Chorister School

From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
Jump to: navigation, search
The Chorister School
150px
250px
Address
The College
Durham, County Durham, DH1 3EL
England
Coordinates Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Information
Type Preparatory day and Boarding
Choral foundation school
Cathedral school
Religious affiliation(s) Church of England
Established 1416; 608 years ago (1416)
Closed 28 September 2021
Ofsted number SC007620
Chair Of Governors Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham
Headmistress Sally Harrod
Staff ~35
Gender Mixed
Age 3 to 11
Enrolment ~225
Houses      Flambard
     Langley
     Pudsey
     Skirlaw
Colour(s) Navy, Purple and Gold               
School fees £15,021p/a; £40,806 Boarding
Website http://www.thechoristerschool.com

The Chorister School is a co-educational independent school for the 3 to 11 age range. It is part of the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, in Durham, England.

It consists of a Pre-School, a Pre-preparatory school based on the site of the former Bow School, and a preparatory day and boarding school at the Cathedral Site. The Prep school is situated in an enviable position on a World Heritage Site, in a range of Grade I listed buildings adjacent to Durham Cathedral, surrounded by the woodlands and riverbanks of the River Wear.

The majority of the pupils at the school attend on a 'day' basis, with about 20 boarders of both sexes making up the balance. Pupils do not have to be Cathedral choristers, but those boys and girls who are choristers could be either boarders or day pupils. Pupils are taught in small classes in a collection of historic buildings all of which formed part of the college, or cathedral close.

The Chorister School merged with nearby Durham School, 28 September 2021 to become part of Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation.[1][2]

History

Its creation dates back to 1416 as a school for the cathedral's choirboys. Whilst historically the school had fewer pupils, from 5 to 24, ages 8 to 20, expansion began in 1948 to reach the numbers of today. This necessitated a number of moves of building in the cathedral area. The school became co-educational in 1994. On 28 September 2021 the school merged with Durham School to become part of Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation.[1]

Choristers

All Durham Cathedral choristers attend The Chorister School.

The Durham Cathedral Choir consists of 20 girl choristers and 20 boy choristers who sing separately alongside the 12 adults of the choir. Choristers typically join the choir between the ages of 7 and 9 and remain until the age of 13.

The choristers receive a discounted education as boarding or day pupils. Further means tested financial support can be provided. Choristers are able to participate fully in all of the extra-curricular activities that the school offers, including drama and sport.

Choristers receive a first class musical education and experience performing to the highest of standards in one of Britain's favourite buildings. The majority of the choir's singing takes place during the daily worship of Durham Cathedral. However, the choir also takes part in concerts, recordings, live broadcasts on the radio and tours.

Music

Music was a huge part of the school with many school choirs and a variety of ensembles that perform regularly during the year. A wide range of specialist music teachers offered tuition in a range of instruments. Many pupils left the school at the end of Year 8 with music scholarships to their chosen next school.

Academic studies

A broad curriculum was offered to the pupils, tailored to the needs of today but with traditional elements, covering all of the national curriculum subjects but also French and Latin, and from Year 7, Critical Thinking and Mandarin. Pupils worked towards reaching Common Entrance level by the end of Year 8. Many pupils left the school at the end of Year 8 with academic scholarships to their chosen next school.

Sport

Sports facilities were impressive with a purpose built sports hall and two spacious and picturesque playing fields. The school played a wide range of sports, with pupils from Year 3 upwards competing against both independent and state schools with great success. Many pupils competed both locally and nationally in wide range of sports and activities. The school also had a competing equestrian team and rowing club. Many pupils left the school at Year 8 with sports scholarships to their chosen next school.

Drama

Drama at The Chorister School was a key part of the academic and extra-curricular provision. Productions were varied and took place throughout the year for pupils from Pre-School upwards

Head teachers

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
  • Henry Madden: 1876–?
  • F. S. Dennett: 1914–1929[3]
  • Henry Yorke Ganderton: 1929–1957
  • John M. Grove: 1957–1978
  • Raymond G Lawrence: 1978–1994
  • Stephen Drew: 1994–2003
  • Ian Hawksby: 2003–2010
  • Lin Lawrence (interim): 2010
  • Yvette Day: 2011–2017[4]
  • Ian Wicks: 2018—2021

Notable former pupils

<templatestyles src="Module:Hatnote/styles.css"></templatestyles>

See also: Category:People educated at the Chorister School, Durham

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

Retrieved from "https://infogalactic.com/w/index.php?title=Chorister_School&oldid=727462468"