Upton Hall School FCJ Academy Founded 1849

Inspiring young people

Welcome The aim of this prospectus is to give you an insight

The Upton community is wider than pupils and staff.

into life at Upton Hall School. As a Catholic community,

The role of parents in their daughter’s education is

that welcomes pupils of all faiths, Upton seeks to help

seen as crucial to its success. Past pupils and former

each individual develop her talents for her own sake but

staff are welcomed. All parents and former pupils

also so that she can help make the world a better place.

become members of The Parents and Friends of Upton whose committee works to raise funds for the

“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.” Academic excellence is highly valued and girls are

development of the School. As an academy belonging to the FCJ Academy Trust,

encouraged to become confident independent young

we are a state funded independent school that values

women who are able to meet the demands of life in the

our relationships with both the Shrewsbury Diocese

21st century. We believe that the development of the

and Wirral Local Authority. At Upton lifelong friendships

whole person is essential to education so a varied

are formed and our alumnae are regarded as important

programme of extra curricular activities and a strong

members of our wider community.

emphasis on personal development serve to ensure that each girl reaches her full potential.

It is impossible to appreciate a School by reading a booklet so prospective parents and pupils are welcome

The Upton site is beautiful and pupils are encouraged

to visit the School on the annual Open Evenings or by

to appreciate their environment and enjoy the facilities.

appointment.

The school has grown in size over the years but is still small enough to ensure excellent standards of pastoral

Visit the web site www.uptonhallschool.co.uk to gain

care and individual attention to each pupil. The number

more information and the latest news. Possibly the

of buildings has increased to meet our needs with each

best way to judge a School is to talk to the pupils.

building reflecting the architectural style of the day.

That is why we believe that Upton’s best advertisement

This variety of style is highly regarded, as Upton is a place

is an Upton girl.

where differences are respected and each individual is encouraged to develop her own particular talents.

We invite you to find out more about Upton Hall.

Patricia Young Headteacher

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All of the teachers are passionate about their subject but I also love that they are proud of the history and tradition of the school and the work of the FCJ sisters. Upton is a really friendly place and I know that the friends I have made will be friends for life. Anna Champion – Year 8

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The School and its History Upton Hall School is a Catholic Grammar School for girls aged 11-18. It is situated in the Diocese of Shrewsbury and is under the Trusteeship of the Society of the Faithful Companions of Jesus. It is an academy, which means it is an independent school that is funded by the Department for Education. It is a member of the FCJ Academy Trust and has sister schools in London and Liverpool. The school works closely with the FCJ Sisters to maintain and develop its ethos and it has a close working relationship with both the Diocese of Shrewsbury and Wirral Local Authority. The last full Ofsted Report said, ‘This is an outstanding school. Standards achieved throughout the school are

achieve consistently high standards’. An Ofsted Inspection Survey judged the school to be outstanding in all the areas inspected.

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Students say they are making excellent progress because the work they are given is interesting and challenging and they like their teachers. Year 7 students’ personal development is

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excellent and well above national averages. Students show joyful enthusiasm for learning and strive to

outstanding.They are confident and articulate, they are keen to learn and they show respect

for each other and the adults they work with.

OFSTED

Our heritage It is over 160 years since the School was founded. It was opened in 1849 by the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus, a religious society founded in France by Marie Madeleine, a widow and mother who was passionate about education for young women. At first the school was sited at Lingdale House in Birkenhead. Now all that remains of that site is the sandstone wall you see in Lingdale Road. In the 1860s it moved to its present site at Upton Hall, which was then a small mansion on the hill in Upton Village. The Upton Building was constructed to provide a boarding school known as Birkenhead Convent.

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I felt a bit nervous before starting at Upton in September but the staff and the other

pupils made me feel really welcome.

I have made new friends since starting here, some of them I got to know on the Year 7 Retreat Day which was great. There is something for everyone at Upton. Eleeta Pereira – Year 7 5

Since then the school has developed and grown to

train to be Sports and Dance Leaders. In this role they

meet the needs of the time. However the best

are able to work with Primary School pupils, helping

traditions still serve us well. There has always been a

them develop their own sporting talents.

strong emphasis on striving for the highest standards; there has been a constant theme of being part of an

In September 2006, the Holt Building was opened,

international community; traditionally important events

providing a new entrance with a spacious reception

have been celebrated with music, performance and

area, drama studio, technology rooms, classrooms,

liturgy, this is as true now as in the past.

art rooms and ICT suites. At the same time extensive refurbishment provided the school with new staff

In more recent years a series of building programmes

accommodation, a new dining room and kitchen,

have taken place so that Upton Hall School now has

a remodelled library and sixth form common room.

