An Introduction to Wisbech Grammar School An all-round education that inspires
An all-round education that inspires At Wisbech Grammar School, academic excellence is at the heart of our educational approach. We believe that educational development is not simply confined to the classroom or laboratory, but can be found in the art rooms, drama studios, sports fields and music rooms. We go beyond the narrow confines of exam specifications, giving a unique, all-round educational experience. The School has fantastically talented teaching staff, who develop a strong rapport with pupils, enabling them to negotiate their own individual learning pathway. Pupils at both the Prep School, Magdalene House, and the Senior School are positively encouraged to discover and follow their passions. The holistic education offered across the School provides the ideal foundation for fulfilling potential at school, university and beyond. Our scholarship and bursary programmes enable children who excel, either academically or across a breadth of areas, to experience all that the School has to offer and to fulfil their potential. Bursaries provide financial assistance to pupils who would not otherwise be able to take up the offer of a place, allowing them to achieve their full potential. A bursary may be awarded alongside a scholarship. To really experience all that is inspiring about Wisbech Grammar School, we encourage you to visit when we are in session. Please contact the Admissions Team to arrange a tour and to meet both staff and pupils. A dynamic and progressive school with passionate and caring staff; achieving great results in the East of England and far beyond Elizabeth (Parent of children in Prep School and Senior School) 2
Scholarships What is a scholarship? Scholarships are awarded to talented and dedicated pupils who show outstanding potential academically, or who represent the School s ethos of an inspiring all-round education through contributions both in the classroom and either across art, drama, music or sport. There are two types of scholarships available at Wisbech Grammar School Academic Scholarships and All-Rounder Scholarships. There are three entry points for both types of scholarships - Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12. Where a scholarship is awarded, a fee remission of 1,000 per annum is offered, rising to 1,500 per annum for 6th Form pupils. Our Academic Scholars are high achievers academically and All-Round Scholars are very strong academically but also offer a specialism in art, drama, music or sport. Scholars will be expected to attend academic based extracurricular activities and enrichment lectures, as well as being seen as positive role models for other pupils. How to apply for a scholarship? Our scholarship programme is open to all existing pupils at Wisbech Grammar School and prospective pupils who may wish to consider our School. You can put your child forward for both types of scholarship or choose to focus on a particular strength. Parents of existing pupils should also discuss their interest and application with their respective Head of Section in the first instance. Parents of prospective pupils are asked to register and complete the standard admissions process. They can then apply to be considered for a scholarship, alongside our existing pupils. Those applicants who meet the scholarship requirements will be invited to attend the annual scholarship assessment week in January/February of the year before entry. 5
Scholarships Academic Scholarships Academic Scholarships are awarded on the basis of the strongest academic performance. The assessment week offers an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their broader knowledge and their ability to discuss and debate their views in an interview with the Headmaster and members of the senior academic team. 6th Form applicants are also asked to complete an essay-based assessment. All-Rounder Scholarships The All-Rounder Scholarship process will also involve an academic assessment and an interview with the Headmaster. There will also be a practical assessment in your child s chosen area, for example sport, drama art or music. All-Rounder Scholars would be expected to meet the following criteria Drama: demonstrate notable success in, and an aptitude for, drama. Applicants are likely to have made a notable recent contribution to drama at their present school or in wider dramatic activities. Art: show great potential within the field of art and design as demonstrated through outstanding abilities, evidence of a creative and inventive mind at work, and a passion for the world of art around them. Music: show musical potential, for example, a Year 7 candidate would be expected to have Grade 5, Year 9 candidate at least Grade 6, and a Year 12 candidate should have the potential to achieve Grade 8 during the 6th Form. Sport: make a significant contribution through competing at a high standard in their chosen sport and at A-team level in other sports, typically County standard or above. 6
Bursary Award What is a bursary award? The Governors have set up a Bursary Fund that has made it possible to provide financial assistance to pupils who would not otherwise be able to take up the offer of a place, allowing them to achieve their full potential. Bursaries are means tested and will require the parent/s to make a detailed and verifiable statement of their income and assets. Awards range from 5% to 85%. In exceptional cases an award of 100% may be granted. Bursaries are awarded on an individual basis and may be given alongside a scholarship. How to apply for a bursary award If you require bursary support to accept a place at the School, there are two parallel paths to the admissions process: the bursary application to review your household finances and the assessment of your child. The first step is to register your child for entry. At this point, please ask a member of the Admissions Team about bursaries and they will provide you with the bursary application form to complete whilst entrance assessments and interviews are scheduled. Once the bursary application form has been received, and assessments and interviews completed, your case will be considered by the next bursary panel, which meets twice a term. The School aims to inform all applicants of the outcome within one week of the panel meeting. Pupils awarded bursaries will be expected to maintain high standards of achievement and engagement in their academic work whilst demonstrating commitment to those activities that enrich school life including art, drama, music and sport. Sporting opportunities are available in abundance, with a vast range of different sports on offer. It is a great way to earn the respect of peers and to make new friends across teams in the 6th Form. Sport is also a great stress relief and, with the amount of options available, there is certainly something for everyone no matter what your sporting ability Henry Thornton (Upper 6th Form Pupil, October 2016) 9
