Preparatory School Prospectus

P R E PA R AT O R Y SCHOOL

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Rossall Preparatory School. Set amidst the natural beauty of our extensive grounds here on the Fylde Coast, the Preparatory School provides children with the opportunity to develop a lifelong love of learning. Children benefit from small class sizes and an exciting inquiry-based curriculum which stimulates them to develop academically, socially and emotionally. Inspirational teaching is complemented by an extensive co-curricular programme and we provide plenty of opportunities for children to develop their own interests and skills.

The Preparatory School remains a distinctive community within Rossall, but children benefit from access to our iconic buildings and outstanding facilities, which are shared with the Senior School.

Those visiting our Preparatory School often reflect upon the confidence and enthusiasm of our children. They exude a palpable love of learning and this is reflected in their inquisitive nature and joyous determination to understand the world around them. Above all else, our children are happy and they treat each other with respect, kindness and compassion. All of our staff are committed to knowing each child as an individual and, by extension, our parents become part of our wonderfully warm and vibrant community. Outstanding pastoral care underpins all aspects of a child’s educational journey at Rossall and our holistic approach ensures that well-being is nurtured and self-confidence developed. We are more than just a School; we are a family.

We are immeasurably proud of our children and we celebrate their academic, sporting, artistic and musical achievements, but it is the development of character that we value most dearly. Our children are immensely proud of their School and the engaging curriculum provides stretch and challenge alongside an extensive outdoor learning and sporting programme.

I am delighted that you are considering Rossall for your child and I would encourage you to visit us so that you can feel the warmth and happiness of this community, experience our love of learning, and discover why Rossall Preparatory School provides the perfect start in life.

MR MATT TURNER HEADMASTER OF PREPARATORY SCHOOL

AS STATED BY THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE REPORT (JUNE 2019), OUR PREPARATORY SCHOOL PUPILS: •

Demonstrate excellent attitudes towards their learning

•

Are inquisitive, highly motivated and display curiosity about the world beyond the classroom

•

Enthuse about the way they are encouraged to learn

•

Are confident they will attain well in tests and enjoy taking part in the self-assessment process

•

Exhibit exemplary behaviour

•

Are very socially aware and work together effectively

•

Appreciate the peaceful and tranquil surroundings and the open spaces within which they are educated.

OUR

Story “It is wonderful to see what these young minds and bodies can achieve in such a stimulating and enriching environment.”

ISI REPORT

Our Mission SHAPING LIVES, INSPIRING EXCELLENCE It is our mission to inspire young people to develop a lifelong love of learning within a pastorally nurturing, culturally exciting and intellectually creative community.

Rossall School offers a seamless educational experience from 0-19 years of age and it is our mission to ensure that all children enjoy an exciting beginning to their learning journey. Above all else, we ensure that our boys and girls enter the Senior School as confident and emotionally secure young people who routinely exhibit an absolute love for learning. Our boys and girls are excited to be members of a School which is steeped in history and tradition and yet embraces new technology and innovation.

We aim to: support and stimulate our children in such a way that they grow into confident, independent learners deliver a broad curriculum that inspires, challenges and motivates all children encourage children to develop their positive learning attributes in order to access all areas of our curriculum use our unique environment to stimulate the body, mind and soul provide opportunities for all pupils to develop and extend their cultural awareness, creativity, and leadership skills develop characteristics key to their future success - we want them to be strong communicators, determined, courageous, confident, adaptable and resilient.

“All Preparatory pupils demonstrate excellent attitudes towards their learning.They work collaboratively as well as individually.They are inquisitive, highly motivated and display curiosity about the world beyond the classroom.They achieve well because the Preparatory School curriculum enables them to take responsibility for their own learning and they relish the opportunity to do so.”

ISI REPORT

OUR

Curriculum

“The Preparatory School is academically strong and pupils’ attainment is high.”

ISI REPORT

Our approach to the curriculum may be described as ‘discreetly rigorous’ - the pupils enjoy their learning so much that they may not even realise the progress that they are making.

In Reception, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) programme. Our staff develop early learning goals for each pupil within a dynamic and stimulating environment and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor experiences as these serve to further enhance their learning.

