THE
CRYPT
SCHOOL
A High Performing Specialist
School with Specialisms in
Science and Languages
11-18 Grammar School for Boys
with a Mixed Sixth Form
Welcome to The Crypt School
We are a vibrant boys’ grammar school with a mixed sixth form, and a long and distinguished tradition of academic
excellence dating back to 1539.
We are proud of our community, which comprises a talented and hard working staff team, committed governors,
industrious and courteous students, supportive parents who contribute much to the school through the Crypt
School Association, and a strong Old Cryptians Club.
We have exceptional expectations for all our pupils in both academic and extra-curricular pursuits. We aim to
ensure that every pupil achieves their potential and leaves school fully prepared for and confident in facing the
challenges of life as well rounded young adults. Most importantly we want our pupils to feel valued, cheerful and
secure at school. In later life I hope that they retain fond memories of their school days, and will be able to feel that
they were a part of something very special.
The school is forward looking and will continue to embrace new teaching
OFSTED
‘‘
technologies and methodologies to ensure high quality outcomes for our
students. But at the same time, you can rest assured that we place a high
emphasis upon traditional grammar school values: excellence and the The Crypt is a good school
which provides outstanding
celebration of learning valued for its own sake; determination in the face
care, guidance and support
of difficulties and the inevitable challenges that life throws our way; to students so that they make
discipline; leadership opportunities for our students; and care for each good progress and achieve
individual, the idea that we work together for the benefit of each other, consistently and exceptionally
and we celebrate every individual’s worth. high standards.
I look forward to meeting you. J P Standen - HEADMASTER Ofsted Report - 2008
’’
Aims of the School
1. To provide a happy, caring and disciplined environment 7. To develop and encourage
in which individuals can develop potential in body, mind in individuals a sensitivity to all
and spirit. matters involving equality of
opportunity, whether to do
2. To help pupils to develop lively, with religion, race or gender.
enquiring minds, capable of
intelligent questioning, critical 8. To foster the acquisition of those habits, attitudes and
judgement and rational argument. intellectual skills which will promote successful employment
and to develop the capacity for making informed, responsible
3. To encourage pupils to apply and realistic decisions.
themselves with enthusiasm to
tasks and physical skills, independently and co-operatively. 9. To give pupils the
opportunity to acquire
4. To develop in pupils a wide appreciation of knowledge and skills which
the full range of intellectual and practical lead to the intelligent and
human achievement, and to provide enjoyable use of leisure.
opportunity for the enhancement of personal
creativity. 10. In accordance with the
capacities of individual pupils,
5. To promote in pupils an understanding of to prepare them for the
the world in which we live, and a recognition challenge of appropriate public examinations.
of the mutual dependence which must exist
between individuals, groups and nations. 11. To encourage the exercise of consideration and sensitivity
as a means of developing satisfactory personal relationships.
6. To help develop an individual’s personal code of high
moral values; a respect for law and the pursuit of justice; 12. To work in close collaboration with the pupils, their
respect for the wide parents, Governors and staff, as well as the wider community,
range of religious in pursuit of these aims.
beliefs in this complex
society; and tolerance
OFSTED
of all people whose
beliefs may not be in
accord with those of
any single individual
“ Students are rightfully proud of
their school and they enjoy their
work. As one said, ‘the best thing
about our school are the teachers
or group. because they make learning fun
and we really enjoy ourselves’.
Ofsted Report - 2008
”
A Rich History With an Exciting Future
The Crypt School
1528 John Cooke, mercer and four times Mayor of the 1999 The school becomes a Foundation School;
City of Gloucester made a will in which he directed his completion of Phase 2 of building project adding
wife “stablish and ordeyn a contynuall frescole of gramer Business Studies and computer rooms.
for the erudiction of children and scolers.” The sporting facilities include a gymnasium, multigym,
1539 A tripartite deed was made by Dame Joan Cooke, sports pavilion and hard courts. The school also makes
use of the high-quality, all-weather Athletics track
adjacent to its thirty-four acres of school playing field.
2000 Whole school
art exhibition with private
view for parents. Four form
entry now through Years 7-11.
2001 Ranked 9th in
the DfES list of ‘Most
Improved Schools’.
