Nottingham Girls' High School 诺丁汉女子高中

What it's like
Founded in 1875, it occupies a single site adjacent to a pretty park in the middle of Nottingham. The original Victorian houses have been modernised and there have been extensive additions to create a well-equipped school. The junior school is housed in new buildings next to the senior school. Pupils come from a wide range of backgrounds. A good academic education is provided in all areas, including technology, and examination results are excellent. Strong in music, as well as in art and drama. High standards are achieved in games and sports; there is a new sports hall and fitness suite. Many extra-curricular activities are joint with Nottingham High (Boys).

 
Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 1088 day girls. Senior department 11-18, 820 girls. Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 7, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam; for sixth form entry, 8 GCSEs with grade B in sixth form subjects and as overall average. No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 30+% of intake at 11 and at 16. Many senior pupils from own junior department (enquiries tel 0115 950 0423).

 
Scholarships & bursaries
Approximately 10 pa academic scholarships, value 10%-20% fees (5 each at 11 and 16). 20-30 bursaries, linked to family income. Extras include lessons from peripatetic staff and meals.

 
Head & staff
Headmistress: Mrs Susan Gorham, appointed in 2005. Educated at Manchester University (French). Teaching staff: 67 full time, 30 part time (including visiting musicians). Annual turnover 5%.

 
Exam results
GCSE: 124 pupils in Year 11: 100% gained 5+ GCSEs at grade C or above (average gained 10 GCSEs). A level: 110 in upper sixth: 35% passed 4+, 64% passed 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by each pupil 450.

 
Pupils' destinations
96% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (11% after a gap year), 10% to Oxbridge. 14% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 20% in science and engineering, 28% in humanities and social sciences, 34% in other vocational subjects. Others typically go straight into careers.

 
Curriculum
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 23 GCSE subjects offered (including Russian); 24 AS-level, 23 A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (good mix of arts and sciences); 3 at A-level. AS and A-level general studies optional. Vocational: Work experience compulsory in Year 11. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Russian to GCSE only. Regular work experience in Europe. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 150 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Whiteboards have been installed in most classrooms.

 
The arts
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 10 musical groups including choirs, orchestras, concert band, flute choir, many chamber music ensembles. Drama and dance: Both offered as class lessons. Many pupils are involved in school and other productions. Some pupils participate in television drama workshops. Art and design: On average 30 take GCSE, 10 A-level. Design and textiles also offered. Pupils regularly go on art and design foundation courses.

 
Sports & activities
Sport: Hockey, netball, gym, dance, tennis, swimming, athletics, rounders, aerobics, basketball. Sixth form only: step aerobics, yoga, self-defence. County players at all ages in netball, hockey, cross-country. Some national players. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Up to 30 clubs, including debating, drama, manga, computing, modern languages.

 
School life
Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Head girl and deputies elected by the school. Elected sixth form executive committee and school council. Religion: Non-denominational. Social: Debating, drama and music, politics and quizzes with Nottingham High (Boys). Annual skiing holiday, educational cruises and holidays; exchanges with schools overseas. Pupils allowed to bring own cars to school. Meals self-service.

 
Discipline
Based on a clear understanding of mutual consideration and self-discipline. Lunchtime and after-school detentions if necessary. Parents are kept informed of problems and encouraged to help maintain standards eg checking homework is done and correct uniform worn.