Gayhurst School Prospectus 2018/2019

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PROSPECTUS PROSPECTUS

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ENRICHING LEARNING, DEVELOPING RESILIENCE, INDEPENDENCE & CONFIDENCE

VISION

VALUES

Gayhurst offers its pupils a broad, rounded, co-educational experience in a happy and caring environment, where children’s pastoral needs, happiness and wellbeing are paramount.

Gayhurst plans to foster the following values in its pupils: •

An enthusiasm and thirst for learning and appreciation that it is a continuous process.

AIMS OF THE SCHOOL

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Flexible and adaptable minds – to acquire and apply knowledge, skills and understanding in different contexts and be able to solve problems.

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To show empathy, care and consideration for others as well as themselves and value each other as equals.

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The emotional strength to cope with adversity through persistence, resilience and development of a growth mindset – responding positively to failure and setbacks.

To provide all children with varied opportunities, enrichment and support to develop their academic, sporting, musical and creative interests and talents in a caring environment.

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To focus on children’s personal and social development alongside their academic, physical, social and mental development.

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To create confident and independent children with an understanding that effort, perseverance and resilience contribute to their development.

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Leadership and teamwork – to collaborate, inspire and support one another.

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Independence – to be self-motivated and able to act on their own initiative.

To prepare all children for successful transfer to secondary school.

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Confidence and self-discipline.

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HEADMASTER’S WELCOME Welcome to Gayhurst School. It is hard to convey in print all that our school offers and I hope that this prospectus encourages you to discover more about us. I understand your difficult dilemma in choosing the right school for your child and I would encourage you to visit Gayhurst so that you can sense the unique atmosphere and assess for yourselves how your child would thrive here.

With specialist teachers, dedicated facilities and a wonderful site, we blend traditional and modern teaching approaches to provide children with an excellent educational experience that promotes their academic, physical, creative and social development. A vibrant enrichment programme is embedded and provides many opportunities for developing new skills and interests, whilst a sharp focus on pastoral care and wellbeing also benefits their personal development. An emphasis on developing resilience, independence and confidence shapes their character and prepares them well for their transition to secondary school.

Strong values underpin and support these developments and a family ethos provides a nurturing environment where boys and girls can thrive alongside one another. We encourage children’s individuality as they explore new topics with curiosity and a sense of adventure, enabling them to make the most of their primary educational experiences.

Gareth R A Davies.

We are passionate about co-education because:•

It reflects society and helps to lay the foundations for children to learn to co-exist harmoniously as males and females together in a shared environment.

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It is beneficial for developing high selfesteem in all children as they experience as many different personalities as possible early in their lives.

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It enables children to benefit from each other’s different perceptions and outlooks when learning side by side, thus eliminating any gender stereotypes.

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It offers an excellent opportunity for siblings of different genders to be educated together, further reinforcing the school’s family ethos.

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It instils mutual respect and an understanding of the opposite gender from a young age.

The personal and social development of our pupils is just as important as their academic development and enhanced through the co-educational experiences that our children receive.

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THE BENEFITS OF CO-EDUCATION

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PASTORAL CARE Our main consideration at Gayhurst is that pupils are happy, confident, independent and resilient. Their wellbeing is of prime importance to all staff and we pride ourselves on the excellent pastoral care we offer.

Junior School pupils are looked after by their Class Teachers and a number of Teaching Assistants, whilst Senior School pupils are supported by a team involving a Form Teacher and an Assistant. As pupils progress through the school, they are encouraged and supported to become more responsible and independent.

Pupils are discussed regularly at all meetings and we are proactive in identifying any emerging concerns or changes in their behaviour. As a ‘Telling School’ pupils are encouraged to discuss their worries and concerns with any adult who they trust within the school environment and they can also leave notes for teachers in ‘share boxes’, which are placed widely around the school.

A Head of Girls Pastoral Care offers dedicated support to the girls and liaises with the Deputy Head who oversees the wider pastoral care of all pupils.

The Gayhurst curriculum is broad and balanced incorporating a range of academic and creative subjects which enable children to develop knowledge, skills and understanding as well as interests and talents. Class sizes allow for greater teacher interaction and feedback during lessons to support pupil development further.

The curriculum includes English, Maths, Art & Design, RS, Science, Computing, Geography, History, PE, Drama, Music, French and Spanish. The weekly timetable is added to with further opportunities in music, drama, PE and games.

Some subject specialist teaching begins in Nursery and increases as children progress through the school. Teaching Assistants and experienced learning support staff offer additional support and interventions where necessary.

Themed STEM, Art and residential weeks provide additional and varied learning experiences and opportunities for problem-solving, challenge and extension and collaboration. Our wonderful site is also used creatively to provide stimulating outdoor learning activities.

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ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

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THE EARLY YEARS - NURSERY Our Nursery children join us in our purpose built, bright, spacious Nursery building in September following their third birthday.

