Application. Complete the application form and return with the registration fee (Senior £150, Junior £75) along with your child’s most recent school report. If your child requires learning support, please supply the relevant reports about their specific needs - for example, an Educational Psychologist report, or IEP (Individual Education Plan).

5. Meet the Headmaster. Iain Kilpatrick likes to meet all pupils who are thinking of coming to Sidcot, to discuss their motivation for applying, their subject interests and what they can bring to the school. Students applying to Sidcot Junior School will meet Claire Lilley, Junior School Headmistress.

6. Assessment. All applicants take tests in Maths and English. These are base line assessments to help determine which teaching group a pupil will enter. For entry in September 2015, the assessment and scholarship exam will be Saturday 7 February 2015. Entrance assessments can be arranged later in the year for those applying after this date.

7. Offer. As soon as possible after the interview or application, we will contact successful applicants by letter with an unconditional or conditional offer.

8. Acceptance. Congratulations! Read the Parent Agreement and accept the place by returning the acceptance form with the deposit and completed medical card. Shortly afterwards we’ll send a pack of information, including uniform list, insurance details and term dates.

9. Preparation. You’ll receive a further pack of joining instructions prior to your child’s start date and a CAS number if required.

10. Term one, Day one… the journey begins…

NB: For entry in September 2015:

Bursary deadline – 23 January 2015Scholarship deadline – 30 January 2015

The admissions process for scholarships and bursaries is slightly different so please give us a call for further information.

What you need to knowThe application process

04 Admissions Information 2015/16

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Sidcot School is an inclusive learning community with students who are ‘gifted and talented’ and those with specific learning difficulties. We are not selective, beyond our expectation that the student will cope with mainstream curriculum. Students can be accepted throughout the year from Nursery to Year 9. Students are able to join examination Years 10 and 12 up to one term late, at the school’s discretion, but students will not be accepted into Years 11 and 13.For entry to the Sixth Form students must gain at least 5 A*-C grades at GCSE, especially in the subjects they wish to continue studying (if applicable). Students considering the International Baccalaureate Diploma or the AQA Baccalaureate, will need at least a GCSE grade A*-C in Maths and English.

Waiting lists

Sidcot is a popular school. When there are no available places, students areinvited to join the waiting list for theirchosen year group.

For a complete version of our Admissions Policy, please seesidcot.org.uk/admissions/uk-entry-procedure

Admissions policy


Open Mornings

Open Mornings are informal events. A chance for you to visit the Junior and/or Senior School, tour the campus facilities and get a feel for the unique Sidcot atmosphere. Spring Term 2015 Friday 23 JanuarySummer Term 2015 Monday 4 May (Bank Holiday)

Doors open 9am for a 9.30am start

Personal tours

If the open morning dates don’t suit, we’d be delighted to arrange a personal tour for you.

Year 7 Taster EveningTuesday 18 November, 5pm to 7.30pm

This relaxed and informal event enables you to meet teachers, current Year 7 students and their parents. The evening will include a welcome from the Headmaster and from the Head of Year 7, supper in the Refectory for the students and three exciting taster sessions. The evening includes an optional tour of boarding facilities.

Key Stage 2 Arts WorkshopSaturday 22 November, afternoon

An opportunity for pupils in Years 3, 4and 5 to come and experience creativearts at Sidcot in an action packed handson afternoon workshop.

Early Years Valentine’s PartyThursday 12 February 9.30am to 11am

If you are interested in getting a feel for our Nursery and Reception, come along and get busy with Valentine’s Day crafts and activities.

Key Stage 2 Taster AfternoonSaturday 24 March 12 noon to 4.30pm

The afternoon will include a range of taster lessons, a swim, lunch and even the chance to have a ride in the Equestrian Centre.

Taster Days

At a Taster Day, prospective students of the Junior and Senior school get a wonderful hands-on experience of what it is like to live and learn at Sidcot. They are optional for the Senior School but are part of the Admissions process for the Junior School and Nursery. Your child will join their year group for lessons, enjoy a delicious lunch, take part in activities and get a feel for the educational approach of the school. For a boarding student, we may be able to arrange a night in one of our boarding houses so your child can meet the House Parents and fellow boarders.

Please refer to our website for the latest schedule of events and opportunities to visit the school.

Contact our Admissions Office

T: 01934 845236E: [email protected]: sidcot.org.uk to register online

Opportunities to visit

06 Admissions Information 2015/16

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Scholarships

For new students, Sidcot has a number of scholarships available each year to celebrate academic prowess or individual talent in sport, the arts or equestrian.

Junior SchoolOn entry to Year 1 through to Year 6

Senior SchoolOn entry to Year 7, Year 9, Year 10

Sixth FormOn entry to Year 12

There are two categories of scholarship:Academic (which includes the International Baccalaureate scholarship)Talent (for example, art, drama, music, sport, equestrian and the Tim Bevan Creative Arts Scholarship)

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of evidence of exceptional recent achievement, performance in the scholarship test and an interview with a scholarship panel.

