Elstree School Day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3-13
P R O S P E C T U S
W E LCO M E
I
t is a pleasure and a privilege
Olivia and I, and our dedicated
to be Headmaster of this very
team of staff, would be delighted to
special co-educational school.
welcome you to Elstree to give you
Elstree provides a happy, secure
the opportunity to see it for yourself.
and purposeful environment in which children can be nurtured and inspired. Strong academic results, a thriving
I look forward to meeting you. Sid Inglis
extra-curricular programme, a beautiful setting and exceptional pastoral care make it an idyllic environment for pupils to spend their childhood.
Headmaster
embed the important values of
“ Elstree has managed to bottle everything there is to celebrate about a prepschool education: traditional values, impeccable manners, muddy knees, flexi boarding, academic aspiration, a strong Christian ethos – and it’s filled with blissfully normal, well-rounded children…”
kindness to others, hard work and
At Elstree, we are academically ambitious and provide a first class, all-round education. Our pupils go on to the leading Senior Schools and we are immensely proud of the excellent results they routinely achieve in Common Entrance and Scholarship examinations. Our firm belief that happiness breeds success, places the emphasis on positive thinking, building self-confidence and developing each child’s academic potential and interests to the full. Coupled with academic ambition comes the importance of giving children a proper childhood. Creativity, teamwork and tolerance go hand in hand with a hunger and curiosity to learn and a strong will to succeed. Christian values underpin everything we do and our aim is always to
Talk Education
making the most of opportunities. 2 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
ELSTREE - WELCOME www.elstreeschool.org.uk 3
W E LCO M E TO THE PRE-PREP
T
he Elstree Pre-Prep
I hope that this prospectus
and Nursery, founded
successfully conveys the ethos of the
in 1993, is set
school. Our pupils are happy and
alongside the main
caring children who are enthusiastic
school in 150 acres of parkland and
learners. I would be delighted to
playing fields. It caters for over
show you around the school and am
sixty girls and boys aged three to
confident that you will discover for
seven years.
yourself the special atmosphere at Elstree Pre-Prep.
The Pre-Prep is often the first experience of school life. We
Alice Holifield
understand how important these initial steps are and that parents
Head of Pre-Prep
want their children to feel happy and secure. Our aim is to provide stimulating learning experiences for your children so that we can foster in them a love for learning which lasts a lifetime. Our energetic, enthusiastic and well-qualified staff work hard to ensure that all children are valued as individuals and are encouraged to explore and develop their talents to the full. We pride ourselves on our very special and homely environment, influenced largely by the family principles of Elstree. The offer of home visits and taster days prior to a child starting in the Early Years eases the transition between home and school. 4 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
WELCOME TO THE PRE-PREP www.elstreeschool.org.uk 5
E A R LY Y E A R S F O U N DAT I O N S TAG E
N
ursery and
specialist French, Music, Drama and
Reception
PE lessons. We ensure that there is
classes follow the
a balance between all of the areas of
Foundation Stage
learning providing ideal preparation
Framework, learning through play
for the transition to Year 1.
and practical activities both in the classroom and outside. There is a
We pride ourselves on the close links
careful balance between adult and
that we establish with the parents
child-led activities, thus allowing
and the ethos of partnership in the
the children time to develop their
children’s development.
communication and language, social, emotional and physical skills. Full use is made of the extensive Elstree grounds, in addition to the dedicated Early Years garden and woodland areas where the children learn about the environment and have access to a range of creative resources. All of the children love their time in the woods, which involves plenty of exploring and collaborative work, a picnic lunch and hot chocolate around the fire in the colder months. As the children move through the Early Years, the teaching of literacy and mathematics increases, and all the
“ We have experienced at first hand the welcoming, accommodating and unassuming family feel to the school, which encouraged us to choose Elstree in the first place. We felt instinctively that it was the right school for our son during our initial
visit and that feeling has only increased now he is there. We can’t ask for more and feel confident that he is in very good hands.” Elstree Pre-Prep Parent
Early Years children also benefit from 6 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
PRE-PREP EARLY YEARS www.elstreeschool.org.uk 7
K E Y S TAG E 1
A
s the children move into Year 1, the
“ From the EYFS
curriculum becomes
onwards, pupils’
more formal and
achievement is
there is a stronger emphasis on English and Mathematics. We follow
excellent and
a creative, topic-based curriculum
they reach high
with much of our English,
standards across
Geography, History and Science
the school, making
interweaving and following a theme appealing to the children’s interests.
