Background on Queenswood School
Queenswood School, located in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, is a renowned independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18. Founded in 1894, Queenswood combines a rich history with a forward-thinking approach to education. The school is situated on a beautiful 120-acre campus that offers a tranquil and inspiring environment for learning. Queenswood is known for its commitment to nurturing academic excellence and personal development within a supportive and inclusive community.
The school’s ethos emphasises creativity, resilience, and intellectual curiosity, ensuring that each girl is well-prepared for the future. With a student body of around 470 girls, including a significant number of international students, Queenswood provides a global perspective that enriches the educational experience.
Curriculum and Academic Programmes
Queenswood School offers a broad and challenging curriculum designed to cater to a wide range of academic interests and future aspirations. The school provides excellent teaching and resources, ensuring that each student achieves her full potential.
- GCSE Programme: In Years 10 and 11, students undertake the GCSE curriculum, studying a core set of subjects including English, mathematics, sciences, a modern foreign language, and humanities. Additionally, elective subjects are available to align with students’ interests and future goals.
- A-Level Programme: In the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13), students choose from a wide range of A-Level subjects, allowing them to specialise in areas they are passionate about and preparing them for higher education. Subjects offered include English literature, mathematics, further mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, history, geography, economics, modern languages, and more.
- Special Programmes: Queenswood places a strong emphasis on arts, music, dance, and drama. The school has state-of-the-art facilities, including a professional theatre, dance studios, music rooms, and art studios. These programmes support a vibrant extracurricular scene that complements the academic curriculum.
Queenswood consistently achieves excellent academic results, with many students gaining admission to top universities in the UK and around the world, including Oxbridge and other prestigious institutions.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Queenswood School is competitive, and early application is recommended. The school seeks to admit students who will benefit from and contribute to its vibrant academic and extracurricular environment.
- Application Process: Prospective students and their parents must complete an online application form and submit the required documents, including academic records, a personal statement, and references.
- Entrance Examinations: Applicants are required to take entrance exams in core subjects such as English and mathematics. These exams assess the applicant’s academic abilities and potential for success at Queenswood.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview with a member of the admissions team. The interview provides an opportunity for the school to learn more about the student’s interests, achievements, and aspirations.
- Additional Requirements for International Students: International applicants may need to provide proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores. Queenswood School offers support for students who require additional English language training.
Extracurricular Activities and Pastoral Care
Queenswood School is renowned for its extensive extracurricular programme, offering students a wide range of opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills.
- Extracurricular Activities: The school offers a diverse array of activities, including sports (hockey, netball, tennis, swimming, etc.), music (orchestra, choir, instrumental lessons), drama (theatre productions, drama clubs), and various clubs and societies (debating, chess, science club, etc.). These activities are designed to complement the academic curriculum and provide students with a well-rounded education.
- Pastoral Care: The well-being of students is a top priority at Queenswood. Each student is assigned to a house, each led by a housemistress who provides guidance and support. The house system fosters a strong sense of community and belonging, ensuring that students feel supported and valued. The school also has a dedicated team of counsellors who provide confidential support for students dealing with personal issues, stress, or anxiety.
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