outstanding facilities. The science laboratories, which

This project was worth in excess of £4 million and has

are regarded as excellent both in their design and

provided the pupils with excellent facilities.

equipment, were opened in 1999 by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. The laboratories are

In April 2014 the Gerard Building was opened officially.

housed in the Lingdale Building, a reference to the

Named after two former members of staff who made

school’s early history.

an enormous contribution to the development of our school, the building houses language rooms for

Among other improvements, an all-weather playing

German, French, Mandarin and Spanish, including our

surface was constructed, which together with the top

Confucius Classroom. It links to the Sports Hall which

class Sports Hall provides outstanding amenities for PE

has been refurbished with a fitness suite and dance

and Games. These facilities enable our pupils to excel

studio on the first floor.

in their chosen sports and allow our older pupils to

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Although these beautiful buildings are very important

Inspired by the Gospel and true to Marie Madeleine’s

in ensuring that all pupils receive the best educational

founding ideal our vision is that FCJ schools are

opportunities they are not the most important aspect

communities of personal and academic excellence.

of the school. The character of the school is built on its

Strong in companionship, the unique giftedness of

Christian ethos. The Sisters who founded the school

every person in these faith communities is recognised,

lived their lives as companions of Jesus and the school

nourished and celebrated.

was built to serve the Catholic community with the

Our hope and expectation is that, through God’s grace

enduring qualities of love, hope and faith. All the FCJ

working in us all, each young person will grow into

schools in the UK have identified Companionship, Hope,

their best self with a zest for life and generosity and

Gentleness, Dignity, Excellence and Justice as values

confidence to use their talents and gifts in the service

that underpin the relationships between all the

of others.

members of our community. The Sisters are also involved in educational projects The FCJ Sisters are the trustees of four secondary

in Argentina, Bolivia, Indonesia, the Philippines and

schools in England, as well as owning schools in the

Romania. So Upton is part of an international family.

Channel Islands, Europe, Australia, Canada and the

At Upton great emphasis is placed on learning foreign

United States. The four schools in England have close

languages and understanding and appreciating other

links and recently staff have been exploring the ethos

cultures. As citizens of the world pupils are encouraged

of FCJ schools. This led to the preparation of a joint

to reflect on global issues such as Fair Trade and the

vision statement:

movement to eliminate world poverty. At Upton we feel we have many privileges and we recognise that it is our duty to work to benefit others as well as ourselves.

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Upton Hall School has beautiful grounds with wide

physical fitness. Our Dining Room has developed a

open spaces and wooded areas including an orchard

reputation across Wirral for the excellence of its food

and an outdoor classroom. There are three established

and service. The wonderful food served in the Dining

garden areas. The Peace Garden is planted around the

Room makes healthy eating a very attractive option.

peace pole. The garden comes into its own in November when it becomes the focal point for the

The school achieved Sportsmark in recognition of the

school’s annual remembrance service. An Eco-Garden

outstanding opportunities for PE and Games that are

has been created around the state-of-the-art green-

on offer. All pupils have the opportunity to take a GCSE

house known as the solar-dome. The garden is tended

or other qualification as part of the general PE

and maintained by pupils in the Eco-Club. The Mary

curriculum provision. Gold Artsmark celebrates the

Garden is the most recent addition to the grounds.

superb standard and range of work achieved in the

Beautifully planted with scented flowers and seating

areas of art, drama, music and dance. All these subjects

areas, the garden is home to a specially commissioned

provide opportunities for pupils to explore their

artwork depicting Mary by the celebrated sculptor

creativity and express their ideas in order to challenge

Emma Rodgers. The garden is a calm oasis where

and delight other members of the community.

pupils and staff can spend time in quiet contemplation. Pupils at Upton are encouraged to take pride in their

We encourage all pupils irrespective of age to develop

environment and to protect it. Similarly, a keen interest

leadership skills. Each Form has four House Captains

in wider environmental issues is encouraged and pupils

and each House, Earth, Air, Fire and Water has Sixth

debate theories concerning global warming, pollution

Form Heads of House.

and climate change. We cherish our history and traditions but look to the

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Upton Hall is also a Health Promoting School, and

future as we prepare our young women to take a full

pupils are enthusiastic about healthy eating and

and active role in tomorrow’s society.

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What to Expect Our Fundamental Aim As a Catholic School, our fundamental aim is the

Educate our pupils in matters of healthy lifestyles,

education of the ‘whole person’, spiritually and morally,

personal safety and emotional and physical well-being;

intellectually, emotionally, socially, physically and artistically.

Offer an environment that is safe, secure, welcoming and stimulating.

