P I C T U R E YO U R S E L F AT J AG S JU NIOR SCHOOL
1
James A llen’s Girls’ School
WELCOME TO JAGS JUNIOR SCHOOL At the Pre-Prep (Reception to Year 2) and Prep (Year 3- 6) we offer an exceptionally high quality of education provided by a team of skilled, motivated and dedicated teachers and support staff. The curriculum is broad and well balanced and enriched by a varied and interesting programme of extra-curricular clubs and activities. We foster the values of hard work, commitment, kindness and generosity.
Aims of James Allen’s Girls’ School • To encourage all pupils to develop to their full potential by stimulating their intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm and imagination. • To promote excellence in academic, creative and athletic endeavours. • To teach the value of integrity, morality and a concern for others. • To enhance pupils’ appreciation of their own and other cultures. • To develop pupils’ self-confidence and independence so that they are well equipped to play an active role in society.
Additional Aims of James Allen’s Junior School • To create an atmosphere of happiness and warmth in which children are motivated to work and play to the best of their abilities. • To offer a broad, balanced curriculum, based upon the National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). • To generate – both inside and outside the classroom – a sense of vitality, energy and a conviction that learning is fun. We see lunchtime and after-school extra-curricular activities as essential to the life of the school. • To maintain close links with parents. Our pupils are refreshingly independent-minded and openhearted. We teach children to think for themselves and they flourish academically because they learn to trust their own judgement. This is a warm-hearted community where enjoyment is an essential part of the school day and where each child feels valued, happy and stimulated.
3
“Pupils’ success in all aspects of their learning is enhanced by the high levels of creativity demonstrated in music and art.” Independent Schools Inspector ate
6
James A llen’s Girls’ School
PRE-PREP Located in a large, family Edwardian house with its own impressive grounds, our Pre-Prep is only a short walk from the Prep School. The girls, aged 4-7 years, are introduced to school in a relaxed but purposeful manner. Classroom activities at the Pre-Prep focus on developing key skills; we encourage pupils to take risks in their learning, as well as promoting positive attitudes and dispositions. The girls benefit from specialist French, Music and PE lessons. Most days are spent in the Pre-Prep building, but the girls can also enjoy use of the whole school facilities including the swimming pool, copse and computing suite. Outdoor learning is promoted and valued, with the Pre-Prep holding Forest Schools accreditation. Everyone, including Nursery Nurses and Teaching Assistants, is involved in the pastoral care of the pupils. The Class Teachers’ focus on the overall welfare of each child ensures the girls feel happy and valued.
5
“Pupils respond to school life with great enthusiasm and enjoyment, and demonstrate secure foundations for the future.� Independent Schools Inspector ate
4
James A llen’s Girls’ School
PREP SCHOOL Warmth, happiness and vitality are at the heart of everything we do at the Prep School. Girls aged 7-11 years are encouraged to work to the best of their abilities, have fun and contribute to the life of the school. Inspired teaching embraces all learning styles; Year 3 and 4 girls enjoy specialist teaching for most of their subjects whilst regularly being taught by their Form Teacher. Year 5 and 6 pupils are taught all subjects by a specialist. Our well equipped computing suite, science, design technology, music and art rooms enable girls to enjoy creative and practical activities. The extensive sports fields, sports clubs and swimming pool are used for PE lessons. The Learning Enrichment department offers extra help, either for a pupil who lacks confidence, or to provide highly able children with interesting extension activities. Enriching our exciting and diverse curriculum is a range of extra-curricular activities – our school embraces every opportunity to develop and extend the girls’ own interests, teamwork, participation and leadership skills. We look after the whole child promoting spiritual, moral, social and cultural development alongside the academic, preparing them for all the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences that life offers.
