independent schools September 2019

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Newbury Weekly News

St Helen and St Katharine Growing futures

always been central to St Helen’s ethos. In addition to the existing scheme offering means-tested bursaries up to 100 per cent of the fees from Year 5, the school is extremely excited to launch four brand new subject-specific bursaries for entry to St Helen’s sixth form in 2020. Applications are open to girls currently in a state-funded school wishing to study chemistry, mathematics/physics, economics or computer science. St Helen’s has a particular strength in the high numbers of students who go on to study STEM subjects at university, therefore the opportunity to support girls wanting to pursue these careers is there to be grasped. These bursaries are worth 100 per cent of school fees and will also cover additional costs such as school transport and curricu- lum activities. The school’s open day takes place on September 28, which is a perfect time to explore and find out more about everything St Helen’s offers. For those considering St Helen’s sixth form, A-level options open evening takes place on Thursday, October 3, and families who want to find out more about the junior department are welcomed on Friday, October 11, for an open breakfast event.

ST HELEN and St Katharine in Abingdon offers an academic, friendly and inspiring learning environment for girls aged 9–18, from junior department through to sixth form. The school aims to ensure that every pupil achieves success as she defines it, so that she can believe in herself, her talents and abilities, and feel prepared and equipped for life beyond school. Inside the classroom the focus is on a collaborative approach to learning which encourages discussion between teachers and pupils and exploration beyond the curriculum. The school’s outstanding academic record speaks for itself, while a wide variety of enrichment opportunities gives pupils plenty of opportunity to develop their personal skills and interests. Outside the classroom all pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves and to give new things a go. The broad and varied extracurricular programme, Beyond, boasts more than 100 extracurricular clubs and societies, some run by pupils. Pupils can participate purely for fun or follow their strengths and achieve excellence through teams and groups or music and drama productions. From fencing and photography to Mandarin and trips abroad, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Young Enterprise, it

form pupils space to discuss the bigger things in life. Ensembles exist within the music department for practically any instrument going and – among many others – fencing and Tae Kwon Do thrive in the sports centre. The sixth form is a particularly important part of pupils’ development. It is the time when students take control of their learning, pursue the subjects they feel passionate about and are given the freedom and independence to manage their own experiences.

Continuing to shape the best possible learning and social experience for the sixth form, the school has applied for planning permission for a new building, providing nine classrooms, a lecture / performance space, a café, study areas and general social and work space. The guiding principle is to create a building which anticipates the feel of a university. Welcoming pupils whose families would not otherwise be able to afford the fees through an extensive bursaries scheme has

is about extending interests, making friends across age groups and building confidence and self-belief. Beyond includes its fair share of quirky pursuits which are warmly embraced by pupils – there is a great appetite in the school to dive into ‘unexpected’ activities. This can be seen in GreenPower, which involves building and racing a battery-powered car, Minecraft develops IT skills alongside light-hearted fun, Psychology Book Club and Philosophy Society give sixth

It is characterised by academic enquiry, intellectual curiosity and leadership across the whole school community. The breadth of the curriculum in sixth form ensures that every pupil can participate in a personalised programme of study that is aligned with her passions and ambitions. Pupils can also explore their subjects above and beyond the classroom through an extensive enrichment programme. Plans for the future include a new sixth form centre.

Book your place at www.shsk.org.uk

I’ve found the thrill of independence

Open Day Saturday 28 September A-level Options Open Evening Thursday 3 October Junior Department Head’s Breakfast Friday 11 October

Book your place www.shsk.org.uk 01235 530593

Bursaries available up to 100% of fees

School bus collection points in Newbury and across the Thames Valley

Independent day school for girls aged 9–18 ABINGDON • OXFORDSHIRE