The Curriculum and Timetable

The curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure that it meets the needs of the students, their interests, aspirations and ability levels. In 2002, the school moved to a 5-day cycle of six 50-minute periods in order to provide a longer lesson time to encourage the development of higher order thinking skills. There is significant curricular liaison between the Prep department and the Senior School.

Upon entry, girls are placed in one of four parallel groups of approximately twenty-five, although many teaching groups are smaller units and setting is implemented in some subjects at a later stage. All follow an extensive, strongly academic programme of study, culminating in outstanding examination results at GCSE, AS and A Level. In 2006, at GCSE, 77% of all grades were A* or A with all girls reaching the Government benchmark of 5 A*-C grades. At AS level the subject entry pass rate was 98.8% and 78.2% of all grades were A or B. At A2 level, the subject entry pass rate was 100% and 93.6% of all grades were A or B. These results placed us in the top twenty schools nationally.

The school offers a wide choice of subjects at 'A' level and GCSE, with over 20 subjects offered at each level. Recent additions to the curriculum include GCSE and AS Physical Education, GCSE Dance, compulsory AS level Critical Thinking for all Junior Sixth students and, from September 2006, Mandarin. Girls take the equivalent of 9 or 10 GCSEs and, currently, 5 AS levels in the Junior Sixth with the possibility of a 6^th AS in the Senior Sixth whilst continuing with 3 or 4 A2 subjects. Almost all leave to pursue a degree at a university of their choice and, each year, a significant number gain admission to Oxford or Cambridge.

Individual Heads and Assistant Heads of Year, a Head and Deputy Head of Sixth are responsible to one of the deputy head mistresses for this area. Effective systems of student support have been established where the role of the form tutor is pivotal. The work of the pastoral team is greatly enhanced by the work of the school nurse who offers a counselling service in addition to the normal medical service. A learning support co-ordinator and a life skills co-ordinator were appointed in 2003 in addition to a Head of Careers.

The staff of the Senior School consists of the Head Mistress, two Deputy Head Mistresses, Bursar, two Senior Teachers, and 64 assistant teachers (51 full-time and 13 part-time). The Preparatory Department is led by the Head of the Department, who is responsible to the Head Mistress, with 15 assistant teachers (12 full-time and 3 part-time), one teaching assistant and 3 classroom assistants. The Deputy Head Mistresses, the Bursar and the Senior Teachers, one of whom is the Head of the Preparatory Department, form a Senior Leadership Team working closely with the Head Mistress. In addition there are 7 technicians, a full-time professional librarian with an assistant, four visiting speech and drama teachers and a large team of visiting instrumental music teachers. A school doctor is in regular attendance and there is a full-time school nurse. The Head’s Personal Assistant is the Senior Secretary and there are 11other ancillary staff supporting the offices of the Head and the Bursar, as well as providing typing assistance for the staff. In addition, there are six maintenance staff.

Extra curricular activities

There is a wide variety of extra curricular activities, which are well supported by girls and teachers. Many take place at lunchtime but, in addition, there are numerous theatre visits and field trips, which offer the opportunity for students to develop and follow their interests and talents in music, drama, sport and academic areas. Every year there are drama productions and music festivals; the school’s performance activities have an excellent reputation. There is a full list of sporting fixtures including netball, cross-country, hockey, athletics, tennis, rounders, swimming and water polo. In addition, all girls in Year 7 and J6 attend a residential induction course and there are regular opportunities to participate in sport tours and other trips abroad.

We consider the enhancement and enrichment of the curriculum provided by extra-curricular activities to be fundamental to the successful personal development of our students. All colleagues are expected to participate in this programme and to support the girls in developing their interests and interpersonal skills. There is an additional payment available for significant involvement, which is applied for retrospectively.

Salary and Other Benefits

• There is a 50% discount on school fees for the daughters of full-time members of staff. Part-time staff receive a pro rata discount.
• There is a generous staff training budget. All colleagues are encouraged to continue their professional development.
• Contributory pension scheme for support staff to which the school makes a contribution. This is a voluntary scheme, details of which are available to the successful candidate.
• Colleagues are served by two of our catering team throughout the day. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided at break and at the end of the school day. A separate staff dining room with an extensive and reasonably-priced choice of food and waitress service is available from 12 noon to 2pm serving subsidised meals to all staff. Light refreshments are provided for colleagues who remain in school for evening events.

Additional Information

• This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• MHSG is committed to equal opportunities for all of its employees and its policy is available on request.
• The school has a no-smoking policy throughout the premises, and a smart dress code.
• Applicants should note that the School has a statutory duty to check the Criminal Records Bureau lists and shall ask the successful candidate to complete the clearance form, which must be cleared before the offer is absolute. It is also requires all candidates to present their examination qualifications for inspection at the interview stage.
• In accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, the Governing Body will require candidates to provide documentary evidence at interview that they are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom.
• Manchester High for Girls adheres to the Data Protection Act 1998. We will obtain information about you including your physical and mental health, and any criminal convictions you may have. All information will be kept confidential and it will only be used to process your application. If your application is unsuccessful, all your information will be deleted from our systems and disposed of in a secure manner.