2002 & 2003 Received
School Achievement Award
for Academic Success.
the Mayor and Burgesses of Gloucester and the Bailiffs 2003 Granted Specialist
and Citizens of Worcester as to the endowments for the Status in Science.
benefit of the school. At the date of this agreement the
school had already been established at the Church of
2004 In top 50 schools nationally for value added
education at key stage 3.
St. Mary de Crypt: in this way that the school gained
its name. 2005 Awarded Artsmark for quality of provision in
creative and performing arts.
1889 The school moved to new buildings in Brunswick
Road known to countless generations of Old Cryptians, as Successful Ofsted inspection and report. Comments
‘Friars Orchard’. This site is now occupied by the from the report are used to illustrate this prospectus.
GLOSCAT buildings. 2008 Most successful Ofsted to date. Second phase
1987 Admission of girls into the Sixth Form. Specialist Science College Status. Award of High
Performing Specialist School Status by DCSF.
1992 Grant Maintained status. 2009 Award of Second Specialism in Languages.
1998 Successful OFSTED [School Inspection].
‘‘ OFSTED
Student’s personal development and
well-being are outstanding and they
’’
behave superbly well.
Developing the Podsmead Site Ofsted - 2008
1939 Because of a rapid growth in numbers, (the school had 1997 Opening of new Science and Sixth Form Block
now over 400 boys), a new site was sought. (Phase 1 of building project).
In the 400th year of its existence, the foundation stone was
laid by the Duchess of Gloucester at Podsmead - the ancient
1999 Completion of phase 2, additional Science Lab.
Business Studies and computer rooms.
site from which some of its original endowments had derived.
1942 The school moved to Podsmead. 2002 Completion of Phase 3 – a four-badminton court
sports hall.
2004 Phase 4 - new Science College facilities for Science,
Maths & ICT and re-structured Art rooms and school
reception area.
2005 Re-structure DT area.
2008 Refurbishment of the School Hall. Installation of a
kiln in the Art Room to further develop the curriculum
2009 Completion of £1.4 million Sixth Form Centre and
Library. Conversion of Old Library into classrooms.
Funding secured for building of a Food Technology Suite.
The Curriculum and School Ethos
An Accent on Pastoral Care
All pupils in the school are placed in the care of form tutors who have the overall responsibility for their welfare, and who are the first point
of contact and correspondence in all matters relating to pupils in the school. Form Tutors are supported by Heads of Year who have specific
responsibility for overseeing the pastoral needs of the pupils in their year group. Form time is set aside each week to enable form tutors to
monitor the progress of pupils and parents are encouraged to contact the school immediately about matters of concern. Time will always be
found for parents who feel the need for urgent and immediate discussion. Pupils also have access to a trained counsellor and the school nurse
who run drop in sessions.
A Broad and Balanced Curriculum
The School week consists of 25 periods of 60 minutes each, organised over a two week cycle.
The table below indicates the current spread of lessons during the first three years.
Key Stage 3 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9
Periods Periods Periods Periods Periods Periods
Art 2 2 2 Learning to Learn 1 1 1
Drama 2 2 2 Mathematics 6 6 6
Design Technology 3 3 3 Music 2 2 2
English 6 6 5 P.S.E./Careers/Citizenship 2 2 2
French 3 3 3 P.E. 2 2 2
Geography 3 3 3 Games 2 2 2
German 3 3 3 R.E. 2 2 2
History 3 3 3 Science 6 5 6
I.T 2 3 3 Total 50 50 50
Key Stage 4: In Years l0 and 11 a core of subjects according to the National Curriculum is followed.
OFSTED
‘‘
This core consists of English (Language and Literature), Mathematics and the Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics).
Optional subjects include Design Technology, French, German, History, Geography, Music, Art, I.C.T., Drama, Business
Studies, R.E. and P.E. all of which may be studied to GCSE. In addition all boys follow courses in Religious Education,
Students achieve well, with their
Learning to Learn, Personal and Social Education, Careers, Physical Education and Games.
outstanding academic guidance
making sure that most meet
The new flexibility within the National Curriculum has created the opportunity to study challenging targets.
’’
for GCSE Short Courses in Information Technology, Business Studies and R.E., meeting
student entitlement and enhancing the range and degree of choice at Key Stage 4. Ofsted Report - 2008
Sixth Form
Sixth Form
Year 11 pupils are welcomed to join our successful Sixth Form. Our holistic Film Studies, Photography and Sociology. Our Year 13 leavers attend the
approach to educating students means they develop intellectually and finest universities, from Oxbridge to the ‘Russell Group’ and other top-rated
emotionally through a wide range of experiences and challenges, inside the institutions. The few who do not go to university, successfully enter
classroom and out. Applications are attracted from a number of schools employment or further training. We have a justifiable reputation for student
and an increasing number of young ladies now choose Crypt. With over care and support.
