Day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3-13 Elstree School PROSPECTUS
I
WELCOME
t is a pleasure and a privilege to be Headmaster of this very special co-educational school. Elstree provides a happy, secure and purposeful environment in which children can be nurtured and inspired. Strong academic results, a thriving extra-curricular programme, a beautiful setting and exceptional pastoral care make it an idyllic environment for pupils to spend their childhood. 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.
Olivia and I, and our dedicated team of staff, would be delighted to welcome you to Elstree to give you the opportunity to see it for yourself. I look forward to meeting you. Sid HeadmasterInglis children…”well-roundedblissfullyit’sethosstrongaspiration,academicfleximuddymanners,impeccabletraditionalschoolaboutcelebrateaprep-education:values,knees,boarding,aChristian–andfilledwithnormal,
“ Elstree managedhasto bottle everything there is to
Talk Education 2 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
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 embed the important values of kindness to others, hard work and making the most of opportunities.
WELCOMEELSTREE www.elstreeschool.org.uk 3
The Elstree Pre-Prep and Nursery, founded in 1993, is set alongside the main school in 150 acres of parkland and playing fields. It caters for over eighty girls and boys aged three to seven years. The Pre-Prep is often the first experience of school life. We understand how important these initial steps are and that parents 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.
WELCOME TO THE PRE-PREP
I hope that this prospectus successfully conveys the ethos of the school. Our pupils are happy and caring children who are enthusiastic learners. I would be delighted to show you around the school and am confident that you will discover for yourself the special atmosphere at Elstree Pre-Prep.
Alice Bond Head of Pre-Prep 4 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
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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 Early Years children also benefit from specialist French, Music, Drama and PE lessons. We ensure that there is a balance between all of the areas of learning providing ideal preparation for the transition to Year 1. We pride ourselves on the close links that we establish with the parents and the ethos of partnership in the children’s development.
ursery classesReceptionandfollow the Foundation Stage Framework, learning through play and practical activities both in the classroom and outside. There is a careful balance between adult and child-led activities, thus allowing the children time to develop their communication and language, social, emotional and physical skills.
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EARLY
“ We experiencedhave at first hand
duringschoolthatfeltthechooseencouragedschool,familyandaccommodatingwelcoming,theunassumingfeeltothewhichustoElstreeinfirstplace.Weinstinctivelyitwastherightforoursonourinitial 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 6 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
STAGEFOUNDATIONYEARS
YEARSEARLYPRE-PREP www.elstreeschool.org.uk 7
KEY STAGE 1
A s the children move into Year 1, the curriculum becomes more formal and there is a stronger emphasis on English and Mathematics. We follow a creative, topic-based curriculum with much of our English, Geography, History and Science interweaving and following a theme appealing to the children’s interests. There is still much emphasis on creativity, where engaging learning experiences are planned for the children. Just because the pupils are 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. onwards,
8 www.elstreeschool.org.uk “ From the EYFS
development.”inexcellentthestandardstheyexcellentachievementpupils’isandreachhighacrossschool,makingprogressallareasof Independent Schools Inspection Report
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T he developmentphysical of a child is of great importance. At the Pre-Prep the pupils are fortunate to benefit from excellent facilities and specialist 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 tennis. Swimming is taught to Years 1 and 2 in the Summer Term. Once in Year 2, the children enjoy fixtures against other schools, including a London Schools Tournament and our Junior Football Festival. love that Elstree Pre-Prep clearly wants to challenge the children but is nurturing.incrediblyWe like the huge healthyHealthythehowopportunitiessportandveryactivechildrenare.bodyandmind!”