excellent progress
There is still much emphasis on
in all areas of
creativity, where engaging learning
development.”
experiences are planned for the children. Just because the pupils are
Independent Schools
Inspection Report
older, it does not mean that learning needs to be any less inspiring! Specialist teachers deliver hands on French, Music, Drama and PE lessons for the children each week. Learning in Key Stage 1 builds on the skills developed within the Early Years and the pupils are encouraged to become independent learners. Children begin to make more decisions and start to take increased ownership of their learning. We celebrate ‘Marvellous Mistakes’ helping children to realise that, without getting things wrong, we would not be learning. We help our learners to see challenges as exciting and thrilling experiences, rather than being daunted by them. 8 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
PRE-PREP KEY STAGE 1 www.elstreeschool.org.uk 9
PRE-PREP SPORT
T
he physical
tennis. Swimming is taught to Years
development of a child
1 and 2 in the Summer Term. Once
is of great importance.
in Year 2, the children enjoy fixtures
At the Pre-Prep the
against other schools including a
pupils are fortunate to benefit from
London Schools Tournament and
excellent facilities and specialist
our Junior Football Festival.
teaching from the very earliest stage of their school career. Key skills and attributes of team games are taught to the pupils. These are transferable to a range of sports. The lessons cover a broad range of skills to develop children’s control and coordination. They go on to incorporate elements of athletics, cricket, dance, football, gymnastics, netball, tag rugby and
“We love that Elstree Pre-Prep clearly wants to challenge the children but is incredibly nurturing. We like the huge sport opportunities and how very active the children are. Healthy body and healthy mind!” Elstree Pre-Prep Parent 10 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
PRE-PREP SPORT www.elstreeschool.org.uk 11
PR E- PR EP CR E ATIVE ARTS
M
usic, Art and Drama help children to develop skills,
attitudes and attributes that can support learning in other subject areas. These include listening skills, the ability to concentrate, as well as developing creativity and sensitivity towards others. Music and Drama are taught by specialist staff from Nursery onwards. By engaging in making and responding to music, children develop their understanding and appreciation of a wide range of different types of music. Listening to different sounds also supports their early phonics work. From Years 1 & 2, the children can join the Pre-Prep Choir, and in Year 2 all children learn the recorder. Pupils can start individual music lessons from Year 1, and these are taught by the peripatetic teachers from the Prep School. Children have specialist Drama lessons from Nursery and everyone in the Pre-Prep performs in the Annual Summer Concert as well as the Christmas Play. Art is taught as part of the curriculum, and there is an arts and crafts club for those in Years 1 and 2. 12 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
PRE-PREP CREATIVE ARTS www.elstreeschool.org.uk 13
PRE-PREP E X TR A CURRICUL AR AND OUTDOOR LE ARNING
W
e take a holistic
A huge emphasis is placed on the
approach
outdoors and all the Pre-Prep enjoy
towards the
an outdoor learning day every term.
children’s
Learning is centred around a relevant
education and provide a range of
topic and is cross-curricular. Recent
extra curricular activities to help
themes have included ‘Badgers’
support their emotional, social, moral
and ‘Autumn Colours’. As well as
and cultural development. We also
our timetabled outdoor learning
want to provide opportunities for
day, the teachers regularly look for
children’s learning experiences to
opportunities to take the children
extend beyond the classroom.
outside. Learning from real life often provides the most memorable
We offer a range of after school clubs
learning experiences and the 150
to children in the Pre-Prep. Pupils in
acres on our doorstep certainly
Reception can start dance or athletics
provides a wealth of possibility for
in the Summer Term whilst those
this to happen. We also have our
in Years 1 and 2 can choose from
own garden within the Pre-Prep with
French, arts and crafts, netball, tennis,
gardening beds so that each year
judo, football and athletics.
group can grow a range of vegetables and flowers.
To enhance their learning further, we take children out on trips connected
We encourage parents to be actively
to their topics. Recent visits have
involved in their children’s learning,
included Bucklebury Farm Park,
holding termly events to which they
Marwell Zoo, Rushall Farm, Windsor
are invited.
Castle and The Steam Museum. We have visits from authors, the Police, the
We also regularly support national
Royal Mail, and theatre and educational
and international charities, for
groups such as ‘History off the Page’.
example The West Berkshire
The children also join with other
Food Bank, Samaritan’s Purse and
schools for various sporting events.
Sport Relief.
“ The school has 150 acres of countryside where learning experiences can ignite young pupils brains. Their Early Years children visit the Woodland every Wednesday.”
