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1 F ounded in 1571, Burford is a school with a long and successful history in educating young people. We draw on our past to deliver the best of education to students today. Our focus is on delivering excellent academic achievement, without compromise on enrichment or care. We know our students will need excellent academic foundations to flourish in the future, and we support each one to reach for their very best. Each year, we consistently achieve outstanding GCSE and A level results, well above national and Oxfordshire figures. We’re proud that a high proportion of our students go on to university, including Oxbridge; secure competitive apprenticeships at companies including Mercedes and JCB; and enter dream careers in performing arts, to forensic science or physiotherapy. In our Learning Zone, we provide personalised learning to enable all students to reach their full potential. But to flourish today our students will also need character, and qualities we believe are best nurtured at the studio, stage and sports field. Our extensive enrichment programme truly sets Burford School apart. With over 35 clubs each week every child is encouraged to participate; while our renowned Burford Institutes for Music and Sport give those with particular aspirations everything they need to excel. We use the wisdom from our past to prepare our students to meet 21st century challenges. Our large and experienced Pastoral Team works tirelessly to ensure that all students can be happy and thrive at Burford. While our boarding department provides a home from home to around 100 boarders. We build on our traditional values, teaching our students to respect themselves and others, and giving them the tools to build happy and successful futures. We make the most of our idyllic setting, on the edge of the bustling market town of Burford and within 40 acres of Cotswold countryside, to give students an exceptional school experience. We ask that you come to visit us. Only then will you get a true sense of what makes Burford the school it is. We look forward to meeting you soon. Mr M Albrighton, Headteacher3 TEACHING & LEARNING Burford School is a vibrant learning community with academic excellence at its heart. We put great teaching and learning at the centre of everything we do, investing in ongoing professional development and blending the best tried and tested teaching techniques with new methodologies. We are ambitious for our students and our ‘Learning Zone’ offers personalised programmes to help them reach their potential. Gifted and talented students are provided with enrichment and extension opportunities to prepare them for future academic excellence at university. Those with additional needs have tailor-made curricula and interventions to engage them in their learning, and students with English as an additional language have access to the support they require. Challenging goals and targets are set for each student, and regular feedback through reviews and parents’ evenings enables them to take a positive and proactive role in their own progress. Students extend and enrich their learning through regular homework and independent study projects. We face a period of exciting technological change, which we expose students to through our excellent Design Technology and IT centres. Meanwhile, our well-resourced and newly refurbished library provides outstanding opportunities to undertake independent research and wider reading – making learning an enriching and rewarding experience. High expectations motivate students to take responsibility for their own learning. 5 CURRICULUM Students are given thorough preparation in all the foundation subjects as well as subjects including art, music and design and technology. At Key Stage 3 students follow a core curriculum which includes English, Maths, Science, IT, Spanish, German or French, Technology, Geography, History, Art, Drama, Music, RE, PE and PSHE. Students are taught in mixed ability groups in Year 7, except for Maths which is set. More subjects are set in Years 8 and 9, allowing students to be taught in groups where they can best succeed. Key Stage 4 sees preparation made for GCSE and other Level 2 vocational and technical qualifications. Years 10 and 11 students continue to cover the core curriculum of English, Maths, Science, RE, PE and PSHE but also choose four option subjects, carefully matched to their academic strengths and interests. In the Sixth Form, students choose from an extensive selection of twenty- five A-levels, selecting pathways which enable them to continue on to further studies or into employment. The vast majority of our students go on to university, including Oxbridge and the Russell Group. Parent Forums, in each subject, allow parents to be involved with their child’s learning and better understand the nature and style of today’s learning experience. We deliver a diverse and stimulating curriculum to promote intellectual curiosity and provide students with the knowledge and skills to carry them successfully through life. 7 ENRICHMENT Our ethos is built on providing the best of education, and while academic qualifications are critical to a young person’s future success, these alone will not help them achieve their full potential. Our rich and exciting range of extended learning and extra-curricular programmes for all year groups sets us apart and has been recognised by Arts Council, England, who awarded us a prestigious Gold Artsmark Award for ‘opportunities in the fields of art, drama, dance and music’. On joining the school, all students are placed in one of four houses: named after each of our founders. This gives them a sense of belonging and provides them with opportunities to participate and achieve success across a variety of activities, some of which they may never have experienced before. Whether scientist, artist, sportsperson or performer, there is room to flourish at Burford School. Whatever a student’s level of skill, encouragement is given to take part and acknowledgement is made of both effort and success. New and life-long friendships are made, talents discovered and the energy, enthusiasm and patience acquired to master a new skill transfers itself into the classroom, significantly enhancing everyday performance. The importance of these activities is formally recognised at our annual Prize Giving ceremonies and at our Charter Day celebrations. We believe that learning outside the taught curriculum is key to helping students to develop resilience and other essential skills they need to thrive in life.Next >