Suffolk &amp; Cambs


<p>You&#8217;re probably wondering how on earth your little one, who mere moments ago was taking their first steps into primary school, is suddenly so grown up that they&#8217;re swotting up for their 11+ exam, while you&#8217;re deliberating about the best school for their secondary education. Once you&#8217;ve come to terms with the fact that your child is nearly a teenager (yikes!), it&#8217;s time to think practically about how you can ensure they get the very best start when it comes to their senior schooling. After all, the right school will set them on the path to becoming a happy, fulfilled and high-achieving adult. No pressure then! </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/07/Ipswich-School-frontage.jpg" alt="Ipswich School" class="wp-image-17201" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/07/Ipswich-School-frontage.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/07/Ipswich-School-frontage-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/07/Ipswich-School-frontage-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/07/Ipswich-School-frontage-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Many parents will need to focus on catchment areas and admission criteria for the best local state and grammar schools as their child approaches senior school age. If you&#8217;re considering a selective independent secondary school for your 10 or 11 year old though, depending on your area and how far you&#8217;re willing to go on the school run, there&#8217;s a lot more choice. Choice sounds great, but it can also be rather overwhelming. Before you bury yourself in a mountain of prospectuses, read on for some excellent advice from the team at <a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/ipswich-school-review/">Ipswich School</a> that&#8217;ll help make the process of choosing a senior school for your child a breeze. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-facilities-should-be-top-of-the-list-at-senior-school-level"><strong>What facilities should be top of the list at senior school level?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="996" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/aerial-shot.jpg" alt="Aerial view of Ipswich School" class="wp-image-30102" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/aerial-shot.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/aerial-shot-800x531.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/aerial-shot-1000x664.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/aerial-shot-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/aerial-shot-791x525.jpg 791w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>&#8220;The simple answer here is that this is less important than the people,&#8221; says Nicholas Weaver, Headmaster. &#8220;We are blessed with some outstanding facilities &#8211; for example a state of the art Music School, excellent science labs and some of the best Sports facilities in the region, if not the country. But without the quality and care of the teachers and coaches who use those facilities, children will not flourish. So, yes, you do want to see a school which is investing in all areas, maintaining an up to date environment and moving with the times, but make sure that you focus on the staff who inhabit that environment too, as we do at Ipswich School.</p>



<p>&#8220;I’m extremely proud that we were recently inspected and awarded the top grade, ‘Excellent’&nbsp; for both pupils’ achievements and for pupils’ personal development. Pupil outcomes, inspirational teaching and the development of well-rounded global citizens are what define an outstanding education and we were thrilled that this was recognised by the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate.&#8221;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-can-you-find-out-if-a-school-s-values-match-yours"><strong>How can you find out if a school’s values match yours?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="899" src="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-yr7-English-7.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-27266" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-yr7-English-7.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-yr7-English-7-800x479.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-yr7-English-7-1000x599.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-yr7-English-7-400x240.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-yr7-English-7-876x525.jpg 876w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>&#8220;First of all, look for them,&#8221; says Nicholas Weaver. &#8220;They should be well articulated on the school’s website. We have a clearly defined set of values and aims, which underpins everything we do at Ipswich School and we are proud that they represent who we are. Then, when you visit, look to see if the stated values feel right for the setting as you walk around. Are they clear in the conversations, not just reproduced parrot fashion, but implied by the description that you hear of a pupil’s life at the school. Finally, if you feel that the school lives its values, you will probably be already feeling that emotional connection with your own values. Most people know when these things match.&#8221;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-should-you-assess-the-curriculum-of-a-senior-school">How should you assess <strong>the curriculum of a senior school?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1769" src="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-DT-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-27252" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-DT-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-DT-1-678x800.jpg 678w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-DT-1-848x1000.jpg 848w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-DT-1-339x400.jpg 339w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-DT-1-1302x1536.jpg 1302w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-DT-1-445x525.jpg 445w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s important that students gain a solid and broad foundation in STEM, Languages, Humanity and Arts subjects to give them the flexibility to meet the requirements of future employment,&#8221; says Tom Allen, Deputy Head Academic. &#8220;We believe that knowledge still plays an important role: how else are students able to know which questions to ask, or where to look for information?</p>



