Education Supplement 2019

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Newbury Weekly News

Peter Symonds College

PETER Symonds College is a fantastic place to study where students enjoy being part of a vibrant, exciting community. By offering an unrivalled programme of subjects, enrichment opportunities and award-winning specialist support the college gives all its students the opportunity to excel. Peter Symonds College has a great reputation for academic excellence and the most recent results from August 2019 support that. The pass rate for A-level was 98 per cent with more than a third of the grades awarded being at A* or A (34 per cent), and the proportion of the very highest grades (A*, A, B) an impressive 62 per cent. The pass rate for vocational courses was a superb 100 per cent, with 80 per cent of grades awarded at Distinction or above. Students go on to top universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Group universities, successful employment or apprentice- ships at leading companies and many of the college’s music students have secured places at some of the country’s top conservatoires and music colleges. Students also make significantly better than expected progress on both A-level and vocational courses, based on the GCSEs they start with. The college is proud of the support available to all students and won the Sixth

The Downs School

commitment the pupils have given to their learning – 28 per cent of the A-level pupils were awarded A*-A grades, 56 per cent A*-B grades and 79 per cent A*-C grades. At GCSE, 14 per cent of all exams taken resulted in grades 8/9 (A* and above) and 25 per cent were grade 7-9 (A and above), 81 per cent of pupils achieved at least the standard pass 4-9 (C to above A*) in English and mathematics, and 56 per cent achieved the strong pass 5-9 (B to above A*) in both subjects. Visitors are welcomed to the school. Please see the dates of the forthcoming open evening and open morning below. Alternatively, please telephone the school to make an appointment. Open Evening – Thursday, October 3, 6.30pm-8.46pm Open Morning – Wednesday, October 9, 10am-noon

excellence by offering an interesting, challenging and lively curriculum. Pupils gain academic, creative, sporting and social skills, both in and out of the classroom, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience for all. They also place a strong emphasis on the partnership between staff, students and parents and respect the trust placed upon them by parents who actively choose the school for their children. The Sixth Form is vibrant, welcoming, all-inclusive and purposeful. Staff, pupils and parents work together to create an environment in which young people are supported to realise their full potential and achieve their personal goals. The Downs School has a proven track record of success and are incredibly proud of excellent exam results this year, reflecting the hard work and

THE Downs School and Sixth Form is set in the heart of the West Berkshire Downs. Staff are committed to excellence and achievement at all levels and develop their pupils into well-rounded young adults, able to venture into a rapidly-changing world with confidence and determination. These principles are summed up in the school vision ‘Educating today’s young people for the world of tomorrow’. Judged as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in every category, The Downs is not a school to stand still. To ensure that every child’s educational experience is as rich, character-building and high as possible, they are striving to move beyond outstanding through their philosophy ‘Learning together, learning for life’.

Peter Symonds College students celebrate their results

music and is home to the Hampshire Specialist Music Course. An extensive variety of musi- cal performance opportunities for both those studying music and those who enjoy music as a recreational activity includes performances on campus and in external venues including Winchester Cathedral and local clubs. Travel, perform and develop through sport, exercise, music or volunteering, improve your wellbeing, learn new skills or develop current hobbies – your options are endless. Open evenings for 2020 entry are 5.30pm-8.30pm on Wednesday, October 23, and Thursday, October 24 – come and see for yourself.

Form Colleges Association Annual Award for Student Support in summer 2018. There’s a truly amazing range of opportunities outside the classroom, with more than 150 different activities on offer to develop new skills, explore current interests and meet new people. Peter Symonds can’t be beaten for competitive sport, with a phenomenal list of sporting achievements and a coaching staff that includes professional athletes and trainers who ensure sports teams and individuals achieve their very best representing the college at both regional and national level. The college also has a national reputation for excellence in

They provide a balanced approach to the pursuit of

open evenings Peter Symonds College for 2020 entry

OPEN EVENING Thursday, 3 October, 6:30pm

OPEN MORNING Wednesday, 9 October, 10am-Noon

Hear the Principal’s presentation

w ed n es d ay 2 3 & th u r sd ay 24 o c to be r 2 019 5 . 30 –8 .30 pm

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

• Exceptional teaching, high expectations and inspired, highly motivated students • A curriculum characterised by richness and diversity • Strong school/parent partnership • Proven track record of academic success • Judged by Ofsted as ‘Outstanding’ • Vibrant and engaging Sixth Form, with a strong sense of community • Excellent support with careers and university applications The Downs School, Compton, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 6AD. For further information please contact us on (01635) 270000 or visit www.thedownsschool.org

studen 99% 150 Outstanding t support

Peter Symonds Owens Road

Winchester SO22 6RX

pass rate at A level

enrichment activities