Scholarship dates:

Applications by Friday 30 January 2015Scholarship test Saturday 7 February 2015Scholarship interviews w/c 23 February 2015

The Scholarship Policy and application are available to download on the website.

Bursaries

Sidcot School has a number of different bursaries available to enable students to study at our school. Some of these are funded by a legacy, others by associated bodies or legacies from former students. Each has selection criteria defined by the relevant trustees.

Bursaries take the form of means tested discounts for new (and sometimes existing) students. Most are intended to help a child enter the school and will continue for the duration of their time at Sidcot. Others offer short term support and may be available in cases of financial hardship. Application for bursaries for September 2015 must be made by Friday 23 January 2015. Bursaries are reviewed annually and are awarded in line with our Bursary Policy and Procedure. The Bursary Policy and Procedure document and application form are available to download on the school website.

Learning Support

Our Learning Support Department forms a strong part of the pastoral system and reflects the caring ethos for which Sidcot School is well known. The school is registered with CReSTeD (The Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic students) and is highly experienced in providing support to students with mild to moderate learning support needs. The department provides extremely high quality specialist teaching and support. The focus is on improving literacy and/or mathematical skills to enable students to engage with the mainstream curriculum and to become independent learners. Staff in the department also act as advocates for individual studentsin their relationships with teaching staff and other students. We request that parents supply reports relating to their child’s specific learning needs – for example, an Educational Psychologist report, or IEP (Individual Education Plan). These reports need to be submitted early in the admissions process – certainly prior to interview. The pupil may be required to come for interview with the Head of Learning Support after the reports have been considered. Learning Support is charged on a pay as you go basis at the end of each term.

Scholarships and bursaries


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Our location

Sidcot School is conveniently located on the A38 making it an ideal choice for families living around the Chew Valley, Cheddar Valley and Mendip area who are looking for a local private school. We are also a popular choice for families commuting into and out of Bristol as we provide excellent wraparound care and daily school buses. Our proximity to the M4/M5 and our rail and airport links make boarding a popular option – weekly boarders can easily travel back to London or the Home Counties.

School transport

We currently operate a number of minibus services covering Bristol, Burnham, Uphill, Wedmore, Worle and the Chew Valley.On arrival at the school Junior pupils are escorted into the building by our fully trained bus drivers.

Every weekday two school buses offer a return service from Bristol to Sidcot. The bus to Bristol departs Sidcot School at 5pm on a Monday, 4pm on a Tuesday and Friday, and at 6.30pm on a Wednesday and Thursday.Six bus services run weekday mornings from Burnham, Uphill, Wedmore, Worle,Chew Valley, Portishead, Clevedon and Yatton.

Bus routes available:

Route 1 Bristol to Sidcot Return ServiceRoute 2 Bristol to Sidcot Return ServiceRoute 3 Burnham to SidcotRoute 4 Uphill to SidcotRoute 5 Wedmore to SidcotRoute 6 Worle to SidcotRoute 7 Chew Valley to SidcotRoute 8 Portishead, Clevedon, Yatton to Sidcot

School transport


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Uniform

Details of items your child will require are available on our website and are based ontheir gender, year group, and whether theyare a boarder. Downloadable booklets have been produced to give parents, guardians and pupils all the information about Sidcot’s regulations and uniform, dress code and possessions in school. If you have anyqueries, please email [email protected]

All Sidcot School uniform can be bought online. Alternatively, you can purchase all uniform through Deane & Sons of Cheddar.

Deane & SonsBath StreetCheddarSomersetBS27 3AA

Telephone: 01934 742530Email: [email protected]

Open: 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday (closed 1pm to 2pm)

Uniform


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We keep our fee structure as simple as possible and we try to keep extras to a minimum. You can pay fees on a monthly basis if you wish - many parents find it helpful to spread thecost of fees by paying 10 monthly instalments by direct debit. We also offer the option to payby debit or credit card.

†Direct debit paid in 10 monthly instalments.*Loyalty Discount – students who have taken the two yearGCSE course at Sidcot will only pay the Year 10/11 rate.