Independent School Parent Magazine, Autumn 2020.
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PRE-PREP EXTRA CURRICULAR AND OUTDOOR LEARNING
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ELSTREE PREP SCHOOL LIFE
E
lstree Prep School is
Pupils are encouraged to respect one
a day and boarding
another and to gain a strong sense of
school for children
personal worth. We pride ourselves
aged 7 to 13. Set in
on their openness and positive spirit,
idyllic grounds of 150 acres, only an
their good manners and, above all,
hour by car from West London, the
their ability to contribute fully to the
school offers a secure and stimulating
school and make lifelong friends.
environment for children to be
celebrate, we recognise that being
“ There is a very strong set of values that underpins everything that happens at Elstree. Impeccable manners, humility, intellectual curiosity, a sense of purpose, the importance of community, the value of hard work and an appreciation of the sheer fun and adventure that life has to offer permeates the school.�
open, compassionate and tolerant of
Elstree School Parent
nurtured and inspired. From Year 4 onwards, pupils can choose to board in this happy, secure and purposeful environment whether as a flexi or weekly boarder. Whilst it is vital to embrace the challenges of the 21st Century, we must never lose sight of the importance of giving children a proper childhood. Academic achievement coupled with the opportunity to be involved in Sport, Music, Art and Drama, ensure that Elstree remains a preparatory school in the broadest sense of the word. We are proud of our rich history and our reputation as a school with high academic, creative and sporting achievements. While we know that success is something to
others, is equally important. 16 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
PREP SCHOOL LIFE www.elstreeschool.org.uk 17
AC ADEMIC LIFE
E
lstree offers a first-class,
Scholarship Awards to leading Senior
progressive education,
Schools, maximising academic potential
which prepares pupils
and building self-confidence.
for Common Entrance
or Scholarship to their first choice
Mathematics, French, Science,
“ We chose Elstree as a school for our children because we were so taken with the values and educational philosophy of the Headmaster and his Wife. We really liked the fact that they weren’t afraid to be ambitious for the pupils – whilst always maintaining a warm, secure and encouraging environment.”
Geography, History, TPR, ICT, Art,
Elstree School Parent
Senior School. Our whole school Curriculum Policy offers a wide choice of experiences, skills and subjects from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), through Key Stages 1 & 2, to Common Entrance and Scholarship level. It aims to realise the highest academic expectations for all pupils within a framework of proven learning techniques and innovative, exciting teaching methods. Children develop at different rates, both academically and emotionally, and our small classes (average class size of 12 pupils) enable us to stretch the most academically able and to support those who need extra care and attention. The timetable includes English,
Design Technology, Music, Physical Education and PSHE. Latin and Spanish
Common Entrance preparation.
“Pupils of all abilities make excellent progress through the school.”
Elstree is proud of its academic record
Independent Schools Inspection Report
are introduced to all children in Year 5, and the Scholarship class operates in parallel with the last two years of
which includes an impressive array of 18 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
PREP ACADEMIC LIFE www.elstreeschool.org.uk 19
PA S TO R A L C A R E A N D CO M M U N I T Y L I F E
A
t Elstree, the
pupils to become helpful and
sense of ‘family’
caring members of the community.
and ‘community’
Everyone is actively encouraged to
is at the heart of
participate in projects for the benefit
school life and Elstree prides itself on the individual care that each child receives. Our dedicated staff play an essential role in supporting the pastoral programme which is a
of others and to raise money to help support charities. These have recently included The Charlie Waller Trust, Glad’s House, The Brain Tumour Charity and Place 2 Be.
fundamental part of school life in and out of the classroom. The Headmaster, his wife, Form Tutors and the Director of Studies monitor each child’s academic and personal progress, confirming our belief that personal growth and academic development derive from a happy, caring environment where children are encouraged and feel valued. For the boarders, the Houseparents and their team of House Staff provide an extra layer of care and attention, enhancing the family atmosphere that pervades the school. A School Counsellor visits the school one morning a week. An important feature of an Elstree education is to foster an awareness of
“ Pupils’ confident and friendly manner is a result of the excellent pastoral support that they receive.” Independent Schools Inspection Report
“ Elstree is an incredibly special school. Looking at Senior Schools has been quite a challenge, because nowhere else is Elstree.” Elstree School Parent
those less fortunate and to encourage 20 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
PREP PASTORAL CARE AND COMMUNITY LIFE
www.elstreeschool.org.uk 21
B OA R D I N G
A
t Elstree, the
After a family service supper, there
lovely welcoming
is a wide range of boarders’ clubs
atmosphere
to enjoy: torchlight games in the
pulses through the
woods, kayaking on the lake, board-
boarding house. Our family friendly,
games, table tennis, cricket nets,
flexible boarding model enables
swimming, golf or mountain biking
children to learn to live as part
- all within the 150 acres of school
of a community and to build up
grounds. This boarding community
their self-confidence,
is enhanced by our termly events for
independence and organisational
boarders AND their families, such
skills. The Houseparents live in
as our legendary Murder Mystery
the heart of the house, supported
evening and family quiz.