6th Form Discover who you are 6th Form At Wisbech Grammar School, the 6th Form is a time of real opportunity. Academic success is very much our focus, but our 6th Form is also about keeping as many doors open as possible and ensuring our pupils can reach their full potential. As well as academic results, we are aware that universities and employers are looking for those all-important life skills: resilience, initiative, creativity and independence and that is exactly what the 6th Form at Wisbech Grammar School delivers. Wisbech Grammar School 6th Form provides an environment in which pupils are able to reach their full potential. I feel constantly challenged to push myself to exceed what is expected. I have learned so much about myself and what I am capable of through the continued support that is provided. The School is special for so many reasons; the incredible people I have met, the opportunities given to me and the sense of community embodied throughout Maddie Booth (Upper 6th Form Pupil, October 2016) 10
Senior School Discover who you are Senior School Individual academic success is a given at Wisbech Grammar School. We aim to provide an all-round education that inspires through academic achievement; this is demonstrated through our Co- Curricular Clubs & Activities, with individual pastoral care that supports pupils throughout their Senior School years, enabling them to develop and discover who they really are. At Wisbech Grammar School, activities conducted beyond the classroom are seen as pivotal and an integrated part of a child s development and enrichment. They develop resilience, teamwork, commitment, independence and sound timemanagement skills, all characteristics they will need as adults. As Section Head I am responsible for all things related to the well-being and success of our pupils from 1st Form (Year 7) to 3rd Form (Year 9). The typical size of a tutor group in the Lower School is around 20, which means pupils get to know their tutor really well, and vice versa. The 1st Form begins with Manor Adventure in Norfolk - a weekend of challenging activities and friend-making and is a fantastic start to the Senior School. The adventure continues throughout the Lower School, where pupils are inspired to work and play hard. Academic study is at the heart of much of what we do, but we also focus on developing existing interests and skills and fashioning new ones. Contributions to sport, drama and music are encouraged and celebrated on the fields, sports hall and stage Kevin Mann (Head of Lower School) 13
Prep School Discover who you are Prep School At Magdalene House, we are proud to offer children the opportunity to flourish and reach their true potential through extended learning, confidence building and a commitment to succeed. Dedicated staff focus on each child as an individual, learning their strengths and weaknesses to encourage them on their learning journey so that they reach Senior School as confident, academically curious and effective learners. We celebrate the many achievements of our children in and outside of school. Failure is part of learning and with us children are encouraged to deal with that positively so they are prepared for the next challenge with a sense of I can do Keryn Neaves (Senior Deputy Head, Magdalene House) 14
The process for admission in 5 simple steps 1 Visit us You are more than welcome to visit the School to experience what makes us special. This could be at one of our Open Events or an individual visit at your convenience. We understand that choosing the right school and getting the right support for your child is a big decision and the Admissions Team is here to help you every step of the way. 2 3 4 5 Register Register your child for admission by completing our Registration Form and paying the 95 Registration Fee. Bursary and Scholarship Application Packs may also be requested. An application form for a scholarship will also need to be completed by the deadline. This can be found at the back of this brochure along with the key dates information. Taster days & entrance assessment Once registered, your child can attend a taster day with their prospective year group. During the day they will experience the exciting curriculum and extra-curricular activities available. Your child will also be invited to sit the entrance assessment and meet with the Headmaster. If you are applying for a scholarship the process for application can be found on page 4. Offer We will contact you to let you know if we are able to offer your child a place within one week of completion of the entrance assessment. Join the School The start of your child s educational journey with us begins once you have accepted a place. You and your child will be invited to our Welcome Events and become part of our School community. 17
Further Information To experience all that Wisbech Grammar School has to offer you and your child, we welcome individual visits where you can have a tour of the School and meet the Headmaster. The next step is to register for admission using the Registration Form, which will be provided on enquiry. We will then arrange a taster day for your child to join a class and experience life as a pupil, followed by an entrance assessment. If you have any questions related to admission to the School, please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Team: t: 01945 586 750 e: Admissions@WisbechGrammar.com You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @wisbechgrammar to keep up to date with all of our pupils achievements and news about the School. 18
Wisbech Grammar School 47 North Brink Wisbech Cambridgeshire PE13 1JX t: 01945 586 750 e: Admissions@WisbechGrammar.com w: WisbechGrammar.com