A PROGRESSIVE DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS FROM THE AGE OF 3 TO 18 WWW.FRENSHAM.ORG
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A PROGRESSIVE DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS FROM THE AGE OF 3 TO 18 WWW.FRENSHAM.ORG
A BRIEF HISTORY During WWII, Frensham was home
to many refuges including Sir Claude
Moser. The school didn’t close during
Frensham Heights was founded
the war with the children and staff
in 1925 by Beatrice Ensor, Isabel
retreating to the cellars of Main
King (both Headteachers from St.
House during air raids and blacking
Christopher’s Letchworth) and Edith
out windows during classes.
Douglas-Hamilton, a benefactor. It
was founded as part of the Progressive Frensham Heights has always been
Movement with a theosophical a co-educational boarding school.
base. The founding ethos spoke of Uniforms were dropped in the 1960s
co-operation and solidarity based in favour of ‘dressing for purpose’. This
on a generosity of spirit, a change continues today with the students
from competitive to co-operative and staff dressing comfortably for
spirit, participation of children their daily activities (with a PE kit for
in their schooling, respect for the sport) which allows them to show an
development of individuality and a element of individuality plus just feel
curriculum based on the processes of comfortable in themselves.
learning as well as on its outcomes.
Frensham has always championed a
When Paul Roberts became Head in broad, child-centred curriculum with
1928, although this founding ethos equal importance given to academic
remained the same, he made a move and creative subjects and a strong
away from theosophy and the idea of focus on pastoral care.
Frensham Heights as an experiment
in educational theory. He also moved Rick Clarke joined Frensham in
away from Ensor’s focus on freedom January 2019 as the school’s tenth
and self-government towards found- Head.
ations of growth and growing up.
We are quite different from most
WHY FRENSHAM? British schools. We don’t wear
uniforms and we all call each other
Frensham Heights is a highly by our first names. None of this blurs
distinctive day and boarding school lines of authority or respect, in fact
with a strong progressive ethos and it breaks down barriers, helps the
extensive, modern facilities. students feel more comfortable in
themselves, more confident to build a
The real beauty of Frensham lies relationship with a teacher - overall,
in diversity. Ours is a culture that in a better position to learn and enjoy
says come and be you. Students learning.
discover a world of creative and
academic subjects and each takes Our students have more freedom
away something different. Their than at other schools and with that,
own passion, their own strength and more responsibility. We want to
their own self-belief. We achieve prepare young people for the future.
exceptional academic standards, Young people who are open-minded,
but our aim is to provide a really who are not afraid to ask difficult
good robust academic environment questions. Young people who will
alongside a much richer experience have the right skill set to succeed in a
as well. world where many traditional careers
may become obsolete.
20-25% BOARDERS We have a small boarding family which is totally integrated into our larger day community. With only 20-25% boarders, we get to know all of our residential students really well and they benefit from a very special home-like environment. We welcome international students, but only about 7% of our students come from overseas. This means our international students get to really integrate into the British culture while they’re here. Our less formal environment also lends itself to making life long friends so many international students will go home knowing that their Frensham experience will continue well into the future.
THE SCHOOL DAY Breaks and lunchtimes are spent
outdoors but all children have access
to a day room for their year group and
8.20am Registration and Tutor Time
boarders can return to their boarding
8.30am - 12.30 Morning Classes houses at lunch time. Sixth Form
boarders can return to Roberts House
12.35pm - 1.55pm Lunch and Clubs to study during the day.
2.00pm Registration and Tutor Time Evenings and weekends are all about
2.15pm - 4.10pm Afternoon Classes striking the right balance between
structured activities, homework
4.20pm - 5.30pm Clubs and relaxation. Freedom and
5.50pm - 6.15pm Boarders return to responsibility increase as the children
houses get older, mirroring family life.
6.15pm Dinner in Main Dining Hall We don’t have Saturday school so
there are lots of opportunities to do
Evening Activities, Private Study, a broad range of activities. Due to
Relaxation our small boarding numbers, as well
10.30pm Lights out as the bigger planned trips, there are
also a lot of spontaneous activities
depending on what the children
fancy doing.
