Welcome to Tunbridge Wells Girls` Grammar School. We aim to provide for each girl a full and balanced education for life within a caring environment. The school instills in girls an excitement and curiosity about learning in all its aspects: working towards high standards is central to the school ethos which encourages every pupil to achieve her full potential in public examinations, sports, artistic, cultural and community activities. We firmly believe that the girls are the school’s finest assets and there are very positive staff- pupil relationships, as well as girls providing excellent mutual support. TWGGS’ school motto is “Give” not “do” - your best - a significant distinction in an academic environment. It is this generosity of spirit and strong sense of community that so distinguishes the school, recognised as “a happy and caring learning environment” - (Ofsted 2001) [pdf 66.5kb] Click here to download the Adobe pdf Reader.

Class sizes vary according to the year, group and subject being taught, and TWGGS operates a policy of reducing class size wherever possible, particularly for GCSE groups. A wide range of teaching styles and approaches are employed to ensure that all girls receive a rich academic diet. They are encouraged actively to learn as well as being taught. Every effort is made to ensure the TWGGS curriculum meets the needs of bright girls in today’s society. In years 7 to 9, girls are taught a variety of subjects: Art, Design Technology, Drama, English Language and Literature, French, Geography, German, History, Information and Communication Technology, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies and Science, as well as Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (P.S.H.C.E.) Spanish is taught from Year 8 onwards. At GCSE, all students take courses in Mathematics, English, English Literature, Information & Communication Technology (short course), Religious Studies and Science plus either Geography or History, and either French, German or Spanish. Students elect to take either Double Award or Triple Science; the latter choosing one rather than two options from Art, Drama, Economics, French, Geography, German, History, Music and Technology. All girls have lessons in Physical Education and P.S.H.C.E. In the Sixth Form students take four AS levels in the lower sixth year plus AS Critical Thinking, followed by three or four A2s in the upper sixth year. At present, TWGGS offers A level courses in the following subjects:- Biology Chemistry Design & Technology Economics English Literature Fine Art French Further Mathematics Geography German Government & Politics History Information & Communication Technology Mathematics & Mechanics Mathematics & Statistics Music Philosophy & Ethics Physics Psychology Sociology Theatre Studies All girls also attend lessons in Physical Education and P.S.H.C.E. CAREERS EDUCATION The school has a well-equipped careers suite, with careers education integrated into P.S.H.C.E. lessons overseen by the Teacher in Charge of Careers. All Year 11 girls complete a one or two week work experience placement following their GCSE examinations, and Sixth Form students receive advice and support on applications to university, other educational institutions and employment. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Throughout the school Religious Education is taught in a sensitive and informed manner, covering a range of religious beliefs and moral issues, and respecting a diversity of faiths. All girls study GCSE Religious Studies, with notable interest, enjoyment and success. Parents do have a right to withdraw pupils from R.E. lessons, in which case a girl would study independently in the school library, however the school is delighted that no-one has elected to exercise this right. SEX EDUCATION All girls receive Sex Education as part of their P.S.H.C.E. lessons, with lessons tailored to suit individual age ranges. Staff trained in Sex Education deliver these lessons and for some sessions visitors such as the School Nurse are involved. Should any parent be concerned about the provision for Sex Education or its delivery, he or she is very welcome to contact the relevant Key Stage Manager, or Deputy Head (Pastoral) to discuss the issues.

WINTER UNIFORM (October Half Term – Easter) Plaid skirt TWGGS logo jumper Plaid tie Plain white school shirt (Loose or fitted) Opaque black or navy tights or white, black or navy socks Low-heeled black shoes Optional - School uniform trousers SUMMER UNIFORM (Easter – October Half Term) The full Winter uniform may be worn all year round (not trousers) or The blouse and tie may be replaced by a short sleeved, open-necked blouse (Loose or fitted) or Plaid summer dress Opaque black or navy tights or white, black or navy socks Low-heeled black shoes (Sheer flesh coloured tights are not permitted) When an outdoor coat is necessary, it must be plain black, navy or grey, or the school jacket may still be worn if preferred. Full uniform is worn to and from school as well as in school. SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS PE-Compulsory Navy shorts (plain or with logo) white polo shirt with collar (plain or with *TWGGS logo) white trainers (non-marking soles) socks – navy knee length (hockey)- white ankle leotard – navy or black*shin pads PE-Optional *navy sweatshirt (plain or with TWGGS logo) *navy tracksuit bottoms (plain) hockey astroturf shoes (recommended for team members) football boots (recommended for team members) *hockey stick tennis racquet (recommended) gumshield Art Protective overall or old shirt. Science Overall provided (NB a charge of £6 is made in Year 7 to cover use throughout KS3 & 4). Music Members of the choir and orchestra will need a white blouse and a black skirt. Sixth Form There is no uniform for the Sixth Form, but girls are expected to dress appropriately. Sportswear or sun clothes are not allowed. Items marked * are available from school, others from stockists. ALL items are required unless stated optional. OTHER ITEMS Hair ribbons/slides: navy/brown/black/white plain style/plaid scrunchy Jewellery: none except a small cross or other religious symbol and watch Earrings: only one small stud or earring may be worn in each ear. No other piercings are allowed. Badges: school, Duke of Edinburgh Uniform Stockist: S. Simmonds & Son, 64 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UG Telephone: 01892 510123 website: www.simmondsltd.fsnet.co.uk Top TWGGS Fund The School is most appreciative of the generosity shown by the vast majority of parents in their support of TWGGS Fund. Contributions to our School Fund are vital in supporting many important areas of school life that are not otherwise provided for. It is non-discriminatory, and all pupils stand to benefit from it. TWGGS girls who take part in the many extra-curricular activities on offer and financed by the Fund always perform well and do much to raise the profile of the School. For example: In P.E., the Fund pays for tournament fees and the affiliation to many diverse Sports Organisations. It covers the cost of transport to and from fixtures and pays for the hire of astroturf pitches. In Music, the Fund helps to pay for the provision of vocal and instrumental coaching by the visiting peripatetic teachers. It pays for the hire of venues and accompanists and for the sheet music and scores required for our concerts. In Drama, the Fund subsidises the costs of the school’s drama productions and the adjudication of our drama festivals, whilst in the English Department, it funds the girls to take part in a number of high profile debating competitions. The School Fund also pays for the running costs of the school minibus, subscriptions to various associations and school prizes. Finally, and importantly, the TWGGS Fund finances the SOUTHFIELD FUND, which assists students in the payment of the costs involved in, for example, school trips and field work, music lessons, the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, school books and equipment. Any parent or guardian, who may be experiencing either short or longer term difficulties in meeting these costs, is invited to apply in confidence to the headteacher. At the present time, the expected annual donation per student is £30, although donations are welcomed at any time and of any amount. Since becoming a charity, the Fund is also able to reclaim any tax paid on your donation provided a Gift Aid declaration is completed. Any queries should be directed to the School Fund Manager at the School. Thank you.