From the age of 5 to 11 (Year 1 to Year 6), we deliver a broad curriculum that supports the development of independent learning skills, curiosity and creativity, alongside subject specific rigour. Our curriculum offers all pupils the chance to develop skills, knowledge and understanding, thus ensuring that they possess the securest of foundations for success within our Senior School.

Our inspiring and exciting curriculum covers the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science. The foundation subjects of History, Geography, Religious Education, Design Technology, Art, Computing, Music and Physical Education are delivered through an egaging approach which is often interdisciplinary and project-based. Personal, Social and Health Education is also taught throughout all sections of the School and this complements our outstanding pastoral care. All of this is supplemented by plenty of Games and Swimming lessons which ensures a genuine all-round education.

Our Learner Profile helps to motivate children and enables them to access the curriculum successfully.

We believe in learning without limits. Our pupils do not sit SATs examinations but they are assessed regularly and receive positive and constructive feedback throughout the year. By setting goals and targets based upon their own work, they are encouraged to fulfil their potential and celebrate their progress.

INQUI R ERS

K NO W L E D GE AB L E

OPEN-M I NDED

T HI N K E R S

C O M M U N I C AT ORS

PRINC I P LED

L E A R NE R PROFILE

C AR I N G

RIS K-TA KER S

B AL AN C E D

REFLECTIVE

Learning Development A child’s progress is not linear and there will be times when a little additional support is required. Our Learning Development Team provides an outstanding quality of support for all children at all stages of their education.

“I love how we learn in the Preparatory School. Lessons are so inspirational and they make me think for myself. Learning is really fun!”

ALICE, YEAR 6 PUPIL

OUR

Facilities AND THE BEACH

“Where land meets water. Where earth meets air.

Where bodies meet minds. Where space meets time.

We like to be on one side, and look at the other.”

DOUGLAS ADAMS, ENGLISH AUTHOR

The benefits of being situated within a spectacular ‘whole school’ campus are countless.

Our children enjoy access to stunning facilities; including our 25-metre swimming pool, state-of-the-art sports centre, golf academy and performing-art spaces. There is a nature conservation area, an Astronomy Centre, and we even have our very own Petting Farm!

Whether cooking in Rossall Kitchen, exploring Science in the laboratories or getting creative in the modern art-anddesign suites children benefit from an outstanding learning environment.

There is no shortage of technology at hand, with ample computer suites and tablets available for use, as and when required.

Outdoor Learning Imagine learning out in the fresh air, in an environment bursting with resources and opportunities. It is a place where every one of your senses is stimulated and where your imagination can run wild. The beach, the sand dunes, the forest school, the pond - pupils are afforded every opportunity to learn beyond the confines of the classroom.

Our unique location and extensive grounds provide plenty of opportunities for our children to enjoy playing and exploring in the great outdoors. Our pupils are able to enjoy wonderful adventures without even leaving the School site. The outdoors really is hardwired into the DNA of Rossall. Be it within our gardens, on our beach, or in our woods, our campus provides the freedom to learn within a beautiful environment. It is these experiences which last a lifetime.

“Nothing ever becomes real until it is experienced – our amazing outdoor spaces enable our pupils to experience the beauty of our natural world. Owning our own beach provides incredible opportunities.

We are proud of our Beach School status and we make full use of our outdoor environment to enhance the learning of our children.”

MISS FINNEY HEAD OF PRE-PREP SCHOOL

“Children are encouraged to be creative and brave across the curriculum.

We help our pupils to discover their talents and be inquisitive about the world around them.”

MR MATT TURNER HEADMASTER OF PREPARATORY SCHOOL

OUR

Creativity

Music Music plays a central role in the everyday life of our School community. Pupils enjoy the opportunity to learn new instruments and sing. There are also plenty of co-curricular musical activities such as choirs, ensembles and bands. We have an experienced team of teachers who provide instrumental tuition to individual pupils.

Performing Arts Whether it be the Nativity Play in Reception, our insightful class assemblies, or our ambitious and outstanding productions, the variety of skills that are developed through performance, role-play, improvisation or comedy, means that Drama is a firm favourite with our girls and boys.