by a strong team of Assistant Housemasters/mistresses, matrons
Big Weekends offer the chance
and nurse; we see the children
for an entire year group to board
under our care as an extension of
for a weekend. A Saturday night
our own families. At least once
event, such as a Social with another
a week a dorm is invited into the
school or bush craft, is followed by
Houseparents’ Flat for a ‘Brew’
another activity on Sunday morning
to share hot chocolate and
such as Laser Tag or Zorb football
home-made cakes in this cosy
in the school grounds. These
home-from-home atmosphere.
Big Weekends provide a great opportunity for a whole year group
Our flexible approach means that
to socialise together and for day
children can board anything from
pupils to experience boarding.
one to seven nights a week. They can gradually build up the
As part of this community, our older
number of nights that they board,
full-boarders are encouraged to
and families are able to find the
look out for the younger boarders.
right balance between school
At the weekends there are trips
and home life. Boarding at
to the cinema, bowling, mountain
Elstree also prepares children for
biking and local water parks, but we
boarding at their Senior Schools
also try to replicate what our day
and beyond.
pupils will be experiencing.
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PREP BOARDING www.elstreeschool.org.uk 23
EXTR A CURRICUL AR
I
n addition to a full and varied curriculum, Elstree pupils are
“ Pupils of all ages
offered a wide range of extra-
achieve highly, both
curricular activities, from golf
in academic and
to art, chess and a selection of choirs, orchestra and music ensembles. The
extra-curricular
diverse choice of activities for all ages,
activities. The
interests and abilities form an integral
contribution of
part of a child’s all-round education.
curricular and extra
The wealth of well-organised, exciting options available, both indoor and outdoor, ensure all children are busy and engaged.
curricular provision is excellent.” Independent Schools Inspection Report
Trips also form an essential part of the balanced curriculum and are eagerly anticipated. They are thoroughly researched and planned for all year groups, designed to complement and stimulate interest in the arts, culture and sport. Residential trips are organised by various academic departments. They make an excellent contribution to the breadth of the curriculum and include an educational trip to France in Year 7. Pupils also often go out to represent Elstree at music and sports festivals as well as inter-schools competitions for general knowledge, debating, chess, maths challenges and all manner of other events. 24 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
PREP EXTRA CURRICULAR www.elstreeschool.org.uk 25
S P O RT
S
port is an integral part of life at Elstree with pupils playing sport daily. Our sporting ethos is all-
inclusive and the importance of good sportsmanship is taught together with the acquisition of skills across all sports. With around 200 fixtures a term, all children have the opportunity to represent Elstree in a number of sports. Every child is timetabled at least five one hour sessions a week. Football, rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis and athletics are the major sports throughout the year. Also on offer are swimming, squash, judo, kayaking, fencing, basketball, badminton, table tennis, trampolining and gymnastics. In Years 3-6 the children are grouped in age groups for games. In Years 7 and 8, the children are grouped together and split into groups, dependent on their ability. Facilities include a modern wellequipped sports hall, an outdoor heated swimming pool and 2 all-weather pitches, one of which is full-sized and includes 12 tennis courts. We also have numerous sports pitches for major sports, indoor and outdoor cricket net facilities, a fitness trail, a low ropes course, a 9 hole golf
“Pupils’ sporting prowess is very strong. They enjoy being active and participating in the many opportunities available to them, from football, rugby, hockey and cricket to judo and shooting.” Independent Schools Inspection Report
course and a shooting range. 26 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
PREP SPORT www.elstreeschool.org.uk 27
C R E AT I V E A R T S
T
he Creative Arts are
an extensive range of music from
thriving at Elstree
classical arias to the latest pop songs.
with the Music,
Diversity and enjoyment is the key.
