We provide a wide-ranging education both within and outside the classroom, whilst thoroughly preparing girls for the entrance requirements of their senior schools. Our girls leave with a confidence, an enthusiasm for participation and an appetite for learning and achievement that are the hallmarks of a good preparatory school, giving them the best possible foundation for the future. Many girls exceed national benchmarks and are encouraged to deepen their learning through extension and mastery tasks.
The essential philosophy that underpins the curriculum throughout the School is to provide breadth, depth and rigour within an environment that sees traditional methodology combining with recent proven educational practice. In doing so the requirements of the National Curriculum are acknowledged, but we aim to exceed them. Class sizes are kept as small as practicable, so differentiation is always possible. Average class sizes are about 15 to 18 girls.
The subjects studied are: English, Mathematics, Science, French, History, Geography, RE, Food Technology, Music, Art, ICT, PE, Games and PSHE/Citizenship. Great emphasis is placed on the basic skills of reading, writing and arithmetic, particularly in the early years, where the standards reached are excellent.
Homework is regarded as an essential component of the learning process from the earliest stages, as it helps to develop good study habits and also involves parents in supporting the work of their daughters.
Regular assessment, recording and reporting help to ensure that individual progress is closely monitored. Standardised testing in Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Numeracy, Reading and Spelling takes place annually in most year groups. There are digital progress tests in Maths, Science and English. Together with annual academic examinations and day-to-day assessments, these provide useful performance indicators to determine a possible future school path.
Parents’ Evenings take place twice a year, but teachers are always available by appointment outside these “formal” occasions. Parents are invited to share their daughters work in monthly parent pop in sessions. Effort grades are provided twice a year while a full written report is provided at the end of each academic year.
