Education

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Newbury Weekly News

Pull-out and keep guide

2018

Newbury Weekly News

DON’T MISS OUR APPRENTICESHIP OPEN DAY It’s your chance to find out how an apprenticeship can get your career started. You’ll earn whilst you learn and at the same time you’ll gain practical work experience and achieve an industry recognised qualification. Just pop into our office, anytime between 10am and 4pm on September 11th.

West Berkshire Training Consortium Consortium House 7 Cheap St Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5DD Tel: 01635 35975 www.wbtc-uk.com

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Newbury Weekly News

Queen Mary’s Sixth Form College

AT QMC each individual is supported to achieve their full potential, not just in terms of qualifications, but also transferable skills and resilience. Students leave with a bright future ahead, whether progressing to university, apprenticeships, sponsored degrees, further training or meaningful employment. With excellent results year on year and a vibrant and engag- ing atmosphere, students find it impossible to resist partici- pating in the opportunities open to them. There are a wide range of courses on offer, catering for all abilities, and, with enthusi- astic and committed teachers and superb facilities, the majority of students do far better than they ever thought possible when they started. With nearly 2,000 entries, the overall pass rate this year was 99 per cent. The college has a well-deserved reputation for excellent results and 2018 was no exception with 77 percent of all grades awarded being A*– C. QMC excels in the STEM subjects of maths and science, and as a result many talented students are able to pursue dreams of prestigious careers in areas such as medicine, engi- neering and veterinary science. QMC offers outstanding support to students applying to

Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group universities and each year students secure places at these top establishments. Particularly impressive grades were achieved by Neil Wilson (ex -Henry Beaufort School) who achieved four A* grades and is headed to Cambridge to study engineering. QMC also has a proven track record of success with students who have been unable to obtain strong results prior to starting college. Nik Plamadyala was one student who had to start on a Level 2 programme while re- taking maths GCSE. He achieved Distinction* grades in business and law, as well as an

A grade in A-level Russian and has now won a place to study criminology and forensic science at Portsmouth Univer- sity Open evenings give prospective students and their parents the opportunity to discover what makes QMC so special and the team will happily discuss students’ options to help them get where they want to go. A free park and ride service will be in operation and clearly sign posted. Come and see Queen Mary’s College for your- self. The teachers, students and staff look forward to welcom- ing you. For more information vist the website at www.qmc.ac.uk

OPEN EVENING Thursday, 6 October 2016, 6:30pm – 8:45pm Headteacher’s address: 6:45pm and 7:30pm For prospective students and parents. We look forward to welcoming you to our school. Guided tours of all departments. OPEN MORNING Wednesday, 12 October You are welcome to visit the school during a working day. The school will be open between 10am and 12noon with student tours. Thursday, 4 October, :30pm - 8:30pm Wednesday, 10 October, 10am - 12noon

The Downs School is set in the heart of the West Berkshire Downs. It is a special place where the staff are totally commiƩed to the achievement and personal development of all students. Successes are linked to a relentless focus on teaching and learning, further enhanced by the extensive range of extra-curricular acƟviƟes and trips that are offered. For each of the past nine years The Downs School has been designated a high performing school. The impressive results at both key stages have not only maintained the tradiƟon of being one of the top performing schools in West Berkshire, it also epitomises what The Downs School stands for, strong partnerships, resilience and desire to achieve at all levels. A conƟnued investment in the environment for learning is key as students at The Downs School deserve the very best. Year on year our reputaƟon for excellence has meant that we are always heavily oversubscribed. This year we have decided to meet to at least some of the demand for places by increasing our intake from 180 to 210. Judged as outstanding by Ofsted in every category, we are not a school who wants to standsƟll. To ensure that every child’s educaƟonal experience is as rich, character building and high quality as possible, we are striving to move ‘beyond outstanding’ through our philosophy ‘Learning together, Learning for life’. Students from The Downs School are confident, determined and respecƞul. A visit to this exciƟng, vibrant school community while it is in acƟon is highly recommended. Please telephone to make an appointment. We are extremely proud of our phenomenal exam results this year, which re-affirms our status as a top performing school in West Berkshire. 33% of our A- Level students were awarded A*-A, 65% awarded an A*-B and 85% achieved A*-C. At GCSE no less than 84% of students achieved at least the standard pass 4 – 9 (C to above A*) in English and MathemaƟcs. A fantasƟc 58% achieved the strong pass 5 – 9 (B to above A*) in both subjects. Just short of 83% of students achieved an amazing 5 passes at grade 4 (C) and above, with 80% of these also including English and MathemaƟcs.

