George Watson's College Prospectus 2019

PROSPECTUS
PROSPECTUS

Our School
We provide a world class education for children and young people from
Preschool to Senior 6. We encourage our pupils to develop a love of real
learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive
enrichment programme.
We challenge and support our pupils to discover
their own limitless potential. We nurture the
knowledge, skills and confidence they will need
to become engaged and successful citizens and
make their own unique contribution to the world.
We are proud of our heritage and passionate
about our plans for the future.

Preschool
We believe our children should be able to go on adventures every day.
Our Preschool has been designed to create flexible, collaborative places
for children to learn both in the classroom and outdoors.
Each of our four Preschool classes is teacher-led and supported by a team of experienced Preschool
practitioners. There will never be more than 30 children in each class with a minimum of four members
of staff.
The outdoor space is magical and provides children
with the freedom to explore in a safe, inspiring
environment. We also use the wider school with
regular explorations to different parts of our
campus. Our children will need fuel for these special
adventures which is why we provide hot, healthy
and delicious lunches for our Preschool children.
We are committed to creating a clear pathway
where children will have the best possible
opportunity to move forward successfully into the
Junior School. There are no entrance assessments
for Preschool and as places are allocated on a first
come, first served basis, early applications
are advised.
We are committed to creating a
clear pathway where children will
have the best possible opportunity
to move forward successfully into
the Junior School.

We know that children
who are happy and
motivated are the most
successful learners.
Junior School
The journey of learning and discovery that starts in Preschool continues
in our friendly, welcoming Junior School.
The rich and varied Junior School curriculum ensures that children acquire a deep understanding of
individual subjects including Maths, English, Foreign Languages, Science, History and the Creative
Arts, whilst cross-curricular themes ensure that understanding is developed in interesting and
rewarding contexts. By helping them to understand how they learn, we empower pupils to be happy,
confident and successful in their learning.
Our classrooms are all fully wi-fi enabled and iPads
and other devices are introduced as natural, but
not dominant, tools for their learning.
In addition to the expertise of their class teacher,
Junior School pupils benefit from an increasing
number of specialist teachers as they progress from
year to year. Where pupils need additional support
with their learning, our highly experienced team will
be on hand to develop a package to meet their needs.
Specialist Teachers by Year
Preschool
Primary 1–2
Primary 3–4
Primary 5–7

In the early years of the Junior School (P1–P3),
The health and wellbeing of our pupils is our top
For everyday support, our new Wellbeing Centre
to learn an extensive range of musical instruments
individual year group classes are arranged in
priority throughout our school. Our approach
staffed by registered nurses is an important facility
and benefit from many opportunities to perform
clusters, giving younger pupils positive role
is based on the principles of the United Nations
available to all pupils, as is the Wellbeing Room
either individually or in ensembles, choirs and
models and enabling older pupils to develop
Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and
where pupils can relax if the pressures of school life
orchestras. No less important are the opportunities
a sense of responsibility for their younger
has been recognised as amongst the more effective
begin to feel a little overwhelming.
to perform on the stage or the sports field. Whilst
schoolmates. From P4 upwards, classes are
and forward thinking of any school in the country
we encourage excellence and celebrate success,
organised in year groups, with P7 enjoying a
by the award of the Gold Rights Respecting School
Throughout pupils’ time at Watson’s their lives and
our real commitment is to participation and to
superb new suite of classrooms and a curriculum
Award by UNICEF.
learning are enriched by the many experiences
making sure that all pupils have freedom to find
tailored for successful progression into the
beyond the classroom. Day trips and residential
out what they love doing.
Senior School.
visits enable pupils to extend their learning and
develop independence. Music lies at the very heart
of the Junior School and pupils have the chance
Every lesson is imaginatively
planned by teachers who
understand that each pupil
is different.

We offer one of the
broadest ranges of
curricular choices
anywhere.
Senior School
In our Senior School pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes
they need to thrive as adults and to make their own individual
contribution to the world.
The Senior School curriculum builds on the learning experiences of the Junior School but is equally
accessible to pupils joining Watson’s at other stages. Excellent specialist teaching is offered within
a structure that enables pupils to explore links between subjects and understand the fundamental
concepts which underpin their learning.
We prepare pupils for Scottish National
Qualifications and provide an exceptional range of
courses in combinations that are designed to suit
the needs of the individual pupil. We operate an
open presentation policy so that pupils have the
freedom to choose to take the examinations that
are right for them.
S3 S4 S5 S6
31
Nat 5s
offered
8 Subjects
(inc English,
Maths & Foreign
Language)
32
Highers
offered
5 Highers
(usually inc
English
& Maths)
25
Advanced
Highers
offered
Mix of Highers
& Advanced
Highers
available

