►►►其它中学

Cobham Hall,卡波翰中学 Cobham, Kent DA12 3BL
Tel: 01474 823371
Fax: 01474 825906
Website: www.cobhamhall.com
• GIRLS, 11–18, Day & Boarding (full & weekly)
• Pupils 220, Upper sixth 26
• Termly fees £3600–£4450 (Day), £5520–£6450 (Boarding)
• GSA, BSA, Round Square
• Enquiries/application to the Registrar

What it’s like
Opened as an independent public school for girls in 1962. It is a member of the Round Square and thus its aims are based on the pioneering ideals of Kurt Hahn. The main building, once the home of the Earls of Darnley, is a very fine example of an Elizabethan country mansion which contains some work by Inigo Jones. It lies in a superb site of 150 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland in the countryside. There are modern extensions including a purpose-built activities centre. A house system operates and there is an efficient tutorial system. The school is international and inter-denominational. The staff:student ratio is very favourable and examination results are good. Music, drama and art play an important part in the life of the school. Sport and games are well catered for and standards are high. There is a plentiful range of extra-curricular activities. Many of the senior girls are involved in voluntary community services locally and help local organisations in their spare time; many participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 11–18; 220 girls (90 day, 130 boarding).
Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, interview, report from head and GCSEs (usually grades B in sixth-form subjects). All-rounders looked for; no religious requirements. Small state school entry.

Scholarships, bursaries & extras Some 10 pa scholarships in total: some on entry at 11, 12 and 13; also sixth-form scholarships. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; maximum extras £300.

Parents 40+% live within 30 miles; 30+% live overseas.

Head & staff
Headmistress: Helen Davy, in post from 2003. Educated at Oxford University (history). Previously Senior Mistress at Roedean.
Teaching staff: 36 full time, 15 part time. Average age 40.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 25 pupils in upper fifth: 44% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 61% in 5–7 subjects. Average GCSE score 51 (over 5 years).
A-levels: 26 in upper sixth: 100% passed in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 310.

University & college entrance 95% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course (10% after a gap year). 18% took courses in science & engineering, 9% in law, 36% in humanities & social sciences, 18% in art & design, 18% in other subjects eg IT, finance. Others typically go on to art college.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels, Vocational A-levels (AVCE). 21 AS/A-level subjects, 1 AVCE.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, all take AS-level general studies. 41% take science A-levels; 59% arts/humanities. Key skills developed through general studies programme, sixth-form courses and activities eg DoE careers advice.
Special provision: Dyslexic unit; EFL.
Languages: French, German, Russian, Spanish and Latin offered at GCSE and A-level. Regular exchanges to France, Germany, Russia and Spain. Lectures, cultural festivals, foreign film club. 25 pupils from Europe in school.
ICT: Taught across the curriculum Years 7–9. RSA, Clait and C&G Diploma offered in sixth form; also GCSE, AS and A-level offered. 2 computer suites, computers in sixth-form houses – all networked and with email and internet access; other computers in all subject departments.

The arts
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestra, choir, wind band. Regular concerts and music festivals.
Drama & dance: Drama offered; also ballet, tap and modern dancing as extras. GCSE theatre studies, A-level drama, RSA and LAMDA exams may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school productions.
Art & design: On average, 22 take GCSE, 10 A-level. Design, photography also offered. Typically, 5 pa pupils accepted for art school.

Sport & activities
Sport: Swimming, tennis, netball, basketball, hockey, football, volleyball, table tennis, cross-country, rounders, athletics, golf, dance, trampolining, gymnastics, yoga, aerobics, self-defence, badminton, lifesaving, riding, weight training, skiing, judo available; some compulsory.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Community service optional; many take part in local community schemes, charity fundraising events in school. Clubs include computer, debating, cookery, art, toymaking, craft, languages, gymnastics, football, cross country.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Head girl and deputy elected by school; head of house and house prefects. School council and student management team.
Religion: All religions welcomed.
Social: General-knowledge quizzes, debates, joint musical productions, sport, dances and discos with other schools; organised weekend activities; Dungeon Café run by girls. Trips to eg America, Africa, France, Spain, Russia; exchanges with Australia, North America, France, Germany, Spain. Senior pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline Aims to be firm but not repressive. Pupils regularly failing to produce prep, for example, might expect detention and work re-done at weekend under Headmistress’s supervision (at discretion of staff concerned).

Boarding Sixth form have study bedrooms in separate houses. Other houses, of approx 30, same age. Resident qualified nurse. Central dining room (seniors can provide and cook food at breakfast and supper in own houses). 2 termly exeats. Visits to local town and Bluewater allowed at weekends.

Alumni association Chairman, Cobham Hall Elders: Mrs S Buchanan, Victoria Cottage, Wrotham Road, Meopham, Kent DA13 0AN.

Former pupils Jane How (actress); Princess Mutawakkilah of Brunei; Mary-Ann Sieghart; Duchess of Northumberland; Francesca Amfitheatrof (jewellery designer); Charlotte Metcalf (film director); Marina and Jennie Churchill; Clementine Hambro; Serena Gordon (actress); Saba Douglas-Hamilton (TV presenter); Mishal Hussain (BBC World newsreader); Amelia Troubridge (photographer); Antonia von Pruessen (Duchess of Westminster).