Tel: 01635 270000

Compton, Newbury, RG20 6AD

www.thedownsschool.org

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Newbury Weekly News

Newbury College celebrates 70 years

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AS part of their 70 year celebra- tion, Newbury College will be exhibiting at West Berkshire Museum during October. The college is seeking stories to include a community book within this exhibition. Do you have any pictures and stories of your time at Newbury College? Whether you studied at the old or current campus, they would love to hear from you. Please send your stories to: Newbury College 70, Freepost, Monks Lane, Newbury RG14 7BR or email: marketing@newbury- college.ac.uk Newbury College - shaping the future of Newbury for 70 years Established in 1948, Newbury College (formerly the Newbury Institute of Further Education) was one of the first colleges nation- ally to offer further education and in doing so encouraged a local workforce to gain nationally-recog- nised qualifications in bricklaying, carpentry, paintwork and plumb- ing. Originally located in Ormonde House, Oxford Rd, the college started to form great relationships with local employers and became a valuable partner in training apprentices at a high level. Since relocating to Monks Lane in 2002, the college has expanded its range of subjects to meet the requirements of modern students. State-of-the-art facilities now include an animal care centre, construction and motor vehicle workshops, hair and beauty

Newbury College celebrates 70 years

range of subjects including; busi- ness administration, carpentry, IT, hairdressing, engineering and more. Apprenticeships are a great way to start or develop your career. They combine paid employment with on-the-job training and the oppor- tunity to gain a nationally recog- nised qualification. Shape your future – it’s not too late to enrol If you’d like to speak to someone about enrolling on a course or would like to browse the courses on offer, call (01635) 845000 or visit www.newbury-college.ac.uk/ search-courses

salons, a fully-equipped training restaurant, sports hall and a brand new engineering solutions labora- tory incorporating a Computer Aided Design (CAD) suite, CNC milling and turning machines, 3D printers and scanners, and a 3D laser etching machine. In May 2017, Newbury College retained its ‘good’ OFSTED rating and was commended for improv- ing the quality of its provision. Get in go far with an appren- ticeship Newbury College continues to work in partnership with a number of employers across West Berkshire, providing superb apprenticeship opportunities in a

SHAPING YOUR FUTURE From mechanics to forensics, carpentry to care, Newbury College offers courses with relevant work experience and qualifications that have been shaping the future of Newbury for 70 years. From mechanics to forensics, carpentry to care, Newbury College offers courses with relevant work experience and qualifications that have been shaping the future of Newbury for 70 years.

newbury college newbury college

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ENROL IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ENROL

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Newbury Weekly News

JOHN O’Gaunt is a wonderful school where every pupil is challenged to achieve and exceed at what they think is possible. Working alongside high achieving primary and secondary schools in the Excalibur Academies Trust (EAT) helps to build on the school’s many successes and provides a world class education for all students. Being part of EAT also offers a strong link for John O’Gaunt students wishing to continue their A-Level education at the outstand- ing St John’s School Marlborough. While academic success is vitally important for all our students, we believe that school is also about nurturing confident young learn- ers who are resilient, tolerant of others, proud of their own achievements and determined to be the best they possibly can be. Learning at John O’Gaunt is inno- vative, challenging and lively. Class sizes are small, which ensures that our students are treated as individuals and their specific needs are addressed more easily. Our ‘Pathways to the Future’ model for Year 7 and 8 students offers a broad and balanced curriculum and hones the ability of each individual, taking into account their aptitude in order to challenge them, maintain enthusi- John O’Gaunt School

Hurst Community College

THE Hurst Community College is a successful, high-attaining 11 – 16 community school blessed with a stunning country- side setting and excellent facilities. As a popular, medium-sized school,class sizes are small and learning is personalised. The college is extremely ambitious and fully-commit- ted to ensuring every pupil excels in their achievements as part of a supportive and respectful community. In 2018, a fantastic 79 per cent of pupils attained a grade 4 or higher in the core subject areas of English, mathemat- ics and science. Students aiming for the high- est grades were particularly successful in mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics, where more than 20 subjects that pupils excel. Superb results in computer science, engineering, product design, business studies, reli- gious studies, PE and fine art show that students are thriv- ing across the college. ‘Leaders share high expecta- tions and a commitment to ensure that every student gains the skills and qualifica- tions they need for life after school’ (Ofsted). per cent of the cohort achieved grades 7 to 9. It is not just in the core

asm and ensure they succeed. The identified ‘pathway’ for each student not only maximizes their ability to achieve, but also devel- ops them into global citizens. We are a fully inclusive school and offer all students bespoke and tailored support through specialist intervention programmes and specially designed courses. Our strong

