Dulwich College Junior School Prospectus 2015

Dulwich College Junior School Prospectus 2015

Junior School Prospectus

Junior School Prospectus

It is vital that our boys feel good about themselves as learners, as people and as part of a community, and we work hard to nurture a positive, purposeful and happy atmosphere. The Junior School is an integral part of Dulwich College, sharing the same aims and values but having the distinctive and special qualities of a Junior School. Our boys are bright, interesting and full of boundless enthusiasm for the opportunities around them. We provide pupils with an academically challenging curriculum while also encouraging them to explore their creative potential through Music, Drama and Art. As well as the many sporting opportunities the College provides, we have an extensive co-curricular programme to help boys develop and pursue their own interests and talents. As teachers, our work begins by nurturing the boys’ qualities and skills which have been fostered at home. We believe in working with you to encourage your child to achieve high academic standards, to be confident, courteous, responsible and independent. We will help to instil a sense of right and wrong, respect and tolerance for others and self discipline. If you think this might be the right school for your son, we warmly invite you to visit us and look forward to meeting you. At Dulwich College Junior School we seek to create a stimulating environment in which boys can enjoy learning. Every boy is treated as an individual and encouraged to develop his own talents and abilities to the full.

The Headmaster’s Welcome

From the Master

When I’m asked to define the College in one sentence I often say that it is a ‘doing’ school which suits boys who want to get involved with everything – whether they have a natural aptitude for a given activity or are simply enthusiasts. The provision of excellent teaching and learning is our priority and to this we add an exciting array of co-curricular activities which we believe results in a first-class holistic education. offer academic challenges which enable each pupil to realise his potential; create an environment that promotes an independent work ethic and encourages all pupils to acquire a love of learning; provide sporting, cultural and adventurous engagement for all our pupils to enjoy and through which they can learn to work co-operatively and to lead; nurture a supportive community that encourages a sense of social responsibility and spiritual and personal development; ensure that all our pupils feel equally secure and valued. Our responsibility is to ensure that we fulfil these aims and build on our achievements to enable current and future Alleynians to be well prepared for the exciting challenges of life in the 21st century. Our mission is to:

Dr Toby Griffiths, Headmaster of Dulwich College Junior School

Dr JAF Spence, Master, Dulwich College

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Junior School Prospectus

The Dulwich Spirit

There is a warm and vibrant atmosphere here and we encourage boys to participate in all aspects of school life. By the time they move on to the Lower School, pupils will have been given the chance to explore, to be curious and to ask questions. We want to motivate our boys to take ownership of their learning, helping them to build a solid foundation for life in the senior school and beyond. Junior School as a place where boys can be and do everything, where they will be challenged inside and outside the classroom and have plenty of opportunities to have fun and play. Dulwich College has established a tradition of inspired learning, genuine scholarship and free thinking. We describe the

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Junior School Prospectus

The Junior School

There are around 220 boys in the Junior School. Most join us at seven years old (Year 3) but we also have a small number of places at 8+ (Year 4) and 9+ (Year 5) and occasional vacancies at 10+ (Year 6). We are academically selective, in line with the other entry points to Dulwich College, and celebrate the diverse range of schools and backgrounds from which our pupils come.

The Dulwich Campus

The Junior School is a bright, purpose- built building situated within the College’s 70 acres of leafy grounds and extensive facilities. This gives the boys the best of both worlds: a safe and nurturing environment from which to venture forth and enjoy the benefits of a larger school. The College campus is continually evolving, its historic buildings combining with contemporary space. Our most recent project is The Laboratory, whose exhibition and performance area will make it a place in which the whole College and the wider community are able to come together, as well as a home for boys to embark on their own adventures in Science.

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Junior School Prospectus

A commitment to teaching and effective learning lies at the heart of all that we do. We teach our boys the skills that will stand them in good stead when they move to the Lower School in Year 7. As well as acquiring knowledge, we want them to learn how to engage in critical thinking, to be able to organise themselves, be confident and articulate, to take responsibility for their own learning and to be aspirational. Teaching and Learning

Free Learning

All our pupils are ambitious academically and we want each to find their areas of interest. We facilitate learning beyond the classroom and the syllabus with a range of co-curricular activities to ensure that boys receive a first-class holistic education.