2014/15 Fees

Nursery

Morning Session 8.45am to 11.45am £19.50Lunch for Pupils £2.50Afternoon Session 12.45pm to 3.45pm £19.50 Junior School Termly fee Annual fee Direct debit†

Reception to Year 2 £2,320 £6,960 £696Year 3 to Year 4 £2,880 £8,640 £864Year 5 to Year 6 £3,460 £10,380 £1,038

Senior School Termly fee Annual fee Direct debit†

Day fees Year 7 to Year 9 £4,730 £14,190 £1,419 Year 10 to Year 11 £4,885 £14,655 £1,465

Boarding fees Year 7 to Year 9 £7,800 £23,400 £2,340Year 10 to Year 11 £8,240 £24,720 £2,472

Year 11 Pathway (Y11P)Boarding Students £9,840 £29,520 £2,952

Sixth Form Termly fee Annual fee Direct debit†

Day fees Year 12 & Year 13 £5,200 £15,600 £1,560 £4,885* £14,655* £1,465* Boarding fees Year 12 & Year 13 £9,340 £28,020 £2,802 £8,240* £24,720* £2,472*

Fees


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Deposit

When a UK Senior student is accepted,a deposit of £1,000 is payable. The depositfor overseas students and Y11P is £3,500. For pupils in the Junior School and Nursery, a deposit of £500 is payable. This deposit is in addition to the normal termly fee and is due on acceptance of a place offered. The deposit is refunded when the student finally leaves the school, once all fees and extras have been settled.

Registration fee

To be considered for a place at Sidcot, a registration fee of £150 (£75 Sidcot Junior School and Nursery) is payable to cover the administration costs of the application.All registration fees are non-refundable.

Junior day fee

The Junior day fee includes lunch, snacks and the majority of after school activities. After school care is free for the first hour up until 4.30pm and £2 is charged per half hour from 4.30pm until 6pm. Those in after school care are welcome to have supper at a cost of £2 in the Refectory at 5.30pm. Breakfast Club provides supervision from 8am to 8.30am and includes a varied breakfast in the Refectory at a cost of £2.

Senior day fee

The Senior day fee includes tuition, lunch, supper (if your child stays on for activities and prep after school), most extra-curricular activities (except individual specialist tuition), stationery and teaching materials, including textbooks on short-term loan. The boarding fee includes all the above plus full board, weekend activities and laundry.

Boarding fee

The boarding fee includes all of the aboveplus full board, laundry and healthcare.Flexi boarding and weekly boarding areoffered subject to availability. Prices and details are available on request.

Summary of fees


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Specialist tuition

Sidcot School offers specialist tuition in a wide range of subjects and activities including Music, Drama, Sports and Fencing. Learning Support is available for those with a desire for booster lessons or with specific learning needs. If you would like or need specialist tuition please see the relevant Department Head to organise and book the lessons forthe following term.

Additional charges for individual and group lessons

For Music, charges are payable in advance. The annual charge is for 30 lessons delivered over the year and is payable in three equal instalments at the beginning of each term.

Parents are advised that every effort will be made to ensure that their child receives 30 lessons during the course of each academic year. Lessons missed through school trips will, wherever possible be rescheduled. However, lessons missed with no notification to the relevant member of staff or due to pupil sickness or non receipt of payment will not be rescheduled. Lessons will not begin until payment of the term’s instalment has been received. A full term’s notice of cessation is required.

All other additional lessons, including Learning Support, will be charged in arrears at the end of each term. The hourly rate for all individual lessons is £35. The hourly rate for group lessons is £19.

Flexi boarding

Recognising the changing needs of families, our approach to boarding is flexible. As wellas full boarding, options for both weekly and flexi boarding may be available.

Whilst the majority of our boarders are full time, we are happy to discuss other optionsto meet particular needs.

The cost of flexi boarding is £42 per night.

Examination charges

Examination Board charges and any access administration charges for external exams (GCSEs, etc.) which are incurred by the school, are charged to parents. They are billed in advance or in arrears, depending on the exam. For those taking IB, the examination charge is approximately £500. The Year 11 Pathway (Y11P) exam fees are included in the course fee. University application fees are also passed on to parents through our billing system, if the student/parent does not pay for their application directly.

Additional fees


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Note: fees are reviewed annually in the spring – any changes will be featured on our website: sidcot.org.uk/admissions/fees

Sibling discounts

A 10% discount is given to children who already have one full fee paying sibling at the school and will be deducted from the lowest fee at that time.

Early Years funding

Sidcot accepts Local Authority Early Years Funding. This offers 15 hours of subsidised nursery education per week and is available from the term after the child’s third birthday until the term following their fifth birthday.

Guardians

It is a condition of entry that all students from overseas have a mature and responsible UK guardian. This may be a friend or relative in the UK over the age of 25 or a specialist guardian agency that will charge appropriate fees. Please refer to our Guardian Policy available on our website.

Summary of fee arrangements

Fees are payable one month in advance of the first day of each term. A full term’s notice in writing or a term’s payment in lieu is required before removal of a student other than atthe end of the Upper Sixth Form year.

No reduction in fees can be made for absence due to illness; however insurance is available for parents who wish to protect themselves against this eventuality. In accepting a place at the school, the parent or guardian accepts responsibility for the payment of school fees (less bursary or other assistance) for the entire period during which the student remains atthe school, unless this responsibility is accepted by another party in writing. Interest or a charge for debt collection may be added to overdue accounts.