PRE-PREP SPORT
“We
Elstree Pre-Prep Parent 10 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
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CREATIVEPRE-PREP ARTS
M
usic, Art and Drama developchildrenhelptoskills, 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 concerts 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
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Learning is centred around a relevant topic and is cross-curricular. Recent themes have included ‘Badgers’ and ‘Autumn Colours’. As well as our timetabled outdoor learning day, the teachers regularly look for opportunities to take the children outside. Learning from real life often provides the most memorable learning experiences and the 150 acres on our doorstep certainly provides a wealth of possibility for this to happen. We also have our own garden within the Pre-Prep with gardening beds so that each year group can grow a range of vegetables and flowers. We encourage parents to be actively involved in their children’s learning, holding termly events to which they are invited.
The children also join with other schools for various sporting events.
A huge emphasis is placed on the outdoors and all the Pre-Prep enjoy an outdoor learning day every term.
Independent School Parent Magazine, Autumn 2020.
“ The school has 150 acres of Wednesday.”WoodlandchildrenTheirpupilsigniteexperienceswherecountrysidelearningcanyoungbrains.EarlyYearsvisittheevery
PRE-PREP
W e take a children’stowardsapproachholisticthe education and provide a range of extra curricular activities to help support their emotional, social, moral and cultural development. We also want to provide opportunities for children’s learning experiences to extend beyond the classroom. We offer a range of after school clubs to children in the Pre-Prep. Pupils in Reception can start dance or athletics in the Summer Term whilst those in Years 1 and 2 can choose from French, arts and crafts, netball, tennis, judo, football and athletics.
OUTDOORCURRICULAREXTRAANDLEARNING
We also regularly support national and international charities, for example The West Berkshire Food Bank, Samaritan’s Purse and Sport Relief. 14 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
To enhance their learning further, we take children out on trips connected to their topics. Recent visits have included Bucklebury Farm Park, Marwell Zoo, Rushall Farm, Windsor Castle and The Steam Museum. We have visits from authors, the Police, the Royal Mail, and theatre and educational groups such as ‘History off the Page’.
www.elstreeschool.org.uk 15 LEARNINGOUTDOORANDCURRICULAREXTRAPRE-PREP
Elstree School Parent
lstree Prep School is a day and boarding school for children aged 7 to 13. Set in idyllic grounds of 150 acres, only an hour by car from West London, the school offers a secure and stimulating environment for children to be 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.
Pupils are encouraged to respect one another and to gain a strong sense of personal worth. We pride ourselves on their openness and positive spirit, their good manners and, above all, their ability to contribute fully to the school and make lifelong friends. “ There is a very strong set of values that theofferthatandofandvaluecommunity,importanceofcuriosity,intellectualmanners,ImpeccablehappenseverythingunderpinsthatatElstree.humility,asensepurpose,theoftheofhardworkanappreciationthesheerfunadventurelifehastopermeatesschool.”
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 celebrate, we recognise that being open, compassionate and tolerant of others, is equally important.
16 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
ELSTREE PREP SCHOOL LIFE
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www.elstreeschool.org.uk 17 LIFESCHOOLPREP
“Pupils
“
Elstree offers a first-class, progressive education, which prepares pupils for Common Entrance or Scholarship to their first choice 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, Mathematics, French, Science, Geography, History, TPR, ICT, Art, Design Technology, Music, Physical Education and PSHE. Latin and Spanish are introduced to all children in Year 5, and the Scholarship class operates in parallel with the last two years of Common Entrance preparation. Elstree is proud of its academic record which includes an impressive array of Scholarship Awards to leading Senior Schools, maximising academic potential and building self-confidence. 18 www.elstreeschool.org.uk We chose Elstree as a school for our children because we were so taken with the values and environment.”andwarm,maintainingwhilstfortotheylikedhisHeadmasterphilosophyeducationaloftheandWife.Wereallythefactthatweren’tafraidbeambitiousthepupils–alwaysasecureencouraging
Independent
ACADEMIC LIFE
Elstree School Parent of all abilities make theprogressexcellentthroughschool.” Schools Inspection Report
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A t Elstree, the sense of ‘family’ and ‘community’ is at the heart of 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 fundamental part of school life in and out of the classroom.
