Gayhurst school prospectus 2014- 2015

Preparatory day school for boys and girls aged 3 to 11

Welcome Our aims are clear; we provide a wide range of opportunities in music, drama, art and on the sports fields as well as through the curriculum. We want every girl and boy to discover and develop their particular talents and we support them wholeheartedly in their aspirations for the future.

Andrew Sims, Headmaster

Good governance, leadership and management ensure an enriching educational experience for the pupils in excellent, wellmaintained and resourced facilities‌.

Pupils are very well prepared for their future schools and adult life.

Independent Schools Inspectorate

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talents and supporting children in achieving their full potential. Since becoming co-educational in 2008, Gayhurst has built a reputation as a family school, providing first class coeducation in Gerrards Cross.

Gayhurst is a happy, thriving and vibrant co-educational independent preparatory school for children aged 3-11.

The School endeavours to draw out the best in every child by focusing on individual

Life at Gayhurst is engaging and exciting with regular activities, trips and visits, organised to further enrich the education of its pupils. Our commitment to continual improvement and development means that the children benefit greatly from the facilities offered on

our five acre site including IT and music facilities, science laboratories, woodland adventure playground and an all-weather AstroTurf.

Pupils consistently achieve strong academic results progressing to both local grammar schools and to seniors schools, day and boarding, in the independent sector.

We hope that this Prospectus provides you with an insight into all that Gayhurst has to offer. To discover more about why Gayhurst could be the right choice for your child we would be delighted to welcome you to visit the School, either at one of our regular Open Mornings or for an individual visit.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Gayhurst.

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Nursery Gayhurst Nursery provides a happy, inclusive and gentle introduction to the School and is an important part of the Junior department. We have twenty four places in our Nursery. Girls and boys join in the September after their third birthday.

The emphasis is on gentle, creative and constructive learning in a stimulating environment with an adjoining playground designed for the early years. We are committed to providing the highest standards of prepreparatory education.

There are three members of staff dedicated to working in the Nursery. The girls and boys also have bi-weekly music lessons with specialist

slide on the equipment.

The children have the opportunity to enjoy the wider School environment with visits to the adventure playground and sports fields as well as productions, assemblies and special events provided by the older children.

visiting music teachers.

A range of teaching styles are used throughout the year and will include individual, small group, large group and whole class situations.

Independent thinking and thoughtfulness for others are encouraged from the very beginning. The learning in our Nursery is delivered through theme-based lessons and a mixture of structured and free flow activities.

Independence, confidence and responsibility are fostered from the first few weeks with each child taking their turn at being the Leader Girl or Boy, leading their friends in the Nursery for the day.

It’s a learning school mummy, I am always learning.

Milen Kortman, Pupil

Nursery children use the ‘early years outside area’, where they can enjoy the flower bed, investigate with sand and water, ride a selection of vehicles and jump, climb and

On joining Gayhurst Nursery, the Nursery week consists of five compulsory sessions (four of which must be mornings) with selected afternoon sessions. If children are staying for a full day, they bring their own packed lunch.

My son has been at Gayhurst since Nursery and has flourished. His level of confidence has grown immensely.

He is a very happy boy at school.

Mr & Mrs Slowikowski, Year 3 Parents

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Junior School

Visits to places of educational interest, workshops, talks and activities provided by visiting groups, occur throughout the year. The children have numerous opportunities to take part in the many extracurricular activities offered by the School.

and stimulating curriculum.

This enables the girls and boys to establish a solid foundation of understanding and knowledge, producing happy and well-rounded pupils who will be fully prepared for transition into the Senior School. A wide variety of activities are provided to suit all abilities and foster the learning of social skills.

The Junior School has light, bright well-equipped rooms.

The Junior department includes Nursery to Year 2.

When pupils enter Reception, from Nursery, the children are placed into mixed ability classes.