There are financial benefits to parents who pay their school fees in advance; details are available on request to the Finance Department. For those wishing to pay by direct debit, payments would start on 1 August and continue on the first of each month until 1 May. Extras are invoiced separately from the direct debit arrangement and payable in full. If you are interested in paying by direct debit, please email [email protected] or write to the school address.

Conditions and payment arrangements


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Nursery and Junior School

At Sidcot we aim to spark children’s imaginations and encourage curiosity. With this progressive approach we start building the skills they will require to get the most out of their education. This crucial early stage is about building self-confidence, developing creative thought and inspiring an enjoyment of discovery; these important characteristics nurture a love of learning for the future.

We achieve our aims through offering an exciting and happy learning environment supported bya curriculum that makes the most of ourfantastic facilities and natural surroundingsat every opportunity.

Small classes enable our teachers to get to know the children very well, adapt lessons and learning goals to meet individual needs and stretch the children’s abilities to cultivate talents. A stunning, environmentally friendly buildingthat is full of light and space, coupled with specially designed outdoor play areas and 150 acres of countryside and woods to explore, provides the perfect setting for an inspirational all round education.

Nursery – Children can join our Nursery in the term that they are three. We expect children to start with a minimum of three session with the recommendation that this incorporates a whole day. There is a full time qualified Nursery teacher supported by a full time teaching assistant in the class. More staff are employed if numbers increase so we maintain our staff to pupil ratio of 1:8. Popular activities include creative arts, forest school, cookery, dance, swimming, music, PE and outdoor play.

Reception – children join our Reception class in the September after their fourth birthday.All children are expected to attend school full time in order to maximise the benefits of the rich and varied curriculum we have to offer. There is one full time teacher supported by one full time teaching assistant, maintaining a staff to teacher ratio of 1:8 and a maximum class size of 16. In Reception, children have specialist French lessons once a week. They attend school assemblies and singing practices. They make use of the Senior School facilities such as the refectory, the swimming pool, arts centre, library and drama studio.

To see the Junior School Curriculum Guide, visit sidcot.org.uk/junior/what-we-learn

Out of School Care

To make life as easy as possible for parents and carers, we offer a breakfast club for Nursery and Junior School children from 8am and after school care until 6pm. At 5.30pm children go to the refectory for supper.

Holiday Club

Child care is also available for children from 3 years to 12 years during school holidays (excluding bank holidays and the weekbetween Christmas and New Year).

See www.sidcot.org.uk/holiday-club for more details.

Life at Sidcot


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Senior School

The majority of pupils join in Year 7 but, providing there is space, we welcome students to join in Years 8, 9 and 10. We make sure that students study a broad range of subjects in Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9, ages 11 to 13). This provides them with a wide range of experience and knowledge so that, when they come to choose GCSE options, they are equipped to make informed decisions.

In Key Stage 4, (Years 10 and 11), students will typically take a minimum of 9 GCSEs including English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and a combination of the Sciences.

“Pupils of all abilities and ages make good progress, exceptional in some cases, enabled by good, often excellent teaching and an excellent curriculum and programme of activities.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011 GCSE subjects offered

English Language and English LiteratureMathematicsBiologyChemistry Physics

Note: Science can either be taken as a double subject – Science and Additional Science or, for those with a particular aptitude, through three separate GCSEs – Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In both pathways, students are taught all three sciences by specialist teachers.

Options

Fine ArtBusiness StudiesCateringDesign TechnologyTextilesDramaGeographyHistoryICTModern Languages (French, German, Spanish)MusicPhysical EducationReligious Studies: Philosophy and Applied EthicsEnglish as a second languageDigital Media (Sidcot Assessed Course)

Note: courses offered are subject to demand.

To see the Senior School Curriculum Guide, visit sidcot.org.uk/senior/what-we-learn

Life at Sidcot


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Sixth Form

The Sixth Form has a calm, friendly, purposeful atmosphere in which everyone can pursue their talents to the full knowing that, when the time comes, they have the underpinning academic excellence and support to apply to the very best universities in the world. There’s more freedom and the chance to take up new challenges to lead clubs and societies in the Sixth Form. Outside of lessons students get involved in all sorts of sports - team games as well as individual sports. There are musical and drama productions each term, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, charity projects, dance classes, trips abroad, photography...

Sixth Form students play leading roles in all these activities and many more. To support this we have developed a Sixth Form Passport, unique to Sidcot. As part of the programme we encourage our senior students to develop their skills in the areas of independent learning, leadership, service to others and intellectual enquiry.

Sixth Formers are also offered the opportunity to visit Tanzania for two weeks based in an international boarding school in Moshi.As well as going on safari and trekking on Little Meru, students are involved with community service: four days working in a local primary school helping to build and renovate; tree planting on slopes of Kilimanjaro and taking essential supplies toan orphanage in Moshi. Working alongside local people gives students an appreciationof a completely different culture in a developing country.

