EDUCATION
MEET THE HEAD How long have you been at Rowan Prep? I have been headmistress at Rowan for five years and previously was head at West Acton Primary School in Ealing. When did you first become interested in education? When studying psychology at university, I was particularly passionate about child development. This sparked my desire to be involved in education, particularly primary teaching. I loved learning how
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SUSAN CLARKE Rowan Preparatory School
We catch up with head of the girls’ prep school, based in Esher children absorb knowledge and throughout my career, I have stayed abreast of research and pedagogy which enables pupils. Can you tell us a bit about the school’s history? The school was founded in 1936 by Miss Katherine Millar who was determined to create an environment conducive to learning; she wanted Rowan to be a place where girls enjoyed their studies, developed a strong sense of self and established lasting friendships. Eighty years on, Miss Millar’s core values are still firmly embedded in the school. Our reputation continues to grow, not just due to the impressive academic results and scholarships that the girls consistently achieve and the high calibre of senior schools to which they progress,
but also through achievements in the arts, music and sport. What do you see as the main strengths of the school? We create a balance between the academic offering, pastoral care and the enrichment opportunities available to the girls. The close and extended Rowan community work together to build a warm and supportive environment which the pupils thrive in. How do you create a happy learning environment? The happy learning environment at Rowan comes from listening to the girls, creating inspiring learning opportunities, encouraging them to think creatively but also by providing an environment which is warm, nurturing and fun. We give them the chance to make a
difference in their school and the local community, learning from each other and the world around them. They recently worked with the WWF to raise awareness and money for endangered animals. This project was led by our enthusiastic Year 6 girls who are keen to make a difference. We encourage all girls to take risks and have a go, while learning how to support each other. The girls make lifelong friends, you’ll see this in the classroom, on the sports field and at reunion events as the Annual Old Girls’ Barbecue. What’s new for the school? As part of last year’s 80th anniversary we proudly unveiled new classrooms and libraries at both our pre-prep and prep facilities. With constant investment in music technology and new STEM facilities due to be unveiled in the autumn term, the school is continually evolving while providing a strong and steady environment for the pupils to explore and enjoy. bs 01372 462627, rowanprepschool.co.uk