7
8
James A llen’s Girls’ School
CURRICULUM Pre-Prep The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) relates to the Reception Year at the Pre-Prep. Our Early Years curriculum is exempt from the teaching and learning requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) but follows the guiding principles and breadth of the curriculum which it promotes. All areas of learning and development are regarded as interconnected and aim to provide challenging and enjoyable experiences. At this stage the curriculum is delivered through both indoor and outdoor activities and the Reception classes have their own designated outdoor area which is used as an extension of the classroom. Key Stage 1 covers Year 1 and 2 at the Pre-Prep.
Prep Key Stage 2 relates to Years 3 to 6 in the Prep School. At both Key Stage 1 and 2 teaching follows the guidelines set out in the National Curriculum and is specifically designed to accommodate all learning styles. At all times it is the school’s aim to build upon the previous successes of pupils, to engage them fully in their learning and to prepare them for the next stage of their education.
Learning Enrichment Specialist qualified staff provide for the needs of all the children. They offer in-class support in addition to small group work and 1:1 support, depending on the particular needs of each child. The focus for these sessions could be curriculum support, addressing a specific area of need or providing challenge and accelerated extension activities. External expert advice is available and parents are always kept informed regarding their child’s progress.
James A llen’s Girls’ School
EXTRA-CURRICULAR As well as a wide range of lunchtime and after school clubs, girls can also take additional music lessons, speech & drama lessons or join one of the many sports teams. All pupils actively engage in charity and community activities often initiating fundraising campaigns themselves. There is strong support for environmental issues and the school has been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag. Pupils on our School Council ensure that the pupil voice is responded to. Pupils enjoy a varied programme of day and residential trips complementing the curriculum. The House and Buddy systems encourage friendships across year groups. After school care is available from 3.30-4.15pm (free), 4.15-6.00pm (fees apply).
ADMISSIONS Entry to the Pre-Prep is usually at 4+ and to the Prep School at 7+. Chance vacancies for other years are sometimes available. Entry to the Pre-Prep at 4+ is based on an informal assessment usually taken in December or January within the school setting. Entry to the Prep School at 7+ is based on English, Mathematics and Reasoning assessments usually taken in early January, with second round interviews taking place towards the end of January. For more information on admissions please visit our website or contact the Junior School Registrar jsregistrar@jags.org.uk
10
11
P I C T U R E YO U R S E L F AT J AG S SENIOR SCHOOL
1
James A llen’s Girls’ School
WELCOME
When you begin your life as a JAGS girl you join a community which combines extraordinary tradition with a forward-looking approach.
As the oldest girls’ school in London, we strive for excellence in all we do, developing scholarly young women who gain top academic results and places at top institutions. But there is nothing pompous or old fashioned about a JAGS education. Come and visit us and you will meet future doctors and engineers in our labs, Oxbridge scholars in our library and the next generation of politicians and diplomats in our lecture theatre. But these same girls will also be volunteers in charity placements at the weekends, will sing loudly in the gospel choir or tap dance across our stage. The portrait of our founder, James Allen, hangs on the main school corridor. The same man who had the vision to educate young women back in 1741, proudly declares beneath the painting that he was ‘Six feet high, skilful as Skaiter, a Jumper, athletic and humane’. We love the fact that James could skate – a true advocate of a full extra-curricular programme. But it’s his humanity we most admire and most seek to uphold.
Celebrating a grounded approach and founded on a long standing tradition of diversity and access, JAGS is a genuine reflection of modern, south London life.
Do come and visit us and witness this blend of excellence and humility for yourself. Sally-Anne Huang Headmistress
3
“An enthusiastic, high-achieving independent that places great store on creative thinking, innovation and finding joy in learning.� Tatler Schools Guide
4
James A llen’s Girls’ School
HISTORY & ETHOS
Alleyn’s College of God’s Gift began in 1619. James Allen was visionary; in 1741 he founded Dulwich Reading School in the centre of the village with the aim of teaching local boys reading and arithmetic, but also, unusually for the time, to take girls and teach them ‘to read and sew’. In 1886, the school moved to 22 acres of beautiful new ground on East Dulwich Grove. Innovative thinking continued when Dr Lilian Clarke arrived in 1895 as our first science lab was built. She pioneered botany teaching, setting up the Botany Gardens in 1896, where girls still work today. Music was already firmly embedded within the curriculum however, it soared with the arrival of Gustav Holst as music teacher in 1904. Right up to the present day our approach to girls’ education, music and the community has set new boundaries and we are proud of this continuing tradition of innovation.
