Gravesend Grammar School

Gravesend Grammar School aspires to equip its students with the skills for lifelong learning by use of innovative approaches and technology. Our philosophy is that technology will be used where it assists or enhances the learning of our students, not just for technology’s sake.

Our ultimate goal is to provide every student with access to a mobile device which will allow ‘anytime/anywhere’ learning. In preparation for this, we have increased the number of mobile devices to which the students have access, so that learning using technology is embedded throughout the curriculum, in a range of guises. The devices which students have access to are many and varied, allowing our students to complete a range of tasks on devices most suitable for those tasks. In September 2014 we launched a new Key Stage 3 Computing course with a view to increasing the digital literacy of students. This course will give them the opportunity to develop the skills needed to utilise digital technologies, whilst also remaining safe in a society where there is an ever-increasing reliance on technology.

Whilst the primary focus is to achieve high academic standards, I believe that a broad and rich curriculum is essential in creating well rounded individuals who can confidently take on the next phase of their lives, and which provides a balance to the demands of a rigorous academic curriculum.

Most of our students flourish with the help of their teachers and those at home. Sometimes, however, they need a little more help to unlock their potential. This help takes a range of formats and can kick in at any time during a school career. We are able to offer specialist support to those for whom English is not a first language or for those who need prompting to improve their levels of literacy, for example. Students with identified Additional Needs may also access the help of an additional adult in the classroom or more specialist external help.

Many department run ‘clinics’ throughout the year and extra revision classes as exams approach.

Occasionally our young people may feel they need to access our full-time Student Support Officers or our School Counsellors who are in school weekly.

As a selective school we are fortunate to be educating students who have high aspirations and have a strong commitment and loyalty to the School. In return, we provide a high quality teaching environment and opportunities and challenges for all of our students.