Senior Prospectus 2016/2017
2 The school successfully encourages pupils understanding and enjoyment of the rich range of cultures and beliefs represented in the school community. Pupils are well prepared to play a full part in adult life and are ambitious for their own futures Independent Schools Inspectorate
Welcome Mrs Carol Jewell Head of Old Palace First and foremost Old Palace is a place of learning. For each girl who comes here, Old Palace will also be a key contributor in her development as a compassionate and capable individual, prepared to address the challenges presented to her as she makes her own contribution to society. Every student enjoys a first class academic education at Old Palace. We also promote a broader values-based education embracing four dimensions: service, skills and knowledge, courage and emotional intelligence. With this approach, students learn about who they are and what they stand for. Old Palace is a unique school in an exceptional and inspiring setting steeped in history as recorded from 896. We identify, encourage and nurture the special qualities of each and every individual entrusted to us. Our surroundings also stimulate girls to develop and flourish in ways beyond the reach of a conventional education. For example, not every girls school in the country can boast the opportunity to sing cathedral repertoire every week in Croydon Minster, our next door neighbour at Old Palace. I love my school Year 9 student Old Palace is blessed with magnificent buildings, enthusiastic, highly motivated staff and a sound ethos of social awareness. For all who embrace the many opportunities presented, Old Palace will reward them with a happy, memorable and empowering education. I look forward to welcoming you to this special place in the near future. 3
Academic success My daughter is very happy at the school and we are over the moon with the progress she has made both academically and emotionally. Thank you! Parental survey Fortunate enough to be independent, and confident in our values and knowledge, we are able to drive our own curriculum and choose which aspects of current educational theory and methodology we adopt. We are determined that our children will enjoy their childhood and will not be manipulated into accelerated courses or less valuable subjects simply to meet the demands of a league table culture. Regularly in contact with top universities we ensure that our curriculum provides what is required for success for the individual academic child. For those students accepted as a member of the Old Palace Community expectations are high. We understand that self-belief and self-motivation are essential for individuals to maximise achievement and we work closely with students to promote the development of these aspects of personality. A variety of teaching and learning activities is deployed across the curriculum to cater for the different learning styles, and needs, of students. 4
I very much enjoy the courses. The school pushes us academically Year 9 student 5
6 Drama is performed in the historic Chapel and Banqueting Hall
If my daughter wins the Nobel Prize (which she intends to), she will mention Old Palace! Parental survey The pace and depth of learning is appropriate for the academic potential of our students. Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning, to ask for help as needed and to complete consolidation and extension activities. We inform students and parents about progress and provide strategies for improvement. A rigorous system of monitoring and tracking across the school ensures that individual achievement is recognised and celebrated. In an increasingly competitive world, places at top universities are becoming more difficult to secure. A committed and highly qualified team of experts work directly with our students to ensure every individual is best placed to achieve their dreams. We are proud of our success at supporting students to realise their aspirations for higher education. We oversee students subject choices and promote a variety of career and workbased experiences. Academic achievement for all our students is excellent with teaching and learning at the School adding significant value to public examination expectations. We are proud to be realising the aims of John Whitgift and the Whitgift Foundation by providing an excellent, traditional education for the leaders of tomorrow. 7
Our values The School cares about their students and wants them to have a great education and future Parental survey At Old Palace education means more than excellent academic results. We want our students to experience fulfilment, courage, emotional intelligence and a broader education. We base our learning experiences on four key areas. These are: Service Skills and Knowledge Courage Emotional Intelligence Students today need more than knowledge and skills Parents know that there is a requirement for their daughters to take greater responsibility for their own learning both in school and beyond. This will prepare them for today s world of work where they will need to shape their own career. The ability to take initiative and shoulder responsibility is key to their future success as members of society and creates a foundation for personal fulfilment. Students need a broad range of skills to be effective in tomorrow s World of Work. We know that learning within our unique single sex setting promotes self confidence, uninhibited enquiry, intellectual rigour and genuine challenge so that girls are best-placed to contribute to life in the 21st century. Old Palace believes in encouraging students to take risk in a managed way, free from judgement. We believe in encouraging cooperation as distinct from competition for its own sake. We promote leadership skills that foster responsibility and service rather than status and power. We know that these skills mirror the requirements of abstract reasoning, problem solving, communication and collaboration demanded by today s employers. 8
