This year, 12 pupils from Years 7 and 8 showcased their oratory skills in the Beaton Declamation. We were thrilled to have Kevin Beaton back at the school to judge this inspiring competition. Speeches ranged from topics including sport (cricket and South African rugby), the rise of Temu, TikTok, the Collatz conjecture, books vs screens for education, black holes, the Dyson sphere, age ratings, and why dogs make such loving pets.
SCHOOL CURRICULUM
innovative teaching methods
The Royal Hospital School seeks to stretch and challenge pupils of all academic abilities both in and out of formal lessons. We actively differentiate in class, with our mobile learning and e-learning initiatives providing innovative teaching methods and opportunities to learn both co-operatively and independently. There are 66 x 55-minute periods over each fortnight and a large range of academic co-curricular activities across the year groups including debating, public speaking, Model United Nations, academic societies and Young Enterprise.
SCHOOL Structure
Monitoring Performance
Identifying Strengths
On joining the School in Year 7, each pupil is assessed using the MidYIS test. This is designed to measure, as far as possible, ability and aptitude for learning, rather than achievement. The test comprises of four sections (Vocabulary, Maths, Non-verbal and Skills) and the results can be used to identify pupils' strengths and weaknesses, inform teaching and learning, and identify gifted pupils and those with special educational needs.
Setting Personal Goals
This information is used to help set pupils a Challenge Grade or personal goal in each subject. Throughout the year, pupil performance in each subject is then tracked using attainment grades compared to the Challenge Grade. This provides a performance indicator ie Blue (exceeds expectation), Green (on target), Amber (some concerns) and Red (specific concerns), shown in interim and end-of-term reports.
Personal Best Through Monitoring and Intervention
The academic progress of pupils is reviewed regularly throughout the year. This monitoring and early intervention is to resolve any difficulties, ensuring that each and every pupil achieves his or her personal best. Heads of Year meet with tutors throughout the year to discuss every pupil, and support mechanisms are in place for any who are struggling with their academic work.
Tutor System and Support
Dedicated Tutors
Every pupil has a dedicated tutor who meets with his or her tutees every day. The tutor is the first point of contact for parents on academic matters and will keep parents up to date with academic progress. Tutors know their tutees well and help them make the most of their time at school, both inside and out of the classroom.
Guidance and Support
Tutors are focused on helping pupils make the most of their education. Every child will meets with his or her tutor each morning. They are able to provide guidance and support on an informal basis in between these meetings. Tutors will set goals, highlight achievements and, where necessary, ensure additional help or resources. Through baseline testing, targets are set against quantifiable national data, giving each pupil the opportunity to fulfil his or her academic potential.
university entry, assistance with completing personal statements
When a pupil enters the Sixth Form, alongside formal classroom teaching, there is an emphasis on important study skills and independent thought with the invaluable support of a Tutor. Each pupil's Tutor is their mentor and guide. They will meet with him or her each day, as part of a small group. During these meetings their progress is reviewed, ideas are shared and matters of concern, pastoral or academic, can be raised. It is our ultimate objective to make sure that every pupil has the opportunity to choose from a wide range of university degree courses and is prepared for successful employment in whatever career he or she chooses. The pupil's Tutor is therefore closely involved in the critical matter of university entry, giving assistance with completing personal statements and UCAS forms.
individually tailored specialist teaching
Further support comes from the Head of Sixth Form, Heads of Department, specialist academic societies and Higher Education Co-ordinator. Alongside this, the Learning Support Department offers individually tailored specialist teaching in one-to-one lessons for pupils with dyslexia or similar learning difficulties. This might cover study skills, revision techniques and improving literacy.
Beyond the Classroom
Academic News
This year our history pupils visited Belin during the Easter break, which saw them explore Berlin’s historical landmarks. The group of 24 pupils as well as 3 teachers from the history department had an action packed 4 days, which saw them explore everything from Sachsenhausen concentration camp to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, which consists of 2,711 concrete slabs.
This year, we are delighted that 12 of our Year 11 pupils were nominated for the prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship. The nomination came as a result of their strong practical interest and ability towards the potential of Engineering as a career choice. All nominated pupils sat an aptitude assessment before Easter, which tested their ability to problem solve, and design solutions to different contexts given to them.
Our Year 10 pupils embarked on an educational journey along the beautiful River Brett, as part of their GCSE curriculum.
We're delighted to announce that Mrs Katie Banks will be joining us at RHS, from the senior team at Bishop's Stortford College, as our new Deputy Head Academic! With a rich background in education, including roles at The Perse in Cambridge and Guildford High School, Katie brings a wealth of experience to our community.
Bella, Year 12, for her remarkable achievement of having her article published