CONTACT WITH HOME:
Students can have mobile phones We hold a Boarders Weekend at the
from Year 7 upwards. We have start of each year when all boarders,
a school mobile policy covering full and weekly, stay for an activity
usage in and out of class time packed weekend designed so that
which encourages students to be everyone - boarders and staff - can get
responsible users. to know one another.
CURRENT CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS
Hand Chimes
+ SENIOR
60
Orchestra
Clarinet Ensem-
SCHOOL ble
Music Drop-in
CLUBS Drawing
Photography
Dance for Performance Life Drawing
Street Dance Origami
Ballet and Pointe DT Workshop
Drama Workshop Open Art Studio
Musical Theatre Ceramic Sculp-
House Band ture
Music Theory Textiles
Rock & Pop Choir Art Scholar’s
Saxophone Ensemble Forum
Fitness
Trampolining
Mixed Hockey
Girls Football
Basketball
Climbing
Scuba
Parkour
Self-Defence
High Ropes
Bike Maintenance
Netball
Yoga
DofE
Ninjutsu
Survival Skills
Badminton & Table Tennis
Rugby
Fencing
Cricket
PE Clinic
Volleyball
Spanish
French
German
Harry Potter in German
Creative Writing
Library
Reading Club
Study Skills
Prep Club
Geography Elevate
LGBT
Eco Heights
Colour, Chill and Chat BOARDERS
Charity Committee
#Dosomethingfornothing EVENING
Minecraft ACTIVITIES
Board Games & Chess Club
Peter Jones Enterprise Challenge Movie Nights
Young Enterprise Cooking
Sports
Arts & Crafts
Cinema Trips
Restaurant Trips
Quiz Nights
PREVIOUS TRIPS & WEEKEND ACTIVITIES:
DAY TRIPS WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
London Galleries Photography Workshops
London Theatres Mixed Media Workshops
New Scientist Live Bowling (Boarders)
West Wittering (Geography) Climbing Trips
River Wey (Geography) Basketball Workshops
Brick Lane (Sixth Form) DofE Training & Workshops
Portsmouth Historic Shipyard
Battle & Bodium Castle Plus loads of informal activities
Kew Gardens (Art & Science) for boarders including trips to the
What Career Live supermarket and
Venture Days country walks with the dog!
Bletchley Park
Houses of Parliament
RESIDENTIAL TRIPS
Knoydart (Year 9)
PREVIOUS TALKS &
New York (History, Politics & Geog- WORKSHOPS:
raphy)
Wales (Mountain Biking)
MORNING TALKS:
Cornwall (Surfing)
Ben Heason (mountain climber)
Egypt (Scuba Diving)
Steven Frank (OF & Holocaust survivor)
Everest Base Camp Expedition
Joshua Coombes
Iceland (Geography)
(#dosomethingfornothing)
French Battlefields (History)
Fergus Bell (fake news expert)
Edinburgh Fringe (Drama Produc-
Chris Lubbe (Nelson Mandela’s
tion)
bodyguard)
Malawi (School Charity Partner-
Duncan Watts (OF & Industry Manager
ship)
for Google)
Swanage (Year 5)
Rick Stein (chef )
Spain (Netball)
Norway (Skiing)
LITERARY WEEKS:
Black Forest (German)
Anne Fine (author)
Rosamund Lupton (author)
Michael Radford (director)
BOARDERS WEEKEND DAY
Zina Kazeme (poet)
TRIPS
Marcus Brigstocke (comedian)
London Dungeons
Alistair Petrie (actor)
Thorpe Park
Sarah Govett (author)
Coral Reef
Richard Everett (actor & playwright)
Harry Potter Studios
Giles Abbott (storyteller)
Brighton
SCIENCE & MATHS WEEKS:
Katie Plummer (scientist)
Greg Foot (TV presenter)
Philip Aston (professor)
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Scholarships are non-monetary and As well as maintaining high
are normally awarded at the end of standards, Scholars are expected to
Year 7 or Year 9 (depending on year contribute and participate fully in
of entry to the school) or on entry the life of the school and beyond,
to Year 12. They may however be involving themselves in all activities
offered throughout any given year by related to their Scholarship as well as
Heads of Department. supporting other students. As such,
Scholarships are awarded on the basis
Four areas are supported by our of aptitude, attitude, participation
Scholarships: and leadership potential.
