28^th June 2007

 

 

      Thank you for your interest in the School.  I trust that you sense something during your visit of the atmosphere of warmth and friendliness which is characteristic of Wallington. 

 

      A new sports hall will be ready for when your son starts, which will improve immeasurably opportunities for pupils.  On Open Day a programme of exhibitions and activities has been arranged by staff to reflect the many aspects of school life and work.  There will be guided tours of the school led by members of the upper school but please feel free to wander should you prefer.

 

      The pupils are our greatest pride; on your visit, please speak to them about their School.

 

      I know what a worrying time it is for you having to make such important decisions about your son's education.  If you would like to talk about your son, or the admissions arrangements, or you would like to see the school on a normal working day, please do not hesitate to make contact. 

 

You will be most welcome.        

 

 

 

Headmaster

Headmaster's Address

 

An address will be given by the Headmaster, Dr. Haworth, at approximately 4.00, 5.00, 6.00, 6.30, 7.00 and 7.30 p.m.  Bells will ring before each speech and you are invited to interrupt your tour of the school in order to hear the Headmaster speak at the first opportunity.

 

Refreshments

 

The school canteen is open for light refreshments and we hope you have the time to talk to Staff, Governors and members of the PTA over a cup of tea or coffee.

 

Buildings & Grounds

 

Main School (Ground Floor)   First Aid Hall Careers Economics Mathematics	Science Block   Biology Chemistry Physics
	Music & Technology Block   Design Technology Music
Main School (First Floor)   Art Geography French German Information Technology Religious Studies   Sixth Form Centre   Admissions Information Common Room Library History Special Needs
	Dining Hall Block   Dining Hall: Refreshments English Drama Media Studies
	Playing Fields at school   Pavilion, 2 rugby pitches, athletics track, cricket pitch Cricket nets   Sports Hall on Lower Field To open 2008   Playing Fields at Clockhouse 5 rugby pitches, all-weather hockey pitch, 3 cricket pitches and Clubhouse

 

Admissions Criteria

 

The School admits 120 boys on the basis of their ability.  Boys will be regarded as of selective ability according to their performance in the selection tests established by the school.

 

a)     Pupils who have reached the pass mark who are Looked After Children, then those who have special medical or social grounds for admission supported by appropriate professional evidence.

b)     In rank order of performance. 

 

 

Admission Arrangements

 

Boys born between 1^st September 1996 & 31^st August 1997

are eligible for admission in September 2008.

 

The closing date for the receipt of the Supplementary Form is:

 

Wednesday, 12^th September 2007

or by hand up to 1.00 p.m. on Friday, 14^th September 2007

(The Supplementary Form must be returned to the School)

 

The selection test will take place on:

 

Saturday, 15^th September 2007

 

Entrance Test Results will be sent by first class post on:

 

Friday, 5^th October 2007

 

The closing date for the receipt of the Common Application Form is:

 

Friday, 19^th October 2007

(This form must be returned to your own Local Education Authority and will list your school preferences)

 

Offers of School Places will be sent by your Local Authority on:

 

3^rd March 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advice on Admission in 2008 from the Head Master

 

The new Admissions Code of Practice states:

 

‘Grammar schools and other schools, or their admission authorities, which are permitted to use selection by ability or aptitude, should ensure that parents are informed of the outcome of entry tests before they make their applications for other schools.’ 

 

The reason is very simple: parents want to know as soon as possible how their child has done on the test.  Even bad news can be helpful; if a pupil does not come up to the standard necessary, there is no point applying for the School.  If your son does well and passes, it is obviously worth listing the School as your higher or highest preference in the secure knowledge that he has already met the admissions criteria.

 

It is a considerable challenge for schools to change their routines and test this early; we do so because we understand the anxiety that parents and pupils face at this point.  We want to be helpful. 

 

Our entrance examination will be on Saturday, 15^th September and results will be posted on Friday, 5^th October.  Parents will then have until Friday, 19^th October to complete their Local Authority’s Common Application Form (CAF).  Because we are testing in September, our Open Day is also brought forward to June. 

 

I hope that the 3-week turnaround of the examination results will reduce some of the stress parents and pupils feel.  Explanatory information about how to proceed will be sent with results.  Knowing whether or not your son has been successful in the entrance examination should help you make a more informed choice of school preferences when you make their application using the Common Application Form (CAF).  There should be plenty of time after results are released on for you to make this important decision. 

 

Although our formal Open Day is in June, we will welcome parents and pupils in on a normal working day in October.

 

The Supplementary Form

 

If you wish to apply for your son to sit the entrance examination at Wallington, please complete the Supplementary Form and send it to the school.  This does not constitute an application to the school, only a request for your son to be tested.  There is no need to include a stamped, addressed envelope with your application.  Applications are not acknowledged but a letter giving details of your son's test will be posted by first class post on or before Friday, 31^st August.  Please contact the Admissions Manager, Mrs. Marden, on Monday, 10^th September if you do not receive the invitation to the test.  It helps our organisation if parents are able to complete them early, and we will take applications right until 1 p.m. of the day before the test. 