200 students, we are large enough to be interesting and exciting but small
enough for students to receive quality education from staff who genuinely The move into our Sixth Form is a progression into a more adult
know and support them. Our purpose-built learning resource centre environment: we believe that all students should have opportunities to
provides state-of-the-art ICT access, work and study rooms and a coffee show initiative and responsibility in a range of activities, ensuring a balance
terrace for sixth formers. between academic and social life. Senior students, Prefects and the Student
Executive Team present important role models for younger pupils, acting as
Students study a range of A-Levels including some unavailable at GCSE, academic and pastoral mentors, organising social events and co-ordinating
such as Accounting, English Language, Human Biology, Media Studies, Music fund-raisers. We support students’ choices beyond the sixth form, providing
Technology, Psychology, Sports Studies and Theatre Studies. The new AQA trips and information sessions specifically linked to university, training
Baccalaureate allows students to demonstrate all-round ability and our schemes or employment. All of this in a positive environment of success
successful partnership with local schools extends our curriculum offer to and climate of challenge and achievement.
Homework
Evening homework is set and pupils in Year 7 have a fortnightly
timetable issued. The homework schedule for Years 8 and 9 is more
flexible to allow for the range of types of task set. All students are
issued with study planners to note work set and help them keep to
deadlines. The planners are also used to record PLP merits and
sanctions and can be used for two-way communication between home
and school. We estimate that homework should occupy a pupil for the
following time per subject each evening.
Year 7 20 minutes per subject
Year 8 25 minutes per subject
Year 9 30 minutes per subject Termly Assessment
Years 10/11 45 minutes per subject At varying intervals to complement the pattern of Parents’ evenings,
Sixth Form about 5 hours per subject per week exams and written reports, pupils are graded for effort and attainment
The help of parents is sought in ensuring that pupils do homework in individual subjects. These outcomes are then discussed, by the form
regularly and well, and in quiet surroundings. Parents are asked to contact tutor and the pupil, and targets for improvement are set. The grades are
the pupil’s form tutor without delay if their son or daughter is consistently also, of course, communicated to parents, and enable pupils to build up
spending considerably more or less time than that recommended. an impressive Record of Achievement.
The Crypt School
Special Educational Needs Policy School Sports
Objectives: In addition to the stated aims of The Crypt School the
Provision: The standard of school sport is very high, and the school has
Special Needs Policy will identify and address the Special Educational
been represented at a national level by many pupils in a variety of
Needs of all its pupils. We aim to see that all pupils reach their potential
activities. Many pupils also gain County or District honours every year.
in all aspects of the curriculum by ensuring that there is an efficient
However, we are aware that not every pupil will perform at these levels,
system in place that works within the Code of Practice on Special Needs.
but all are encouraged to make a genuine effort to achieve their individual
External agencies will be involved as guided by the Code of Practice. potential and importantly have fun.
Physical Education and Games
Identification, Assessment and Provision: A Register of pupils is
form an integral part of the broad
maintained to monitor and review progress of, and provision for pupils.
education of our young students.
The half-termly assessments, and other expressions of staff concern are
From years 7 to 11 all boys will
used to identify pupils with special needs. A Working Party keeps these
have a one hour PE lesson and a
procedures under review so that we work within the Code of Practice
one hour games lesson each week.
to support these needs to best effect.
The curriculum has been designed
Religious Education in consultation with our students to
meet their individual strengths and
Religious education is provided for all pupils in the school up to the
provide a variety of activities. All boys in year 7 take part in Rugby,
end of Year 11, and includes a study of the major religions. The work
Cricket, Athletics, Basketball, Gymnastics, Outdoor and Adventurous
scheme follows closely the Gloucestershire approved syllabus and is
activities and a new module – Physical Literacy. In year 8 boys substitute
designed to be informative and inoffensive to those of all faiths. There
Physical Literacy for Circuits/Types of Training, Cross-Country and Football
is the opportunity for R.E. to be studied through to GCSE level for
are options in Games. In year 9 there is a Crypt accredited Sports
those who so wish.