5
6
James A llen’s Girls’ School
CURRICULUM The academic curriculum at JAGS is designed to offer breadth and opportunity. Every girl is encouraged to explore a wide range of subjects at the beginning of their school career, covering all key areas and including several language options and creative disciplines. As they mature and choose to focus on subject specialisms, the inspirational teaching we offer allows them not only to gain qualifications at the highest level but also to develop research skills and become independent learners. By the time a JAGS girl enters further education she will have a wide knowledge of her chosen areas but also a broader education well beyond the confines of GCSE and A level courses.
YEA R 7 Students take lessons in Art, Drama, English, French, Geography, History, Latin, Maths, Music, PE, Religious Studies, Science, Design & Technology, Computing, together with Civilisation, two periods of activities, and PSHCE. There is no setting or streaming.
YEA R 8 Year 8 study the same core subjects with the addition of a second language chosen from German, Italian, Russian and Spanish, together with one period of activities and PSHCE.
YEA R 9 Year 9 students develop their skills and interests further in these core subjects and PSHCE. Some girls take Classical Civilisation rather than Latin, and try Japanese in a taster class at lunchtimes.
YEA R 10 -11 Girls can take up to 10-11 GCSEs which must include English Language, Maths and the Sciences. All girls are encouraged to study at least one modern foreign language as well as humanities and creative subjects.
LEARNING/ENRICHMENT At JAGS we aim to respond sensitively, quickly and appropriately to any pupil who may need educational provision, valuing all pupils equally. The School aims to cater for all needs within the classroom but there may be times where small group or individual intervention through the support of our SENCO and her team is deemed appropriate. For more information on our curriculum and to find out more about GCSE options please visit our website.
7
“The quality of the pupils’ moral development is excellent. All have a highly developed sense of right and wrong, reflected in their excellent behaviour around school and the genuine respect they show for each other.” Independent School Inspector ate
8
James A llen’s Girls’ School
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
There is such an extensive range of extra-curricular activities at JAGS, it is hard not to find something to enjoy from the clubs and groups currently on offer at lunchtimes and after school: Japanese taster class, film, public-speaking, debating, dance and drama clubs, amnesty, art, Eco group, Eureka maths, madrigals, music theory, music-making of most kinds, history, current affairs, the ethical scientist and philosophy clubs, chess, Christian Union, AFFCAD UK and other Community Action, cross-country, waterpolo, rowing, indoor climbing and sports galore. At JAGS we offer a varied programme of both day trips and longer residential trips tying in with the curriculum but also enhancing extra-curricular activities. Recent trips have included Iceland (Geography), Israel (RS), Malaysia (Sport), Uganda (Charity), Washington/New York (Art, Politics, Economics), Toronto (languages) and two ski trips.
COMMUNITY
At JAGS we encourage pupils to use and develop their own academic, creative, athletic and social skills and qualities to demonstrate a concern for others, whilst developing their own self-confidence and independence in learning more about local, national and international conditions. We encourage girls to engage with the local community in term time and also to volunteer for international projects in the holidays. Students, staff, parents and the entire JAGS community get involved when it comes to JAGS charity events. Whilst each House supports its own charity, we also support worthy causes both locally and on an international scale.
