| Motto | Fortiter, Fideliter and Feliciter (Bravely, Faithfully and Joyfully) |
|---|---|
| Established | 1901 |
| Type | Academy Grammar school |
| Headteacher | Mrs Sharon Cromie |
| Specialism | Mathematics & Computing |
| Location | Marlow Road High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP11 1TB England |
| Local authority | Buckinghamshire |
| DfE URN | 110513 |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Students | 1,340 |
| Gender | Girls |
| Ages | 11–18 |
| Colours | Blue and Burgundy |
| Website | www.whs.bucks.sch.uk |
Wycombe High School is a girls' grammar school in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. It is an Academy, taking girls from the age of 11 through to the age of 18. The school has approximately 1,340 pupils.[1] In May 2011 the school became an Academy.[2]
In September 2005, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) awarded the school specialist school status in Mathematics & Computing.[3]
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The school was the first state grammar school for girls in Buckinghamshire when it opened in 1901 with eighteen students.[4] It won Top of the Form in 1959.[5]
The Clock House in Frogmoor, High Wycombe was where the school was originally housed in 1901. The school was first opened in September 1901 when there were only 18 fee paying students and 3 staff. Miss Mary Christie M.A. was the first headmistress.
The school moved to Benjamin Road in 1906 where it remained for 50 years, except for a time during the First World War when it was evacuated to the old grammar school so that Benjamin Road buildings could be used as a military hospital. By 1922 the school had 300 pupils and was rapidly expanding. The school acquired its status as a Voluntary Controlled Girl's Grammar School in 1944. By 1956 the number of girls wishing to attend the school was so great that the school moved again to new premises that were built at the present site on Marlow Hill.
Over the years new buildings were added to the school as it grew larger, with Technology, Sport and Drama blocks being some of the latest additions. These were built to allow for the extra 300 pupils and staff that arrived when Lady Verney High School joined with Wycombe High in 1993.
In September 2011, the current headteacher, Sharon Cromie, implemented a 'Vertical Tutoring' scheme despite a student-led petition asking for more consultation with students, which collected 997 signatures over just two days. This scheme has prompted several long-standing senior teachers to retire.
Wycombe High School have a fairly strict uniform code, consisting of a blue, revere collared blouse, a coloured jumper (cobalt blue for years 7-9, burgundy for years 10 & 11) and either hipster trousers or a box-pleated skirt.
The PE is a black and blue nylon shirt, with a matching skirt/skort. The regulation hoodie is also required. Students are required to have black dance leggings, black tracksuit bottoms, black athletic shorts, hockey socks, shin pads, football boots, two pairs of trainers.
Subjects taught at Wycombe High school for years 7 and 8 are English, Maths, Science, Art, ICT, History, Geography, French, Latin (for Year Seven only), Spanish German or Latin (Year 8+), Religious Studies, Physical Education, Drama and Technology (alternating between Graphics, Textiles and Food throughout the year)From September 2010, Wycombe High School introduced a new scheme where Year Nine students start their GCSE's a year early, taking 3 years to complete instead of two. The students choose 4 GCSE subjects (2 to start in Year 9, Two to start in Year 10) which each last two years, as well as studying the compulsory core subjects - English Language, English Literature, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, ICT, and a short course in Citizenship. In Year Nine only, they take part in 6 'Enrichment Courses' compiled of Art, Dance, Drama and three other subjects of their choice.