Great emphasis is placed upon delivering a broad, balanced

Class sizes are small. Children are taught by their form teachers together with specialist staff for Music, Games and PE. There is an emphasis on independence from an early age but classroom assistants are always on hand to help with all the little tasks.

My only regret is not making the decision earlier to move my son to Gayhurst. His love for learning is being fulfilled.

We couldn’t be more pleased.

Mrs Sidhu, Year 4 Parent

Thank you so much for making it possible for me to go to Gayhurst as I have loved every single minute.

Constructive, supervised play is encouraged and at break times the children enjoy the freedom of space in our extensive grounds, either with the play equipment provided, or on the adventure playground. The Junior School pupils, from Reception

upwards, eat lunch together in the Dining Room. Lunch is a key time in the School day.

Good manners, conversation and an appreciation of freshly cooked, varied food are qualities Gayhurst believes are important.

Harrison Robb, Former Gayhurst Pupil

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Senior School move away from being taught by form teachers towards specialist subject teaching. Concentration on organisational and time management skills is an important part of these years.

Years 4 and 5 are an introduction to a more secondary school style structure as the children

There is a Head of every subject. Communication is strong and parents have ready access to discuss their child’s progress and development at any point. Children are grouped by ability for Mathematics and English in years 4 to 6.

Year 6 is a preparation for life after Gayhurst. The children work towards the 11+ transfer to grammar schools and other independent schools.

The Senior School curriculum is enhanced with a full range of sporting opportunities for girls and boys. Sport at Gayhurst is inclusive and inspiring. All children are encouraged to take part in competitive sport.

A full weekly timetable of a wide variety of after-school activities, music and drama groups ensures that all tastes

We can honestly say all three children love school, are thriving and go into school each day smiling. Each day brings a different thrill, be it an experiment, a match or a favourite lunch – very happy children.

Mr and Mrs Hewson, Senior School Parents

The teaching of wider life skills is just as important as the curriculum. Day trips and visits complement the classroom learning, as well as residential trips and sports tours which give the children experiences that equip them well later in life.

in extra-curricular choices are catered for, as well as homework sessions, five evenings a week.

Opportunities to experience leadership and responsibility are many, with roles in the four Houses, as well as less formal peer teaching sessions.

We know our son is making the most of the day at Gayhurst. Each person that he interacts with at school, regardless of the subject, has a genuine interest for his well-being and is helping him to develop into the best person he can be.

Mr & Mrs Guerreiro, Year 5 Parents

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Art

Art education at Gayhurst aims to enrich the children with artistic knowledge and experiences, as well as provide them with memorable moments to carry with them throughout their lives. The Head of Art provides a broad and exciting curriculum in Art, Craft and Design inclusive to all year groups.

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All children enjoy design, painting, print, ceramics, sculpture and textiles.

Art experiences begin in the Junior School where children are encouraged to work from their imagination and explore their ideas and feelings through experimentation.

They familiarise themselves

with materials and processes in art while learning about artists and exploring cultures from around the world. Cross curricular themes provide an exceptional starting point for Art in the Junior School.

Our Senior School Art Studio is a vibrant and creative haven for children in years 4-6. Here

Drawing is a fundamental part of their work and the children keep sketch books which document their progress. They have access to excellent printing equipment and painting is encouraged throughout their time at Gayhurst.

all pupils are encouraged to reach their full artistic potential through a range of inspiring projects. There is a strong emphasis on understanding and exploring the form elements in art such as line, tone, colour, pattern, texture and composition.

Regular trips to the British Museum, Design Museum, National Portrait Gallery among others, aim to develop a strong appreciation of art from an early age. All year groups in the Senior School enjoy trips to galleries and places of inspiration such as the Botanical Gardens and London Zoo. Gayhurst’s grounds also provide an immediate source for exploring and drawing from nature.

Our ‘Gifted and Talented Art Programme’ provides Gayhurst’s best young artists with creative opportunities such as competitions, exhibitions and trips as well as developing a potential scholarship portfolio.

