Independent Schools 2017

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Newbury Weekly News

St Helen & St Katharine STAFF and students at St Helen and St Katharine in Fostering excitement in education

received the reward for their efforts,” said headmistress Rebecca Dougall. “Here at St Helen’s we aim to foster a happy environment with relationships built on kindness and respect. “We know that the most lasting successes are based upon devel- oping the self-belief and confi- dence of our girls while main- taining a tradition of high aspira- tion and academic achievement.” The school is divided into four, providing the optimal pastoral care and support needed for the different age groups. From the Junior department – with girls aged from nine to 11 – to the Lower and Middle Schools and Sixth Form, staff are experi- enced at providing the right guid- ance for their students. The students are encouraged to mix through use of the House

system, which competes in big events such as sports day and the House Music Competition. Eager to learn, and motivated to do their best, students take advantage of the many opportu- nities on offer. They are encouraged to chal- lenge themselves and to take risks, both academically and beyond the classroom; and the school is committed to creating a secure and supportive environ- ment in which girls feel they can make mistakes as they learn. St Helen’s place great emphasis on a broad extracurricular programme. A wide range of sports is avail- able, from the traditional rounders and lacrosse through to biathlon, sailing and ballet. Physical fitness is vital and catered for by means of the brand new sports centre, featuring national league standard courts, a fitness suite, an ergo suite and a group cycling room. Students can participate purely for fun or excel through selective teams and groups. Drama is also a key part of school life, from joint Sixth Form productions with Abingdon School through to the play-writ- ing competition being staged and performed in the dedicated Performing Arts Centre. Drama productions are often supported by the music depart- ment, who also put on a large number of productions through- out the year, featuring different clubs and groups from jazz and rock through to chamber music and wind bands.

Abingdon start the new school year with brighter smiles than ever. The last month has seen the outcome of two years’ work for GCSE and A-level students – and the results have been everything they could have wished for. With an impressive 93 per cent A*-B grades and well over a third of students obtaining straight A* at A-level, St Helen’s has confirmed again its position as one of the leading girls’ schools in the country. GCSE results have been equally outstanding, with 92 per cent A*- A and 70 per cent of grades at A*; nearly a quarter of students achieved a clean sweep of A* grades. “We are extremely proud of all our students who have worked so hard over the last two years and

artistically inclined. Every aspect of the curriculum – and extracurricular activity – is catered for in a very up-to-date way. Students achieve excellent academic results and this is unquestionably supported by the range of extracurricular activi- ties that foster creativity, strength, determination and the achievement of personal goals. This well-rounded education encourages the students to believe in themselves and prepares and equips them for life beyond school. Book your place at the open day on, Saturday September 30 or

In addition girls are encouraged to explore their interests and try new things, from Young Enter- prise to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, or take part in any number of trips and excursions from city visits and foreign exchanges to ski trips and outward bound adventures. For the more literary-minded, there are book clubs and creative writing groups in the state-of-the- art library facility and science buffs can take advantage of the new science centre with 12 addi- tional laboratories, break out spaces and a 200sqm science- themed glass atrium. A new 3D design centre with space for ceramics and design and technology caters for the

THE Joint Bus Service offers an extensive bus network which collects students from around Oxfordshire and Berk- shire and takes them to one of three schools in Abingdon – St Helen and St Katharine, Abingdon School and Manor Preparatory School – all based in close proximity. The service currently brings more than 1,100 children to school from as far afield as Newbury, Oxford, Witney and Reading. Go by bus!

arrange a visit at www.shsk.org.uk

“Academic. Friendly. Inspiring.” The top three words chosen by current parents to describe our school

Open Day – Saturday 30 September, 9.30am – 1.30pm

Sixth Form Open Evening – Thursday 5 October, 5.00pm Junior Open Afternoon – Thursday 12 October, 1.30pm

Book your place via www.shsk.org.uk

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

01235 530593 www.shsk.org.uk