I feel that I can talk to friends or teachers if I need to Year 10 student 9
10 Dancing at Lughnasa - one of a number of recent joint productions with Whitgift School
Pastoral care The quality of pupils personal development is excellent. The school is very successful in creating an atmosphere in which pupils grow in cheerful self-confidence and an awareness of their responsibilities to themselves and to others Independent Schools Inspectorate At Old Palace the welfare of each member of the community is of paramount importance. We are committed to providing a safe, stimulating and caring environment where each individual is empowered to gain a strong sense of self-worth and purpose through recognition of her own talents and abilities as well as her contribution to the community. 11
Houses Strong ceremonial aspects include regular house assemblies in the delightful chapel as well as an end of term church service Good Schools Guide Old Palace enjoys a vibrant and active House system, the core purposes of which are for students to develop their own sense of social responsibility, enjoy and handle competitive situations and develop friendships across year groups. Sixth Form students lead House assemblies once a fortnight, exploring different charities and global issues. They work with groups of younger students to develop presentations and to organise events, and in so doing are given the opportunity to develop their leadership and management skills. The student voice is heard through the House system, with younger students feeding suggestions or concerns through to the House Leaders. The Head and Senior Pastoral Leader meet regularly with the House Leaders to discuss issues that may arise and gather feedback from the student body. Houses celebrate academia also with students being awarded House Points throughout the year. At the end of each academic year the House which has accumulated most points claims the House shield, a much coveted prize. Anselm Laud Hatton Stafford 12
They flourish in an atmosphere in which they feel safe, respected and valued. Their attitude to learning is excellent and they are cheerful, enthusiastic and co-operative workers. Independent Schools Inspectorate 13
14 I am totally happy and content knowing my child is well cared for and receiving a strong education. I feel very lucky to have found Old Palace...it is perfect for her Parental Survey
Year 6 I wanted the best education my daughter could get and I ve been really pleased Parental survey At Old Palace our students develop a hunger for learning and by the end of Year 5 they are ready for the secondary experience. We accept girls into Year 6 who are similarly academic and ready to flourish in the secondary enviroment. Further information about this opportunity can be found in the Year 6 prospectus. 15
Beyond the classroom Opportunities for Learning are all around us. Students make the most of all learning opportunities by engaging in clubs and activities, day and residential trips, lectures, and by entering national competitions, to name but a few. Old Palace students are expected to involve themselves fully in the vibrant extra curricular life of the school. A wide range of clubs and activities provide opportunities for students to learn new skills and develop new interests. Advanced Flutes Advanced Mathematics Art Club Biology Journal Biology Society Ceramics Challenging Mathematics Chamber Choir Chapel Recital Contemporary Jazz Dance Critical Thinking Duke of Edinburgh Award Dance Debating Dodgeball Drama Ethics Film Feminism Society Geography French Cinema Gymnastics History Society Italian Cinema Jewellery Junior Swimming Squad Knitting Law Society Medsoc Music Theory Netball Palace Players (Drama) Physics Society Polyphonic Psychology Psychology Film Russian Science Senior Choir Senior Dance Company Senior Orchestra Senior Swimming Squad Spanish Film Steel Pans Swimming The Moral Maze The Wider World Training Orchestra Trio Sonata Water Polo Year 6-8 Choir 16
Bake-off Chapel Recitals Swimming Musicals with Whitgift Science Trips Netball Art Dance History Drama Choir 17
82% of leavers attained their first choice of course at university in 2014 Recent Leavers HERRIOT WATT Chemistry with Industrial Experience - MANCHESTER English Literature - Music - Chemical Engineering - Pharmacy - Classics and Ancient History - Biomedical Sciences - Management - Information Technology Management for Business - Biology - Social Anthropology - BIRMINGHAM Sport and Exercise Sciences - Dentistry - Law - Electronic and Electrical Engineering - Economics - Medical Science - English - International Relations with - Political Science with year abroad English Literature - Hispanic Studies - Law - YORK Geography - English - LEEDS History of Art - English - Media, Communication, Cultures - Italian A - English Literature - LIVERPOOL Veterinary Science - Medicine - Psychology - ASTON Pharmacy - Optometry - Psychology and Business - ABERYSTWYTH - Genetics/Biochem OXFORD Theology - Classics - Human Sciences - Law - English Language and Literature - Law with French Law - English and French - Mathematics - CARDIFF Medicine - Dentistry - Biomedical Sciences (Standard Route) - BATH SPA Biology - Mechanical Engineering - Psychology - International Management and Modern Languages - German - EXETER Law (European) - History and Italian - Economics with International Study - Conservation Biology and Ecology - PLYMOUTH Early Childhood Studies - EDINBURGH - Computational Physics