DHS Elev8 booklet for design

OUR SPRINGBOARD TO SENIOR SCHOOL

Welcome to Elev8: A New Era of Learning at Danes Hill At Danes Hill, we believe that education is a dynamic journey—one that evolves to meet the everchanging needs of our students and the world around them. As part of our unwavering commitment to excellence, we are thrilled to introduce Elev8, our innovative new programme designed for students in Years 6, 7, and 8.

What is Elev8?

Elev8 is more than just a curriculum enhancement; it is a transformational approach to education. Developed to empower and inspire, this programme fosters essential skills that will prepare students not just for senior school, but for life. Elev8 is designed to complement academic learning by developing competencies that encourage confidence, resilience, and adaptability in an ever-evolving world.

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Welcome to Elev8: A New Era of Learning at Danes Hill Why Elev8?

The landscape of education and the world beyond is shifting rapidly. As educators, we have a responsibility to equip our students with more than just knowledge—we must help them develop the skills, mindset, and character necessary to navigate the future successfully. The Upper School years are a crucial period of personal growth, discovery, and transition.

Through Elev8, we provide the structure and support students need to thrive during this transformative stage of their education.

The Impact of Elev8 Elev8 is built on the foundation of real-world application. This initiative will be embedded into every aspect of school life, ensuring that students develop a well-rounded skillset that extends beyond traditional academics.

The programme includes dedicated Elev8 lessons, experiential learning opportunities, and dynamic classroom environments that encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership. Students will engage in exciting courses on artificial intelligence, financial literacy, public speaking, leadership, and more.

A Community of Growth At Danes Hill, we understand the importance of continuity and belonging.

Elev8 strengthens our commitment to keeping students with us through Year 8, ensuring they benefit from the full breadth of opportunities available. From leadership roles and community service to innovative projects and character development, Elev8 provides a seamless and enriching experience that will leave a lasting impact.

We are incredibly proud to launch Elev8 and look forward to seeing the remarkable growth it will inspire in our students. This is just the beginning of an extraordinary journey—one that will shape confident, capable individuals ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Together, we embark on this exciting new chapter, shaping the future of education at Danes Hill.

AN UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCE

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ELEV8: THE EIGHT CORE PRINCIPLES Elev8 is built on eight core principles, which we believe are essential for success in school, in life, and in the future.

They are:- Self Care, Service & Empathy, Resilience and Adaptability, Personal Pursuit, Research and Discovery, Lifelong Learning, Communication and Digital Literacy. You can see these come to life in our Elev8 competency wheel below and on the next page.

These tangible, measurable qualities will be actively nurtured and will flourish in your children. By the time they leave us at the end of Year 8, we aim for these competencies to be deeply ingrained and visible in their actions, mindset, and achievements.

To achieve this, Elev8 will be embedded into every aspect of the school day. While there will be dedicated Elev8 lessons, the competencies will also be interwoven into subjects and activity.

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HOW DO THESE PRINCIPLES TRANSLATE INTO LEARNINGS?

Self-Care: Students will learn to manage their emotions, prioritise their well-being, and build healthy relationships. Imagine a student who confidently handles stress, seeks support when needed, and inspires others to care for themselves, too.

Service and Empathy: Empathy is a cornerstone of humanity. Through Elev8, students will develop a genuine commitment to serving others. Picture them volunteering in the community, listening with intent, and acting with compassion.

Resilience and Adaptability: Resilient students bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and approach challenges with confidence. Think of a child facing a tough exam or personal challenge but using the tools they’ve learned to persevere and succeed.

Personal Pursuit: Encouraging students to follow their passions leads to innovation and joy. Imagine a student discovering a love for coding, sports, or the arts and channelling that passion into something remarkable.

Research and Discovery: Curiosity drives progress. Elev8 fosters critical thinking, enabling students to ask big questions, explore new ideas, and seek solutions with confidence.

Lifelong Learning: Learning is a journey, not a destination. Students will leave Elev8 with a growth mindset, ready to embrace opportunities and overcome challenges throughout their lives.

Communication: Effective communication is essential. Elev8 students will express themselves clearly, collaborate effectively, and adapt their communication to diverse settings.

Digital Literacy: The ability to effectively and responsibly use technology and digital tools to navigate, create, and innovate in an interconnected world.

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LED BY A TEAM OF SENIOR SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL EXPERTS

Danes Hill chooses to prepare children for Common Entrance through Years 7 and 8 because we believe it is a reliably solid programme of study which not only stimulates and challenges the children but also it has proven to be the perfect platform for GCSE later on.