<p>&#8220;Scale can also help: larger schools offer a broader range of subjects (we offer 27 A Level options!) and employ specialist subject teachers throughout the school &#8211; beware small Sixth Forms!</p>



<p>&#8220;Just as important, does the school’s approach to the curriculum encourage students to develop self-awareness, to enhance their digital literacy and to collaborate effectively with others? These are questions worth asking. Our teaching encourages pupils to take academic risks and to draw connections across disciplines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>There&#8217;s lots of talk at our current school about scholarships. What if my child is offered a scholarship at one school but not at their preferred school?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1067" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Ipswich-Senior-1.jpg" alt="Ipswich School sixth former " class="wp-image-30107" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Ipswich-Senior-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Ipswich-Senior-1-800x569.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Ipswich-Senior-1-1000x711.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Ipswich-Senior-1-400x285.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Ipswich-Senior-1-738x525.jpg 738w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It’s worth understanding what support and stretch is available for all pupils with particular aptitudes and interests and not to be overly swayed by the label of a scholarship award. The criteria for the award of scholarships varies greatly from school to school. In some settings, where the competition for places and for awards is high, the bar is set higher. A pupil who is not given a scholarship by a top end school will still find that their ability is recognised at that school. In fact, they are likely to thrive in this environment amongst similarly motivated peers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-much-weight-should-you-give-to-the-co-curricular-offerings"><strong>How much weight should you give to the co-curricular offerings?&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="983" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/music-ipswich-steve-brading.jpg" alt="children playing trumpets" class="wp-image-30103" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/music-ipswich-steve-brading.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/music-ipswich-steve-brading-800x524.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/music-ipswich-steve-brading-1000x655.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/music-ipswich-steve-brading-400x262.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/music-ipswich-steve-brading-801x525.jpg 801w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Image: Steve Brading </figcaption></figure>



<p>&#8220;We care about the whole child at Ipswich School,&#8221; says Tracy Boyle, Director of Co-Curriculum. &#8220;A regular, comprehensive and varied co-curricular provision is hugely important. Ours provides opportunities for pupils to pursue existing passions, discover new interests and develop transferable skills such as resilience which will enable them to thrive in their adult careers well beyond their school days.&nbsp;</p>



<p>&#8220;Visits and trips should be an essential part of any offering as learning outside the classroom contributes significantly to raising achievement &#8211; it is known to develop pupils’ capacity and motivation to learn.</p>



<p>&#8220;Whether they are on the sports field, on stage or in the concert hall, pupils learn to take risks in a supportive environment, how to collaborate in a team-setting and how to become effective leaders.&#8221;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-questions-should-parents-be-asking-about-the-pastoral-care-and-wellbeing-offerings"><strong>What questions should parents be asking about the pastoral care and wellbeing offerings?&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1048" src="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-staff-6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-27246" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-staff-6.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-staff-6-800x559.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-staff-6-1000x699.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-staff-6-400x279.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/07/Ipswich-staff-6-751x525.jpg 751w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>&#8220;Think about how many people are on hand to look after your child,&#8221; says Audrey Cura, Senior Deputy Head Pastoral. &#8220;At Ipswich School a child will have a tutor, a Head of Year and a Head of Section. We offer plenty of support so there is always someone to turn to.</p>



<p>&#8220;Find out what support systems are in place pastorally and academically for when things might&nbsp; get a bit off track. Again here it is important to have different, trusted people that you can turn to. As well as the tutors and Heads of Year and Section we have another layer of support which includes our School Nurse, Wellbeing Lead, Chaplain and Deputy Head.&nbsp;</p>



