Virtual Open Morning | Woodhouse Grove School

    What makes the Grove so special?

     

    Woodhouse Grove is a unique community that provides young people with a truly all-round education. We offer our pupils a myriad of opportunities – both academic and co-curricular – and create an environment rooted in support and guidance that builds the self-confidence to make the most of these opportunities.

     

    Our Grovian Values are the foundation for everything we do in school. We want our pupils to be:

     

    Inquisitive & Curious

    Enterprising & Resourceful

    Kind & Generous

    Honourable & Respectful

    Committed & Resilient

     

    In this way, we prepare our students for all the challenges that life outside education will throw at them. Whilst under our care, we help them grow into the very best version of themselves they can be.

     

    The Grove is a place where individuals flourish, lifelong friendships are forged and talent is both nurtured and discovered. Being Grovian is something our students will have forever; from 3 to 93, Grovians carry our values with them throughout their lives.

    It is our aim to unlock the potential of each individual.

     

    We do this by offering every pupil life-changing opportunities and an
    environment in which academic excellence is promoted through learning and
    shared experiences.

     

     

    With excellent facilities for teaching and learning and committed and well
    qualified teachers, our pupils are encouraged to fulfill and often exceed their
    potential. Woodhouse Grove is both academically ambitious and academically
    sensitive. Pupils are challenged to make the most of their abilities and take
    responsibility for their progress. Those in need of specific additional support
    are identified and provided for in a well-established learning support unit.
    Pupils are encouraged to think ahead, to prepare not merely for GCSE and A
    Level, but also for the challenges and opportunities beyond school. Careers
    guidance is embedded in an extensive programme of personal and social
    education.

     

    Every individual child in this school counts; we ask nothing more from them
    than that they have the courage to be, not ordinary, but extraordinary and to
    strive to do their very best. To be confident and proud of their academic
    achievements and to believe that there is no glass ceiling to their academic
    attainment.

    Subjects which can be studied up to GCSE.


    • Art
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Dance
    • Drama
    • Design Technology
    • English Language & Literature
    • Geography
    • History
    • ICT
    • Maths
    • Modern Foreign Languages
    • Music
    • PE & Games
    • Physics
    • Religious Studies

    Subject Curriculum Guides for GCSE and A Level can be downloaded at the end of the Virtual Open Morning Journey.

    Exam Results 2022

     

    GCSE

    We are delighted that 2022 saw pupils at Woodhouse Grove once again achieving GCSE results of which they can be proud, with a pass rate of 96%, 40 pupils achieving at least 6 high grades (7 or better) and 78 pupils gaining at least one top grade (8 or 9).

     

    A Level

    Nearly half of the 2022 Year 13 cohort  achieved ABB or better. They have been a tremendous group of young people to teach.

    The Sixth Form at The Grove’s Pathway Programme does not just lead to University. One of our 2022 leavers has now begun a three year degree apprenticeship for Kraft Heinz in Business Management, working at the Head Office in The Shard, London. Another is enjoying a dual study programme, combining a university degree in Industrial Engineering with an apprenticeship at Proctor & Gamble in Germany.

     

    3 Year Rolling Results 2019-2022

     

    GCSE

    % achieving at least 6 top grades (A* or A; 7 or above): 33%

    % of pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs, including English and Maths: 97%

     

    A Level

    % of pupils achieving ABB or above: 48%

    A*-E pass rate: 98%

    A*-A pass rate: 43%

     

    Further examination results and details are available on request to the Admissions Team.

    Every child in this school counts.

     

    The range of specific educational needs we currently cater for include:

    • Dyslexia
    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
    • Visual Impairment
    • Hearing Impairment
    • English as a Second Language
    • ADHD
    • SEMH
    • Dyscalculia
    • Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

     

    As an equally academically ambitious and sensitive school, Woodhouse Grove has had a Learning Support Unit for over 30 years and approximately 10% of our intake receives support.

     

     

     

    A visit to the school provides the opportunity to discuss strengths and weaknesses with staff.  It is helpful to see any specialist reports, such as Educational Psychologist or medical reports, at this time.

    The previous school report is the most important source of information about current needs and how they can best be met in school e.g. which strategies were successful, both within class and in any withdrawal group.

    All prospective pupils sit an exam in January (a one hour English paper and a one hour maths paper).  These can be taken in a small room with access to computers if it is helpful to type and two members of staff will be on hand to assist with instructions and understanding.

     

     

    “Believe you can and you’re half way there.”

     

     

    We offer two levels of support:

     

    Watching Brief: We invite parents and pupils to provide a profile of strengths and weaknesses, hobbies and interests.  This will be given to all teachers so they are aware of pupil needs.  A link teacher will be assigned so that parents know who to contact at school.  This teacher will have an overview from other subject teachers.

    Pupils joining in Year 7 will be invited to the Chocolate Biscuit Club.  This meets one lunchtime a week and is an informal way of pupils and staff meeting to help the settling in process in a new school.

    Pupils on ‘Watching Brief’ are monitored through reports and school testing and can speak to Learning Support staff whenever they need to.

     

    Withdrawal to the “Unit”:  This typically accounts for 10% of the timetable.

    Years 7 to 9: Pupils are withdrawn, usually from a language, to join a small group supporting mainstream English language skills, study skills and personal organisation.

    Years 10 and 11: All pupils choose four options at GCSE, in addition to English, maths and science.  One of these can be Learning Support.  One GCSE is traded for “Unit” time which has proved to be very effective in boosting other grades.  Time is spent on exam technique, consolidation and organisation of notes and reinforcement of learning.

    Sixth Form: Student and staff timetables can be cross-referenced to allow for individual support as necessary.

