►►►其它中学

Stonar School 斯顿拉中学,斯顿拉学校Cottles Park, Atworth, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 8NT
Tel: 01225 701740 Fax: 01225 790830
Website: www.stonar.wilts.sch.uk
• GIRLS, 2–18 Day, 7–18 Boarding (full & weekly)
• Pupils 450, Upper sixth 44
• Termly fees £1500–£2950 (Day), £4550–£5250 (Boarding)
• GSA
• Enquiries/applications to the Admissions Secretary

What it’s like
Founded in 1895 at Sandwich, it moved to its present site in 1939. The main building is a very handsome listed Regency country house set in 80 acres of splendid parkland. Facilities are very good, boarding accommodation is comfortable and an extension to the junior school recently completed. Religious worship is compulsory in the Anglican tradition but all denominations are welcome. A good general education is provided. There is a big commitment to music, drama and art. A fine range of sports and games is available and there is an excellent variety of extra-curricular activities, including riding in the school’s internationally renowned equestrian centre. A promising record in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 2–18; 450 girls (225 day, 225 boarding). Senior department 11–18, 330 girls.
Entrance: Main entry ages 5, 11–13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, report and reference from previous school (GCSE at least grade C in sixth-form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 25% senior intake (plus few to sixth form).

Scholarships, bursaries & extras Scholarships up to 50% of day fee (to age 16): academic, good all-rounder, drama, music, art, sport, riding. Services bursaries available to age 16. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; maximum extras £100.

Parents 30+% live within 30 miles; 10+% live overseas.

Head & staff
Headmistress: Mrs Clare Osborne, appointed 2002. Educated at Southampton University. Previously Deputy Head at St Joseph’s College, Ispwich, and taught in both independent and maintained schools. Also research and committee work in curriculum development; teacher fellowship at Merton College Oxford; and member of A-level Standing Committees.
Teaching staff: 33 full time, 15 part time (teaching). Annual turnover 3%. Average age 40.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 51 pupils in Year 11: 67% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects; 24% in 5–7. Average GCSE score 56 (54 over 5 years).
A-levels: 44 in upper sixth: 18% passed in 4+ subjects; 59% in 3; and 18% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 296.

University & college entrance 82% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course, (39% after a gap year). 38% took courses in science & engineering, 48% in humanities & social sciences, 14% in art & design. Others typically go on to non-degree courses eg nursing, HND or art, or direct into careers.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 GCSE subjects, 19 A-level.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 3–4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 25% take science A-levels; 15% arts/humanities; 60% both. Key skills integrated into curriculum plus an extension course.
Vocational: Work experience available. BHS AI taken by riding students (competition riding course).
Special provision: Help with dyslexia. Specialist teacher for EAL.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (2 lessons/week in Years 7–11) and across the curriculum; most pupils take GCSE short course. 80 computers for pupil use (18 hours a day), all networked (including boarding houses) and all with e-mail and internet access.

The arts
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. 5 musical groups: choir, brass and wind bands, orchestra. Music school has own recording studio.
Drama & dance: Both offered. GCSE, AS and A-level drama and LAMDA exams may be taken. All pupils are involved in school and house/other productions.
Art & design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 15 A-level. Photography A-level popular.

Sport & activities
Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, athletics, swimming compulsory. Optional: volleyball, golf, riding, tetrathlon, badminton, squash, table tennis, cross country, canoeing, football. GCSE, BAGA and BHS exams may be taken.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Some 50 clubs, eg various sports and music, CDT.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn; suits in the sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Prefects and head girl appointed by sixth form and staff, following application process. School Council.
Religion: Pupils of any faith welcome. Most boarders attend Anglican service on Sundays.
Social: Organised local events and trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car/bike/horse to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a warning; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises would expect expulsion.

Boarding Sixth form have study bedrooms, rest share 2–5. Houses of approximately 35. Qualified nurse. Central dining room. 2 weekend exeats and a week at half-term; flexi-boarding popular. Regular excursions.

Former pupils Katharine Schlesinger (actress); Gita Sereny (author); Romola Garai (actress).