GLASGOW - English Literature/History of Art and Neuroscience NEWCASTLE Medicine - Computer Science - SHEFFIELD Chemical Physics - STAFFORDSHIRE - Film Production Technology WARWICK Chemistry - Law - Mathematics and Statistics - Economics - English and Italian Literature - Italian and Classics - Biomedical Science - Economics - Engineering - BRISTOL - History - Italian and Spanish SOUTHAMPTON Modern Languages - Medicine - Physics - Economics - Politics and International Relations - Law - French and Spanish Linguistic Studies - DURHAM - Chemistry - Physics - Economics - Economics with Management LOUGHBOROUGH - Geography - English LEICESTER - American Studies - Law LLB CAMBRIDGE - Geography - Mathematics - Law - Linguistics - Natural Sciences HERTFORDSHIRE Pharmacy - Psychology - PORTSMOUTH - Biomedical Science NOTTINGHAM - Economics - Music and Philosophy - Modern Languages - Philosophy - English Language and Literature - French and Hispanic Studies - Finance, Accounting and Management - Politics - Sociology - Biology - English - European Studies - Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine SURREY Music - CHICHESTER Music - BRIGHTON Biological Sciences - Hospitality and Event Managements - Mathematics with Finance - Pharmacy (4 years) - Law - Pharmacy - LONDON ANGLIA RUSKIN - Biomedical Science - Accounting and Finance - Forensic Science EAST ANGLIA Psychology - English Literature - Drama - COLCHESTER ROEHAMPTON & Counselling SUSSEX - Music - English Language and Literature - Biomedical Science - Accounting and Finance - Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence BRUNEL - Law - Business and Management (Marketing) with Placement Year CITY - Biomedical Science - Accounting and Finance - Economics GOLDSMITH S - English IMPERIAL - Physics - Medicine - Geology and Geophysics KING S COLLEGE - International Studies - Mathematics and Physics - English Language and Literature - Medicine - Pharmacy - History - Biomedical Science - Comparative Literature KINGSTON - Architecture - Nutrition - Biomedical Science LSE - Accounting and Finance QUEEN MARY S - Medicine - Law - English and Drama - Dentistry - Design & Innovation - Mathematics - Biomedical Sciences - Dentistry - Geography ROYAL HOLLOWAY - History - Geography - English and Drama - Computer Science, Development & Development Disorders - Classical Studies ST. MARY S ST. GEORGES - Medicine - Biomedical Science - Diagnostic Radiography UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON - Economics - Chemistry - Pharmacy - Biomedical Sciences - Natural Sciences UNIVERSITY OF WALES - Ancient History and Archaeology UNIVERSITY OF WEST LONDON KENT - Biomedical Sciences - English/American Lit. & Creative Writing - Financial Economics - Law CANTERBURY CHRISTCHURCH - Animal Science BRIGHTON & SUSSEX MEDICAL SCHOOL - Medicine 18
Destinations Aberystwyth Genetics/Biochemistry Exeter History & Italian Nottingham Trent Economics with Management Bath Spa Business & Management Glasgow English Literature and Hispanic Studies (4 years) Oxford Classics Birmingham Dentistry History Law Social Anthropology Sport & Exercise Sciences Brighton Dentistry Biological Sciences Biology Sociology Goldsmiths University of London English Law Hertfordshire (Hatfield) Chemical Physics (4 years) Pharmacy Imperial College London Pharmacy (4 years) Kent Biomedical Sciences English/American Lit. & Creative Writing Italian and Spanish (4 years) Law Media, Communication, Cultures Theology Plymouth Mathematics (3 or 4 years) Portsmouth Biomedical Science Psychology Queen Marys London Brighton & Sussex Medical School Biomedical Sciences Mathematics with Finance Bristol Geography Brunel (London) Law Psychology Cambridge Geography Kings College London English and European Studies International Studies Psychology (Applied) Psychology, Development & Development Disorders Kingston Pharmaceutical & Chemical Science Leeds Engineering History of Art /History of Design Law Medicine Psychology Royal Holloway - London History Law LLB Natural Sciences Psychology Sheffield Medicine Law Linguistics Master of Pharmacy Mathematics School of Pharmacy Canterbury Christchurch Biomedical Sciences (Standard Route) Cardiff Psychology and Neuroscience Psychology City Accounting & Finance Biomedical Science De Montford (Leicester) International Relations with Political Science with Year Abroad Durham Applied Psychology Chemistry Early Childhood Studies Pharmacy (4 years) Physics East Anglia (Norwich) Italian A East London Events Management Essex (Colchester) Law (European) Law English Literature and Drama Leeds Met Medicine Liverpool English and French (4 years) Biomedical Science Veterinary Science Loughborough English Geography LSE Accounting & Finance Manchester Comparative Literature English Literature Music Pharmacy Medway School of Pharmacy Pharmacy Practice Music Conservatoire Music Nottingham Diagnostic Radiography English Language & Literature Economics French & Hispanic Studies Geography Management Studies Modern Languages Music Philosophy Physics Psychology Southampton Medicine Animal Science St George s University of London Biomedical Science Classical Studies Medicine Sussex (Brighton) Business and Management (Marketing) with Placement Year Swansea Met Education Studies Psychology UCL Chemistry Economics (International Programme) Geology and Geophysics Psychology University of West London Business Management Dentistry Warwick Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Chemistry Economics Mathematics & Statistics Law York Geography 19
Old Palace Seniors Old Palace Road Croydon CR0 1AX Telephone: 020 8688 2027 Fax: 020 8680 5877 Email: schooloffice@oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk www.oldpalace.croydon.sch.uk