James Harvey, Deputy Head Pastoral and Head of Senior School Transfer leads a team of experienced Heads of Year and Form Teachers who provide daily support to our senior boys and girls, guiding them through this crucial transitional phase of their lives.

AN UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCE

James personally visits the country’s top Independent Senior schools and observes how well our past pupils have settled in, a testament to the thorough preparation they receive at Danes Hill.

We place a strong emphasis on cultivating kindness and empathy alongside fostering skills essential for an everchanging world. We recognize the importance of instilling values that extend beyond academic achievement. Our school environment encourages students to be not only articulate, confident, and selfassured individuals but also compassionate members of society. We believe in preparing our students not just for academic success but for a future where adaptability, empathy, and kindness are integral to navigating the challenges of an evolving world.

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The school’s structure, rules, reward system, and strong execution have fostered an environment that shapes exceptional students.

Current parent of year 7 pupil

AN UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCE

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WITH FUTURE-FOCUSED LEARNING BY DESIGN

The classrooms themselves will also evolve to support this vision. No longer just rows of desks, these spaces will become dynamic work environments designed to encourage collaboration, independent research, and project-based learning.

We will create innovative workplaces utilising the latest technology, flexible furniture and collaborative areas that support creative problem-solving. Our spaces will encourage pupils to not just be learners but thinkers, innovators, and doers.

AN UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCE

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The teaching team at Danes Hill deserves special recognition.

They manage to balance humour and professionalism perfectly, using age-appropriate and engaging methods to bring out the best in their students.

Current parent of year 7 pupil

AN UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCE

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LEARNING LIFE-LONG LEADERSHIP SKILLS

When children earn a position of responsibility, they are accountable; they have a duty and a real contribution to make within the school community. These children recognise the importance of these roles and rise to the occasion. Those who become future leaders will take their first steps here; they know the way, go the way and show the way.

Senior boys and girls, especially those with positions of responsibility, are encouraged to lead from the front, to set the right example to the younger children and, above all, to be proud to be the best ambassadors for Danes Hill.

AN UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCE

There is such a wide range of positions of responsibility available in Years 7 and 8, including: Head of School, Head boy and Head girl, President of School Charities, President of School Eco-Committee, Senior Prefects, Sports Captains, Head of Choir, Head of Orchestra ...and many more!

More generally, senior boys and girls are given an opportunity to assist at Bevendean, our Pre-Prep. For example, they provide guidance in reading and help the younger pupils to choose their own books from the library. Both the senior and the younger children really enjoy this interaction.

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CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL At Danes Hill, we put equal emphasis on all co-curricular opportunities across Sport, Music, Art, Drama and STEM subjects. Over 60 cocurricular activities exist allowing pupils to learn more about their individual strengths and capabilities and to develop a variety of skills and passions.

The provision of exceptional on-site sporting facilities including a state-of- the-art sports hall, 12 pitches, climbing wall and swimming pool means pupils have the foundations to excel in their chosen sports. Children get the chance to represent Danes Hill in the local, regional and national competitions. We encourage sporting pursuit beyond the core sports in a variety of activities, such as climbing, skiing, sailing, martial arts, gymnastics, dance, basketball, pickle ball and more!

We have dynamic and varied Creative Arts opportunities from Drama Productions, Choirs, Orchestras, LAMDA and private music lessons. Our Design & Technology facilities include innovative machinery, such as 3D printing and laser cutting. We have a brand new Music Tech room where pupils can DJ, compose music, host their own podcasts and even run our very own Danes Hill radio!

Years 7 and 8 also benefit from a range of residential trips – both international and domestic.

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Don’t just take our word for it…

AN UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCE

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A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT DR ALEX PETERKEN - HEAD, CHARTERHOUSE Transferring at 13+ gives children a number of significant advantages. Firstly, access to the best coeducational boarding schools in the country, which, I am absolutely convinced, provide the very best preparation for the future.

Finally, the opportunities for leadership and responsibility and developing maturity and character that are afforded by being at the top of a school which goes up to Year 8 are considerable and should not be underestimated, preparing them well for the next stage in their education.

Secondly, and probably even more importantly in the minds of parents at this stage in their children’s development, Years 7 & 8 in a coeducational prep school provide a nurturing environment in which to develop the whole person and a broad range of sporting and other co-curricular opportunities with real focus and attention on them.

The boys and girls who join us from Danes Hill at 13+ entry are confident and happy having enjoyed the benefits and opportunities in Years 7 & 8, preparing them extremely well for life at Charterhouse.

AN UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCE

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DANES HILL SCHOOL Leatherhead Rd, Oxshott KT22 0JG