House system and Pastoral Team support students in their learn- ing, whatever their ambitions and challenges, and the most able students are stretched and challenged through a variety of activities. The excellent tutor programme encourages pupils to support their local community, while at the same time becoming more internationally aware and ethi- cally minded. Pupils raise thousands of pounds every year for a variety of local, national and international chari- ties. The school looks forward to welcoming you to their open evening and open mornings so you can see for yourself.

each other through their good behaviour and attitudes to learning’ (Ofsted). Mixed-age vertical tutoring allows for highly person- alised pastoral care and helps build fantastic support networks across year groups. The college aims to ensure that all pupils feel challenged and stimulated during their time at The Hurst, both in and out of lessons. There is an array of enrich-

ment activities and trips to cater for all tastes and they are particularly renowned for the quality of their creative arts events and sporting success. welcoming you at their open evening on October 4, 6pm- 8.30pm and open mornings October 8, 9 and 11, 9.15am- 10.45am. For more information visit www.hurst.hants.sch.uk/ The Hurst Community College looks forward to

“

I definitely made the right choice sending my children to JOG – right choice all the way Parent

Of course, examination results are not the only feature of success at The Hurst.

‘Students are very proud of their school. They feel safe and well cared for, supporting

Inspire - Believe - Support - Achieve

Open Evening Wednesday 3rd October 2018, 4.30-7.00pm Principal’s Address: 5pm & 6pm; Tours available from 4.30pm Open Morning

Monday 8th October 2018, 9am-1pm Tuesday 9th October 2018, 9am-1pm Please contact the school office to book a tour for Open Morning .

Tel: 01488 682400 Email: office.jog@johnogauntschool.co.uk

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Newbury Weekly News

Kennet School

Kennet School An Outstanding Academy

KENNET School has been providing Outstanding education for Thatcham and the surrounding villages, since 1957. Success is a way of life at Kennet School. We have won many accolades at local and national level, thereby attracting significant extra resources, to invest in the facilities for our pupils. Children at Kennet School enjoy an environment which is second to none. We believe that our pupils deserve the very best and that is what they shall have. Our reward system encour- ages pupils to give of their best in the classroom and beyond. Visitors to the school are thrilled by the positive and supportive environment where teachers and pupils work together in harmony. Pupils are challenged and intellectual curiosity is fostered. Pupils who need support are easily identified and enabled to give of their very best and the staffing levels ensure that pupils are seen as individuals and our partnership with parents underpins all that we do. The school motto, ‘Excellence through Endeavour’, is applied to every aspect of school life and shares a little of the secret of how Kennet School’s success is achieved. Perhaps one of our greatest strengths is our house system, designed to foster the intellec- tual abilities and personal

OPEN EVENING 20 September 2018 6 - 9pm

Headteacher’s speech at 7.30pm for prospective parents and pupils

determined that our pupils will shine even further in the future. We are the lead school in the Kennet School Academies Trust, having been joined by Whitelands Park Primary School in January 2014. In May 2016 the Ofsted Inspec- tors visited Kennet and declared the school to be outstanding. We could not agree more. 2018 saw yet another set of exceptional results at both A- Level and GCSE upon which our pupils are able to build bright and exciting futures. Kennet School is delighted to support this Newbury Weekly News educational feature. Mrs G Piper Executive Head

strengths and talents of every pupil. The house system divides the larger school into four house families, strengthening the bonds and understanding between school and home. Older pupils give a lead to younger pupils for the benefit of all. We offer a range of extra curricular activities which is exceptional and we are delighted with the huge numbers of pupils who respond to these opportuni- ties and challenges. The school prides itself on producing well-rounded, well- qualified, enthusiastic and independent young citizens. OnApril 1, 2011, the school led by example, becoming an academy, a school absolutely in charge of its destiny and

Choosing a new school for your child is a huge decision. We understand the many factors and issues that have to be weighed up. Throughout the process, you will be steered by an unswerving believe that your child deserves the very best. A high-quality learning environment, of course, and a culture that embraces care, tolerance and trust. At Kennet School, we share your belief. Our aim, quite simply, is to enable every one of our pupils to grow into a responsibile and fulfilled adult with the skills, qualifications and confidence to shape their futures.