  

 Entrance Examination Results

 

Results of the entry tests will be posted by first class post on Friday, 5^th October 2007.  Explanatory information will be sent with test results.  All those who are successful in the test are placed in rank order according to the School's admission criteria.

 

Making an Application

 

Should your son be successful in the entrance examination you must then make your application to the school by returning a Common Application Form (CAF) to your own Local Authority.  It is important that you then list Wallington as one of your preferences on this Local Education Authority Common Application Form.  Our DfES Number is 319 5407.  All 33 London Boroughs plus 8 LEAs that border London are co-ordinating admissions.  This means that you need only complete a CAF for your home Local Education Authority ranking up to six schools you are applying to on this one CAF form regardless of the LEA in which the school resides.

 

You may prefer to complete the CAF 'on line'.  Sutton parents should access www.sutton.gov.uk/education/admissions and others the web site of their own Local Authority.

 

Offers of Places

 

All those who are successful in the test are placed in rank order according to the School's published admissions criteria.  This list is submitted to the Pan London Register and places are offered using the Coordinated Admissions Arrangements in accordance with the order of preference listed on the Common Application Form which will have been completed by parents.

 

Offers of places will be posted by your own LEA on Monday, 3^rd March 2008.  I will also write with my congratulations.

 

It is important for parents to note that success in the entrance examination does not automatically mean that a place will be offered in March.  Every boy who has been successful in the selection test and preferred Wallington has, in the last fourteen years, received the offer of a place.  This is an incredible record and one we hope to continue; however, we cannot guarantee that this will necessarily remain the case.

Admissions Test

 

The selection test will consist of an English paper, a Mathematics paper and a short Verbal Reasoning paper.  A satisfactory performance is required in the English paper.  All the examination papers are prepared by the school.  We do NOT use NFER papers.

 

The English paper

• 40 minutes duration representing 40% of the final mark.
• This comprises 20 minute comprehension exercises and a 20 minute "essay".  

 

The Mathematics paper

• 30 minutes duration representing 40% of the final mark.
• Questions are broadly in line with National Curriculum Key Stage 2 tests. Pupils must write their answers directly onto the test paper and they must show all their working.

 

The Verbal Reasoning paper

• 20 minutes duration representing 20% of the final mark.
• Boys will write their answers directly onto the question paper. 
• They write words, underline words or circle letters to give answers.

 

We do not use NFER papers and none are multiple choice.

 

The entire test takes no longer than one and a half hours although boys are usually here for about two hours because we include a short break.

 

We do not supply practice papers because, as explained above, 80% of the test is work your son should be familiar with (English and Mathematics).  Practice Verbal Reasoning papers can be obtained very easily from WH Smith.

  

Our examinations are “10-year-old-boy-friendly”.  In other words, the majority of the examination (the Maths and English papers) will be familiar and similar to the work that your son is currently doing at primary school.  The Verbal Reasoning Paper is word based and is really just like a short puzzle paper.  There are no Non-Verbal reasoning questions.

 

You will receive a letter giving details of the actual time of the test.  Please ensure that you arrive in good time and allow for difficulties with regard to transport or parking.  It will not be possible to park in the school premises or the immediate vicinity of the school. 

 

If your son is ill, either beforehand or on the day, he should not take the test.  An alternative date WILL be offered.  If he is ill in the days leading up to the test, please contact the Admissions Manager, Mrs. Marden.  If your son is ill on the day, please email, telephone or attend the school in person with a note to that effect.   An alternative date will also be offered to those who do not want their son tested on a Saturday for religious reasons.

 

Special Medical or Social Criteria and

Special Educational Needs

 

The Special, Medical and Social Criterion will include Traveller Children, Asylum Seekers and Refugees.  The School has an established SEN policy.  Pupils with disabilities are admitted to the school using the same admissions criteria and are expected to achieve the same standard.  A pupil with a problem of mobility would find the building challenging.  Adaptations are planned as LEA funding becomes available.  There are disabled toilets and ramps, and the School would make any reasonable adjustments possible. 

 

Our caring ethos ensures that all pupils' individual needs are considered. The Assistant Headmaster, Mr. Mangham, has special responsibility for SEN pupils.  If you have indicated that your son has any special, medical or social grounds for admission on the Supplementary Form, these must be supported by appropriate professional evidence.  Mrs. Marden, the Admissions Manager, will then liaise with your son’s primary school or other professional body to ascertain any special arrangements for the proper conduct of the test.

