independent_schools_Autumn

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Newbury Weekly News

Shiplake College

SHIPLAKE College is a thriving boarding and day school for boys aged 11-18, with girls joining in the sixth form. The college starts its 60th anniversary year in September 2018 with a record 485 pupils on roll, including 200 girls and boys in the sixth form. Overlooking the River Thames, two miles upstream of the famous Henley Royal Regatta stretch, students enjoy an inspirational 45-acre rural site. Shiplake provides a friendly, supportive and structured environment to bring out the best in each and every pupil and equip them with the skills they need to enter the next stage of their lives as confident, personable and talented young adults. Increasingly academically ambitious and renowned for outstanding pastoral care and personal development, the college welcomes pupils with wide-ranging skills and talents, who will make the most of the many opportunities offered to them. Every pupil is placed at the heart of Shiplake life and the college’s ethos is underpinned by the three Is – Inclusive, Individual and Inspirational. All pupils are valued regardless of academic prowess, artistic flair or sporting ability, with opportunities for all to join in and try new things. Shiplake is a small community where every pupil becomes well-known to their house’s pastoral team, especially the

housemaster, personal tutor and matron. Each pupil’s best method of learning is identified and catered for by their teachers, with high-achieving pupils continually stretched, while those requiring additional support can access it in a variety of ways. There is a wide range of A-Level and BTEC subjects available, with all sixth formers also undertaking either the EPQ or CoPE as part of a bespoke PULSE (Personal Understanding, Learning Skills and Enrichment) programme. Interpersonal skills, confidence and talents are also discovered outside the classroom, through excellent sporting, artistic and co-curricular opportunities. Two afternoons are reserved for an array of clubs and activities, including a comprehensive outdoor education programme, with pupils encouraged to extend their horizons and experience new challenges and responsibilities. Sports training takes place on three afternoons a week, with the majority of fixtures on Saturday mornings. The college recruits highly motivated teaching staff with an ability and passion to inspire future generations and ensures pupils have the best possible learning resources and facilities at their disposal. The environment encourages pupils to take inspiration from their teachers, their surroundings, and each other. In 2019 the college hopes to open

100 per cent all-rounder scholarship to a boy currently at a state-maintained primary school who would be looking to join Year 7 in September 2019 and who would not be able to attend Shiplake without substantial financial support. Entry points are normally at Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+) and Year 12 (16+). Prospective families are encouraged to arrange an individual visit or attend an open morning on Saturday, September 22 (whole school) or

Saturday, October 6 (sixth form only). Please go to www.shiplake.org.uk to book your attendance, register your child, or request a prospectus, as well as explore the whole site, which contains a wealth of information relating to all aspects of life at Shiplake. This is the first port of call for details of admissions processes, fees, bus routes and answers to most academic, co-curricular and pastoral questions that prospective parents may have. www.shiplake.org.uk

room, which transforms into a function room, with a balcony overlooking the river. Full, weekly and flexi-boarding is available from Year 7 (age 11), tailored to suit individual needs. Full boarders take part in a vibrant weekend programme of trips and activities on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Academic, art, music, drama and sport scholarships, as well as means-tested bursaries, are available. The college is also offering one

a Sixth Form Centre, with a café where Year 12 and 13 girls and boys can socialise and work independently, and some additional classrooms, and a boathouse and multi-activity centre. This exciting facility will not only include storage for rowing boats and other watersports, mountain biking and outdoor

education, CCF and DofE equipment, but will also incorporate an indoor

archery/rifle range, a climbing wall, weights room and an ergo

485 pupils (boys 11-18 and girls 16-18) )XOO ZHHNO\ ÀH[L DQG GD\ IURP

INCLUSIVE • INDIVIDUAL • INSPIRATIONAL