Unusually for a school of Sidcot’s size, both the International Baccalaureate and A Levels are on offer. The ethos of the IB, with its broad curriculum and emphasis on study skills, community service and internationalism fits well with our Quaker values.

A Level subjects offered AccountsArt & DesignBiologyBusiness StudiesChemistryComputingDesign TechnologyDrama & Theatre Studies

EconomicsEnglish literatureFrenchGeographyGermanHistoryMathematicsFurther Mathematics

MusicMusic TechnologyPhysical EducationPhysicsPsychologySpanish Textiles

IB subjects offered

Group 1: English (including world literature), German A (including language and literature) Italian AGroup 2: Second Language – Modern Languages (German B, Spanish B, French B) SpanishGroup 3: Economics, History, Geography, PsychologyGroup 4: Biology, Chemistry, PhysicsGroup 5: Mathematics and Mathematical StudiesGroup 6: Music, Visual Arts, Drama

(Subjects may be added and vary from year to year according to demand.Group A for native or near native speakers, Group B as a second language).

Life at Sidcot


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The house system

All students and staff at Sidcot are assigned to a House when they join our school community. The house system helps students to build friendships across the year groups and provides a focus for school events and activities throughout the year. These include house sports, ‘Sidcot’s Got Talent’, team building trips and activities, inter-house music competitions, charity fundraising and much more.

Boarding

When students board at Sidcot they join a friendly, family community in which they can live, work and play, secure in the knowledge they are valued and well cared for.

Boarding provides students with the space to focus on their work, whilst also giving them the chance to get involved in a wide range of extra-curricular activities that might not be practical whilst living at home.

The boarding houses

The facilities in each of the five boarding houses are broadly similar. When a student joins, they will share a room with three or four others, giving them a chance to make friends in the house. Lower Sixth students will share withone or two students; Upper Sixth studentshave their own study or bedroom, or sharewith another student. Some students like to study in their rooms, whereas others use the library. On the whole, though, the houses are homes, places to relax and socialise and share experiences.

Each house has a comfortable common room with TV, DVD and games console, WiFi and a small students’ kitchen. A Housemaster/Housemistress is responsible for looking after the students’ welfare and ensures that life in the house is a good humoured experience that students will look back on with fondness.

The provision is outstanding. Boarders state that there are a wide variety of people that they can approach if they need personal guidance or support and these include student office holders, tutors, nurses, the school counsellor and other members of staff.

OFSTED Inspection Report for Boarding(Feb 2011)

Life at Sidcot


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Life at Sidcot

Keeping in touch with parents

We make every effort to provide parents with useful dates and information as well as news of what is happening at school. We have a school app which gives access to dates, times and reminders as well as information about unexpected delays or changed dates. There is also a weekly newsletter summarising all that has happened across the school. It includes a message from the Headmaster, as well as news about trips and visiting speakers, performances and achievements from different departments. This is emailed to parents. You will be given a log-in to enable you to view the school intranet where students and teachers share information and homework. Here you will be able to access information about your child’s performance and attendance. The effort and achievement of each pupil is closely monitored through the year and we have developed a system whereby parents receive regular reports via email as well as the opportunity to attend a parents’ evening.

Monitoring progress

Grade reports are issued on an approximately half termly basis, to keep you up to date with your child’s progress. They include effort and achievement grades as well as written comments from teachers and an overview by the form tutor. The parents’ evening is designed to be at what we consider to be the optimum time for each Year Group.

Student potential is measured by Cognitive Ability Tests taken in the first term of Years 7 and 10. The results of these enable us to better monitor student progress through the school and help us to ensure that each child is working to their full potential.


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At Sidcot we’re lucky in having an excellent rural location and top class facilities for sport, arts, crafts and environmental studies, as well as links with local community groups, charities and businesses. Activities run at lunchtime, after school, after tea and into the evening, as well as at weekends. With over 100 extra-curricular activities ranging from archery to trampolining, maths club to hill walking, we make sure our students have plenty of opportunities to try new things as well as developing existing interests. There’s plenty going on outside school too, with field trips, gallery and museum visits, international exchanges, music tours, lectures and sports fixtures, also available to students as they progress through the school.

Arts

Sidcot Creative Arts Centre bridges the traditional genres with the latest technology and state of the art facilities for fine art, music, drama, sculpture, photography and digital media. Our music school has a dedicated performance hall, practice rooms, a recording studio and music technology suite.Our drama department has the facilities toturn performances into theatre, radio, or film.

Sports

A whole range of sports are on offer at Sidcot: football, rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, tennis, athletics, horseriding, fencing, golf, dance, waterpolo, basketball, table tennis, dry slope skiing and many more, including some more unusual activities like circus skills and ‘Octopush’ (underwater hockey). We have a busy fixtures list throughout the year playing competitively against local schools with some excellent results. In the Sports Centre students have use of a superb 25 metre indoor heated pool, a multi gym, sports hall and squash court.