Whole school art is a very important part of Gayhurst and once a year the children work together, often joined by artists or craftsmen to make artworks from clay, willow and recycled materials. Art permeates the School and children can enjoy their artistic accomplishments which are displayed throughout the School and grounds.

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Drama Drama at Gayhurst is fun, exciting and hugely rewarding.

Every child from the youngest to the oldest is involved in annual productions, whether as a shepherd in the Nursery nativity play, Nancy in ‘Oliver’ or Frederic in ‘Pirates of Penzance’. Drama enables girls and boys of all ages to explore characters and situations, develop their imaginations and learn performance skills. Whether in front of a few parents, as part of an assembly, or on a grander scale, Drama is an integral part of gaining confidence and developing individual creativity.

There are many opportunities for girls and boys to perform and display their speaking skills and acting talents.

Quite apart from impressive annual musicals, there are prose and verse competitions, Junior, Senior and Year Group productions, public speaking performances and debates; all of which add variety to this aspect of School life. As with many other activities at Gayhurst, the emphasis is on inclusivity and enjoyment.

Gayhurst provides an environment which encourages the children to achieve their potential.

Mrs Eggleton, Year 6 Parent

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Music All girls and boys from Nursery onwards have timetabled Music lessons.

An inclusive attitude to Music means that there is extremely high take up of children learning an instrument. Large numbers of children are members of the choirs and the numerous ensembles that practise throughout the week.

The School has considerable success in developing latent musical talent, including scholarships gained at secondary level. Some children attend the Royal School of Music at weekends and are members of the National Children’s Orchestra.

A talented team of visiting Music teachers provide the children specialist instrumental tuition. Weekly instruction is offered across a full range of instruments and lessons are timetabled on a rota basis.

My daughter has never felt out of place for a second since she joined Year 1 in 2009 when the School first become co-ed. She was at the time one of two girls in her year.

There are performance opportunities for children of all standards within a variety of ensembles including, Orchestra, Wind Band, Guitar Group, Brass, Strings and Percussion Ensemble. There are several choral groups which perform regularly both within School and locally at various charitable concerts and events.

Girls and boys from Nursery and throughout the School have the opportunity to take part in a range of concerts and musical productions across the year as well as competitions and musical events outside of School. Performing in weekly assemblies is also a valuable way of learning to play an instrument or sing in front of an audience.

Music at Gayhurst School grows year on year and provides pupils with many positive learning skills and abilities. Music is an area where children learn to express themselves and be creative in alternative ways.

Music teaches excellent listening skills and provides an opportunity for children to appreciate and evaluate what they hear. Through individual, small and large group work, Gayhurst pupils learn to participate and collaborate with others and to work creatively which leads to a great sense of group and personal achievement.

Mrs Manku, parent of Year 5 pupil

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Sport Gayhurst has an outstanding record of sporting achievement, including many regional and national successes. However, we pride ourselves on the inclusive nature of our Sports and Games, with every child being given the opportunity to represent the School whenever possible. The teams are competitive and well coached; however, good

I have thoroughly enjoyed my years at Gayhurst, especially the sport. There are lots of opportunities to try new activities and the teachers motivate you to do your best and have fun.

sportsmanship is the first consideration, both on and off the field of play. Each week there are fixtures against other schools and we also compete in a wide range of sporting tournaments at county, regional and national level.

William Starrs, Senior School Pupil

The School has excellent sporting facilities standing as it is does in a five-acre sports field, with a fine pavilion set against a backdrop of woodland, through which there is access to another four-acre sports field. The all-weather AstroTurf pitch means we can offer a whole host of sports and also have flexibility in their delivery. The main sports of rugby, hockey, football, netball, cricket, rounders, athletics, gymnastics and swimming are taught, but basketball, badminton, Crosscountry and others are also included in the curriculum.

Swimming takes place at a purpose-built 25 metre pool, which we share with a local school and where our galas are held.

We like the fact that there is good provision in games and PE as this ensures our son sleeps well at night!