Art, Design & Computing Developing creativity through Art and Design Technology allows children to flourish across a variety of media including drawing, painting, ceramics, woodwork and printmaking.

Preparing children for a future that is technologically driven means equipping them with skills necessary to develop the ability to solve problems and code effectively.

‘I really enjoy music lessons; we get to try out lots of instruments.We sing together nearly every day.’

ISABELLE, YEAR 4 PUPIL

OUR

Sports “Preparatory School sport plays a vital role in the day-to-day life of the children.”

ISI REPORT

Playing sports competitively helps develop determination, teamwork and a sense of fair-play, and there are certainly plenty of opportunities for all children to participate.

The core sports of rugby, football, hockey, swimming and cricket are supplemented by the opportunity to try out new disciplines. Here at Rossall, participation is inclusive and all children have the opportunity to develop their physical literacy and enjoy being part of a team.

Our Sports Centre and Swimming Pool provides us with an opportunity to ensure that all of our children are taught within fantastic facilities, regardless of the weather.

Pupils enjoy PE and Swimming lessons on a weekly basis from Reception onwards.

As they move through the School, games sessions are added to the offering and competitive sports against other schools becomes a key element.

Rossall has one of the top independent school golf academies in the UK, attracting young golfers from around the world. Our indoor practice facilities have everything a keen golfer would need to improve and perfect all elements of their game; including the latest video analysis equipment.

“My favourite thing about Rossall is the challenging lessons that we have; not just in the classroom but also in sports and music too!”

BEN, YEAR 6 PUPIL

OUR

Co-curriculum

The wide programme of activities on offer have been designed to satisfy curious minds and awaken interests.

Clubs and Activities At Rossall, we are exceptionally proud of the quality and diversity of our co-curricular programme. Children choose which activities they wish to attend from a long list. Dance classes, sports, music, LAMDA and golf constitute just a fraction of our programme. Our aim is to inspire choice, develop talent and promote enjoyment throughout the School day and beyond.

“My children want to take part in lunchtime activities and stay on after the academic day ends to take advantage of the huge choice of clubs that are on offer. Many tastes and interests are catered for; my children have learnt to bake and cook, improved their hockey skills and learnt mindfulness.The opportunities are quite staggering.”

LISA, PARENT OF A YEAR 3 AND YEAR 6 PUPIL

Trips and Residentials Despite having a wonderful campus, it is important that children are provided with the opportunity to explore the world that lies beyond the school gates. Our children are offered the chance to participate in a variety of residential options including ski trips, sports’ tours and outward bounds courses in the Lake District. Many local excursions are organised to support and enhance the curriculum.

“Success in co-curricular activities begins early in the Preparatory School. Pupils have the opportunity to take part in a broad and balanced range of enrichment activities.”

ISI REPORT

OUR

Care “Our pastoral care plays an integral role in every child’s development.”

MR LAWRENCE CONDON DEPUTY HEAD OF PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Pastoral Care and Well-being Excellent relationships are clearly evident throughout the Preparatory School. Within their small class sizes, pupils care for one another and enjoy their friendships. Staff get to know each and every child as an individual, and they help to develop their personalities, whilst encouraging and challenging them, where appropriate.

We work with closely with parents to ensure a trusting and mutually beneficial relationship between home and School.

Pupils follow a comprehensive Personal, Social and Health Education programme that is designed to promote the knowledge, skills and attributes that they will need to live and safely manage their lives as responsible members of modern society. Positive mental health and well-being is encouraged and developed throughout.

Children also enjoy a well-being programme that is delivered through assemblies and form-periods to help support, understand and contribute to a diverse, wider society.

Wrap Around Care As a school which is open 24/7, we have a number of early-morning and late-stay options for day pupils. These options are carefully tailored to suit each age group and phase of the School. Once pupils reach the age of seven, there is even the option for them to board occasionally in Anchor, our Junior Boarding House.

This provides a warm and friendly home-from-home environment for boys and girls aged between 7 and 13.

“Since I moved to Rossall, my teachers have been totally amazing.They make the lessons fun and my friends and I are very happy; thank you!”

MADISON, YEAR 6 PUPIL

Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 8JW

Telephone 01253 774201 Email admissions@rossall.org.uk

www.rossall.org.uk