●●
●●
●●
In S3 and S4, most pupils study eight subjects
for National 5s from the approximately 31 that
are offered. Pupils usually take English, Maths
and a foreign language within their choices.
In S5, pupils usually study five Higher
subjects including English and Maths from the
approximately 32 different courses available.
In S6, pupils study a range of Higher and
Advanced Higher subjects depending on their
future plans. Again, a wide range of courses
(including 25 at Advanced Higher) in many
combinations is available.
In addition to certificated courses, pupils study
a core curriculum and older pupils may choose
enrichment courses to further broaden their
academic experience.
The health and wellbeing of pupils remains a key
focus in the Senior School. Working closely with
parents and pupils themselves, Form Tutors,
skilled and experienced pupil support staff, a
school counsellor, school nurses and our network
of trained peer-to-peer supporters combine to
ensure that every pupil can flourish.
We have a long history of helping pupils to overcome
barriers to their learning and there is access to the
expert support for learning that as required.
In S6 pupils choose their own Personal Tutor to
guide their choices as they prepare for university,
college or the world of work. The majority of our
pupils progress to university but we never take it
for granted that university is the right destination
for any pupil and we are equally pleased to support
those who wish to pursue a different path that is
right for them.
Senior School pupils benefit from the extraordinary
range of enrichment opportunities including
some of the most extensive programmes of extracurricular
sport and music of any school in the
UK, ambitious drama productions and highly
successful clubs and societies. The programme
of educational visits begins with an orientation
trip in the early weeks of S1. From then on, the
opportunities multiply both for group visits and
individual experiences supported financially or
practically by the school.
We encourage our pupils to
make their own curricular
choices and have an open
presentation exams policy.

The friendships that are made
and the fun had participating
in the many opportunities at
Watson’s has a hugely positive
impact on pupils’ confidence
and overall development.
Beyond the Classroom
At Watson’s we believe that some of the most important learning takes
place outside the classroom.
Pupils have every opportunity to discover exciting things about the world and to develop as individuals
through a huge range of extracurricular activities and a carefully designed programme of residential trips
and other opportunities for learning off the school site. The friendships that are made and the fun had
participating in these activities has a hugely positive impact on pupils’ confidence and overall development.
In Preschool children start their discoveries by exploring first the campus and then further afield.
Junior School Residential Trips
SEPT NOV FEB/
APR MAY
MAR
Primary 5
Kingswood
Primary 7
London
Primary 4
York
Primary 7
Ski Trip
Primary 6
Meigle
Our programme of residential trips begins in the Junior School with a class visit to York in P4. A camping
experience follows in P5 with a focus on making new friends and team building. In P6 children visit Meigle
to study life as a Jacobite and the programme culminates in P7 with a week long visit to London.
Extra-curricular Activites Available Across the School
67 Clubs
24 Sports 35 Music Ensembles

Our unique S3 Projects programme
sees small groups of pupils set off
on a two week trip to destinations
across Scotland engaging in a wide
variety of activities.
Trip Destinations
Canada
USA
UK
France
Belgium
Spain
Germany
Italy
Switzerland
Japan
China
Taiwan
Malawi
South Africa
The Senior School offers enrichment opportunities
which include a Global Education Fortnight for S1
and S2 pupils, language trips in S2 and S3 Projects.
A huge range of cultural and language exchanges
also begins in S3, along with opportunities to
tour with sports teams. Older pupils can apply
for generous financial awards from the school to
help fund their own adventurous plans and there
are exciting opportunities for leavers in Australia,
Malawi, South Africa, Taiwan and the United States.
Our unique S3 Projects programme sees small
groups pupils set off on a two week trip to
destinations across Scotland engaging in a wide
variety of activities. This 50-year-old tradition
remains a key part of a Watson’s education.

Our Facilities
Preschool
Junior School
All our educational and sporting facilities are located on our single, easily
accessible campus where all our pupils learn, play and grow together.
They enjoy the freedom of the beautiful green spaces that wrap around the campus whether that means
exploring in a lesson, playing with friends or eating a snack on the grass.
We believe our children should be able to go
on adventures every day and our stunning
Preschool classrooms are flexible, collaborative
places to learn with outdoor spaces that promote
exploration and discovery.
Our Junior School provides a range of facilities
to support the learning and development of each
pupil. It is a safe, comfortable yet vibrant place with
indoor and outdoor spaces that encourage both
independence and constructive play. The library
and informal learning spaces in the John Martin
Building support pupils in acquiring good habits
for study and collaboration with others.
All our educational and sporting
facilities are located on our
single, easily accessible campus.