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Junior School Prospectus

The Curriculum

In Years 3 and 4, boys receive most of their teaching from their Form Tutors. They are also taught by specialist staff for French, Art, Design Technology, Music and Games. While Form Tutors play an essential role in the boys’ holistic education, from Year 5 pupils are increasingly taught by subject specialist staff. We believe that teaching Junior School pupils is a specialist area itself and children are best taught by those who understand the specific needs of this age group. All boys are taught Mathematics, English, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Science, French, Art, Design Technology, Music, Computing, Wellbeing, Games and PE. With a full-time Librarian and a stock of around 8,000 books, DVDs and audiobooks, the Junior School Library is open 8.30am- 5pm. The library is at the heart of the school, whether hosting lunchtime Year 3 storytelling where boys can relax as they are read a story aloud, or Year 6 Book Club for those who enjoy talking about books and making recommendations to each other. The library supports the boys’ learning by providing opportunities for research, assisting in the development of information-handling skills and promoting a reading culture throughout the school. Read all about it

“Lessons are planned to encourage boys to be active participants in the learning process. We want boys to think confidently for themselves and to be excited about coming to school.”

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Junior School Prospectus

Wellbeing

prepared for the world of work. They are provided with mentoring opportunities and encouraged to get involved with local and international communities. The extensive wellbeing team includes Form Tutors, Year Group Co-ordinators, Housemasters, the College Counsellor, the Chaplaincy team, and Medical Centre staff. These people form a far-reaching network of support accessible to all boys in the whole College. While we are a Christian foundation with our own Chaplain, the College values that its pupils are drawn from a wide variety of faith traditions.

Our pioneering wellbeing programme underpins school life. The programme comprises six strands: emotional health, spiritual health, physical health, living in the community, healthy living and preparation for the future. In the Junior School the boys learn about friendships, family relationships, citizenship and mindfulness. We use circle time and a shared language based on positive feelings and kindness to develop their emotional literacy. This journey is continued throughout the whole College where the boys are taught tactics to encourage resilience, handle stress and prepare for examinations as well as being

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Junior School Prospectus

The Creative Arts

Engaging in the Arts is a vital part of the College’s philosophy and we ensure Junior School boys can explore and develop their creative potential, whether it is in an art studio, a music room or the Edward Alleyn Theatre.

Art & Design Technology

the classroom we arrange trips to galleries to study the work of artists. The boys’ work is celebrated with regular displays and through House competitions, and there is a range of art, drawing and DT co-curricular options, one of the most innovative being French Aviation Club where they learn to make and fly foam radio-controlled planes while developing French-speaking skills at the same time!

In Art lessons we aim to stimulate the boys’ creativity and encourage them to use their imagination, working across different materials and techniques. By Year 6 some will already have developed the beginnings of a personal style. Weekly double lessons in Design Technology help them develop strong design and creative skills on a variety of projects. Pupils are taught by specialist subject teachers in our dedicated Junior School Art and DT Rooms and outside

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Junior School Prospectus

“The Music department is seen as first rate. A Year 5 pupil recently won the prestigious Bach Piano Competition, open to the whole College.”

The Good Schools Guide

Music

Music is an integral part of College life for Junior School pupils and every boy who learns an instrument at school is invited to participate in an ensemble. In Year 3 all boys are taught a stringed instrument and in Year 4 they all play brass or woodwind during their music lessons. There are lots of opportunities to perform throughout the year either as a member of a choir or in one of the many Junior or whole College ensembles and orchestras. Co-curricular clubs are popular too – using the Macs in Music Technology or playing the drums in Percussion are particular favourites with the boys. All boys in the Junior School participate in regular class Assemblies and perform in a Year Group play or drama event at some point in the school year. Recent Year 6 productions in the Edward Alleyn Theatre have included Bugsy Malone, Wind in the Willows and Treasure Island. Theatre visits are organised for all Year Groups and theatre groups visit us regularly. LAMDA speech and drama classes are available from Year 4 as a co-curricular option with classes at lunchtime or after school. LAMDA gives boys an appreciation of poetry, prose and play text and a chance to develop their communication and performance skills. Drama & Performance

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Junior School Prospectus

Physical Education and Games

With 70 acres of grounds, a PE Centre, tennis and squash courts, a swimming pool and a boat-house on the Thames, there is plenty of Games provision at the College. The Junior School has an inclusive ethos. We believe each boy should have the chance to experience a range of games and to play in a team, in an atmosphere which seeks to encourage good sportsmanship and a healthier lifestyle through physical activity. During the Michaelmas and Lent terms, the programme rotates between rugby, hockey and football, while cricket and athletics take place in the Summer. There are swimming lessons throughout the year.

“I like going to Dulwich College because it’s just amazing. Everything you do here is fun, creative and challenging. I really like the sports here too. We do rugby, hockey, football, cricket, swimming, tennis and athletics. I love the school trips and doing Art and Design Technology. I think Dulwich is a great school and recommend going to every boy there is.”