ACADEMIC: awarded for academic
achievement and potential There is no pre-determined number of
PERFORMING ARTS: awarded for scholarships available each year and
talent and potential in music, dance potential Scholars will be nominated
and/or drama by Heads of Department and other
CREATIVE ARTS: awarded for artistic teaching staff throughout Year 7 and
talent and potential 9. The Head will, on the basis of
SPORT: awarded for all round these recommendations, confirm and
sporting achievement. annually review Scholarships.
PREVIOUS
SCHOLAR &
ENRICHMENT
EVENTS:
Katherine Trigg
(fashion designer - talk)
Greg Williams
(photographer - talk)
Hitler on Trial
(performance & workshop)
Elizabeth I
(performance & workshop)
Sophie Ryder (artist - talk)
Nao O’Neill
(artist - textiles workshop)
Marcus Brigstocke
(comedian - workshop)
Michael Radford
(director - workshop)
Alistair Petrie (actor - workshop)
Padraig O’Tuama (poet - workshop)
Plus many trips to exhibitions,
concerts, sporting events
and conferences.
PERFORMING ARTS:
PREVIOUS SCHOOL
PRODUCTIONS
Phantom of the Opera
Alice in Wonderland
1984
Singing in the Rain
Les Miserables
Romeo and Juliet
REGULAR EVENTS
Dance Concerts
Music & Dance Extravaganzas
Informal Acoustic Concerts
Rock & Pop Gigs
Founders’ Day Performances
EDINBURGH FRINGE
PERFORMANCES
(written & performed by the
students)
CREATIVE ARTS:
REGULAR EVENTS
Year 7 & 9 Art Exhibitions
GCSE Art Exhibitions
A Level Exhibitions
Photographic & Creative Arts
Workshops
Plus regular trips to exhibitions
& galleries.
U R S
6
H O
W E E K
A
DEDICATED TO
PERFORMING AND
CREATIVE ARTS IN YEARS 7 TO 9
YRS 7 TO 9 3 hours Creative Arts every week:
1 x 2D Art: Drawing, Painting,
At Frensham, we have always treated Printing etc
academic and creative subjects 1 x 3D Art: Ceramics, Sculpture,
equally. Both are essential. A Modeling
scientist will be stronger for having 1 x Design & Technology
learnt about colour and texture. A
3 hours Performing Arts every
dancer will excel with a knowledge
week:
of geometry and physics. Everyone
1 x Dance
will benefit from having performed
1 x Drama
on a stage from an early age. Most
1 x Music
traditional schools sway heavily
towards academics, but you can, and
should, have your maths and do a bit
of dancing too. GCSE OPTIONS
Fine Art
Our youngest children to our oldest Graphic Communication
spend a large part of the week in 3D Design
music, dance, drama, creative arts Photography
and design and technology. This Dance
is not because we expect all our Drama
students to go on to become artists, Music
musicians, dancers - although many
do - it is because the creative thinking
and soft skills which develop best in A LEVEL OPTIONS
these subjects are now more crucial
than ever. 3D Design
Product Design
The courage to stand on stage, to Dance
paint their dreams, compose their Drama
own songs - these are the experiences Fine Art
which will make them stronger, make Graphic
them individuals and stay with them, Communication
no matter what they go on to do. Music
Music Technology
Photography
SPORTS & OUTDOOR EDUCATION:
450
FIXTURES EVERY
+
YEAR
REGULAR FIXTURES
Football
Cricket
Hockey
Netball
Cross Country
Swimming
Basketball
OTHER SPORTS
Tennis
Rugby
Gymnastics
DOFE
Baseball
Rounders
Mountain Biking
Scuba Diving
Climbing
Kayaking
Athletics BRONZE, SILVER,
Volleyball
Trail Running GOLD
Trampolining
Archery
Fencing
Orienteering
Parkourour older children. Our programme
U R S for all activities begins with learning
3
H O
the skill set to prepare them for
K
the experiential learning - the real
A W E E adventures. As practical
develop and experiences widen,
skills
the students also develop massively
in confidence, team work and
communication. At the heart of the
MINIMUM DEDICATED programme is kindness and support
- being aware of team members who
TO PE & GAMES IN YRS need help, reaching out to those who
7 TO 9 may be less confident. It is a place for
Our belief in and commitment to those children, those young adults,
activities outside the classroom will, who aren’t traditionally academic,
inevitably, lead to further success to lead and support. A chance for
within it – which is why Frensham those children whose courage may
has always respected the importance not come through in the classroom to
of sport and insisted on equal status really shine.
for Outdoor Education.