The great outdoors

Many of our students take part in a variety of outdoor challenges as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, which is very popular at the school. They might also get involved in green initiatives like our recycling scheme or those run by local community groups. They can also join the gardening club, take up beekeeping or help with the development of our nature trail.

The glorious indoors

We can say with confidence that there truly is something for everyone in the list of indoor activities that includes digital media projects, debating, Bridge, jewellery making, TV production, the pre-university cooking club,pop and classical choirs, needlework club, maths cafe, bell ringing and much more.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Each year around 160 students take part in this non-competitive scheme. It places great emphasis on self-motivation and helps students develop confidence and responsibility. Completion of the awards gives students a sense of achievement and, with a Gold Award being seen as an equivalent to an A Level,provides a valuable contribution to their University application.

Centre for Peace and Global Studies

We have recently established a Centre for Peace and Global Studies to bring 21st Century Quakerism to life. Within the curriculum and throughout the school we encourage students to look into the community and the wider world.

Working for the community

Working to support charitable organisations is part of our Quaker values. Students are involved in organising events for Red Nose Day, Children in Need, Macmillan Cancer Support, Operation Christmas Child Appeal and local charities.We believe this experience is essential to develop maturity and empathy.

Arts, sports and activities


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Our Equestrian Centre has an excellent reputation, and is friendly and welcomingto beginners and experienced riders alike.Sidcot offers a rare combination – a professional yard in the heart of a thrivingco-ed day and boarding school. After aday’s study students often come to thestables to relax by taking care of thehorses, riding or competing.

At the Centre you’ll find 21 stables, a 30 x 40m floodlit outdoor school and some of the most beautiful countryside in England. Our facilities and standards of equine care are well known, as is the quality of our teaching.

For experienced riders

Students can loan one of the school’s horses, take a lesson, or go on a hack. For those who bring their own horses, either from the UK or overseas, we provide first class livery services and make sure that horses get the highest standards of medical and daily care. For experienced students who want to develop particular skills, we offer specialist training including dressage, show jumping and cross-country. There are also regular opportunities to compete both locally and at national events.School teams are frequently successfulat NSEA competitions.

For beginners

For a student new to riding, Sidcot is the ideal place to start. We have horses and ponies of all shapes and sizes, carefully chosen by our Equestrian Team to ensure that everyone has the right horse for their level of ability. Students can book weekly riding lessons and then, when they are more experienced, go on a hack in our 150 acre estate.

Prices

Please see our website for prices:www.sidcot.org.uk/equestrian/price-list

You can ride for as little as £16 for a half hour group lesson or £48 for a private hour long lesson. Hacks cost £27.50 per hour or £40for 2 hours.

Equestrian


21

Headmaster – Iain [email protected]

Junior School Headmistress – Claire [email protected]

Chair of Governors – Paul [email protected]

Admissions – Valerie [email protected]

Please see our website for a full staff list:sidcot.org.uk/who-we-are

Sidcot People


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National pass rate1

98.0%

26.0%52.5%76.5%

78.5% (World)2

29.8 (World Score)

68.8%

6.7%21.3%43.2%

1Joint Council for Qualifications; 2 IBO Organisation (2013 Results), 3 Department for Education,4 University and College Admissions Service

External examination results

This information gives an indication of how the school has performed against national comparators in external examinations.

Level

A Level – A* to E

A* to AA* to BA* to C

12 students (20%) gained at least 3 A Levels at grade A or above

International Baccalaureate Diploma

IB Diploma Mean Score

GCSE – A* to C

A*A* to AA* to B

Gaining a minimum of 5 A* to C grades

Gaining a minimum of 5 A* to C grades (including English and Mathematics)

2 students were awarded the new topgrade of A* Distinction for theirperformance in Mathematics

Sidcot pass rate

98.6%

41.0%66.0%81.1%

92%

33.0

84.4%

11.7%30.2%56.2%

89.2%

84.6%

Student Success 2014

Sidcot’s gender performance

GCSE DfE3 Points per Candidate (Boys): 430.8 GCSE DfE3 Points per Candidate (Girls): 457.3 A Level UCAS4 Points per Candidate (Boys): 378.1 A Level UCAS4 Points per Candidate (Girls): 361.7


23

Leavers’ destinations 2014

83% of this year’s leavers were successful in gaining a place at university, with 8% taking a planned gap year. Of those going to university, 85% secured places at their first choice of institution with 8% successful in securing their insurance offer. University destinations include:

Russell Group – (34%)

University of Bristol (1) Cardiff University (1) University of Edinburgh (1) University of Exeter (1) Imperial College, London (1) London School of Economics (1) University of Manchester (6) University of Nottingham (1) Oxford University (2) Queen Mary, Universityof London (1)

