A Day at St Doms
Every day at St Dominic’s H.S.G. is so very different, sharing an exciting world of achievement and opportunity with our pupils.
But you don’t have to take our word for it, you can check out our latest inspection report, which praised our education as “outstandingly broad, balanced and diverse.”
Independent Schools Council inspectors noted that our curriculum is “remarkably well and consistently planned” and adds: “The formal curriculum is then extended and enriched to an outstanding degree.”
The inspectors commented on teaching for boys and girls under five and girls aged up to 18, saying: “The girls are well prepared for the world of work and for their future career choices through a well-planned programme of careers education and guidance.”
Of the overall education, the report says: “Pupils of all ages and abilities are well-educated in mind, body and spirit. Achievement in most lessons observed throughout the school was good and was outstanding in many of the rest.”
At foundation stage, achievement in every lesson was described as “outstanding.”
Pupils are described as “excellent learners and students” and are “highly articulate and confident.”
But still, one of the best ways to find out more about any school is to ask its students what they think of their surroundings, teaching and activities.
At St Dominic’s H.S.G. we are proud that our students have plenty to say about their school. Our pupils are independent thinkers, encouraged to follow their own passions from an early age.
Here is a selection of comments from our pupils:
“I like the atmosphere in school. It’s really friendly, possibly due to the small number of pupils, but also because of how we get on and how the teachers treat us with respect. I think of the teachers as friends.”
“I moved schools when I was younger and the difference in the approach at St Dominic’s has been remarkable. I feel a million times more motivated and I am so looking forward to joining the Sixth Form before going to university.”
“My self confidence has rocketed thanks to my time at St Dominic’s. I love it here. Every day is different, new and exciting. I’d like to say thank you on behalf of the whole of my family. My mum says it’s a privilege to come here. I agree with her and have enjoyed making the most of that privilege.”
“There has always been so many talented pupils at St Dominic’s. It’s wonderful that they can now continue their education and benefit from the marvellous range of opportunities here.”
Extra fun during extended days
The school day doesn’t have to end at St Dominic’s H.S.G. when the bell rings. We have a vast and exciting range of activities on offer through our innovative “extended days.”
And we aren’t just exercising our brains. Our pupils have the change to take part in a huge range of initiatives, which also help keeping fit.
Our programme is designed to offer a wide variety of subjects for our pupils to enjoy after their normal school day, with a mixture of physical and mental activities and an emphasis on fun. It includes brain games, story-telling, movie-making and word games, all of which are designed to help stimulate thinking, decision-making and creative skills.
Our sporting programme is as popular as ever, including netball, table tennis, fencing, kung fu and dancing.
Those attending many of the sports clubs take part in a number of matches with other schools, including in county-wide tournaments and the club has proven a big hit.
In addition to all of these activities, Homework Club is also available to all year groups each night.
Performing Arts Centre
All students at St Dominic’s H.S.G. benefit from an impressive range of state of the art facilities and equipment designed to provide the best possible setting and support for a superior education.
Our facilities are under constant review – so that we can provide our students with the very best in environment, facilities and equipment.
Our most exciting development at the moment is, of course, our Sixth Form and Performing Arts Centre, but we have also recently benefited from a refurbishment of our home economics room, new tennis and netball courts and on-going ICT improvements.
Our purpose-built Sixth Form Centre is contemporary and spacious and includes a dedicated library, plasma information screens, electronic white boards and a Sixth Form Student Room, complete with sun terrace, all set within the scenic and welcoming grounds of St Dominic’s H.S.G.
The Performing Arts Centre on the ground floor comprises a drama studio with sprung floor for dance and lighting and sound for the theatre. There is a music room and recording studio with state of the art equipment and four classrooms. The building work is being carried out by local company Fellows & Jones.
The Sixth Form has 60 places, divided between Upper and Lower Sixth. The Sixth Form Centre and Performing Arts Centre is 600 square metres and has two storeys.
The state of the art facilities, including the recording studio and drama suite are also available for use by local community groups.
The home economics room has all-new cookers to help our girls produce work of the highest standard. In ICT, we have interactive whiteboards and an impressive computer suite, which again allows pupils to benefit from up to the minute technology.
The Sixth Form
Autumn term 2007 saw the first students enrolling for St Dominic’s H.S.G. Sixth Form. The Sixth Form has marked the start of an exciting new era for us as we extend the possibility of our “superior education.” We are allowing a greater continuity for pupils who can stay with us before embarking on their university life or career after school.
Our purpose-built Sixth Form Centre is contemporary and spacious and includes a dedicated music studio, plasma information screens, electronic white boards and a Sixth Form Student Room, complete with sun terrace, all set within the scenic and welcoming grounds of St Dominic’s H.S.G. School.
Also included is a roof terrace, music classroom, practice room, two learning resources and a teaching room.
There are 60 places, divided between Upper and Lower Sixth. The Sixth Form Centre is 600 square metres and has two storeys.
The state of the art facilities, including the recording studio and drama suite are also available for use by local community groups.