We seek to identify and cater for each pupil’s needs as they arise during her school life and to encourage each

Personal Development

individual to develop her talents for her own sake and so that she can help to make the world a better place, according to the values embodied in the Gospels.

Each individual is valued and her worth recognised. In view of this, bullying cannot be tolerated and each girl is called upon to show kindness and support to

In practical terms this means that we: Forge links between school and home that will support the school’s aims and so benefit each pupil;

her fellow pupils. An anti-bullying policy is revised on a regular basis and is displayed in all rooms. This policy is shared with parents and is available on the school web-site.

Offer a broad and balanced curriculum, in line with statutory requirements, which is intellectually

An integral part of personal development is the

challenging, stimulates creativity and leads to academic

opportunity for spiritual growth. This is offered in

success and ensure that pupils are effective learners;

assemblies, chapel services and a range of liturgical events. Pupils have many opportunities to go away

Encourage pupils to consider their sense of self and to develop a spiritual dimension to their lives; Promote Christian moral values;

together in order to develop team skills and respect for each other and to be given time for personal reflection. All pupils participate in a programme of thinking skills and study skills to encourage them to become confident

Support pupils in the development of a sense of self

independent learners.

discipline based on the values of self respect and respect for others; Ensure that pupils have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills by participating in extra curricular activities; Offer pupils opportunities for community involvement and international links, so that they can develop an appreciation of the world in which they live and an

The School Council at Upton is a “voice” for all pupils.

understanding of their role in its development and

It provides a forum for year group representatives to

improvement;

discuss and act upon important issues. Members are

Ensure that pupils are aware of the range of career

of their peers at the Council meeting. The School

elected to stand for the year and they speak on behalf

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opportunities, are encouraged to be enterprising

Council meets twice per term with staff representatives

and have the skills that will enable them to handle

and all members of the School community are actively

personal finances with confidence and integrity;

encouraged to put their ideas forward for consideration.

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The Curriculum A wide range of extra curricular activities is available.

A broad and balanced curriculum is provided.

The school has several orchestras and choirs that meet

Details of the curriculum at Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4

each week and there are many sporting activities

and post-16 are detailed in the Information Booklet and

available at lunchtimes, after school and at weekends.

shared with parents each year. Copies of these booklets

Upton is strongly committed to the Duke of Edinburgh

can be downloaded from the web-site.

Award Scheme with many girls participating in Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Public Speaking and Debating

Upton Hall is a selective school so the curriculum is

are also popular. We also have a Combined Cadet

designed to ensure that academically able girls receive

Force, which enables girls to undertake a range of

encouragement to reach high levels of attainment. Most

outdoor activities and challenges and so develop a

of our pupils go to university when they leave Upton.

sense of independence. Clubs and activities take place in the Departments at lunchtimes and all these provide

Ten or more GCSE subjects are studied at Key Stage 4.

opportunities for personal growth and development.

However this might be reduced if it is in the pupil’s

We ask that all pupils involve themselves in at least two

interest. Such decisions are at the discretion of the

extra curricular activities each week. School is open

Headteacher and made after consultation with parents.

from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Breakfast is served in the Dining Room from 8.00 am and the Library is open for

Special Educational Needs

supervised study from 8.00am until 5.00 pm. Upton seeks to meet the needs of each pupil. In that Educational visits take place throughout the year.

sense every pupil is regarded as having special needs.

Departments organise visits to universities, theatres,

However there is a school policy and procedure for

museums, galleries and places of geographic and

dealing with pupils with specific learning difficulties and

historical interest. Language trips to France, Germany

special needs arising from illness or physical disability.

and Spain take place on a regular basis. Pupils have

The buildings are accessible to those with physical

also visited the USA, Canada, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia,

impairment. The school’s SEN provision meets the

Austria and China. Although pupils from the FCJ

statutory guidance set out by the Department for

school in Australia visit Upton, as yet we have not been

Education. Learning-support staff assist those girls

to visit them!

with special needs. Girls with a range of special needs attend Upton and are well integrated and thrive.

We all try to live according to our motto Age quod agis which means Do what you are doing. For us this

Homework

implies whatever we are doing should be done with our whole mind, heart and spirit, for our own sake, for that

Independent learning and private study are crucial to

of the wider community and to give glory to God.

academic success. Homework is compulsory for all pupils. At Key Stage 3 pupils are expected to spend approximately one and a half hours on homework. By Key Stage 4 this will increase to two hours each night. Pupils receive

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I have had so many memorable experiences at Upton. In Year 7 I went on a trip to Germany. This year I have

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been involved in the Bar Mock Trial Competition. Our team won the regional heat in Newcastle and went on to the final in Cardiff, we had a fantastic day. In July, I am taking part in the school trip to Bejing and Quingdao in China. I’m very excited about it! Katy Westby – Year 10

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Planners to record the homework set and to use as a means of communication between home and school. Parents and Form Teachers check the Planner.