University College, London (5) University of Warwick (1)City University, London(1) Coventry University (1) University of East Anglia (1) Falmouth University (1) University of Greenwich (1) University of Hull (1) University of Kent (1) Kingston University, London (1) University of Leicester (1)

London South Bank University (1) Loughborough University (1) Middlesex University (1) Nottingham Trent University (1) Oxford Brookes University (3) University of Portsmouth (1) Plymouth University (4) University of Reading (1) University of Roehampton (1) University of Surrey (1) Swansea University (1)

Other UK – (52%)

University of Aberdeen (1) Bangor University (1) University of Bath (1) Bath Spa University (1) Bournemouth University (2) Brunel University (2)

Art School – (12%)

University of the Arts, London (1) Central St Martins, London (1) Ravensbourne (3) Weston College (3)

International – (2%)

Frankfurt School of Finance& Management (1)


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Leavers by institution and course

University of Aberdeen

University of the Arts, London

Bangor University

University of Bath

Bath Spa University

University of Bristol

Bournemouth University

Brunel University

Cardiff University

UAL, Central St Martins

City University, London

Coventry University

University of East Anglia

University of Edinburgh

University of Exeter

Falmouth University

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

University of Greenwich

University of Hull

Imperial College, LondonUniversity of Kent

Kingston University, London

University of Leicester

London School of Economics

History

Foundation Art and DesignInternational Fashion Management

Zoology with Herpetology

Computer Science

Business Management

Pharmacology

Software EngineeringComputer Visualisation and Animation

Product Design Engineering

International Relations and Politics

Art Foundation

Management

Food and Nutrition

Natural Sciences

Economics and Finance

Applied Psychology

English

International Business Administration

Business Management Foundation

Economics

Materials Science and EngineeringApplied Psychology

Economics and History

Mechanical Engineering

Economics


25

London South Bank University

Loughborough University

University of Manchester

Middlesex University

University of Nottingham

Nottingham Trent University

Oxford University

Oxford Brookes University

University of Portsmouth

Plymouth University

Queen Mary, University of London

Ravensbourne

University of Reading

University of Roehampton

University of Surrey

Swansea University

University College London

University of Warwick

Weston College

Law

Product Design Foundation

BiochemistryMathematics with Financial MathematicsManagement Accounting FinanceUrban StudiesChemistryEconomics and Finance

Popular Music

Civil EngineeringVeterinary Medicine

Geography

GermanMathematics

International Hospitality ManagementArchitecture (2)

Mechanical Engineering

Civil Engineering3-D DesignComputing with Foundation yearAccounting and FinanceDentistry

Computer Science

Foundation Fashion (3)

Food Marketing and Business

Criminology

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering

Management ScienceComputer SciencePolitics and East European StudiesMechanical EngineeringPharmacology

PPE

Art FoundationFoundation Art and Design (2)

Leavers by institution and course



The following school policies are available for prospectiveparents to view online and/or download from:www.sidcot.org.uk/how-we-live/school-documents

Safeguarding Children and Child ProtectionAdmissions PolicyAnti-Bullying PolicyBehaviour Policy (Senior School)Behaviour Policy (Junior School)Behaviour Policy (Out of School Care)Complaints ProcedureCurriculum (Senior) PolicyDealing with Bullying (for Parents)EAL PolicyEqual Opportunities Policy (children)Health & Safety PolicyHealth & Safety of Pupils on Activities Outside SchoolMissing Child Policy (Junior School)Behaviour Policy & Procedure (Out of School Care)Pupil Data Protection PolicySidcot Pupil GuideUncollected Child Policy (Junior School)Special Educational Needs PolicySubstance Misuse PolicySelf-Harming PolicyISI Boarding Report 2014

School Policies

Admissions Information 2015/16 27

Practical detailsOur location

Sidcot is in the South West of England only 15 miles from the city of Bristol and within one hour’s travel of Bath. Bristol International Airport is only 9 miles away making travel to Europe easy with airlines such as Air France, easyJet, Flybe, KLM and Ryanair.

On the edge of the village of Winscombe, Sidcot benefits from being situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty whilst being within easy access of the two major cultural centres of Bristol and Bath. The coast at Weston-super-Mare is 8 miles away.

Sidcot School www.sidcot.org.ukOakridge LaneWinscombeNorth SomersetBS25 1PD

Junior SchoolT: 01934 845200E: [email protected]

Senior School T: 01934 843102 E: [email protected]

AdmissionsT: 01934 845236E: [email protected]


How to get here

From Bristol:

Sidcot is situated on the A38, 15 minutes south of Bristol International Airport. Drive past the airport and through the villages of Churchill and Star. Shortly after Star, at the brow of the hill take the left turning signposted Sidcot.The main school reception entrance is 100m on the right, where there is parking for visitors.

