Providing the best
for boys from 3–18
Headmaster’s Welcome 1
Headmaster’s
Welcome
I am delighted to have been appointed Headmaster
of Newcastle School for Boys. I have spent my entire
teaching career in the independent sector – much
of it working with boys.
Our school was formed in 2005. Since that
time it has grown considerably. We are now an
established 3 to18 school providing an excellent
all-round education specifically designed for boys.
Contents
Headmaster’s Welcome 1
The case for boys’ only education 2
Nursery 4
Infants 6
Juniors 8
Seniors 10
Sixth Form 12
Co-curricular programme 14
Admissions 16
Our school aims are very clear. We aim to deliver
in a supportive environment:
the highest levels of individual academic progress
and achievement for all boys; and
young men of excellent character
In public exams we outperform national standards
and have established a track record of academic
achievement.
However, it doesn’t end there. As important as
examination results are, there is much more to
an excellent education. Our boys benefit from
outstanding pastoral care and a full and varied
co-curricular programme that enhances their
personal development.
Our school is organised across three sites in the
heart of Gosforth. Small class sizes at our Nursery
and Infants, Junior and Senior sites support the
learning and progress of boys at each stage of
their education.
We are able to offer a range of scholarships and
bursaries for boys who might otherwise not be
able to access our excellent educational provision.
This prospectus is designed to give you an
introduction to the School. We run a number of
open days throughout the year and you are very
welcome to visit us at any time to see the bright
future we offer boys.
Best wishes
David Tickner – Headmaster
2/3 The case for boys’ only education
“ What a fantastic
environment for
learning. Our
son has never
been happier.”
Thecaseforboys’
onlyeducation
Year 3 parent
Newcastle School for Boys is the only independent
provider of single sex education for boys in the North
East. We are experts in how boys learn and develop.
Our boys are taught, guided and cared for by staff,
who have chosen a professional path specialising
in boys’ education. Our curriculum and resources
are designed to engage boys.
It is true that there is as much variation in the
characteristics of a group of boys as there is in
a mixed group of girls and boys. Nevertheless,
there is an identifiable set of characteristics which
can be applied to how boys learn and develop.
Boys tend to prefer their learning to be active and,
as far as possible, practical and physical. They work
better in shorter bursts and they like to know why
they are undertaking a particular task.
In mixed classes, it is simply not possible for activities
and tasks to be presented in a boy-friendly way all
of the time. This problem is further accentuated by
the different rates at which girls and boys generally
mature and develop.
While each child is different, boys are more
confident and bolder in their play in the early
years. However, they tend to be more anxious
about separation from their parents when they
start school.
As they grow older, boys are faced with the
challenge of an increased desire, even need,
for physical activity at a time when schooling
starts to demand more of them.
During adolescence, boys can become very
concerned about their place in the social hierarchy
just at a time when the academic stakes are
beginning to become more important.
Beyond the classroom, freedom from the selfconsciousness generated by the presence of
girls increases boys’ participation in arts and
performance activities.
An excellent education for boys is not laissez-faire
– boys will be boys – in its approach. Neither does
it try to make boys more like girls. An excellent
education for boys acknowledges boys as
individuals and is built around an understanding
of those boys and of how they learn and develop.
Nursery 4/5
Nursery
As every parent recognises, their child’s first steps are
an important landmark in their development – and so
it is with their first educational steps.
Our Nursery prepares boys for the exciting
educational journey which is to follow. We provide
a happy and enjoyable learning environment in
which boys can flourish.
Situated on the ground floor of our site on North
Avenue, our Nursery provides ready access to the
outdoor environment and important opportunities
for boys to explore, imagine and be active.
At such a young age, the difference in the rate of
development compared to girls can be significant.
As a boys’ school, there needs be no compromise
– all learning and activities are designed to meet
the needs of our boys.
They enjoy new experiences – learning through
play and a balance of self-initiated and teacherdirected activities.
Teaching and learning delivers the seven
statutory areas of learning and development
of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework
and more besides.
Our team of dedicated teachers and nursery
nurses work closely with parents to nurture
the boys, bringing out the best of their abilities
and fostering confidence and independence.
6/7 Infants
Infants
From the Reception class at North Avenue,
boys continue their journey to Year 2.
Infant boys continue to develop confidence and
independence receiving expert teaching and care
tailored to meet their needs at this important stage
of development.
Boys begin to broaden their horizons with the
chance to take part in a range of after-school
clubs and activities from football to fencing,
drama to music.
Learning activities are geared towards boys and
their interests as well as the development of vital
literacy and numeracy skills.
They undertake regular, local day visits to places
of interest such as Jesmond Dene and Wallington.
There is even the opportunity to take part in carefully
designed adventurous activities in the Lake District.
Infant boys continue to enjoy all the benefits and
fun of outdoor play, but there are new opportunities
too: the chance to learn French, to develop ICT
skills and to take part in PE and Music lessons.
“ We had a really
great day, there
was so much to do.”
Year 1 boy
Juniors 8/9
Juniors
Boys in Years 3 to 5 are based at our West Avenue
site with a continued emphasis on what is best
for boys in terms of how they learn and develop.
“ We’d like to thank you
for all that you have
done to settle our son
so quickly into life at
NSB. He is very happy
and thoroughly
enjoying himself.
We are very pleased
that we came to the
decision that we did.“
Year 5 parent
Our educational experience challenges all boys to
achieve highly while being supported in a nurturing
environment.
Regular assessment is carried out in key areas
so that each boy’s progress is carefully monitored
and he is supported to achieve.
We continue to encourage boys to relish each day
in school and engage in all aspects of school life,
determined to excel.
