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Welcome to Soham Village College. As a school we aim to achieve, 'Excellence with Care' in all that we do. High expectations are central to this: high expectations of academic and creative achievements and high expectations of students' appearance and behaviour. When they leave the College we hope that they are confident individuals equipped to face the challenges of further education or employment.
We are proud of our curriculum which is flexible and rich. Every student should be able to follow a programme of study which interests them and in which they can achieve well. Students can study as many as 11 GCSE's. Not all do. Some students choose from our widening range of vocational options and follow courses in subjects as varied as Land-based studies, Health & Social Care and Hospitality, Travel & Tourism. Students have an unusually wide range of opportunities in Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) and can choose to study subjects like Business Studies and Latin. Our extra-curricular provision is also outstanding. Extra GCSE courses in Spanish, Italian, Astronomy, Statistics and ICT are available for students who wish to study these subjects in after-school classes. Our Resource Centre is an excellent facility having a wealth of materials ranging from new fiction books, videos and a networked set of computers.
Caring for students in partnership with parents is a key objective of the College. We respect our students and treat them as individuals. A strong pastoral organisation supports this work.
Few schools can be situated in such a delightful campus, standing in forty acres with an arboretum of seventy six varieties of trees. The splendour of Beechurst House is contrasted to the more modern buildings of the Village College and the new extensions built in the 1990's.
Performing Arts are a strong feature of the College. Over 140 students learn a musical instrument with many more taking part in bands and choirs. The Young Musician of the Year competition attracts a large entry from local primary schools as well as the College. Our Carol Concert in Ely Cathedral and the musical production are annual highlights.
Writers, poets and other visitors share their expertise with our students. The College has a full community programme and an active Business Centre. There are excellent catering facilities. Students have many opportunities to go on visits and trips to support curriculum work, such as visits to the Battlefields of Belgium; trips to Germany, France and Switzerland and many UK day visits. All Year 10 students receive two weeks' Work Experience.
A rich provision of extra-curricular activities attract many students. We have consistently had the largest number of students in the County participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Clubs include Dance, Chess, Science and a Hovercraft and Kit Car Club.
The College is well known for its sporting prowess in both team games and individual sports. We are fortunate in having the use of the Ross Peers Sports Centre on the campus. Fixtures are played against other schools and there are numerous sports clubs, including girls' soccer. Over one third of the youngsters take part in extra curricular sporting activities.
Our aim is to provide an environment where the worth of each individual is valued, and where we give a wide range of experiences both academically and beyond. We believe that youngsters have an entitlement to an environment which maximises their chances of success.
What the Ofsted Inspectors say about Soham Village College
‘Soham Village College has a number of very strong features which make it popular with parents and students. Strong pastoral support for all students results in a very caring community and students make outstanding progress during their time at the college with achievement significantly above average. The college rightly prides itself on the impact of its partnerships, both local and international, which contribute significantly to students’ development. Soham Village College is a safe and harmonious community and students’ behaviour around the college is exemplary. Their social, moral, spiritual, and cultural development is outstanding.’ - Ofsted November 2009.
Soham Village College - Ofsted Inspection Report
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