Mr and Mrs Skinner, Year 1 Parents

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Trips and Visits I couldn’t have asked for a better school. I have fond memories of Gayhurst that I will keep with me forever.

Thomas Szostak, Former Gayhurst Pupil

I like almost everything, especially science, geography and history as I learn new things with my friends.

Trips both curricular and extra-curricular occur regularly throughout the year.

Children from Year 4 upwards can join in residential trips both here and abroad.

From camping to culture, the trips offered by the School provide the girls and boys with a wide range of experiences and a host of happy memories.

Our son and daughter joined Gayhurst last year.

They love going to the same school and while they have very different interests, the wide variety of opportunities and activities on offer has meant they have both been happy, engaged and enthusiastic from day one.

Mr and Mrs Langley, Senior School Parents

Owen Skinner, Year 1 Pupil

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Extra-curricular All children are encouraged to participate in clubs and activities that take place after School. These help to stimulate and broaden their experiences beyond the normal curriculum. Some activities are seasonal and are provided by staff and outside agencies; they include chess, tennis, ballet, drama, judo, cookery, skiing, rowing, adventure club, indoor games, golf and IT skills.

Having moved from abroad this year with our two children, we were unsure as to what to expect from Gayhurst.

Quite simply – our children are thriving at Gayhurst and we cannot recommend the School highly enough.

Mr and Mrs Gormley, Senior School Parents

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Pupils opt for the clubs they would like to join at the end of each term and are allocated their first choice, plus one other if they are keen to do so. Gayhurst also supports pupils in pursuing particular talents. As a result, our own pupils have represented Great Britain recently in skiing and ice skating, performed

on the West End stage, had numerous successes in equestrian pursuits and been members of a national music ensemble. They exhibit artwork in Senior School competitions, compete in French speaking, as well as Rotary Club sponsored Youth Speaking competitions.

The School also has excellent sporting links with the surrounding community, including Wasps RFC, Wycombe Wanderers FC, the Gerrards Cross Lawn Tennis Club and the Ondine School of Ballet. The School has built an excellent reputation through charitable fund raising, as well as a programme of visits and concerts to nearby care homes and places of worship.

Gayhurst also has a link with the Jenda School in Ethiopia for which funds are raised annually.

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Moving On Academic results do matter.

Those achieved by Gayhurst in the 11+ examination are excellent. The majority of children, who take the 11+ tests for local grammar schools, pass.

Even more important, however, is that all our staff aim to instil a love of learning in every pupil, a foundation that will see them prosper in their next school and throughout life.

Our son has thoroughly enjoyed his time at Gayhurst, as did his brothers before him, and we would like to thank you and your team of superb staff for all the support and guidance over the years and for providing them with the right education and good sense of morality.

Mrs Zeineddine, Former Gayhurst Parent

A central strength of the School, highlighted in an independent confidential survey, is the advice offered to all parents on the appropriate choice of secondary schools.

Information evenings, secondary school fairs, as well as individual meetings with the Headmaster all help to make this important next step the right one.

We have spent a total of nine years at Gayhurst and I have seen both my children blossom and become confident, keen and happy.

Mrs Dewan, Former Gayhurst Parent

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Holiday Activities Gayhurst hosts various activities during the school holidays. These activities are designed for children from ages 4 to 13 and aims to give them a choice of a variety of sports and general activities that they may well have never tried before.

Some of the fun activities children can be involved in include dodge-ball, minihockey, rounders, volleyball and tennis; as well as some more unusual games. For the younger children there

and rugby, and benefit from qualified coaches offering sports-specific training.

is a specially tailored ‘minis’ programme which includes games, treasure hunts, music and movement and much more.

There are also opportunities for children to do creative activities including art workshops, and cookery lessons.

Gayhurst has provided a supportive and caring environment which has enabled our son to start to realise his potential. He will be able to look back on a wealth of happy memories and experiences which will stand him in good stead for the rest of his life.

