Aims
Our Lady’s Convent High School aims to meet the needs of all its pupils in the 11-19 age range by providing high quality Catholic comprehensive education, within a secure and caring environment, in accordance with
Gospel values. It is a DfES designated Language College. Religious education is developed through the whole curriculum and life of the school, which is fortunate enough to have its own chapel. One of the Assistant Chaplains is a Servite Sister. The school seeks to enable its pupils to reach their maximum potential in all areas of the curriculum, using their talents to the greater glory of God. It aims to help pupils gain a broad cultural enrichment and awareness so that they leave the school as informed, adaptable young people, well prepared for the next stage of their lives. Organisation and Learning
The school is divided into year groups and there are four forms of entry in each year. There are different groupings, based on ability, for some subjects. Every student is expected to do homework regularly; there is a homework timetable and parents are expected to check the homework record. Public Examinations
The school prepares students for SATS and GCSE examinations. Sixth Form students are entered for AS and A2 GCE exams, Intermediate and Advanced level GNVQs. Pupils taking Instrumental Music are entered for the Royal College of Music exams. Decisions about entry are taken after consultation between the Headteacher,
staff, parents and pupils. Pastoral Care and Discipline
The school has high expectations of its pupils in every aspect of their school life. Students are expected to be attentive during lessons, be courteous to their teachers, considerate to their fellow pupils and to work to the best of their ability. Much emphasis is placed on attendance and punctuality and the school works closely with parents to monitor this. Parental Involvement
Each year, every student is given a student’s handbook in which school policy and expectations are outlined. Early and frequent contact with parents is one of the chief means of pastoral care. Parents are invited to a parents’ evening each year where they and their children can talk to staff. Parents may make appointments at any other time to discuss their daughter’s progress. Prefects
Pupils in the Sixth Form are given every opportunity to take on extra responsibility and help with many of the events in school, in order to develop their self-confidence and prepare them for additional responsibility at university or in employment. Uniform
All students are expected to wear full school uniform. This is available from the school outfitter, Henry Taylor of Walthamstow. Admissions criteria
The school’s standard number of admissions at 11 is 120. Our Lady’s Convent High School was founded by the Servite Sisters to provide a Catholic Education for girls and young women. The school admits pupils from the age of 11 who will preserve the nature and character of this 11 – 19 school and whose parents are willing to accept the ethos, aims and procedures of the school. When the number of applicants exceeds the standard number, offers of places are made using the following criteria in order of priority.
- Catholic "looked-after" children
- Baptised Catholic girl from practising Catholic* family. This will be determined by reference to the applicants baptism certificate and a completed priest's reference from the priest in the parish where they normally worship.*
- Baptised Catholic girl. This will be determined by reference to the applicants baptism certificate.
- Other 'looked after' girl.
- Baptised Christian girl from baptised Christian family. This will be determined by reference to the applicants baptism certificate and a completed priest's reference from the priest in the parish where they normally worship.
- Baptised Christian girl. This will be determined by reference to the applicants baptism certificate.
Within each category above, where oversubscription occurs, preference will be given according to the following order:
a) Consideration is given to sisters of siblings who already attend Our Lady's Convent High School where there is evidence that the family is willing to support the ethos, aims and procedures of the school.
b) Those living nearest to the school, as measured directly on the map.
In addition to the above criteria, the Governing Body will also consider admission on social or medical grounds. To demonstrate an exceptional social, medical or pastoral need of a child, which can be most appropriately met at this school, the governing body will normally require written evidence from an appropriate professional at the time of application.
The school maintains a waiting list, ranked according to the published criteria, and places will be offered as and when vacancies occur.
Applications lodged outside the normal admission arrangements will be considered in accordance with the published criteria.
Admission to the Sixth Form
Our Lady’s Convent works with other schools as part of North Partnership Area.
Boys & Girls are admitted to the Sixth Form in Our Lady's Convent in accordance with the following criteria:
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Candidates should be practising Catholics or practising Christians, who wish to continue their education in an explicitly Christian environment.
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For applicants who are already attending the school, places are awarded to those who are supportive of the aims, values and ethos of the school, and who can demonstrate that they will benefit from the education offered in the Sixth Form.
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For external candidates applying to join the Sixth Form, admission is subject to satisfactory reference from their previous school.
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All candidates are asked to attend an interview.
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Admission to particular courses is dependent on the student meeting specific course requirements. These are:
• for AS level -a minimum of 5 GCSE passes at grade C or above, with a minimum of grade B or above in the subject to be taken at AS level.
• for A2 level -candidates should normally have obtained a pass, preferably at grade C or above at AS level.
• for AVCE courses, a minimum of 4 GCSE passes at grade C or above.
• for VCE courses, a mixture of GCSE passes at grades C and D.
Open days and evenings
The school will be open at the following times for visits by parents:
Thursday 20 September 2007
6pm -7.30pm
The Headteacher's talk is at 7.30pm
Subjects
Years 7-9 (ages 11-14)
• Religious Education
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• History
• IT
• Geography
• French
• Spanish
• Mandarin Chinese (all in Year 7, group in Year 8)
• Art
• Music
• Physical Education
• Personal, Social and Moral Education, Citizenship, (including careers education and guidance)
• Design Technology
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Years 10-11 (ages 14-16)
• Religious Studies
• English Language
• English Literature
• Mathematics
• Science (dual award)
• Art and Design
• Design Technology
• Graphics
• Textiles
• Information and Communications Technology (GCSE and vocational award)
• Health and Social Care (BTEC award)
• History
• Geography
• French
• Spanish
• Physical Education
• Music
• Personal, Social and Moral Education Guidance, Citizenship (including careers guidance, workrelated
learning) is given to girls
to ensure that they make a
balanced choice of GCSE subjects)
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Subjects in the Sixth Form (ages 16-19)
Our Lady's is part of the Sixth Form consortium together with Cardinal Pole Roman Catholic School and The Skinners' Company's School.
All students follow courses in general RE and student guidance. There is also the opportunity to study further language courses, made possible through our Language College status.
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A and A/S level
• Art and design
• Biology
• Business studies
• Chemistry
• Classics
• Design Technology
• English Literature
• Geography
• Government and Politics
• French
• History
• ICT
• Mathematics
• Further Mathematics
• Music
• Music Technology
• Religious Studies
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Psychology
• Spanish
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Two subjects are offered at VCE and AVCE level:
• Business studies
• Health and social care
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Extra curricular activities
All students from Year 7 onwards are encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities, either at lunchtime or after school. These activities include:
• Prayer group
• Instrumental music in voice, clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, guitar, violin, cello (admission by audition)
• Chamber choir
• Retreats and personal development courses
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Clubs include: reading, maths, piano, computing, athletics, aerobics and fitness, basketball, netball, performing arts, junior dance, junior drama
There are many different opportunities throughout the year groups for students to take part in international travel – recent destinations include France, Spain, China, Bolivia, USA, Greece and Italy.
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0208 820 7000