Loretto's Distinctive Education
Added value: the benefits of a Loretto education
At Loretto we try to demonstrate to parents areas of our educational product where ,we believe, we provide additional value. Detailed below are some of the benefits of a Loretto education, all of which are an integral part of our fees package:
Loretto remains a small, friendly school and by virtue of its boarding environment, allows pupils to be part of a thriving, lively community. At Loretto we see ourselves as a large extended family. This environment helps children to develop a broad range of life skills, which include: a high level of confidence; community spirit; independence; cultural awareness; respect for others; self motivation; a wide variety of interests; sporting skills; social skills and a diverse social life; close relationships with friends; a good working relationship with teachers; and training in team-working and leadership.
Pupils benefit from our beautiful, historic campus and its location on the edge of Edinburgh close to East Lothian countryside, providing the best of capital city and country opportunities. Our accessible location ensures we have a rich extra-curricular programme.
We provide a boarding school environment for both day pupils and boarders. This includes a range of academic and extra-curricular activities that few day schools can match. Children take part in a full, holistic curriculum which develops mind, body and spirit.
The Loretto curriculum includes a long, full day with busy evenings, and boarders have a full weekend programme (evenings are optional for day pupils). There is Saturday morning school for pupils in the Senior School followed by matches and activities during the afternoon. Junior School pupils can choose to participate in the very popular Saturday morning Activities Programme at the Junior School which finishes at lunch-time.
At Loretto we aim to be as flexible as possible with the School day to fit in with parents' work and lifestyle needs. The flexibility in our drop off and pick up times (8.15 am to 4.00, 5.00, 6.00, 6.30 or 9.00 - 10.00 pm) and in our boarding arrangements (overnighting, flexi-boarding, weekly and full boarding) appeals to a wide range of families, particularly if both parents work. Our flexibility also extends to providing school transport to and from School from East Lothian and the Borders.
Loretto's quality of teaching, together with small class sizes (no more than 19 in the Junior School and typically between 15 and 19 up to GCSE, less than 10 for low ability sets, and 10 to 12 in the Sixth Form), ensures a high level of teacher contact time for each pupil allowing able and less able children to learn at their own pace (see the Academic Achievements brochure). All children benefit from specialist teachers. This starts as early as the Nursery and in the Early Years (5 - 7 years) where children have specialist music, art, drama, French and PE teachers. In the Senior School (from 12 years), all subjects are taught by specialist teachers.
Our high staff to pupil ratio of about 1 to 9 , is higher than you would expect at a typical day school, and allows us to give a very positive level of guidance and supervision with more teacher contact time for each child. We see the benefits of this through happier, more motivated children, better exam results and a higher level of performance. Our tutor system, pastoral staff and supervised prep areas are all key components of this.
Our enriched academic curriculum integrates the best aspects of both the English and Scottish Curriculum with a distinctive Loretto component. In the Sixth Form about 20% more teaching time is provided than at other schools. GCSEs, AS and A-Levels are studied with the addition of IGCSEs for the Sciences and Advanced Extension Awards. Scholars and Support for Learning programmes are provided. The quality of teaching and exam results were highly praised in the latest HM Inspectorate of Education report published in May 2005.
Our parent to teacher partnership is very important to us. A high staff to pupil ratio also allows us to get to know each pupil really well and for us to provide a high level of communication on your child's progress. Pupils are regularly assessed and in the Senior School reports on effort and attainment are provided at half term as well as the end of each term. In the Junior School we provide three reports a year.
With more than fifty productions a year, a state-of-the art recording studio and six art studios, Loretto offers a rich seam of opportunities in the Expressive Arts - Music, Drama and Art. (See out Expressive Arts brochure). Loretto has a reputation for being exceptional in this field and is justly seen as a market leader. All pupils take part in the creative and performing arts as part of the overall curriculum and benefit from our top class specialist teachers and facilities. Music is so popular that over 60% of the School take individual music lessons; singing and music are part of the lifeblood of the School. Recent musical achievements include winning the vocal section of the UK Rotary Club Young Musician of the Year 2007 and the Chamber Ensemble's performance at the Royal Albert Hall in the School's Proms, having been nominated 'Outstanding Performance Award' winners in the National Festival of Music for Youth 2006.
Loretto has a longstanding reputation for nurturing sporting talents, and our wholehearted approach to games can be seen in the diversity of sports on offer, from rugby, cricket, hockey and tennis to lacrosse, netball, squash, cross-country running and fives. Sports are played on three afternoons each week and as part of the daily Activities Programme. Sports facilities are good and we supplement our high quality coaching with specialist professionals. Due to the range of opportunities available and the small size of the School most pupils have numerous opportunities to represent the School, both as individuals and as members of teams.
Numerous other extra-curricular activities, educational visits, and outward bound trips are provided. These run every day and at weekends. Many of these extra-curricular activities are included in the fees but some inevitably have to be charged as extras. These usually are major trips, tours, expeditions, and some optional evening and weekend activities where we employ external coaches or use off-site facilities. Football, dance, swimming, karate and Pilates are coached by external professional coaches who come into the School. Sailing, climbing and dry skiing, which are part of our CCF programme, and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme are run from the School using off-site facilities.
The Loretto Golf Academy is unique and has established Loretto as one of the leading golf schools in the UK. (See our Golf Academy brochure). It attracts talented young golfers from all over the world and allows pupils to develop their golfing talents alongside a first-class Loretto education. Recent achievements include last summer's UK win at the HMC Foursomes competition against over 90 leading independent schools, and more recently a win in the first qualifier of the Faldo Junior Series.
The School offers extensive Careers Education and help with planning and preparation for further education. Our Sixth Form curriculum includes one-to-one careers guidance with trained staff and an extensive programme of visiting speakers, interview techniques, assistance with placements and careers conventions. Loretto is a member of the Independent Schools Careers Organisation and uses its aptitude tests.
A notable strength of Loretto is our experienced Support for Learning department which provides small group teaching for those children that require additional help. Some of these components are built into our core curriculum with all children benefiting from study skills and mind mapping sessions. One-to-one tuition may be available but may be charged as an extra in the Senior School.
A rich School history and heritage enhanced with modern facilities gives our children an inspiring and safe working environment. Boarders have good accommodation and modern communication with home. Junior School pupils, as well as having their own purpose-built facilities on their own separate campus, benefit from the use of Senior School facilities for some subjects, games and activities.
The quality of food at Loretto is excellent and children are encouraged to eat sensibly and are educated about the importance of a balanced, healthy diet. Special dietary needs can be accommodated.
Built into our broad curriculum is the encouragement of self-discipline, common courtesies, and leadership skills. These are an important part of the education of the whole person and fundamental to our ethos.
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Loretto's Distinctive Education