Leaders Award for the students to demonstrate their strengths. There is
Acts of worship are predominately Christian in nature and parents may the opportunity to be involved in the Junior Sports Leader award in Year
withdraw pupils if they wish. Some assemblies are secular and designed 10, the Community Sports Leader Award in Year 12 as well as the Duke
to be relevant and thought provoking for all. of Edinburgh award which starts in Year 10. The department continues to
be extremely successful at GCSE and A-Level Sports Studies with a large
The Personal Education Programme uptake of pupils sitting the examinations. There is also the opportunity to
is delivered in discrete weekly lessons to all students in years 7-13, it participate in the popular yearly ski trip.
includes two elements:
Recent Successes: The school has been to Canada on a rugby tour
PSHE explores personal issues and concerns and gives the students
opportunities to explore their emotions in the face of changing
pressures. The lessons stress the importance of the family in a loving
relationship, and they cover puberty, sexuality transmitted infections, HIV
and AIDS. Emotional well being and financial capability are extensively
covered.
Citizenship As the PSHE program explores personal issues and
relationships then citizenship examines our role as citizens in a societal
context including the local national and global community. Students think
about their relationship with the law, politics, the UK and the E.U. and
consider global issues affecting the world today. There are opportunities
for both visits outside school and speakers who come into school, e.g.
three times with the most recent one being in July 2008 winning 12/14
from the Houses of Parliament. There is an active citizen element where
matches. We have been the District Athletics Champions on many
students raise either awareness or funds for an issue that they have
occasions and in 2008 our Yr 7 & 8 Athletics team reached the South West
studied and feel strongly about. For example “Save the Whales” or
final finishing a credible 3rd place.
“Cancer Research.” This project is written up as their GCSE coursework
for citizenship. We have also had success in a variety of sports such as Football, with
pupils selected for the county U15 team. Cricket is going from strength to
strength having won all
OFSTED
‘‘
four of the Gloucester
finals in 2009. In recent
Students are well rounded and responsible young adults years we won the U15
who want to succeed in school and in their future. They County cup and in 2009
display very positive attitudes, keenly take up roles of became U12 County
responsibility and leadership offered in the school, and Champions. There is now
make a positive contribution a Cricket tour to Barbados
’’
to the wider community. Ofsted Report - 2008 scheduled in 2011.
OFSTED
The House System
Each student is placed into a house giving them a sense of belonging
from the moment they join. They are encouraged to earn merits for
their House – these are given for excellent effort and contribute to the
‘‘
Behaviour is of the highest standard with
students being extremely polite and courteous
to staff, each other and visitors. Students are
empathetic with each other and have a high
House Trophy which is awarded at the end of the summer term.
Commendations are awarded for sustained effort throughout the year. regard for the safety and well-being of others.
This year Heads of House (members of staff) and House Captains They feel safe from bullying, racism and any
(students) have been elected by members of their own houses. The ‘new other discrimination.
’’
look’ House System has created a lively sense of competition – and not Ofsted Report - 2008
just in Sport. Students can take part in many activities – some of which
include public speaking, chess and gardening to name but a few.
Extra-Curricular Activities
All pupils are encouraged to take advantage of a range of Extra-curricular activities and there are
regular opportunities for trips and excursions. Some of the present activities include Board Games,
Design Technology (most lunch-times), Library (lunch-times and after school if required) and use
of the computer network after school. Opportunities to enjoy music are many and include School
‘‘ OFSTED
Teaching and learning are good because
teachers have high expectations that
reinforce student’s high aspirations.
Good subject knowledge contributes
Choir, String Orchestra, ad hoc Instrumental Ensembles, Wind Band, Rock Bands and Jazz Band. well to learning so that students make
On the sporting side we offer Soccer, Table-tennis, Badminton, Basketball, Rugby, Hockey, Cricket
good progress.
and Athletics. There is a Young Enterprise (Business) Scheme for Sixth Formers.
Links Between Home and School
To enable a pupil to develop full potential while at school, a good
working relationship must be established between school and home,
Ofsted Report - 2008
’’
and a real partnership must be sustained which works School Events
to the pupil’s advantage. Close co-operation and understanding
between parents and school encourage more the achievement Residential Induction for Year 7
and maintenance of those high standards of work, behaviour All members of Year 7 attend a residential,
and attitude which we all seek. three day induction course early in
September to foster social interaction
All pupils and parents should be aware of the fact that The Crypt and tutor group effectiveness.