Our PE and games programme is
broad and exciting. PE is compulsory
and is taught across the school by
dedicated teachers. The syllabus
includes traditional games such as
cricket, tennis, rounders, football,
hockey, swimming, athletics and
netball as well as the more alternative
sports including karate, fencing
and parkour. If a group of students
are interested in a sport we don’t
currently offer, we will do our best to
get the equipment and knowledge and
KNOYDART
make it happen. We aim to provide Every year our entire Year 9 travels
sport for all regardless of ability and to Knoydart, a peninsula on the
to motivate students to be active and west coast of Scotland, for ten
healthy long into adulthood. days. In small groups, they rotate
around three base camps each with
Sporting fixtures are arranged with its own core purpose: Curriculum,
other schools and we take part in local Community and Challenge. The trip
and national league competitions. to Knoydart is unique and beneficial
The aim is to make sport fun so in so many ways. It is technology-
the emphasis is on having a go and free. It is far enough from home
building skills through games play, for a true independence and self-
structured practices and, for those confidence to grow within each child.
who enjoy them, highly competitive They step outside their comfort
matches. zone, leave teenage stresses behind
Outdoor Education is an intrinsic and are able to really appreciate the
part of our curriculum from Forest beauty of their environment and the
Class for the Junior School through relationships they have with friends
to more challenging adventures for and teachers.GCSEs: A LEVELS:
Frensham students study English Our students choose three A Levels
Language, English Literature, at the beginning of Year 12 and take
Mathematics and Science: Trilogy their qualifications at the end of Year
(three strands leading to two GCSEs) 13. Some students elect to take four
or Separate Science (leading to A Levels. This decision is dependent
three GCSEs). In addition, we ask on GCSE results and is taken in
all students to choose at least one consultation with the individual
Creative or Performing Arts subject student, parents and teachers. At the
and recommend choosing one end of Year 12, students sit internal
Humanity and one Modern Language examinations which are used to
to create their own broad curriculum. assess progress on the course so far
and to inform predictions for A Level
PE, Games, Outdoor Education,
PRE and PSME will continue to
be an integral part of your week at
Frensham. In Year 10, there will be
a series of short courses, the content Students choose three or four of
of which could well be determined by the following subjects:
what is happening in the world. IT
skills and careers education will also 3D Design / Product Design
form part of this. Biology
Business
Chemistry
Computer Science
Students choose four of the Dance
following subjects in addition Drama
to English Language, English Economics
Literature, Mathematics and English Literature
Science: Film Studies
Fine Art
Fine Art Geography
Graphic Communication Graphic Communication
3D Design History
Photography Mathematics / Further
Dance Mathematics
Drama Mathematical Studies
Music Modern Languages
Physical Education Music / Music Technology
German PE
French Philosopy / Philosopy, Religion &
Spanish Ethics
History Photography
Geography Physics
Religious Studies Politics
Business Studies Psychology
Computing SociologyCHARITIES & SOCIAL CHANGE:
Frensham was founded on a firm base this happens with small acts of
of tolerance, empathy and respect. charity and big acts of kindness and
We know we are very fortunate to have we hope instills a confidence and
the environment and security that we commitment in our students to go
have here and we ask our students on to be courageous independent
to look beyond themselves and our thinkers, problem solvers and socially
little bubble and to work towards a
better, kinder society. Within school
STUDENT VOICE
SCHOOL CHARITY At Frensham, we think it’s very
important that each student has a
Every year, the students vote on the voice and the confidence to speak up.
school charity for the year which We have several, student-led clubs
receives proceeds from events like: and committees which give them the
opportunity to do just this:
Whole School Walk
Halloween Dances Student Committees
Christmas Tree Sales LGBT
Refreshment Sales Eco Heights Climate Change
Charity Committee
This year the school charity for #Dosomethingfornothing
2019/20 is
MALAWI
Frensham struck up a partnership
with a school in Malawi nine years
ago to improve education, facilities
and health. They have since set
up as a separate registered charity,
Frensham Malawi Partnership, and
are now supporting a second school.
