Sir ThomaS rich’S G L o U c E S T E r

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Telephone 01452 338400www.strs.org.uk

Sir ThomaS rich’S

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Sir Thomas Rich’s supports and encouragesthe development of well-rounded young men(and women in the sixth form) with wideinterests, respectful and courteous – ready tomake their mark in society and always proudto call themselves Richians. Founded in 1666on the benevolence of Sir Thomas Rich, weare now a modern and progressive school ofexcellence cast from a long history of usingeducation to transform lives. We are themodern equivalent of our original Bluecoat

Hospital, the traditions and values of whichstill underpin and influence the overall ethosof the school.

Our students join us as bright, keen,enthusiastic young boys – they leave us, sevenyears later, as mature, thoughtful, well-qualified young men, going off to university.We encourage them to be tolerant,independent minded individuals.

Sir ThomaS rich’S G L o U c E S T E r

Honourable Traditions

On joining Sir Thomas Rich’s, it isimportant to us that pupils settlequickly and happily. We have astructured Induction Programmedesigned to ensure that our newpupils make friends and enjoy theirtime here. It includes a three-daystay at Stratford-on-Avon, also afive-day activities programme in theLake District and concludes with a

camping weekend. For studentsjoining our Sixth Form we have anInduction Week in July.Our emphasis upon the importanceof extra-curricular activities, within awell-ordered community, ensuresthat each student nurtures theirtalents, develops their interests andso their self-belief and aspirationsgrow.

Sir ThomaS rich’S G L o U c E S T E r

Settling In

We have the highest expectations ofour students to ensure that theyaspire to, and achieve, excellentexamination results, laying firmfoundations for further study.Students progress into our SixthForm where they are joined by about40 students each year who come tous from other schools. We have amixed Sixth Form where excellentteaching, supported by the goal ofuniversity entry, motivates ourstudents to continue to realise theirfull potential. As well as A-levels, ourSixth Formers may also study Open

University modules, undertakeextended projects and complete theAQA baccalaureate. Through theSixth Form a structured programmeprepares students for carefulapplication to universities, evidencedby our strong university entry record.Expert teachers, teaching theirspecialist subjects, inspire ourstudents to have a thirst forknowledge and a rigorous approachto their studies. Subject teaching isenhanced by a wide range of trips,bringing education to life as well asaiding pupils’ social development.

Sir ThomaS rich’S G L o U c E S T E r

Study

a thirst for knowledge

We are proud of academic successbut we are not an ‘examinationfactory’. Youngsters achieve in theirstudies because they are happy atschool. Students benefit fromexperienced, committed and highlyqualified staff and a rich andchallenging curriculum whichextends far beyond timetabledlessons. Activities such as sport, music,drama, the Duke of Edinburgh’sAward, Explorer Scouts, chess as wellas inter-House events all encouragestudents to develop their interestsand talents. In our Music Centre overa hundred students have lessons in

more than twenty differentinstruments. There are weeklyrehearsals for the string group, brassgroup, orchestra and choir,culminating in instrumental andchoral concerts.Audiences in the School Hall gatherfor performances of plays, staged bythe drama group, the senior dramaclub, the Year 8 Arts Performanceand the House drama competition.Sir Thomas Rich’s provides amultitude of opportunities forsuccess and achievement. Everystudent can make their mark here;we recognise each as an importantindividual.

Sir ThomaS rich’S G L o U c E S T E r

Creativity

Life outside the classroom is busyand full of opportunity. There is awide range of sports, with trainingat lunchtimes and after school.Rugby, soccer and cricket are ourmain sports but swimming, tennis,table tennis, basketball, netball,badminton, cross country andathletics are also strong.

Students are encouraged to keep fitand healthy. Sport helps to developteamwork, responsibility, confidence,the honour of representation andpride in success. Clubs meet weeklyto enable students to take part forfun; teams compete for keenlycontested House trophies; schoolteams play against other schoolsnear and far, in friendly matches andcup competitions.

Sir ThomaS rich’S G L o U c E S T E r

Sport

In a close partnership with parents,our Form Tutors guide pupilsthrough their daily lives at school.This is a constant and reassuringsource of support particularly atcrucial times such as examinations.Tutors are supported by Heads ofYear and a Deputy Headmaster hasoverall responsibility for each KeyStage.

Parents receive Reports at the end ofeach half-term, six Reports each year,showing progress and attainment ineach subject. Commendations areawarded for achievement orimprovement. There are Parents’evenings each year and we welcomefeedback from parents.We are fortunate to have a thrivingParents’ Association which workshard to support the School in avariety of creative ways.

Sir ThomaS rich’S G L o U c E S T E r

Shoulder to Shoulder

We have the highest expectations ofbehaviour. No child should beprevented from working by an unrulyatmosphere. Students come to schoolto work and learn. Our aim is for boysto leave the school well equipped tothrive in a fast-changing world, tothink independently yet able to workin a team with respect for others.Homework plays an important part ineach pupil’s academic life. This is afundamental discipline thatengenders an appetite for self-motivated study essential to success. Sir Thomas Rich’s prides itself on the

achievement of the highest academicstandards. Our students each achieveten or eleven GCSEs, most at gradesA* and A.

In our Sixth Form students normallytake three or four A-levels. Mostresults are at grades A and B.Our students are well motivated andconscientious; they make the most ofthe opportunities that we provide. In all Ofsted inspections Sir ThomasRich’s has been judged to beoutstanding.

Sir ThomaS rich’S G L o U c E S T E r

Excellence