     

    GCSE & A Level Exams

    Annual testing is carried out throughout the school so as to build up a history of need and provision in order to apply for Access Arrangements.  These include word processing, extra time and/or a reader in exams.  In addition to test results, the exam boards require subject based evidence throughout the course.  This may take the form of unfinished work in timed conditions.

    Stretch and Challenge at the Grove.

     

    What is Stretch & Challenge?

    ‘Stretch and challenge’ essentially means ensuring that all pupils at the Grove have the opportunity to fulfil their academic potential by following a rigorous and varied curriculum in a stimulating classroom environment. It also means enabling pupils to take part in a wide-range of both curricular and co-curricular enrichment opportunities. Promoting a stretch and challenge culture at the Grove ensures that we are getting the very best out of every single one of our pupils and nurturing their love of learning.

     

    Some of our Stretch and Challenge opportunities include…

     

    Art

    • Photography Club
    • Crafts Club
    • Trips to art galleries and museums

     

    Design and Technology

    • Lego Robotics club
    • DT Christmas Design Club
    • STEM club (Shell ‘Bright Ideas’ challenge)
    • Opportunity for pupils to use professional standard Computer Aided Machinery (CAM) in the form of a laser cutter and CNC router – giving them insight into the machinery used in university and industry.

     

    English

    • Reading and Speaking Competition
    • Creative writing competitions
    • Debating and public speaking, including the ‘Youth Speaks’ competition.
    • Poetry by Heart competition
    • Underground Poetry Club
    • Theatre trips

     

    Maths

    • Parallel Maths Project
    • National Cipher Challenge
    • UKMT Maths Challenge
    • Maths Pop Quiz at the Leeds Festival of Science
    • Maths Inspiration interactive lectures
    • The Royal Institution of Mathematics Masterclasses

     

    Science: Physics, Chemistry and Biology

    • Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad
    • Cambridge Chemistry Challenge
    • ‘Top of the Bench’
    • Excellence Hub events
    • Royal Society of Biology Olympiad
    • Ecology fieldtrip
    • D.N.A workshop at The University of York

     

    The Grove’s Athlete Mentoring Programme

    The Grove’s most gifted athletes are invited to join our athlete mentoring and development groups. These are split into two categories: Junior (Years 7 – 9) and Senior (Years 10 – 13). Each pupil within the programme is assigned a staff mentor to offer advice and guidance on their development as an athlete. This programme includes termly meetings with athletes, regular fitness tests to monitor progress, and additional seminars on subjects such as sports psychology & goal setting, strength & conditioning and sports nutrition.

     

    Music

    • Battle of the Bands
    • Youth Music Festival
    • Biennial Senior Music Tour
    • Wednesday breaktime concerts
    • Associated Board of Music examinations
    • ‘Music and Lights’ concert at Fountains Abbey

     

    Music clubs/groups:

    • Grove Singers
    • Junior Pop Choir
    • Barbershop Group
    • Girls’ Choir
    • Concert Band
    • Chamber Orchestra
    • Junior Orchestra
    • Junior String Quartet
    • Year 7 Rock and Pop Band
    • Year 8 Rock and Pop Band
    • The Senior Rock Band
    • Soul Band
    • Junior Music Tech Club – “Wired”
    • Year 10 & 11 Music Tech Club- “Re-Wired”
    • Swing Band
    • Brass Group (Junior and Senior)
    • Senior Chamber Ensemble
    • Clarinet Group
    • Flute Choir (Junior and Senior)
    • Saxophone Group (Intermediate and Senior)
    • Senior Strings

     

    Drama

    • Junior Drama Club
    • Senior Acting Club
    • Dance Club
    • School productions
    • Theatre Trips
    • Links with local professional theatres
    • ‘Wednesday Workshops’ delivered by professionals (actors/designers/directors)
    • Speech and Drama/Acting lessons (Trinity)

     

    Business and Economics

    • Leeds Enterprise Advisory Programme (LEAP)
    • Target Two Point Zero – The Bank of England Interest Rate Challenge
    • Fantasy Share Programme

     

    Other Stretch and Challenge activities…

    • EPQ – extended project qualification
    • Finance qualifications
    • Careers and Work Experience programme
    • Community Service programme
    • Green Grove
    • Anti-bullying ambassadors programme.
    • Charity work – expeditions to Uganda.
    • D of E Award Scheme (Bronze and Gold)

    Starting school as a boarder can feel daunting at first, but we do everything we can to make the settling in process as easy as possible.

     

    All new boarders are assigned a boarding “buddy” to welcome them to boarding life, show them the ropes around their House and introduce them to their new housemates. Both our Houses (Brodwell for boys and Miller for girls) are homely and welcoming and our resident House staff go out of their way to create a caring and secure environment. All our boarders also have their own personal House Tutor to whom they can turn for guidance and support.

     

     

    Each House offers modern amenities, well-appointed bedrooms, relaxing common rooms – and the number one item on every boarder’s list; great wi-fi! The extensive weekend and evening activities programmes offer our boarders a wide range of activities from pushing weights to baking buns and go-karting to shopping. There really is something for everyone.

     

    With such a lot on offer, it is important to keep energy levels up…food is a very important part of boarding life! Breakfast options range from fruit and pastries to a full fry up in the school dining room or a quick bowl of cereal in House – and the weekend brunch options are very popular. Grove boarders eat lunch with the rest of the school community during the week and enjoy a varied and delicious menu for tea. Our annual celebrations of Chinese New Year and Burns Night are rated very highly on the food front – as are marshmallow roasting on Bonfire Night and the famous Grove Christmas dinner!

     

     

    The life of a Grove boarder is interesting, busy and filled with fun and friendship.  Our boarders add something special to life at Woodhouse Grove, making our school a vibrant and diverse, round-the-clock community. The school wouldn’t be the same without them.