Drama, Art and
Design Technology Departments
The Art Department offers an
regularly earning scholarships to
integrated programme to inspire
leading Senior Schools.
the children and stimulate creative thinking. A wide variety of creative
Alongside the pursuit of academic
techniques and media all form part
excellence, rooted in the School’s
of the carefully structured syllabus
ethos is the importance of giving
which includes everything from
children a proper childhood;
fine art, charcoal work, ink painting
participating in group and individual
to screen printing, clay work and
activities that develop their own
constructing sculptures from
characters and their relationship
recycled objects, wire, willow and
with others. Academic achievement
papier-mâchÊ.
coupled with this opportunity to be involved in Music, Art and Drama
In Design and Technology children
as well as sport ensures that Elstree
experience designing and making a
remains a preparatory school in the
range of project work, not only in
broadest sense of the word.
traditional hard resistant materials of wood, metal, and plastic, but also
Music is not only part of the
softer materials such as, textiles, card
curriculum throughout the school,
and paper.
but is also an important part of an Elstree education. In the recently
In Drama, at least three productions
developed Music School, many
a year ensure that all pupils at
pupils learn at least one musical
Elstree get involved in Drama,
instrument. Pupils may join a variety
whether taking a role on stage, as
of instrumental groups to further
a musician or as part of the back
their skills and enjoyment, such as
stage team engaged in lighting, stage
orchestra, brass band, string group,
management and design. Pupils
bassoon and guitar ensemble.
learn how to communicate through
Music Technology is also offered.
drama, assemblies, debating, poetry
Both Junior and Senior choirs
performance and various public
regularly perform in public, singing
speaking competitions.
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PREP CREATIVE ARTS www.elstreeschool.org.uk 29
PER SONAL DE VELOPMENT AT EL STR EE AND B E YOND
A
s the children move
and artistic as well as cultivating
them to mature and understand the
through the Pre-Prep,
personal development and a sense of
importance of helping others.
the links with the Prep
responsibility to others.
School strengthen to
Our Saturday morning ‘Learning for
ensure a smooth transition and include
We encourage children to take
Life’ academic enrichment programme
assemblies and additional lessons with
on responsibility as they progress
provides valuable preparation for the
Elstree staff. The Headmaster visits
through the school and give them
Senior School pre-assessments. This
the Pre-Prep regularly to read stories.
opportunities to develop both
includes enrichment talks, interview
All of the children are very familiar with
teamwork and leadership.
workshops, debating and practice at
the environment of the whole school as they use the facilities on a daily basis.
These activities are overarched by
online tests.
a bespoke leadership programme
Pupils leave Elstree to attend the
In the Pre-Prep, the staff create an
called the ‘Elstree Award’. This
country’s leading Senior Schools. The
environment in which the children’s
begins in Year 6 and aims to develop
formal process of consultation on
social skills, their ability to get on
leadership and teamwork skills
Senior Schools usually starts in Year 5
with others, their self-reliance and
required for life beyond Elstree.
and the Headmaster is always available
academic progress are carefully nurtured. By the time the children are ready to move into the Prep School, they are well prepared for the next
to advise parents, based on his The Elstree Award sets a framework
extensive experience and relationships
for each pupil to develop these skills,
with many Senior Schools.
to take on challenges and to serve the community. The children learn bush
We regularly send pupils to the
craft skills such as navigation and den
following schools: Abingdon, Bradfield,
building. Experiences such as hiking
Downe House, Eton, Harrow,
and coasteering challenge their physical
Marlborough, Radley, Sherborne,
The all-round education that Elstree
endurance. Fundraising, community
St Edward’s Oxford, St Mary’s Calne,
provides encompasses a balance
service and assisting younger pupils
Wellington and Winchester.
between the academic, sporting
with their reading and sport help
stage of their education, on their paths to happy and successful school lives as independent and confident individuals.
“ Parents of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage were particularly appreciative of the strong transition procedures and the willingness of staff to talk about any concerns or achievements.” Independent Schools Inspection Report
ADMISSIONS Prospective pupils and their families are always welcome at Elstree. If you would like to visit, please contact the Registrar on 0118 971 0322 or email registrar@elstreeschool.org.uk. www.elstreeschool.org.uk
30 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
considered extremely skillful when it comes to secondary school applications: ‘I’ve had amazing support as a parent and he is very tactful at guiding you gently in the right direction.’ ” Good Schools Guide
www.elstreeschool.org.uk 31
PREP PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AT ELSTREE AND BEYOND
“ Mr Inglis is
Elstree School
Woolhampton | Reading | Berkshire | RG7 5TD | www.elstreeschool.org.uk Tel 0118 971 3302 | Fax 0118 971 4280 | Email office@elstreeschool.org.uk