2019 lower school

Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School Prospectus ‘Where tradition and excellence combine’



WELCOME It is my pleasure to welcome you to Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School. Since its foundation Simon Langton Girls’ has worked to advance the lives of young women. This is a tradition we are privileged to continue today, and I am very proud of all that we do to enable our girls’ development into the strong, intelligent and influential adults that they become. Our ethos as a school lies in creating the balance between ensuring that our students achieve academic excellence whilst at the same time having a wider focus on imparting deeper knowledge and learning; a love of learning which we encourage for no other reason than learning itself. The development of the “Langton Values” is our way of describing the impact we have on all of our students, the journey that they undertake with us and the values that develop, embed and flourish as they progress through our school. Our girls develop a strong sense of moral purpose and a commitment to an increasingly globalised and technologically advanced society. Leadership, resilience and a strong sense of community will be necessary for the successful women of tomorrow. A Langton education provides the challenges and opportunities that guides our girls towards a bright future. This is a future enhanced by the ongoing multi-million pound investment in our facilities which will provide both a new school, but also a foundation for further developments. Alongside this, our strong link to our tradition sees us remain at the vanguard of the education of women. We hope that you enjoy your visit and look forward to welcoming you to the Langton family. Mrs A Scully Headteacher

OUR ETHOS Since 1881 a Langton education has been built on the pillars of academic excellence, ambition, independence and resilience. Ours is an education growing from the tradition of what came before, but always looking towards the excitement of what lies ahead. Our students are supported to become critical thinkers, be open to the ideas of others and to challenge assumptions. Through both the taught and extended curriculums, innovative teaching and active pastoral care, our students learn how to act with intelligence, creativity and moral integrity. Our students benefit from exceptional levels of help, support and guidance. We teach them to assume responsibility and to value ambition, innovation and tolerance. Our young women and men develop a passionate commitment to the proud traditions of their school, to their communities and to the wider world. We expect our students to work in professions where they will need to make decisions, influencing the lives of others and building a better future. In short, they are the leaders of today and tomorrow. The ethos of our school is encapsulated by the values that underpin all we do: the Langton Values.

OUR VALUES During their seven years at the school, students embark upon their personal Langton Journey. Together they develop a shared set of values and learning behaviours, qualities expected from all. We call these the Langton Values. Participation and enthusiasm A thirst for knowledge and enquiry; active involvement; endeavours; challenges assumptions. Cooperation and collaboration Works with, listens to and supports others; develops trust; builds relationships. Resilience and commitment Pro-active; determined; adaptive; the character to improve and overcome obstacles. Community and tolerance Works for the benefit of others; volunteers; understands and accepts. Leadership and responsibility Influential; acts independently and ethically; has integrity; challenges assumptions; is visionary. Ambition and independence Self-sufficient; driven and focused; aspirational.

CURRICULUM The Langton curriculum can be summed up in one word: challenge. This challenge will come in many ways, both academic and personal, and will prepare girls for their future personal and professional lives. We recognise the importance of examinations, but also consider the wider ethos and culture of the school as essential in developing the personal attributes vital to future success. Our students learn in a culture of high academic expectations, both theirs and ours, and are expected to go beyond the curriculum to explore areas of individual interest and challenge. All girls study a ‘traditional’ range of subjects, delivered by teachers with the subject specialism and freedom to inspire. We offer a wide range of GCSE, A Level and Cambridge Pre-U courses, with many opportunities for girls to extend and deepen their learning through societies and research projects as they progress through the school. Alongside this curriculum our students engage in a programme of ‘cultural literacy’, the Intellectual Vision and Endeavour (IVE) programme. This is designed to broaden their intellectual horizons, encouraging them to understand and link different disciplines and ideas as they become conversant with key thinkers and concepts. The curriculum at Langton Girls’ empowers our students, developing them into independent and autonomous learners. They leave us as strategic thinkers, resilient, confident and compassionate, proud members of a long line of Langton women.





WELL-BEING At the Langton, student well-being is paramount. We pride ourselves on the support and guidance provided and we work to help each individual thrive in every way. Innovative research and passionate professionals help guide the development of our Mental Health and Well-being strategy, with Mental Toughness and Emotional Resilience central to the progress and development of all Langton students. This approach permeates the Langton curriculum and is also embedded within our PSHEE lessons. Academic Leads in each year group offer individualised support for students, focusing on a metacognitive approach that encourages them all to reach beyond the curriculum, taking ownership of their progress and achievement. Attentive and approachable form tutors ensure that every student receives the level of care they require. Our Well-being Team work with teaching staff to deliver valuable and personalised day to day support, whilst ensuring that specialist support is there if needed. Our dedicated SEN Learning Base, ensures that all students are supported to fulfil their potential, embodying our personalised approach to every student. Nowhere is this demonstrated better than by our Sixth Form students, whose maturity and responsibility enables them to play a key role in supporting those in the lower school as form guardians, peer and subject mentors.

EXTRA CURRICULAR Opportunities beyond the curriculum abound at Langton Girls’. A thriving range of clubs and societies enable students to pursue their passions both in and outside of the classroom. Students are actively encouraged to pursue their own interests, no matter how diverse, resulting in the creation of many new societies and adding to our rich network of activities. Our excellence in sport is well established, whilst clubs including music, drama, dance and art foster students’ creativity, confidence and self-expression. An extensive calendar of educational visits such as language residentials to Salamanca, Toulouse and Montpelier, our German Christmas markets trip, the netball tour of Malta, the Year 7 Kingswood residential and Year 9 bushcraft challenge, alongside D of E Gold and World Challenge, complement the Langton curriculum, ensuring an enhanced learning experience. Original and dynamic research opportunities ensure that learning goes beyond the classroom. In collaboration with our IVE programme students are pushed to not only ask big questions, but actively seek the answers to these. It is this challenge that sets a Langton education apart.



Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School Old Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3EW Telephone: 01227 463711 Email: [email protected] Website: www.langton.kent.sch.uk