<p>&#8220;At Ipswich School we make sure that both parents and children know exactly who to ask about any concerns. The same applies to good news &#8211; we like to hear about achievements out of school so we can celebrate as a community. A good school should have teachers that are approachable; we would much rather tackle any concerns early than see them develop into bigger issues.&#8221;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What if my child has a learning need?</strong></h2>



<p>&#8220;We always welcome open conversations with our Learning Support team about any SEN, Additional Learning Needs or suspected learning difficulty your child may have,&#8221; says Kath Allen, Head of Learning Support. &#8220;This ensures that we can be clear as to the needs of your child from the outset and that you can ask us all the questions you need to when exploring what our school has to offer. Our support for neurodiversity is very much tailored to the child and responded to as they develop and change throughout their school career. In school we have a dyslexia specialist and a social skills expert who work closely with academic and pastoral colleagues to ensure that the most effective interventions are put in place. It is sometimes the case that a child may need support beyond our skillset and we then work closely with specialist practitioners and the family to seek the help necessary.&nbsp;</p>



<p>&#8220;Our support in the Senior School takes place outside lessons in order that a student’s core curriculum is not disrupted. We work with groups and 1:1 before the first lesson and during lunchtimes. We sometimes see students on a continuous basis, particularly in Lower School, and also for short term periods &#8211; our support is tailored to the needs of the child. Our support is based on the level of need and handover information we receive from primary school plus information we gain from conversations with the child and their parents. Not every child with a diagnosed SEN requires our intervention but we are constantly tracking and monitoring and communicating with teachers to be alert to any specific needs.&#8221;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-you-need-to-consider-your-child-s-personality-when-it-comes-to-the-type-of-school-size-of-the-cohort"><strong>Do you need to consider your child’s personality when it comes to the type of school/ size of the cohort?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Ipswich-6th-form-6.jpg" alt="Ipswich School 6th form pupils" class="wp-image-30104" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Ipswich-6th-form-6.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Ipswich-6th-form-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Ipswich-6th-form-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Ipswich-6th-form-6-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/12/Ipswich-6th-form-6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>&#8220;Larger cohorts overall makes it easier for individuals to find others they connect with, but tutor groups are a really good way to help&nbsp;children to feel secure,&#8221; says Anna Caston, Head of Year 7-8 at Ipswich School.</p>



<p>&#8220;Whatever the personality of your child, super outgoing or quiet and shy, the best for all children is for them to be part of a safe, small group where they feel secure. But don’t assume this means they should be in a smaller school. Larger schools mean that there will be lots of different personality types within the year group and that makes it easier for individual children to find those that they connect with. What’s important is to understand how schools manage the year groups so that children feel secure. At Ipswich School, in Years 7-8, we have tutor groups of about 20 children, in which they remain for the first two years, with the same tutor and Head of Year. I always say not to worry about coming from a small primary school into a year group that is sometimes bigger than their whole school because they only need to concentrate on those 20 in their form to begin with. The form groups become really tight teams, helped by our Cardinal Cup competitions and a trip to Cumbria together at the start of Year 8.</p>



<p>&#8220;However, if your child enjoys sport or music or drama, at any level, then having a larger cohort is vital. Being able to have fixtures with A, B, C and D teams playing means nearly everyone who wants to play will get a match, watching a play with a cast of 100 is quite something and hearing a full orchestra or a choir of 80 is spine tingling.&#8221;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-any-top-tips-for-making-that-final-call"><strong>Any top tips for making that final call</strong>?</h2>



<p>&#8220;Don’t be shy about asking questions and take up any opportunities to go and visit again,&#8221; says Saskia Jordan, Director of Admissions.</p>



<p>&#8220;Most schools will be able to field questions or take families round the school again. We take a lot of care when making the decision to offer a place and consequently we’re delighted when the acceptances start to come in and more than happy to explain more about the school.&#8221;</p>



<p><em>For more information about senior school admissions at Ipswich School, <a href="https://www.ipswich.school">visit the website here</a>. </em></p>


What to consider when choosing a senior school for your child

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