Windermere School
Windermere, Cumbria, England
Windermere School
Windermere, Cumbria, England
Overview
As a Round Square member, Windermere School has a modern and innovative approach that educates the whole person, encouraging pupils to strive for excellence in all things and to realise their full potential as confident, compassionate people. Situated in a woodland campus overlooking Lake Windermere and within the Lake District National Park, the School offers a stimulating environment in which to excel academically, achieve in sport and outdoor pursuits, and nurture skills for life.
At a glance
Academic
Windermere tailors a curriculum for each student, offering the GCSE or iGCSE followed by the academically challenging IB Diploma in the Sixth Form. Under the mantra of “learning by doing” the School engages the natural curiosity and enthusiasm of students through an adventurous and innovative approach to learning. Personal tutors continually monitor and assess pupils, meeting them daily. The Sixth Form is non-selective, yet the average IB score is well above the world average.
Boarding
There are 3 impressive boarding houses overlooking the lake, each with a full time residential housemaster/mistress along with common rooms, study suites, SKY TV and internet access with Skype facilities (at specified times). Personal tutors, responsible for students’ academic and emotional welfare, build open and honest relationships with the pupils in their care. Spare time is filled with trips and tours, clubs, workshops and evening disco’s, karaoke, BBQs and films.
Sports
Hodge Howe, the School’s lakeside water sports centre, is a Royal Yachting Association training centre and an officially recognised British Youth Sailing club - the only school in the UK to hold this status. All pupils in all years are taught canoeing, kayaking and sailing as part of their outdoor education, with opportunities to compete and gain qualifications. There are regular competitive opportunities in other major sports whilst the range of sports available includes basketball, rounders, volleyball, rugby and horse riding.
Creative arts
The annual musical is a highlight of the year and a collaboration across all the Creative Arts departments. Recent examples include Hairspray, We Will Rock You and Legally Blonde. The Holst recital room and Crampton Hall auditorium host a range of stage, choral and musical productions. Ballet, tap and dance are taught in a purpose built studio, the Art department boasts a dedicated studio and large gallery, and an inter-house performing arts contest fosters camaraderie and competitive spirit.
Did you know?
- Year 7-9 students enjoy a fortnightly Adventure Programme which includes caving, mountain biking, sailing, climbing, kayaking, canoeing and bushcraft.
- In 2014 Windermere became the only school in Britain to be awarded Royal Yachting Association Champion Club status.