“Pupils’ strong work ethic is as positive and pervasive as their commitment to social responsibility.” Tatler Schools Guide
10
James A llen’s Girls’ School
BURSARIES
At JAGS we want to continue to attract intellectually curious girls, regardless of their economic background, so we have our own means-tested awards - James Allen’s Bursaries. Whilst the bulk of these are available for 11+ entry and Sixth Form admission, they are also awarded for chance vacancy places, or may be applied for by current pupils, should their families find themselves falling on hard times. Bursaries should be applied for subsequent to registration but before the end of December in the year. For more information, visit our website.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Recognising exceptional academic promise, we offer scholarships based on the results of the Academic 11+ Entrance Examination. Art, Music and Sports Scholarships may also be awarded to candidates showing outstanding potential, and these may be applied for at the time of registration or separately, by the stated deadline for each Scholarship. Please note that all 11+ applicants are automatically eligible for an Academic Scholarship and those who score highest in the entrance examination are invited in for a Scholarship assessment. For more information, visit our website.
ADMISSIONS
Our main points of entry for the Senior School are at the 11+, deferred 13+ and 16+ stage. Chance vacancies do occasionally arise in other year groups dependent on availability. For details of how to apply along with key dates, information on fees and further details on scholarships and bursaries, please see the admissions booklet in this prospectus pack or visit our website.
11
“The pastoral care provided throughout the school is excellent, and reflects the good relationships that exist between pupils and staff.� Independent School Inspector ate
12
James A llen’s Girls’ School
PASTORAL CARE
At JAGS we care that your daughter is happy. Most of the time things will go really well. Girls will build good relationships with each other and their teachers and thrive at JAGS. Ensuring consistency of care, every pupil’s form tutor usually remains with them through each Key Stage overseen by their Head of Year and the Assistant Head responsible for their section. JAGS has three School Nurses who are available to deal with medical and personal problems. Students can talk to our counsellors who are available throughout the week along with our Chaplain and Lina, our therapy dog. Sometimes it is felt that a pupil will benefit from having a staff or Sixth Form mentor. Our active House, ‘Sister’ and Prefect system fosters a sense of community spirit bringing together girls of all ages. JAGS offers an excellent PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship Education) programme designed to help girls develop wide reaching skills including empathy, compassion, assertiveness, self-esteem, mental and physical well-being along with the practical skills needed in today’s society. A range of specialists and speakers regularly visit the school hosting workshops and giving talks to pupils, parents, and staff.
13
James A llen’s Girls’ School
FACILITIES
Located in the heart of South London, visitors are often surprised by our extensive facilities and the abundant green spaces. • 22 acres of fields and astro pitches • A state of the art swimming pool • Sports hall, dance studio and climbing wall • Spacious and well stocked libraries • The professionally designed Prissian Theatre • Superb Design and Technology suites • A brand new Music Centre including the Vaughan Williams Auditorium and purpose built practice rooms. • A modern dining hall complemented by the Deep End Café
14
P I C T U R E YO U R S E L F AT J AG S SIXTH FOR M
James Allen’s Girls’ School
1
James A llen’s Girls’ School
WELCOME JAGS Sixth Form will help you to flourish as young adults. Through an ambitious and nurturing environment, we will support and encourage you in all your aspirations. The people, facilities and learning environment of JAGS Sixth Form, underpinned by our warm, personalised and student-centred approach, provide ever y student with the tools required to successfully achieve their goals. A fun, dynamic group of approximately 200 girls, the Sixth Form is structured so that you can take new directions and embrace different opportunities whilst receiving ongoing support from likeminded individuals in your tutor group. Your tutor should share a common academic interest with you and your tutor group will consist of a mix of Year 12 and Year 13 students, enabling you to learn from and also guide your fellow Sixth Form peers. We welcome applications from students who did not sit GCSEs at JAGS and who share our values and learning philosophy. New girls are welcomed every Autumn. The warm, friendly atmosphere of the Sixth Form space, and the close, personal interest that teachers take in each individual make the transition into our Sixth Form a happy and successful experience.
3
4
James A llen’s Girls’ School
ADMISSIONS All girls entering the Sixth Form will have at least 5 GCSE passes at grade 7 or higher with a minimum of grade 6 in English Language and Mathematics. For most subjects, grade 7 is required before continuing with the subject to A level. If a girl wishes to take up a new subject at A-level it is recommended that she has obtained at least a grade 7 in the appropriate related subject at GCSE.
SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES Additional Academic Scholarships are available for girls entering the Sixth Form. Scholarships are mainly awarded on academic merit based on mock results and actual GCSE results. Art and Music Scholarships may also be given for artistic and musical distinction. Means tested bursaries are also available. Please see our website for more details.
5
6
James A llen’s Girls’ School
CURRICULUM The following subjects are available, providing there are sufficient girls choosing them to make them viable: • Art
• History (Pre U)
• Biology
• History of Art
• Chemistry
• Italian
• Classical Civilisation
• Japanese
• Design & Technology
• Latin
• Drama & Theatre Studies
• Mathematics
• Economics
• Music
• English (Pre-U)
• Philosophy
• French
• Physics
• Further Mathematics
• Politics
• Geography
• Religious Studies
• German
• Russian
• Greek
• Spanish
LECTURE PROGRAMME In Y12 and 13 students enjoy a comprehensive lecture programme designed to supplement lessons. Subjects are diverse and cover areas such as university applications, careers and social issues.
PASTORAL We have a dedicated team of staff, comprising both JAGS teaching staff as well as external counsellors, who are on hand to ensure that each individual student is happy. Mixed year tutor groups in the Sixth Form provide a strong network of support and our House system brings pupils of all ages together in their efforts to plan charity and inter-house events.
7
8
James A llen’s Girls’ School
RESULTS AND LIFE AFTER JAGS JAGS consistently ranks in the top 20 of secondary schools in the UK for its A-level results. In 2018, 76% of all A level results were graded A*- A. Girls are supported throughout the university admissions process, kicking off with an Admissions Evening where speakers from a range of universities offer advice on how to handle the process. There are trips to the UCAS Olympia Fair and the Oxford and Cambridge Conference. Practice interviews are arranged for every student and our Oxbridge and Overseas University Co-ordinators are also on hand for those girls who need further help and advice. JAGS students go on to study at a wide range of universities and colleges across the globe, including Oxbridge colleges. In 2018, the top 5 university destinations for JAGS girls were Oxford, Cambridge, London, Leeds and Bristol. For the most up to date list of University places offered to JAGS students please visit our website. Some students go onto take high level internships whilst others take a year out to volunteer both in the UK and abroad. There is also an extensive careers programme at JAGS and pupils are encouraged to seek work shadowing placements either through personal contacts or with the help of the JAGS network of contacts and alumnae. Career seminars are held weekly throughout the year as well as visits and courses.
9
James A llen’s Girls’ School
EXTRA-CURRICULAR AND CO-EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Students in our Sixth Form can take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities from sports clubs to music ensembles as well as The Duke of Edinburgh Award. Sixth Formers often lead lunchtime clubs for girls in the lower years of the school. In the Sixth Form, girls have the opportunity to go on a number of trips, some linking with their studies, whilst other trips are more community based. Students are encouraged to participate in a number of community projects, from our Saturday Literacy Scheme working with local primary schools to helping the elderly by teaching them how to use the latest technology. Our strong relationship with our brother school, Dulwich College, affords plenty of opportunities for collaboration, including drama productions and charity events. Jointly our two schools offer a co-educational programme designed to complement A-level studies and offer new areas of study. Courses on offer range from Teaching Assistant placements and science roadshows to app development and personal training. For more information on this collaboration please visit our website. Charitable endeavours are encouraged and celebrated at JAGS. Many Sixth Formers are involved with ‘Community Action’ and learn to take the lead on initiatives to help and support those in need. Students are also encouraged to volunteer and raise money for charities independently.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES In the Spring term of Y12, students have the opportunity to apply for positions of responsibility, either as Head Girl, House Captain, School Prefect or Subject Prefect. This is an exciting opportunity to enhance and refine leadership and other transferable skills, as well as contribute to the life of the school.
10
James A llen’s Girls’ School
11
James Allen’s Girls’ School 144 East Dulwich Grove London SE22 8TE Telephone: 020 8693 1181 www.jags.org.uk
16