Our qualified team of Teachers and Nursery Assistants provide exceptional education and pastoral care in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements.

Our Nursery offers: •

A wide range of adult and child-led activities.

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Formal teaching in literacy, numeracy and communication skills alongside the seven areas of learning.

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Imaginative, investigative and independent learning-through-play.

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A covered, all-weather area that offers our children regular access to the outdoors.

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Regular visits to our on-site woodland.

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Timetabled lessons in Music, Dance and Games and visits to the Junior Library.

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Learning opportunities beyond the walls of the Nursery to build relationships with different teachers and older pupils.

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Opportunities for siblings to celebrate each other’s achievements by attending special performances and events throughout the year.

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Lunch is eaten in the main Dining Room with the rest of the Junior School. Wrap-around-care is also available from breakfast (07:25 to 08:00) until Supper (17:15 to 18:00).

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Our Reception classrooms are bright and airy with direct access to their own outdoor learning space. Partition doors allow for flexible use of the classrooms and free-flow activities enabling all Reception children to integrate with one another on a regular basis.

The dedicated Reception staff encourage independence, building the children’s confidence, by aiding them to take responsibility and care for themselves and others.

The main focus in Reception is on Literacy (phonics and reading) and Numeracy but the Reception timetable also includes, among other things; Computing, PE and Games, Art, History, Science, Dance, Music and Swimming, all of which are taught by subject specialist teachers.

The Reception year is completely integrated with the Junior School, wearing full school uniform and joining in with activities such as Sports Day and extending some of their days with extra-curricular activities.

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THE EARLY YEARS - RECEPTION

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JUNIOR SCHOOL - YEARS 1 AND 2 The National Curriculum is largely taught during these two important years and Spanish is taught in addition. Pupils can begin to learn an instrument by way of a private lesson, or join the LAMDA drama group to develop their speaking and performance skills. The range of afterschool activities increase and include subjects such as Cookery and Art. At the beginning of Year 1, all children are allocated one of the school Houses. Our House system creates a bond with the Senior School children and staff across the five Houses. The children are able to earn MAGIC points for their Houses through their efforts and achievements in every area of their school life, with recognition given for Manners, Academic effort, Grit, Independence and Confidence.

Assemblies often include celebrations of each other’s successes with badges awarded weekly for good conduct and good work.

High expectations ensure pupils progress steadily through the Junior School years and prepare for their transition to Senior School in Year 3.

When joining Year 3 the pupils move from our Junior School buildings to the Senior School. We also welcome a number of new pupils at this time. Children seeking entry to Year 3 will be assessed for general academic ability before entry.

There is also a means-tested Bursary available.

Year 3 is a transitional year when pupils gradually move from class-based teaching to having an increasing number of lessons taught by subject specialists in Year 4. Setting is introduced for Maths and English in Year 4. These changes promote pupil independence and conďŹ dence, as they take on greater responsibility for their learning.

During Years 3 and 4, the pupils also start to play competitive sport with other schools, participate in overnight residential activities, and study French as a second modern language. At this stage, prep also becomes more formalised with all children completing homework at school from Year 4 onwards

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SENIOR SCHOOL - YEARS 3 AND 4

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SENIOR SCHOOL - YEARS 5 & 6 In Years 5 and 6, academic matters accelerate in preparation for 11+ testing and the transition to secondary school, however, learning continues to be fun and adventurous for our girls and boys. We do our utmost to provide balance for our children between academic rigour and enrichment. In these years, the pupils move around to subject specific rooms, where they are taught by subject specialists.

Critical Thinking and Study Skills lessons are introduced in Year 5 as well as mindfulness sessions and wellbeing workshops. All go towards equipping the girls and boys with the self-awareness and resilience they need at a pivotal stage in their development.

Positions of responsibility are introduced enabling our oldest children to become role models for our younger pupils. Senior and Chamber Choir, music recitals, LAMDA evenings and form assemblies offer opportunities for performance and the development of individual confidence. Week long residential trips contribute to greater personal development and independence.

A leavers’ programme at the end of Year 6 provides ample opportunity for the pupils to enjoy their final days at the school, applying many of the skills they have learnt and adding to the many memories they will have made at Gayhurst.

At Gayhurst we value the breadth of co-curricular enrichment experiences offered to all the children in the form of day trips, residential stays, visitors, workshops, performances, competitions and activities to benefit their academic and personal development.

Such an enriching and varied range of opportunities provides additional scope to develop their independence, confidence and resilience as well as their understanding of the wider world.

An extensive co-curricular programme offers children excellent opportunities to develop new interests and skills as well as extend existing ones. The varied programme presents creative, sporting, musical and technological opportunities for children to engage in, with all children from Reception to Year 6 encouraged to participate. The activities are broadly accessible to all and are scheduled before, during and after school.