We harness boys’ enjoyment of competition
and our sporting programme is a chance for all
boys to take part in team and individual sports.
Our belief in competition with values supports
the development of the character of our boys.
Boys benefit from a dynamic approach to the
teaching of English, Maths and Science with
teaching that inspires them to succeed and
progress. They also learn about the wider world
and its history and we encourage them to become
confident at expressing themselves musically
and artistically.
These years are a special time in a boy’s life
and deserve an approach that allows each
and every one of them to thrive.
10/11 Seniors
Seniors
The Grove in Gosforth is home to boys from Year 6
to Sixth Form. It delivers a high quality and supportive
senior learning experience in small classes.
Boys’ individual progress is carefully monitored
in each subject specialism and, through regular
assessment and reporting, parents are kept
well informed.
Most boys study 10 GCSEs before progressing
into our Sixth Form. The Sixth Form offers a full
range of A level subject choices in conjunction
with Newcastle Church High School.
Our teachers’ knowledge of boys and their
informed use of assessment data, particularly at
GCSE and A level, allows for careful target setting
to ensure each boy is challenged and stretched.
There are many projects, trips and visits run by
individual curriculum departments. We believe
that learning outside of the classroom is an
essential component of our curriculum as it
gives our boys unique opportunities to develop
their resourcefulness and initiative and to spend
time together in an informal environment.
Boys are taught in sets in most subjects to
ensure they receive the best possible teaching
matched to their needs. Setting arrangements
are designed to be responsive to needs that
may change over time.
A healthy sense of competition is engendered
amongst our boys, underpinned by a strong
sense of values and excellent pastoral care.
“ Teaching contributes
strongly to the
School’s academic
and social aims and
helps pupils of all
abilities to achieve
good standards.“
ISI Inspection Report
Sixth Form 12/13
Sixth Form
NSB’s Sixth Form offers a wide range of A level subject
choices. Students receive teaching in small, supportive
classes with teachers who know them well.
The vast majority of NSB Sixth Formers progress
to university, however we also recognise that in
a changing world this is not necessarily the right
or preferred option for all students.
“ Our son has received support
not afforded to young people
in larger schools and has had
many significant opportunities
that he would not have experienced
in other schools. He has enjoyed
going to school and has enjoyed
a superb relationship with staff
and students. He has been happy
and what parent can ask for more?”
Year13parent
Although we provide all the support you would
expect from a school like ours, we also believe it
is important that the Sixth Form and its students
have their own identity within NSB. To this end the
boys enjoy their own, dedicated Sixth Form Centre
equipped with study and common room facilities.
Experienced Sixth Form tutors and our Head
of Sixth Form are on hand to guide boys with
their study and help them to progress to the
course at the university that’s right for them,
or into employment.
We have been successful in supporting boys
in securing places at top universities in the UK
and overseas.
Our relationship with Newcastle Church High
School allows us to extend the range of subject
choices and opportunities we offer our boys
as they prepare for the wider world beyond
the Sixth Form.
The academic requirement for entry into our
Sixth Form is a minimum of five GCSEs at A* to C
although, in reality, the vast majority of our students
significantly exceed this requirement.
14/15 Co-curricular programme
Co-curricular
programme
A good, all-round education goes beyond the classroom.
A significant amount of the personal development of
young men occurs through their participation in the
wider life of the School.
Our use of the word ‘co-curricular’ is deliberate.
It means ‘with the curriculum’ rather than simply
being something ‘extra’ or optional. All boys
are encouraged to take a full, active part in
the School’s co-curricular programme from
a young age.
Details of activities are published termly, including
on our website. Activities take place before and
after school and during lunchtimes. In addition
to the full range of sporting, adventurous and
performance activities that you would expect,
activities range from film-making to debating;
Mandarin to fencing.
Sport
As you would expect in a boys’ school, sport
is a strong feature. Each boy has the opportunity
to represent his school. Some boys and teams
perform to high standards in a range of sports
often outperforming counterparts from larger
schools.
A number of our boys represent the county
or region successfully in a range of sports,
including rugby, football, cricket, athletics,
hockey and squash.
Sport broadens horizons and so have our recent
successful tours to Belfast, Italy and Dubai. We
continue to build strong relationships with some
of the region’s top clubs: Newcastle Falcons,
Newcastle United and South Northumberland
Cricket Club, to enable boys to access the best
facilities, coaching and inspiration.
We are proud of the sporting opportunities we
provide and the enjoyment and standards our
boys achieve.
There is a sport or activity for everyone. The
School’s role is to help each boy find theirs
and to support their development whether they
want to pursue it for fun, fitness or professionally.
Performing Arts
We provide a broad range of opportunities for
boys in performing arts from individual music
tuition to our acclaimed participation in the
Shakespeare Schools Festival. We host annual
choral and orchestra days for local schools.
Our own concerts and drama performances are
a strong feature throughout the school year.
Admissions 16/17
Admissions
Deciding on the right school for your son is very important,
and we believe that a personal visit is invaluable.
We very much hope that you and your son will
visit the School. We hold a number of open events
throughout the year. We are also very happy to
welcome prospective parents and their sons at
other times.
Our main entry points into the Junior School
are Nursery, Reception and Year 5. The main
entry points into the Senior School are Years 7,
9 and the Sixth Form. Places may be available
in other year groups.
Scholarships and bursaries are available. Further
information on these is available from the School.
Next
Steps
Please c
arrange a all or email us to
visit to se
e our sch
in action
ool
and to d
iscuss a
bright
future for
your son
.
Junior School
West Avenue, Gosforth,
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4ES
0191 285 1619
[email protected]
Senior School
The Grove, Gosforth,
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1NH
0191 255 9300
[email protected]
www.newcastleschool.co.uk