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IGCSE Examination

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:13:13 GMT

Pupils sign up to do the IGCSE Examination.
This term a number of the 6th form pupils decided that they would like to take the IGCSE examinations in Mathematics this summer. We discussed what this would entail for pupils who were already undertaking a full timetable. They would need to come for extra lessons on Wednesday and Thursday lunchtimes and complete some extra prep. This is what they would agree to if they signed up for the examination. The following pupils were happy to do so: Sunera Athauda, Laura de Longevialle, Ryan Fulton, Emma Gray, Michael Gratton, Keith Lai, Catherine Pemberton and Isaac Walton. They have all been entered for the Foundation Tier.
So, what exactly is this IGCSE? Surely, it must be easy if 12 and 13 year olds are attempting to sit it with little more than a few extra hours of tuition? Well, actually, no. The exam is harder and more demanding than the GCSE examinations. When O-Levels were replaced by GCSEs which included coursework, the examination boards knew they needed to keep the O-level for their international candidates. Later their name was changed to International GCSE but they kept the same demanding format: two two hour examinations that maintained and continued the demanding O-Level syllabus.
Before Christmas I saw the following headline in the paper: Schools offering controversial tough IGCSEs in secret to prepare pupils for university. The first lines of the report read - Teenagers are secretly being taught exams modelled on the O-Level in their lunch breaks in defiance of a Government ban on state schools offering the qualification. More than 10 secondary schools are offering lessons on an international alternative to GCSEs because teachers believe the courses are tougher and provide better preparation for A-level and university.
Our pupils are sitting this paper. The IGCSE Higher Tier paper you would have thought would be beyond any of our pupils. The content is even more difficult and demanding. This is clear when the syllabus is studied and you see differentiation (part of the AS Pure Maths course!) is included. However, five of our pupils have volunteered to attempt this paper! Charlotte Blueitt, Francesca Brown, Peter Lotts, Lexy Powell and Tim Richmond will sit the Higher Tier paper this summer.
The lunchtime sessions have already started and Pythagoras has been studied. We can tick that off the list! We are looking forward to quadratic equations next week before moving on to other areas of the syllabus. We have fun and enjoy the time studying for the examination. The entries have been submitted and we will be sitting the exam on the 7th and 11th of June 2010.

Friends Holiday Courses easter 2010

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:06:17 GMT

Please see Friends bookmark for easter courses application forms.

Sport Relief - Friday March 19th 2010

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:05:56 GMT

On Friday, 19^th March the whole school will be walking round The College in aid of Sport Relief.

The Chorister School special edition Sport Relief red t-shirt is being produced for each child at a cost of £5.00 which will be put on each pupil\'s school bill. All profits from the t-shirts are going to the Sports Relief fund.

If any parent does not want their child to have a t-shirt please inform the office and it will not be placed on the bill.

Open Morning - Saturday 27th Feb 2010 - 9.30 - 11.30 am

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:39:15 GMT

Please invite your friends and colleagues who have children of eligible age, or even younger, to our forthcoming Open Morning. It is an opportunity to come along and meet the staff and have a guided tour of the school. Anyone who may be interested, no matter how speculatively, in their child joining the school, will receive a very warm welcome.

The school goes to great lengths to demonstrate its values and excellence to prospective parents. However, the recommendation of a satisfied parent is of immeasurable worth in promoting our school.

The Friends

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:44:00 GMT

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 2^nd February, in the Assembly Hall at 7.00 pm. We encourage parents to attend this meeting which will also include the election of new officers. Refreshments will be served

Parents Evenings

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:39:26 GMT

The Second Form Parents’ Evening will be held on Wednesday, 3rd February in the Assembly Hall, 6.00 – 8.00 pm. Parents will receive their invitation in the post.

The First Form Parents’ Evening will be held on Tuesday 9^th and Wednesday 10^th of February in First Form. All First Form parents should receive an invitation today, Friday 29^th January. An appointment list will be put on the First Form notice board from Monday 1^st February. Please sign your name beside a convenient time and date.

Voice Auditions

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:35:55 GMT

The next voice auditions are to take place on Saturday, 6^th February. If you would like your child to have a voice trial to join the Cathedral Choir, please contact the school office for further information and to arrange an appointment.

Walking Bus update :

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:17:32 GMT

We are hoping to start the walking bus on Monday 18th January. Initially, I am afraid it will be for prep school (Form 1 and above) pupils only, due to the continuing difficult walking conditions. If you would like your child to join the Walking Bus please could you ensure that they have suitable outdoor wear as well as footwear. Shoes can be carried and put on at school.

Please could you check the website for any changes or amendments in case there is inclement weather over the weekend which would make the walk impossible on Monday.

Thank you for your understanding and support in this matter.

Linda Lawrence

Update: Tuesday 12th Jan 2010

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:57:37 GMT

We are very much looking forward to welcoming our pupils back to school on Wednesday 13^th January 2010. The Cathedral staff and Steve have worked incredibly hard to clear the vast amount of snow and ice in order to allow access to the school. The walking bus cannot operate at the moment due to the continued hazardous walking conditions from Prebends Bridge. We hope this situation will improve in the very near future. Pupils (and the website) will be informed when this position changes.

I thank parents for their understanding of the problems there have been due to our unique location and microclimate. Extreme care will still be needed as children are delivered and collected from school as the area is still being cleared.

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Linda Lawrence

The Chorister School Entrance

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 20:30:20 GMT