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Teachers have excellent subject knowledge. They plan interesting and varied learning activities and they monitor students’ progress rigorously and accurately. They ensure they get the support and guidance they need on how to improve.

OFSTED

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Sports and Physical Education

Music

A full size Sports Hall, all-weather tennis and netball

Upton has a tradition of offering pupils excellent

courts, an artificial turf hockey pitch and extensive

opportunities for learning and performing music.

playing fields provide Upton with excellent sports

There are several choirs, orchestras, ensembles and a

facilities.

woodwind group and brass band. A large proportion of our pupils are involved in the musical life of the school.

A wide range of games and activities are available both

Music is an essential ingredient in all our celebrations.

within lessons and as extra curricular events. These include: tennis, badminton, hockey, netball, football,

In addition to curriculum music, private instrumental

gymnastics, dance, trampolining, volleyball, basketball,

and singing lessons are available to all pupils. Upton has

cross-country running and athletics.

an excellent department of instrumental music teachers who offer tuition in a wide range of instruments.

When the girls reach Key Stage 4 further activities are offered including squash, swimming, sailing, wind-surf-

In Year 7 free instrumental music lessons take place

ing, health related fitness and rock climbing. A GCSE

within the curriculum for ALL pupils and in Year 8 for

full course, half course or Sports’ Leaders’ qualification

those with a particular aptitude.

is undertaken by all Key Stage 4 pupils and PE is also offered at Advanced Level.

Many pupils take Associated Board Examinations and the standard of their achievement is very high.

Sports teams are successful at both school and county level. The quality of the physical education provision

Concerts take place regularly each year and music groups

was recognised in 2001 when the school was first

go out into the community on various occasions to

awarded Sportsmark.

perform. Music groups attend concerts and enter competitions.

Girls are encouraged to succeed however there is a

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strong emphasis on participation and inclusion clearly

The school has the Gold Artsmark in recognition of the

demonstrated in Inter-form, Sports Day and the

rich opportunities available to pupils to participate in

Gymnastics and Dance Displays which take place.

music, dance, drama and art.

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Concerts take place regularly each year and music groups go out into the community on various occasions to perform. Music groups attend concerts and enter competitions.

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Extra curricular opportunities

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There are so many opportunities at Upton, not just in the classroom but also through the extra-curricular programme of activities. Staff are very generous with their time. As someone who is looking ahead to the next stage of my education, I feel that I am getting excellent support and guidance for my application to university. Megan Rowlinson – Head Girl

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Sixth Form Upton has a dynamic Sixth Form offering a wide choice

A Head Girl and her team, together with the Cabinet

of subjects and excellent individual pupil support to

Prefects, are the leaders of the school. We look to

ensure that all students achieve the best possible

them to develop a programme each year aimed at

grades in their public examinations.

enhancing life at Upton. The Sixth Form make a major

The Sixth Form courses begin with an Induction

School Council and her team are the most senior

Programme designed to help students make that

Council members.

contribution to the school. The Head Girl chairs the

important transition from Key Stage 4 to Advanced Level. This is the first step in a co-ordinated

Life in the Sixth Form concludes with two popular

programme designed to offer advice about Higher

events, the “Going-Down Mass” and the “Leavers’ Ball”.

Education, the UCAS process and how to maximise

An excellent service is provided on results day to

chances of success. Students interested in Oxbridge

ensure that our students obtain places at appropriate

entrance are offered specialist advice and support.

universities.

The social life in the Sixth Form is stimulating and

We welcome enquiries from pupils from other schools

varied with a variety of activities organised for

who are interested in joining our Sixth Form.

lunchtime and after school. Trips abroad, community service, debating, participating in the Sports Leaders

For further details please see our Sixth Form Prospectus,

Award Scheme and the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award,

website or contact the Director of Sixth Form.

orchestra and choir are just some of the activities currently undertaken by our Sixth Form students.

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Mission Statement Upton Hall School strives to provide educational experiences which will enable individuals to achieve their full potential in every aspect of their development. Inspired by the vision of the Foundress of the FCJ society, we aim to promote a Christian ethos that encourages students to value the pursuit of excellence, and allows them to attain personal fulfilment by making a purposeful contribution to society.

“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.”

Upton, Wirral, Merseyside CH49 6LJ Telephone: 0151 677 7696 Fax: 0151 677 6868 email: [email protected] www.uptonhallschool.co.uk Headmistress: Mrs Patricia Young BA(Hons)

www.creativodesign.co.uk

Upton Hall School FCJ