Frensham Heights stays very involved
with the schools with a trip every two
years and various fundraisers like:
Photographic Exhibition
Charity Toy Sales
Bake Sales
Refreshment SalesADMISSIONS: ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL
LANGUAGE
An annual fee of £1,056 (2019/20)
Most students join in year 7 (age is payable for those international
11), 9 (age 13) or 12 (age 16), but we students for whom English is not
will always accommodate students their primary language and who,
in other years if we can, including in the school’s opinion, require
mid-year joiners. We can often additional support in this area. This
accommodate students who are fee covers a maximum of 2 lessons
looking for shorter term experiences per week for the year. Parents will be
such as one term or one year. We advised if further lessons are required
don’t recommend joining in years at additional cost.
11 and 13 because of the UK exam
system of GCSEs and A Levels. GUARDIANS
All international students must have a
ADMISSIONS PROCESS guardian who is over 25 years old and
1. The first step is to fill in resident within the UK. This guardian
our online registration form is responsible for the student’s travel
and pay the registration fee at and accommodation at half terms
www.frensham.org/register and holidays and Bank Holiday
weekends. Should a child become ill
2. Registered candidates are then at school, it is our policy to ask parents
invited to complete our Entrance to take them home. If this is not an
Assessments in November for Year option for international students,
12 or in January for Years 7 and 9. parents should liaise with the child’s
guardian who will have responsibility
For Years 7 and 9, these include
for collecting the student and
some short tests in Maths, Spelling,
providing accommodation and care
English Reading Comprehension,
until they are well enough to return to
Non-Verbal and Verbal Reasoning
school.
and also Creative Writing. Those
applying for Years 9 or 10 will also VISAS
complete an assessment in Science.
Frensham Heights is a Highly
For Sixth Form, students sit a Trusted Sponsor under the UK Visas
45-minute general paper, complete & Immigration’s Tier 4 system. This
an online standardised test and three means that we are able to issue
20 minute questions in subjects of the Confirmation of Acceptance for
student’s choice (note those students Studies (CAS) numbers to students
looking to study Maths or Science at who are offered and accept a place
A Level must complete an assessment at Frensham. In order to do this,
in these subjects). we will need a copy of the student’s
passport and details of their UK-
The entrance process also involves an
based guardian. Note that children
interview with our Head, Rick Clarke,
16 or over may be required to have
and the relevant Head of School. We
an interview with a member of UKVI
will also need a reference from the
staff as part of their visa application
student’s current school.
process and may be required to
Assessments can be sent to a child’s register with the local police station
current school in their home country on arrival.
and interviews conducted by Skype.KEY ADMISSIONS CONTACTS: Admissions Registrar: Sarah Windsor Director of External Relations: Emma Judge admissions@frensham.org
GETTING TO FRENSHAM Saxon dwellings found here. Many
Frensham Heights is nestled in the of the Georgian buildings conceal
Surrey Hills, three miles from the structures of Tudor or even earlier
beautiful Georgian market town of times. England’s first Cistercian
Farnham, 15 miles from the historic abbey was built near Farnham. The
city of Guildford, about an hour from now ruins of Waverley Abbey are
the centre of London and 30 and 50 situated in a peaceful loop of the
miles respectively from Heathrow River Wey and still give an impression
and Gatwick airports. Transport to of the solitude experienced by the
and from airports and stations can monks who founded a monastery
be arranged for our international here almost 900 years ago.
students.
Farnham has a wealth of shopping
AROUND AND ABOUT FRENSHAM opportunities; with a range of
independent boutiques alongside
Frensham Heights is in the village diverse high street shops you can
of Rowledge which has a shop and find unique gifts, fashion brands or
a post office. Three miles away is household essentials here, nestled
Farnham, a historic market town. between a variety of pubs, restaurants
It has a magnificent history, with and cafes both independent and well
evidence of Stone Age, Roman and known UK chains.
We are surrounded by stunning
views and many beautiful walks
in the Surrey Hills with Alice Holt
Forest and Frensham ponds are both
closeby.
A bit further a field, Guildford
offers everything a teenager could
want. There are theatres, a leisure
centre, a lido, a cinema and plenty of
restaurants. In addition to the main
streets and side alleys, Guildford
also has a major, two-story shopping
centre, complete with adjacent
multi-story car parking, and several
covered shopping malls.
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