Senior School
Sports Facilities
The Arts, Design and Technology
In the Senior School bright and spacious classrooms
Our Centre for Sport boasts four sports halls,
Creativity is a crucial component of our pupils’
An attractive exhibition gallery lies at the centre
are complemented by well equipped laboratories
a fitness suite with cardio and resistance training
education and purpose-built facilities support their
of our Art School which also has dedicated areas
and a variety of other specialist learning areas,
equipment and a 23.5 metre swimming pool.
enjoyment and achievement in music, art, design
for pottery, sculpture, textiles, painting and
well resourced libraries and informal spaces.
Outside, the famous Myreside Grandstand pitch
and technology.
photography.
sits at the centre of a range of other excellent
Our Senior School Assembly Hall is one of
grass pitches, astroturf pitches, tennis courts and
The Music School with its distinctive roof is a
Our Design, Technology and Engineering
Edinburgh’s finest performance venues with a
cricket nets. The Myreside Pavilion provides social
wonderful venue for all kinds of music learning
Department has excellent facilities where pupils
heritage that includes hosting some of the world’s
facilities for the school and wider community and
and performance, whilst the Drama Department
can develop skills using a wide range of specialist
greatest musicians. However, it is mainly the place
houses some excellent squash courts. The nearby
provides specialist performance studios and is the
equipment ranging from a chip forge to the latest
where our community meets each week, where
boathouse is the home of our Boat Club.
focus for drama in the Senior School. The Junior
in computer-aided fabrication technology. The
we share ideas, music and drama and where we
School benefits from performance spaces and
emphasis here as elsewhere is to liberate the
celebrate the many achievements of our pupils.
dedicated music rooms at the very heart of the new
creativity of the individual to identify innovative
John Martin Building.
design solutions.
Our Centre for Sport boasts
four sports halls, a fitness suite
with cardio and resistance
training equipment and a
23.5 metre swimming pool.

Fees and Financial
Assistance
Fees for Session 2019/20
Preschool
Primary 1, Primary 2
Primary 3 to Primary 7
Senior School
£8,922 (£2,974 per term)
£8,490 (£2,830 per term)
£10,233 (£3,411 per term)
£13,170 (£4,390 per term)
Fees are reviewed in June each year. Please check our website for latest fee information.
Financial Assistance
We are proud that our community includes nearly
200 pupils who benefit from a Foundation Place
funded by the George Watson’s Family Foundation.
The Foundation Places programme provides
financial assistance up to 100% of the cost of
fees for pupils from Primary 6 to Senior 6. The
level of support available depends on household
income. Support can also be provided for uniforms,
electronic devices for study, books, curricular trips
and lunches.
We are keen to enable children from all
backgrounds to benefit from Foundation Places,
not least children from families where there is no
tradition of attending an independent school. If
you would like an informal chat about applying
for a Foundation Place please call Jenny McGill,
the Admissions Registrar on 0131 446 6005.
Scholarships
We offer a small number of scholarships to
Senior 1 applicants who have performed
particularly well in the Entrance Assessment.
Applicants for entry to Senior School who are
musically talented can apply for the Ferguson and
Bruce Music Scholarships which provide annual
music tuition fees for two instruments or for
voice and an instrument. These scholarships are
available irrespective of household income.

Making an Application
Our main entry points are Preschool, Primary 1, Primary 6, Primary 7
and Senior 1 but we are pleased to consider pupils for a limited number
of places in other years. Once we have received an application we will
invite applicants in for an assessment.
The entrance assessment provides a valuable opportunity for both the school and parents to ensure that your
child is placed in an environment which is suited to their own set of abilities and needs.
The assessment is not an exam, it is an assessment of your child’s true capabilities based on their education
to date. The assessments are age and stage appropriate and differ depending on the year group applying to.
Each application is carefully considered on an individual basis.
Visit our
Open Morning
on Saturday
5 October
2019
Submit your
application by
Friday
15 November
2019
Primary 2
to
Primary 7
Entrance
Assessments
Primary 1
and Senior
School
Entrance
Assessments
Junior School
Offers made
Senior School
offers made
OCTOBER NOVEMBER NOVEMBER JANUARY JANUARY FEBRUARY FEBRUARY
Acceptance
deadline

General Information
Travel
Wraparound Care
Catering
Visit Us
We are a city school with great access to public
bus and rail links. We also provide school buses
from Peebles, Midlothian, East Lothian, West
Lothian and Haymarket Station.
We provide Breakfast Club and Afterschool Club
(7.45am–6pm) from Preschool to Primary 7
and also offer holiday clubs for these year groups.
We provide a flexible package of care, allowing
parents to opt for the care sessions that suit their
individual needs. Sports and drama camps are also
available during the holiday periods.
Our catering provides our pupils with the fuel
needed for a busy day at school. Pupils are offered
a range of healthy food choices with a commitment
that 90% is sourced from local suppliers. Payment is
made through a cashless payment system providing
parents with quick and easy tracking and top ups of
their children’s lunches.
We would encourage you to visit our school and
take the opportunity to learn more about what we
offer and how your child will benefit from joining
Watson’s. Booking a tour is easy, visit our website
and complete the book a tour form. A member
of our Admissions Team will get back to you to
confirm your visit.
www.gwc.org.uk/joinus admissions@gwc.org.uk 0131 446 6005

www.gwc.org.uk/joinus
George Watson’s College, Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH10 5EG
An Edinburgh Merchant Company School, Registered Charity SC009747