The girls and boys can also enjoy coaching sessions in the mainstream sports such as gymnastics, football, netball

The activities that take place at Gayhurst during the holidays are open to children in the wider community and so is an opportunity for Gayhurst pupils to make friends and interact with children from other local schools. All the children attending an activity at Gayhurst, during the holidays, leave with a positive attitude towards sports and creative activities. They come back time and time again.

Nothing compares to the sport at Gayhurst, it’s amazing if you love sport. I got to try lots of different sports, and play in great teams which won or lost together.

Ben Nicholls, Former Gayhurst Pupil

Mr & Mrs Barton, Senior School Parents

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Visiting

Registering

Fees

Location Amersham Road A413 Narcot Ln

School Ln

We always encourage parents considering Gayhurst to visit us so that they can personally experience the friendly, happy and stimulating atmosphere of the School. Individual appointments take place every day, throughout the week – please contact our Director of Admissions and Marketing to arrange a mutually convenient time. We hope that the opportunity to visit the School will enable you to see why Gayhurst could be the right choice for your child.

Individual visits and Open Mornings are held throughout the year. Some are during the week to provide parents with the opportunity to see the School in action on a working day. Some Open Mornings are at the weekend. Many prospective parents come to both.

In order to register a child for entry to Gayhurst (subject to waiting lists), a registration form must be completed and returned to the School along with a registration fee of £50 (£25 for siblings).

There are observation sessions for entry at Nursery and Reception level. For entry into Years 1 and 2 there is a gentle informal assessment that takes place over the course of a morning. Formal assessments are carried out for entry into Years 3 to 6. A deposit of £250 will be requested when the child comes in for an assessment. Should a child not be offered a place after assessment, the deposit will be refunded. However, if a place is declined after being offered the deposit is not refunded.

Up-to-date information about our fee structure can be found in the Information Booklet included with this Prospectus and on our website at gayhurstshool.co.uk.

No remission of fees can be allowed for absence through illness, quarantine or any other cause. Particulars of a School Fees Protection Insurance Scheme, a Personal Accident Insurance Scheme and a Personal Effects Insurance Scheme will be sent with the Induction Pack before joining the School. These schemes operate on an opt-out basis and you must opt out by the first day of term.

One bursary is offered each year at the Year 3 entry point.

Please contact the Director of Admissions and Marketing for more information.

From the M40 Exit at J2 (Beaconsfield) and take the A40 eastbound towards Gerrards Cross. Turn left and immediately left again into Bull Lane, just before the Bull Hotel.

Chalfont St Peter

Jordans Ln Longbottom Ln

Joiners Ln

Seer Green Grove Ln

M25 Potkiln Ln

A355 Bull Ln

Oxford Rd A40

From the M4 and M25 Exit at J4B to join the M25 at J15 clockwise. Exit the M25 at J16 (second exit to the M40 eastbound). Exit the M40 at J1, the first available exit and turn left heading west along the A40 towards Gerrards Cross and Beaconsfield. Turn right and immediately left into Bull Lane just after the Bull Hotel.

Chalfont Ln

M40

Amersham Road A413 Denham Ln

Gerrards Cross

Bulstrode Park

Gerrards Cross

Denham Golf Club

B146

A355

M40

M25

B146

M40

Contact Us Gayhurst School Bull Lane Gerrards Cross Buckinghamshire SL9 8RJ Telephone: 01753 882690 Fax: 01753 887451 Email: gayhurst@gayhurstschool.co.uk Website: www.gayhurstschool.co.uk Follow us on: @gayhurstschool /gayhurstschool

Gayhurst School Trust A charitable company registered in England and Wales with limited liability.

Company No. 2209385. Charity No. 298869. Registered Office: Bull Lane, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire SL9 8RJ gayhurstschool.co.uk

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My daughter loves Gayhurst.

And in years to come, I have no doubt that she will look back on her years here with great fondness.

Mrs Manku, parent of Year 5 pupil

gayhurstschool.co.uk