Figures and Rudiments Learning

In Years 7 and 8 (Figures and Rudiments) pupils will be assigned a Tutor. Tutors keep records of attendance and academic progress for each pupil in the group, and they are also aware of individual circumstances and needs. The Tutor will operate with the support of other specialists, such as the Health Centre, the Lay Chaplain, the School Counsellor, the SENco and the wider Pastoral Team. We continue to provide support for the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND or EAL, to ensure that all are included fully in the life of the school. Both Class Teachers and Tutors (Years 7 and 8) work closely alongside the Assistant Head (pastoral).

Pupils in Aloysius House study a broad, stretching curriculum which gives them an opportunity to experience a range of subjects before they begin to specialise and choose subjects for GCSE at the end of Lower grammar (Year 9). The structure of the curriculum for pupils in Figures (Year 7) and Rudiments is shown below.

Modern foreign languages teaching begins in the early years and by Y7 pupils typically learn three. Pupils also benefit from a well-resourced Learning Support department whose team includes a full-time English as an additional language (EAL) teacher.

Children’s progress is tracked and monitored throughout their schooling using a range of diagnostic tools, standardised assessments and specialist teacher knowledge. We are proud that our pupils consistently achieve academic results well above the national standard and beyond their own predicted grades.

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Teaching


 

Small class sizes

High levels of individual attention are paramount in achieving our aims and with small class sizes, our teaching staff are able to ensure each child is fully known, valued and supported. Small class sizes mean that our teachers can focus closely on individual needs, providing pupils with the confidence to contribute their ideas without feeling intimidated and ensuring the strongest teacher-pupil rapport upon which each child’s engagement and progress can be maximised.

 

 

English as an additional language (EAL)

Stonyhurst is blessed with pupils of many different nationalities. We have traditionally welcomed pupils from various countries around the world including Spain, Mexico, Hong Kong, Korea, France, Germany and the Ukraine.

The EAL Department aims to develop:

  • The pupil’s ability to communicate effectively in English in different situations.
  • The pupil’s understanding of the spoken and written language.
  • Linguistic ability.
  • Insights into Britain and its culture.
  • An understanding that the multilingualism of our EAL pupils enriches out school and our community.

For pupils from overseas who require extra support in English, we offer an EAL curriculum which covers language development and exam preparation. The exams offered include the Cambridge KET, PET, FCE, CAE and CPE examinations, which are regulated by the ESOL department of the University of Cambridge. Whilst attaining one of its certificates is an achievement and a reward in itself, there are also many other benefits to taking them:  

  • Certificates are valid for life  
  • Achievements are recognised around the world for business and educational purposes  
  • Thousands of employers, universities and government departments officially recognise the Cambridge ESOL examinations  
  • Please refer to details of the Cambridge examinations at the Cambridge ESOL website below:  

    www.cambridgeesol.org  

Specialist teaching

Taking a solid academic approach with specialist teaching, children are presented with opportunities to develop a broad range of skills. Pupils regularly move to different classrooms and specialist teaching areas throughout the day, which helps to keep them inspired and engaged! Each day they benefit from exceptional facilities such as subject-specific classrooms, including the music department, the science lab and professional standard fully-equipped theatre.

Pupils have access to vast facilities within the Stonyhurst campus, including indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a swimming pool, sports pitches, a theatre, extensive music practice facilities, an observatory and access to the unique historic collections, which brings history to life for even the youngest of pupils.

 

 

 

School day

Day and boarding pupils will register in Aloysius House Playroom every morning at 8:10am. At 08:30am each Monday there is a Headmasters Assembly in St Peter's Church for the entire College. Each lesson begins by coming together to complete The Examen, through which pupils and staff have an opportunity to reflect upon the previous day, express gratitude and set intentions for the day ahead, in a calm and prayerful atmosphere, setting the tone for the day’s learning. Lessons start at 08:30 or 09:00 depending on the day.

Pupils can be collected after lessons at 5pm, after activities at 5.45pm, or after supper at 6.15pm or after Studies at 7.15pm. You will simply need to confirm timings with your Playroom Leader. Sign out is at the Glass Doors. There is also day transport available at 7pm. On Thursdays and Saturdays, there will be an earlier pick up at 4pm and 3pm respectively.

 

 

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Enrichment


 

Themed days

Themed Days are a regular part of life at Stonyhurst and are carefully planned to give children experiential learning opportunities, designed to bring the curriculum to life and make learning especially memorable and enjoyable. There are also regular themed days and home clothes days for fundraising or awareness-raising purposes.

Whole school Enrichment Week

In mid-June and immediately following the end-of-year assessment week, the whole school embarks upon Enrichment Week. Pupils and staff alike embrace learning opportunities and life skills beyond the traditional confines of the classroom. Residential trips depart for European capital cities such as Barcelona, Madrid or Rome whilst the children in Figures visit the First World War battlefields of northern France and Belgium. In addition to the above, Rudiments have a programme of events which prepares them for the next stage in their educational journey into Lower Grammar.

Enrichment Week is one of the highlights of the year at Stonyhurst and fulfils our mission to celebrate the talents the pupils have and encourage them to broaden their perspectives and horizons.

The national curriculum integrates cross-curricular themes, providing an opportunity to utilise the extraordinary Stonyhurst Collections.

Good Schools Guide

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