PASTORAL CARE AND COMMUNITY LIFE
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 those less fortunate and to encourage pupils to become helpful and caring members of the community. Everyone is actively encouraged to participate in projects for the benefit 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 20 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
“ Pupils’ confident and thatpastoralofmannerfriendlyisaresulttheexcellentsupporttheyreceive.” Independent Schools Inspection Report “ Elstree is Elstree.”nowherechallenge,hasatschool.incrediblyanspecialLookingSeniorSchoolsbeenquiteabecauseelseis Elstree School Parent
LIFECOMMUNITYANDCAREPASTORALPREP
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BOARDING t Elstree, the lovely pulsesatmospherewelcomingthroughthe boarding house. Our family friendly, flexible boarding model enables children to learn to live as part of a community and to build up their andboardingElstreeandrightandnumberTheyonechildrenOurhome-from-homehome-madetoHouseparents’aourunderandHousemasters/mistresses,bytheskills.independenceself-confidence,andorganisationalTheHouseparentsliveinheartofthehouse,supportedastrongteamofAssistantmatronsnurse;weseethechildrenourcareasanextensionofownfamilies.AtleastonceweekadormisinvitedintotheFlatfora‘Brew’sharehotchocolateandcakesinthiscosyatmosphere.flexibleapproachmeansthatcanboardanythingfromtosevennightsaweek.cangraduallybuilduptheofnightsthattheyboard,familiesareabletofindthebalancebetweenschoolhomelife.BoardingatalsoprepareschildrenforattheirSeniorSchoolsbeyond.
A
After a family service supper, there is a wide range of boarders’ clubs to enjoy: torchlight games in the woods, kayaking on the lake, boardgames, table tennis, cricket nets, swimming, golf or mountain biking - all within the 150 acres of school grounds. This boarding community is enhanced by our termly events for boarders AND their families, such as our legendary Murder Mystery evening and family quiz. Big Weekends offer the chance for an entire year group to board for a weekend. A Saturday night event, such as a Social with another school or bush craft, is followed by another activity on Sunday morning such as Laser Tag or Zorb football in the school grounds. These Big Weekends provide a great opportunity for a whole year group to socialise together and for day pupils to experience boarding. As part of this community, our older full-boarders are encouraged to look out for the younger boarders. At the weekends there are trips to the cinema, bowling, mountain biking and local water parks, but we also try to replicate what our day pupils will be experiencing. 22 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
BOARDINGPREP www.elstreeschool.org.uk 23
Report
I n addition to a full and varied curriculum, Elstree pupils are offered a wide range of extracurricular activities, from golf to art, chess and a selection of choirs, orchestra and music ensembles. The diverse choice of activities for all ages, interests and abilities form an integral part of a child’s all-round education. The wealth of well-organised, exciting options available, both indoor and outdoor, ensure all children are busy and Tripsengaged.alsoform 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 8. 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
CURRICULAREXTRA
“ Pupils of all ages achieve highly, both in academic
iscurricularcurricularcontributionactivities.extra-curricularandTheofandextraprovisionexcellent.” Schools Inspection
Independent
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S port is an integral part of life at Elstree with pupils playing sport daily. Our sporting ethos is allinclusive 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 course and a shooting range. “Pupils’
SPORT
shooting.”toandrugby,fromavailableopportunitiesinandenjoystrong.prowesssportingisveryTheybeingactiveparticipatingthemanytothem,football,hockeycricketjudoand
Independent Schools Inspection Report 26 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
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T he Creative Arts are thriving at Elstree with the Music, Drama, Art and Design Technology Departments regularly earning scholarships to leading Senior Schools. Alongside the pursuit of academic excellence, rooted in the School’s ethos is the importance of giving children a proper childhood; participating in group and individual activities that develop their own characters and their relationship with others. Academic achievement coupled with this opportunity to be involved in Music, Art and Drama as well as sport ensures that Elstree remains a preparatory school in the broadest sense of the word. Music is not only part of the curriculum throughout the school, but is also an important part