 

Appeals

 

All parents have a right of appeal against a decision not to offer a place for a child.  Information about appeals will be sent by your LEA to all applicants with their offer letter on 3^rd March 2008.  Appeals are likely to be heard in June.  Very few appeals are upheld.  Recent history shows that those that are upheld tend to have professional supporting evidence which is significant and appropriate and this will usually have been submitted at the time of application.

 

General Information on Admissions

 

Last year 961 pupils were tested and 264 were successful in the entrance examination.   Mrs. Marden, the Admissions Manager, will be pleased to help if you have queries about the applications procedure.  If you would like to talk to someone with regard to your son's personal circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

The School caters for the top 25% of the ability range.  If you think your son is above average in his class, I do encourage you to apply.

 

“The School accepts the top 25% of the ability range, but the existence of other grammar and independent schools in the area means that the local availability of grammar school education is not unduly restrictive.”

 

“The management of the admissions process with such a volume of applications is exemplary.”                                                       OfSTED

 

 

School Website

 

There is a section on the school website www.wcgs.org.uk under Admissions called FAQ where you can view frequently asked questions.  Much other information is contained there including links to the School’s OfSTED, School Profile and various policies.  It is frequently updated with news and activities.

 

 

Casual Admissions Year 7 - 11

 

If a casual vacancy occurs after the normal admission round it will be filled according to the School’s Admission Criteria.  Pupils at this School commence their GCSE studies in Year 9 and smaller teaching groups are then created.  This reorganisation creates up to 10 vacancies.  Testing for entry into Year 9 will usually take place in the January/February prior to the September of entry.

 

 

Waiting Lists

 

Waiting lists are always reviewed at the end of September.  All pupils on the waiting list are required to be tested again should a vacancy arise in the relevant year group.

Admission Criteria for entry to the Sixth Form

 

The School admits both young men and women based on their performance in GCSE examinations. 

 

The minimum entry requirements are:

 

• Average Point Score of 47.8 at GCSE using the best 8 GCSE results.
• At least a Grade A in the subjects to be studied or in related subjects;
• Subjects chosen at AS/A Level must form a coherent two year course.

 

Twenty boys or girls, depending upon the uptake of places by internal candidates, may be admitted to the Sixth Form from outside the School, selected in rank order according to the following criteria:

 

1. Applicants who meet the minimum standard above who have special, medical or social grounds for admission supported by appropriate professional advice.
2. Rank order of performance at GCSE.

 

As with existing members of the school, all applicants to the Sixth Form will be invited to discuss subject choices to ensure a coherent course over two years.

 

Headmaster’s Advice:

The Admission Criteria include a minimum standard of entry.  In practice, since places are awarded in rank order, and, given the level of competition, most applicants achieve considerably higher.  As a guide applicants from outside the school will normally be required to obtain the average grades our own pupils achieve, which is at least 7 GCSE subjects at grade A.

 

 

 

 

 

The number to call with admissions queries is 020 8254 7920 or email admissions-wcgs@suttonlea.org or view the school website www.wcgs.org.uk.

 

 

 

 

Teaching Staff

 