From the north:

Leave the M5 motorway at junction 21 and take the turning for Weston-super-Mare at the roundabout. Continue on the dual carriageway towards Weston-super-Mare, go straight, at the 2nd roundabout take the left turn, signposted for Banwell. Continue straight along this road through Locking, Banwell and eventually Winscombe. Once through Winscombe village the road intersects the A38 at a junction with traffic lights. Go straight over this junction into Fountain Lane. At the top of the lane turn left and the main school reception is the first on the left, where there is parking for visitors.

From the south:

Leave the M5 motorway at junction 22 and proceed north on the A38 towards Bristol. Continue through Rooksbridge, Tarnock and Lower Weare until you reach the first junction with traffic lights (Winscombe will be signposted to your left). At the traffic lights, turn right into Fountain Lane. At the end of the lane, turn left and the main school entrance is first on the left, where there is parking for visitors.

From Wells:

Drive west on the A371 from Wells via Cheddar, as signposted to Weston-super-Mare. At the junction to the A38, turn right and follow signs to Bristol. At the first set of traffic lights, turn right into Fountain Lane. At the top of the lane, turn left and the main school entrance is first turning on the left, where there is parking for visitors.

By rail

Rail links to London are excellent as Sidcot is only 15 miles south of Bristol and Temple Meads Station (30 mins transfer by taxi).Our nearest train station is Weston-super-Mare Station which is only 8 miles away or Yatton Station – also 8 miles away (20 mins transferby bus or taxi).

By air

Bristol International Airport is only 9 miles away making taxi transfer an easy option. See the Bristol International Airport website for more detailed information on flight destinations (www.bristolairport.co.uk/flights-from-bristol)

Places to stay while you visit

On our website you’ll find a full list of lovely places to stay near the school as well as suggestions about where to explore in the local area and good places to eat. The hotels that are within walking distance of the school are:

Sidcot Arms Hotel, Bridgwater Road (A38), Sidcot, BS25 1NN01934 842271premierlodge.com(search under Bristol Airport)

This hotel is a 2 minute drive away from the school and is within walking distance. Woodborough Inn, Sandford Road, Winscombe, North Somerset, BS25 1HD01934 844167woodborough-inn.co.uk

This hotel is a 5 minute drive away from the school and is within walking distance.

Admissions Information 2015/16 29

Term dates

Autumn Term 2014 Boarders return Tuesday 2 SeptemberTerm begins Wednesday 3 SeptemberHalf term begins Friday 17 OctoberBoarders return Sunday 2 NovemberTerm ends Friday 12 December, 12 noon

Spring Term 2015

Boarders return Monday 5 JanuaryTerm begins Tuesday 6 JanuaryHalf term begins Friday 13 FebruaryBoarders return Sunday 22 FebruaryTerm ends Friday 27 March, 12 noon

Summer Term 2015 Boarders return Monday 13 AprilTerm begins Tuesday 14 AprilHalf term begins Friday 22 MayBoarders return Sunday 31 MayNote: Year 11 Pathway and Year 13 students finish Sunday 21 JuneTerm ends Friday 3 July, 12 noon

Autumn Term 2015

Boarders return Tuesday 8 SeptemberTerm begins Wednesday 9 SeptemberHalf term begins Friday 16 OctoberBoarders return Sunday 1 NovemberTerm ends Friday 18 December, 12 noon

Spring Term 2016

Boarders return Monday 11 JanuaryTerm begins Tuesday 12 JanuaryHalf term begins Friday 12 FebruaryBoarders return Sunday 21 FebruaryTerm ends 1 Friday 18 March, 12 noon

Summer Term 2016

Boarders return Monday 4 AprilTerm begins Tuesday 5 AprilHalf term begins Friday 27 MayBoarders return Sunday 5 JuneTerm ends Friday 8 July, 12 noon


School Aims and Values

Sidcot School aims to be a pioneer; to create a world-class centre of excellence where it provides inspirational education that is as much about nurturing the spirit as it is about outstanding academic success.

This vision is enshrined in the Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). These Testimonies act as a touchstone and a challenge to the whole school community; those with faith and those without, all of whom are equally welcomed.

Our Values

Truth and Integrity: We cherish the truth which enables our young people to develop integrity in what they do and what they think, helping them to build meaningful, lasting relationships.

Equality and Community: We believe all people are of equal worth and aim to build a truly international community that values all individuals and answers the good in everyone.

Peace: We encourage our young people to adopt peaceful methods of dealing with conflict in all its forms, taking both individual and collective responsibility in resolving differences.

Simplicity: We believe in living simply and adventurously, placing charity and concern for others at the centre of what we do.

Sustainability: We believe it is our responsibility to protect the Earth and to teach our young people to treasure and preserve it across the generations.


Documents

Sidcot School Admissions Information 2015/16