Peter – Year 6

David Lee

In every year group there are many opportunities for boys to compete in matches against other schools in all the major sports. Boys are also entered for local and national competitions and have enjoyed numerous triumphs in rugby, hockey, football, cricket and swimming. We regard sport as part of the boys’ overall wellbeing; it contributes to their fitness, their ability to work in a team and their capacity to deal with both success and failure with good grace.

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Junior School Prospectus

The Outdoor Centre provides our boys with the opportunity to be away from home in a secure environment. They learn life skills such as being responsible for their own belongings, stepping out of their comfort zone and learning to live happily with others even if they do not do things their way. But most of all, it provides boys with the opportunity to have great fun; they take away memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. walking or climbing, while putting their geography lessons into practical use. Dulwich College has its own Outdoor Centre in the heart of the Brecon Beacons. All boys in Years 4 and 5 go away for four or five days with their Form during the Summer Term. While there, they take on physical challenges such as hill

The Outdoor Centre

“You get amazing trips! You get to go to Wales, France and seven junior boys, including me, went to China. You really get to bond with your friends and classmates because you share dorms together.”

Alfie – Year 6

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Junior School Prospectus

Co-curricular Activities

From Cycling to Sewing

The Junior School’s wide range of clubs is regularly adapted and designed to keep pace with the boys’ diverse and evolving interests – from card games, debating, gardening and sewing, to cycling, guitar, fundraising and Lego. Clubs run for half an hour at lunchtime and for an hour after school and include Homework Club and after-school care until 6pm every day.

“The co-curricular activities … I knew there was a lot on offer but I am delighted at the way in which my son is able to try new things and how much he is enjoying them.”

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Parent

Junior School Prospectus

Our Community

House System

On joining us, each boy is allocated one of eight Day Houses to which he will belong throughout his time at the College. As part of his induction, he will be paired up with an older boy from his House who will act as his buddy. The House system enables all boys to participate in a wide range of sporting and cultural competitions. We also start each academic year with a House Teambuilding Day, where boys tackle physical, mental and practical challenges. The opportunity to work co-operatively, to recognise the contribution of others and to utilise their own strengths for the good of their team is invaluable. Boys are encouraged to develop a sense of moral responsibility and an interest in the world beyond their immediate environment. We select three charities to support each year and we hold a number of fundraising events throughout the school year, promoting the importance of community participation and the undertaking of charitable giving. Recently, we have supported London Air Ambulance, Comic Relief and Clic Sargent. In the past year, fund-raising efforts have included cake sales, sponsored reads, movie nights and joke-telling competitions. Serving Others

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Junior School Prospectus

Beyond the Junior School

Our expectation is that all the boys transfer to the Lower School (Years 7 and 8) and we prepare our boys for the same examination that will be taken by external applicants in the January of their final year with us. Following that examination, Junior School boys progress smoothly to Year 7, the Lower School, and beyond. By the time the boys leave us they will have experienced all the facets of their abilities, finding their own strengths and understanding their weaknesses. When they transfer, they will be encouraged to pursue their passions and talents and to set their own personal goals.

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Contact us

Further information on all aspects of the Junior School can be found on our website: www.dulwich.org.uk/junior-school. Guidance on visiting the Junior School, the registration process, fees, scholarship and bursaries is contained in the supplement to this prospectus.

For enquiries regarding admission, including arranging a visit, please contact: Entry into Years 3-6 (ages 7-10) The Junior School Registrar Telephone: +44 (0)20 8299 8432 Email: [email protected] Entry into Year 7 and Year 9 (ages 11 and 13) The Registrar Telephone: +44 (0)20 8299 9263 Email: [email protected]

Entry into Year 12 (age 16) The Upper School Registrar Telephone: +44 (0)20 8299 9281 Email: [email protected]

DUCKS co-educational Kindergarten and Infants’ School (ages 6 months to 7 years) The DUCKS Registrars

The recurring algorithm throughout the prospectus reflects the pattern on the exterior of our new Science building, The Laboratory. This pattern derives from Lindenmayer systems used across the Sciences and adopted by composers and artists to replicate the algorithmic beauty of the natural order. The recurring pattern has been established on the building in shades of terracotta and concrete to represent order in nature and the unity of learning in a unique design, connecting with the richness of the historic Barry Buildings and the wide green spaces of the College campus.

Telephone: +44 (0)20 8693 1538 Email: [email protected]

It was developed collaboratively by Grimshaw, architects of The Laboratory, and the sculptor Peter Randall-Page.

Photography by Daniel Shearing Design by Anderson Norton Design

Telephone: +44 (0)20 8299 9248 Email: [email protected] Web: www.dulwich.org.uk/junior-school