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ENRICHMENT TRIPS, VISITS AND ACTIVITIES

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Our broad curriculum incorporates the teaching of Art and Design, Music and Drama in dedicated classrooms. This provides pupils with a perfect opportunity to express themselves creatively and originally. Each of these disciplines develop individual, creative talent and an admiration and appreciation of the talents of others, enhanced by visits to theatres, galleries and museums.

These creative disciplines also offer considerable scope for collaboration; from shared artwork projects to choirs and musical ensembles or dramatic performances – opportunities abound at Gayhurst and children’s talents are recognised and celebrated. Regular opportunities to perform include assemblies, concerts, competitions and productions throughout the school.

A wide choice of instrumental tuition is offered in piano, brass, woodwind, percussion, string and voice and there is a significant take-up from the children. Individual and group LAMDA lessons also prove popular and serve to develop children’s public speaking skills and confidence.

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THE CREATIVE DISCIPLINES - ART, MUSIC AND DRAMA

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Sport is a prominent feature of Gayhurst, contributing to children’s fitness, teamwork and personal and social development as well as their sportsmanship. With an inclusive philosophy, all children from Nursery upwards are taught by the sports staff and from Year 3 upwards, get an opportunity to represent the school in competitive fixtures against other schools.

Whilst girls and boys play the traditional sports of netball, football, rugby, hockey and cricket, opportunities are also available for them to participate and compete as mixed teams in some sports. Beyond the traditional team sports, children compete locally and nationally in cross-country, athletics, swimming, tennis, skiing and basketball and during Games lessons they enjoy co-ed sports such as handball and basketball.

The PE curriculum compliments our Games lessons by focusing on key skills of co-ordination, gymnastics, flexibility and athleticism. Swimming is taught for children in Reception to Year 3.

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SPORT

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WHY CHOOSE US? There are many reasons why we believe Gayhurst to be the best choice for an independent education in Gerrards Cross and the surrounding areas.

HERE IS OUR TOP TEN! 1

We are unique in offering co-education and fervently believe in its benefits.

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Every child’s pastoral needs, happiness and wellbeing is paramount to us.

3

Through high academic standards and expectations, we will challenge and extend every child and ensure they make progress in line with their ability.

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Our talented, caring and inspiring staff nurture and support our pupils and create an environment where they can thrive.

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Our family ethos and focus fosters a strong homeschool partnership and enhances our community.

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Our broad curriculum and specialist facilities promote creativity and enable us to encourage the individual gifts and talents of every child entrusted to us.

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We place a strong emphasis on character development, instilling the life skills of confidence, independence and resilience in all of our pupils.

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We provide our pupils with excellent preparation for their transition to secondary school.

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Curricular and co-curricular enrichment is extensive.

10 Our spacious site enables children to see learning as an adventure with plenty of space to explore, grow and simply be children.

We try to make our admissions process as simple and stress free as possible. Here is a brief outline of what is involved. More detail can be found on our Admissions Policy which is published on our website.

VISITING THE SCHOOL Whether you prefer a personal tour or to visit us at an Open Event, you will receive a warm welcome from our staff and pupils.

REGISTRATION Officially register your interest by completing a short online registration form.

OFFER OF A PLACE An offer of a place will automatically be sent to you in the late Summer and early Autumn of the year before entry at Nursery and Reception or we will invite you in for an assessment if you are looking at Years 1 to 6.

KEEPING IN TOUCH We will keep you updated right up until your child’s first day at school.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS We are happy to liaise with your child’s current school in order to assess your child, taking some of the stress out of your move to the UK. BURSARIES A significant means-tested bursary is offered every year for entry into Year 3.

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NEXT STEPS

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MOVING ON Our pupils are extremely fortunate that when it comes to moving on to secondary schools, they are able to take advantage of an excellent selection of schools that are accessible to them in the locality as well as those further afield. These include grammar schools, independent schools and state maintained and academy schools.

The Head meets with all parents to discuss their child and his or her unique strengths and talents and provides advice on which schools may be most suitable for them. The Head’s relationship with and knowledge of Gayhurst’s feeder schools, helps families to make the best, informed decision.

Additionally, secondary transfer information evenings and secondary school fairs help equip you with the further knowledge you will need to help you make this important decision.

Most pupils move on to the local grammar schools and Gayhurst has a strong record of success in preparing children for the local 11+ test. The school also has a proud history of pupils moving on to a wide selection of senior independent schools. Scholarships have been awarded across all aspects of school life and we actively encourage and support those who have scholarship potential to consider such opportunities.

LIFE AFTER GAYHURST Our Alumni was set up in the 110th year of the school’s existence and further information regarding membership and forthcoming events can be located on our website.

Bull Lane, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire SL9 8RJ Tel: 01753 882690 Email: enquiries@gayhurstschool.co.uk www.gayhurstschool.co.uk

@GayhurstSchool @gayhurstschool

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