of an Elstree education. In the recently developed Music School, many pupils learn at least one musical instrument. Pupils may join a variety of instrumental groups to further their skills and enjoyment, such as orchestra, brass band, string group, bassoon and guitar ensemble. Music Technology is also offered. Both Junior and Senior choirs regularly perform in public, singing an extensive range of music from classical arias to the latest pop songs. Diversity and enjoyment is the key. The Art Department offers an integrated programme to inspire the children and stimulate creative thinking. A wide variety of creative techniques and media all form part of the carefully structured syllabus which includes everything from fine art, charcoal work, ink painting to screen printing, clay work and constructing sculptures from recycled objects, wire, willow and Inpapier-mâché.Designand Technology children experience designing and making a range of project work, not only in traditional hard resistant materials of wood, metal, and plastic, but also softer materials such as, textiles, card and paper. In Drama, at least three productions a year ensure that all pupils at Elstree get involved in Drama, whether taking a role on stage, as a musician or as part of the back stage team engaged in lighting, stage management and design. Pupils learn how to communicate through drama, assemblies, debating, poetry performance and various public speaking competitions . 28 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
CREATIVE ARTS
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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AT ELSTREE AND BEYOND A s the children move through the Pre-Prep, the links with the Prep School strengthen to ensure a smooth transition and include assemblies and additional lessons with Elstree staff. The Headmaster visits the Pre-Prep regularly to read stories. All of the children are very familiar with the environment of the whole school as they use the facilities on a daily basis. In the Pre-Prep, the staff create an environment in which the children’s social skills, their ability to get on with others, their self-reliance and 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 stage of their education, on their paths to happy and successful school lives as independent and confident individuals. The all-round education that Elstree provides encompasses a balance between the academic, sporting and artistic as well as cultivating personal development and a sense of responsibility to others. We encourage children to take on responsibility as they progress through the school and give them opportunities to develop both teamwork and leadership. These activities are overarched by a bespoke leadership programme called the ‘Elstree Award’. This begins in Year 6 and aims to develop leadership and teamwork skills required for life beyond Elstree. The Elstree Award sets a framework for each pupil to develop these skills, to take on challenges and to serve the community. The children learn bush craft skills such as navigation and den building. Experiences such as hiking and coasteering challenge their physical endurance. Fundraising, community service and assisting younger pupils with their reading and sport help them to mature and understand the importance of helping others. Our Saturday morning ‘Learning for Life’ academic enrichment programme provides valuable preparation for the Senior School pre-assessments. This includes enrichment talks, interview workshops, debating and practice at online tests. Pupils leave Elstree to attend the country’s leading Senior Schools. The formal process of consultation on Senior Schools usually starts in Year 5 and the Headmaster is always available to advise parents, based on his extensive experience and relationships with many Senior Schools. We regularly send pupils to the following schools: Abingdon, Bradfield, Downe House, Eton, Harrow, Marlborough, Radley, Sherborne, St Edward’s Oxford, St Mary’s Calne, Wellington and Winchester. 30 www.elstreeschool.org.uk
“ 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.” Schools Inspection Report
Independent
0118contactIfareProspectiveADMISSIONSpupilsandtheirfamiliesalwayswelcomeatElstree.youwouldliketovisit,pleasetheRegistraron9710322oremail registrar@elstreeschool.org.uk. www.elstreeschool.org.uk
www.elstreeschool.org.uk 31 “ Mr Inglis rightgentlyatveryparentsupport‘I’veapplications:secondarywhenextremelyconsideredisskillfulitcomestoschoolhadamazingasaandheistactfulguidingyouinthedirection.’” Good Schools Guide BEYONDANDELSTREEATDEVELOPMENTPERSONALPREP
Elstree School Woolhampton | Reading | Berkshire | RG7 5TD | www.elstreeschool.org.uk Tel 0118 971 3302 | Fax 0118 971 4280 | Email office@elstreeschool.org.uk