School expects its members to behave at all times in such a way
as to bring credit to themselves, their families, and to the school of
which they are such an important part. Regular meetings for parents
are held to raise awareness of key issues and to generate discussion
on how to improve the quality of education which we provide.
The Crypt School Association
The Crypt School Association is a lively organisation to which all
parents of Crypt pupils belong automatically. There are regular
meetings and social events held throughout the year and the
Association generates a great deal of money in support of the
educational objectives of the school.
OFSTED
‘‘Governance is good. Governors support the
school well and challenge the school’s leaders
Commendation Day
Service held at St. Mary de Crypt - an introduction for
new boys and their parents to the church and building
where the School began.
’’
as appropriate.
Ofsted Report - 2008
Speech Day and Prize-Giving
In recent years the CSA has met its own targets by raising well over Held in the School Hall annually.
£10,000 annually to fund improvements to the School Stage, to
Founders Day Service
create a quiet area in the School Grounds, to further to work of
Held in the Cathedral in July.
several departments and most recently a £20,000 pledge towards
the Sixth Form Learning Resource Centre and £50,000 contribution
to the Main Hall Refurbishment. Drama
However the CSA is much more than a simple money-raising As well as studying drama throughout KS3, all boys
organisation: it is a key element in communicating parent opinion have the opportunity to get involved in junior or whole
to the Headmaster, and parents are encouraged to make use of the school productions. Recent productions include :
Association as a means for airing their views about the school, and Romeo & Juliet - 2002 (Year 10)
for making contact with other parents as well as Staff, in the less Rats! - 2003 (Lower School)
formal atmosphere of its social events. These include Quizzes, Skittles,
Treasure Hunts and Wine Tastings. Much Ado about Nothing - 2003 (Whole School)
Comedy of Errors - 2004 (Whole School)
The School Fund
Parents are asked to contribute annually to the General Fund each
The Beggar’s Opera – 2004 (Whole School)
September. We currently ask for a contribution of £25 per family. The Smike – 2006 (Whole School)
fund provides for extra facilities and amenities within the school, not The Importance of Being Ernest – 2006 (Whole School)
provided by public funds. In addition it can make part payment to
The Tempest – 2007 (Whole School)
the school magazine, the cost of entertaining visiting teams and
grants to school societies.
Headmaster’s Newsletters
The Headmaster regularly sends a newsletter to all parents giving
‘‘ OFSTED
details of the work of the school, drawing their attention to
particular issues and updating the school calendar.
Students respond well to good teaching,
relationships between staff and students are
‘‘ OFSTED
Your school is well led and managed and it obtains
the views of yourselves and your parents to see
how it can improve further.
very good and lessons are challenging.
Ofsted Report - 2008
’’
Ofsted Report - 2008
’’
dedication Discipline
historic
school
Experience
THE
CRYPT
SCHOOL
Broad
Minded
Fair Play
How to find us:
Gloucester
Hucclecote
Directions B4073
B4072
1. Leave M5 at Junction 12,
signposted Gloucester.
Hempsted
2. Follow signs into Gloucester Rd
M5
lay
Fin
Abbeymead
3. At roundabout (McDonalds Crypt A38
B4073
on left) take 2nd exit onto A430
dual carriageway (A38) Ave Matson
Cole
4. Go straight over roundabout Upton St
A38
Jarvis Gloucester Leonards
Stroud Rd
Tuffley
Hotel Golf and
5. Through set of traffic lights Country Club
Quedgeley
6. At large set of lights, get into B4008 A4173
right hand lane and turn right Whaddon
l Rd
into Cole Avenue B4073
Bristo
M5
7. At next set of lights turn left
and bear right towards the
school entrance which is off a A38
A46
small roundabout on the right. Brookethorpe
Brochure designed by Old Cryptians Ben Chamberlain and Shaun Uthup Telephone SOZO Design - 01242 511912 www.sozodesign.co.uk
M5
B4008
A38
12
B4008 A4173
THE
CRYPT
SCHOOL
For more information or to arrange a visit to the school
please call us on 01452 530291
Podsmead Road, Gloucester, GL2 5AE. Telephone 01452 530291, Facsimile 01452 530292, Website www.cryptschool.org
HEADMASTER: J. P. Standen, B.A. (Hons)