Come and witness the sheer brilliance of Kennet School for yourself!

@KennetSchool 01635 862121

Kennet School, Stoney Lane, Thatcham RG19 4LL

www.kennetschool.co.uk

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Thursday, September 6, 2018

Newbury Weekly News

Peter Symonds College

Get the school year off to a smart start with Kumon

opportunity to expand your learn- ing, explore new opportunities and build long-lasting friendships. The college also offers an exciting programme of more than 100 enrichment activities. Whether you wish to pursue a current interest, or you are keen to try something new, there is something for everyone. If sport is your thing, Symonds has a well-deserved reputation and regularly wins local, regional and national competitions. Or if you are interested in music, on Monday October 15, the Hamp- shire Specialist Music Course is holding its presentation evening. For full details, please email music@psc.ac.uk Come and see for yourself. Open Evenings for 2018 entry are on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 October 2018. They look forward to welcoming you. www.psc.ac.uk

there is excellent support avail- able to every student both in and out of classes. This year, the college’s impressive 99 per cent pass rate was main- tained with more than a third of the grades awarded being A* or A and 83 per cent of grades being A* to C. The proportion of the very high- est grades achieved by Symonds’ students (A*, A, B) has increased from 62 per cent last year to 64 per cent, with more than 12 per cent being the very top A* grade – 682 A* grades were achieved overall, a truly stellar performance. The campus has a university feel, where buildings both old and new house state-of-the-art studios, science laboratories, a learning resource centre, media suites, classrooms and IT rooms. With several cafés and social areas, and fantastic sports facili- ties, including a well-equipped gym, there is plenty of space and

THE perfect place for ambition For many people, choosing which college is right for them is easy: the subjects on offer, the quality of teaching, the facilities avail- able, or even the proximity to home are all important factors. Recognised by Ofsted time and again as ‘outstanding’, Peter Symonds regularly features among the top colleges nationally, attracting day and boarding students from across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire and as far afield as the Falkland Islands, all keen to benefit from the academic excellence, individual care and superb facilities. The college’s motto is ‘Counting in Ones’ and great emphasis is placed on encouraging and guid- ing each student personally and academically. Staff are dedicated to and passion- ate about teaching and that is reflected in the enthusiasm and success of students; additionally

AS the summer holidays come to an end, attention will soon inevitably turn towards the start of the new school year. Whereas thoughts may be focused on ensuring children have a new, crisp, school uniform and a restocked pencil case, it is just as important to ensure your child is equipped with the most vital tools needed for a successful year ahead; a good grip on the core subjects of maths and English and the learning skills required for academic progression. At your local Newbury study centre, Kumon offers individu- alised maths and English study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities. Established for 60 years, the Kumon programmes enable children to develop their study skills and confidently tackle advanced work. Having long breaks from study means children can sometimes require extra support to get back into the routine of daily study. Kumon can help your child to start their new school year motivated and confidence, and ensure they gain maximum benefit from the year of learn- ing ahead. The Kumon method of learning aims to foster self-learning skills; the ability to learn for oneself topics that have not yet

been covered at school. For students to have the oppor- tunity to study material they have not been taught before, Kumon aims for them to progress to a level higher than that of their school grade within their first year of study with Kumon. Therefore, if a child enrols with Kumon, the aim is for them to progress to a level of work higher than their respective school grade by the time they sit their exams.

The Kumon Newbury Study Centre is located at St George's Centre, Andover Road, Newbury, with classes running on Monday 3.30pm – 6.30pm and Thursday 3.30pm – 5.30pm, throughout the year. The new school year is an ideal time to enrol your child at your local Kumon centre, to ensure they gain maximum benefit from the year of learning ahead. For more information, contact Steve Taylor on (01635) 34245 or email newbury@kumoncen- tre.co.uk.

open evenings Peter Symonds College for 2019 entry

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to develop your child’s confidence and independent study skills so they excel throughout the new term and beyond. Contact your local Instructor for a free assessment. Newbury Study Centre Steve Taylor 01635 34245

Principal’s presentation

6 p m – 9 p m W e d n e sd ay 17 & Th u rs day 18 oc t obe r 20 18

Discover in detail the wide range of courses available Explore the campus and all the excellent facilities

01962 857555 admissions@psc.ac.uk www.psc.ac.uk

No need to book, visit our website for more information.

pass rate at A level in 2018 enrichmen activities available 99% 150+ Outstanding t student support

Peter Symonds Owens Road

Winchester SO22 6RX

kumon.co.uk

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.