Headmaster	Dr. J. M. Haworth, PhD, MA, University of Birmingham; MEd, University of Warwick; BD, University of London; ALBC, London School of Theology; FRSA
Deputy Headmaster	P. G. Smart, BSc (Mathematics), Chelsea College, University of London
Assistant Heads	D. J. Mangham, BSc, Chelsea College, University of London (Director of Main School) Mrs. L. Thomas, CIBiol, MIBiol, FIMLT, London (Director of Sixth Form) Mlle. N. André, DEA, Maîtrise & Licence, Université Lyon, France  (National Strategy) Miss S. Cooke, MA, BA, AKC, King’s College, University of London (Teaching & Learning) Mrs. Z. Jaffer, BSc, MA, Queen Mary, University of London (Director of Science & Head of Year 7)
English			Miss D. Colclough, BA, University of Warwick (Director) A. Boucher, BA, University of Warwick; MA, Queen Mary, University of London D. Jones, BA, University of Durham R. Scales, MA, Worcester College, Oxford Miss C. Tovey, BA, University of Manchester C. Williams, BA, Swansea University; MEd, University of Manchester
Drama & Media Studies			Mrs. J. A. Devereux, MA, University of Edinburgh
Mathematics			Mrs. M. M. Holt, BSc(Econ), University of Wales, Swansea; BSc, BA, MSc, Birkbeck College, University of London; GradStat (Director) Miss H. Bannaghan, MA, University of Durham Miss G. Bird, AGSM; BSc, Open University J. Laughton, MA, Christ’s College, Cambridge J. Lescault, BSc, South Bank University J. Oldfield, BA, Somerville College, Oxford Dr. D. Schiavo, Dottore in Matematica, University of Padua, Italy
Biology		Dr. C. Spencer, BSc, University of Warwick; PhD, University of Reading Miss G. Farlow, BSc, University of Bath Dr. A. McColl, BSc, Glasgow Caledonian; PhD, University of Strathclyde Dr. S. Whiting, BSc, PhD, University College, London
Chemistry		Mrs. N. Jovanović-Callaghan, BSc, University of Belgrade Mrs. M. Allen, BSc, University of Exeter A. Dabrowski, MSci, University of Bristol J.A. Moran, BSc, University of Dundee
Physics		Mrs. Z. Jaffer, BSc, MA, Queen Mary, University of London R. Bain, BSc, Imperial College, London A. Boothroyd, BSc, University of Bradford Dr. N. Stewart, BSc, University of Glasgow; PhD Heriot-Watt University
Economics & Business  Studies		Miss C. Troke, BSc, London School of Economics N. Durham, BA, City of London University C. Mumby, BA, University of Sussex
French		Mlle. N. André, DEA, Maîtrise & Licence, (Law) Université Lyon, France Miss S. Johnson, BA, University of Southampton Mrs. N. Kassam, BA, University of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania Mme. C. Lehmann, BTS, Université Lille T. Tourancheau, BA, Universitė Jean-Monnet, France
German		J.D. Owen, BA, University of Wales, Cardiff Miss S. Johnson, BA, University of Southampton
Geography		D. Grindrod, BSc, University of Wales Institute of Science & Technology; MSc, Cranfield Institute of Technology J. Eynon, BSc, University of Durham; MA, King’s College, London R. Pletts, BA, University of Birmingham
History & Classical Civilisation		P. McKean, BA, Peterhouse, University of Cambridge J. Bean, BA, University of Nottingham G. Collins, BA, Queen’s University, Belfast D. Espejo, MA, St. Andrew’s, University of Scotland Dr. K. Meek, BA, MA, University of  Auckland; PhD, Cambridge University
Religious Studies		Miss S. Cooke, MA, BA, AKC, King’s College, University of London Miss Z. Abrahams, BA, University of Nottingham Miss D. Quinn, BA, Stranmillis University College, Queen’s University, Belfast Miss A. Tweedie, BA, University of Durham
Philosophy & Critical Thinking		P. Brewer,  BA, University of Birmingham
Art & Design			Mrs. E. Ferguson, BEd, University of Birmingham Miss L. Musselbrook, BA, Wimbledon School of Art
Technology			M. Walsh, HND Mechanical Engineering, Trent Polytechnic & Loughborough College D. Chapman, BSc, University of Glamorgan
Information Technology			G. Ege, BSc, University of Glamorgan B. Zaman, BSc, Brighton University
Physical Education & Games			R. Walden, BEd, University of Exeter D. Crompton, BApSc, Deakin University, Melbourne J. Young, BSc, Anglia Polytechnic University
Music			Mrs. A. Tams, GGSM Diploma, Guildhall School of Music     & Drama
Instrumental Tutors			K. Alexakis, Electric Guitar; M. Barker, Drum; P. Beer, Brass; P. Bennett, Bassoon/Sax; S. Bishop, Clarinet/Sax; A. Gunn, Cello; J Healey, Double Bass; F. Page, Piano; S. Weddle, Flute; C. Wileman, Violin.

 

Support Staff

 

Bursar	Mr. B. Brooks, MMS
Admissions Manager	Mrs. T. Marden
Personnel Manager	Mrs. J. Fulton
Administrators	Mrs. L. Adam; Mrs. J. Armstrong Mrs. G. Atkins; Mrs. J. Ayres; Mrs. J. Baker; Mrs. R. Bharadia; Mrs. C. Brooks; Mrs. S. Cooper; Mrs. A. Collins, BA, University of Cape Town; M.Sc., University College, London Ms. C. Fox; Mrs. P. Goodwin; Mrs. C. Haymes; Mrs. J. Johnson; Mrs. J. Stanley; Mrs. A. Tutt
Examination Officer	Mrs. R. Bradley
Librarian	Mrs. V. Windmill, BA, University of London
Technicians	Mrs. S. Davies, BEd, Homerton College, Cambridge Mr. J. Ghosh, BTech; Mr. A. Heath; Mrs. P. Heuston; Mr. G. Marden Mrs. A. Molyneux, BSc, University of York Mrs. A. Stratford, BSc, Imperial College, London
Network Manager	Mr. J. Watson
Catering Manager	Mrs. J. Donlan, HND
Catering Staff	Mrs. K. Boyle; Mrs. J. Cumpper; Mrs. Y. Donovan; Mrs. J. Dyduch; Mrs. E. Evans; Mrs. G. Hajnalne
Site Manager	Mr. M. Day
Caretakers	Mr. D. Dougherty; Mr. A. Etherington; Mr. V. Torres