Overstone Park Preparatory SchoolA vast range of equipment can be found in the Preparatory School. Each department is well equipped and well resourced. A variety of modern and traditional teaching aids ensure that our pupils have the correct tools to prepare them successfully in all subject areas. The School provides excellent facilities with a Hall/Gymnasium, Dining Room, Office/Reception, Library, Science Laboratory and computer suite where our pupils are encouraged to surf the net. Pupils in Junior and Senior Preparatory Classes are encouraged to borrow books from the library for home reading. Rugby, hockey, football playing fields and acres and acres of grounds complete the picture. In June 2003 a new classroom block of 12 new classrooms/communal area was added to the school. We offer the best in education. Priority is given to high academic standards and the building of confidence and self-esteem. Pupils are encouraged to be helpful and caring members of the community, with good manners and etiquette. Self-esteem and respect towards others are promoted in all aspects of school life. The School is committed to the pursuit of excellence. This is achieved by most pupils in small, well equipped classes. The staff pupil ratio is 1:12. Science The School has a wide range of science equipment, Encouraging the teaching of science in the separate subject areas of biology, chemistry and physics. Computers We have over 30 computers throughout the school and a new Internet room where pupils are given specialised IT tuition. Music A wide range of musical instruments and specialist peripatetic teachers ensure that the musical aptitude of each pupil is developed and encouraged to its fullest. Instruments such as the recorded, violin, clarinet, drums, percussion and trumpet are offered to pupils in general music teaching periods. We have a Junior and Senior Choir and Band. Physical Education Sport is an important part of the school curriculum. A wide range of sporting equipment ensures that all major sports, such as football, rugby, hockey, netball, rounders, tennis, gym etc, are taught to a high and competitive standard within the school. Pupils are encouraged to compete in all of the above sports. The Classes - ‘A Bird’s Eye View’
The Curriculum
Examinations and AssessmentsAll pupils in the Preparatory School are given a written and an oral examination at the end of each term. Continuous assessment, starting in Kindergarten and continuing right through the Preparatory School, ensures a positive progression by all pupils.First year records and internal academic records, reflecting progress in all subjects, are held for each Preparatory School pupil. Frequent reading tests ensure that a ‘watchful eye’ is kept on each pupil’s reading ability. ReportsAfter a written and reading test, a report is completed to give a detailed account of your child’s work in each subject for the term. Reports are graded from A - E to assist parents. A general comment is given in each section of the report. Parents are invited to discuss their child’s report. A more detailed and lengthy end of year report is handed out at the end of the academic year, in July.Meeting with ParentsParents or guardians are required to sign and adhere to the Home/School agreement. There is regular meeting with parents to discuss the progress of each pupil. The Principal can be contacted at any time to discuss your child’s development in any aspect of school life. We believe that in order to give our pupils an excellent education, a good partnership must exist between home and the school. Parents’ Evenings are held at the end of each term.HomeworkHomework is given from the beginning of Preparatory School life. This acts as a good communication link between home and school. Parents can be completely involved in their child’s work. Homework also acts as an excellent way of reinforcing new skills taught, and aids the development of the creative, artistic an individual aptitude of each pupil.Special Educational Needs - 'Fledglings'Pupils with Special Needs are given extra support by qualified and experienced Special Needs teachers. The School has links with the Independent Child Psychology Services (I.C.P.S), which provides an educational psychologist for an in-depth assessment when this is required. AssembliesSchool Assembly is held on a daily basis. All pupils participate in assembly. Assembly themes are traditional and modern, reflecting basic Christian principles such as: love, kindness, respect, caring, sharing and forgiving. Pupils are encouraged positively through music and drama to address issues which affect us all.The school encourages special visitors to School Assemblies, such as: doctors, firemen, nurses and policemen. Pupils are encouraged to contribute positively to the life of their community. Pupils of all cultures and denominations participate harmoniously in our assemblies. No pupils are excluded from assembly. Pastoral Care(Personal Social & Health Education)Pupils are put into small groups regularly, on an informal basis, where they are given the opportunity to discuss any personal difficulties or worries they might encounter. During these sessions, guidance is given where needed. Pupils are encouraged to speak privately to their Form Teacher or the Principal if they have a problem. DisciplineThe school encourages good manners and etiquette in all pupils. A basis discipline code, listing basic school rules, encourages consistent discipline methods throughout the school. Such methods are firm but caring. Pupils are always positively disciplined to encourage positive and caring behaviour.Multi-Cultural Education"Some people have white hands,Others have brown, They come from different lands And different towns. But what does it matter what colour you are? It doesn't make you better if you are white or black as tar." (Written by Marion Brown (Principal) at the age of 9 years) Multi-cultural education is represented through the School’s curriculum in many ways, for the development of each pupil’s self-esteem. The most effective way has been the respect, interest and admiration, shown by both staff and pupils alike, to a variety of cultural backgrounds. This is encouraged through: Art - whereby pupils are able to depict pictorially each others’ features and skin tones through the use of paints, chalk, crayons etc. They are also encouraged to appreciate different geographical locations and represent them through art. Home Economics - pupils are encouraged to prepare and cook foods from other cultures, therefore, the aromas of Indian, Caribbean, Greek and other cuisines can be smelt in our school kitchen! Music - from Beethoven to Reggae, is listened to. The rhythms of many different cultures are created in music and dance. Multi-cultural education is reflected in all subject areas throughout the school. School HousesThe Preparatory School is divided into four Houses. Each House is led by a teacher and captained by a Senior School pupil.
The four Houses are: CEDAR | WILLOW | SYCAMORE | OAK Pupils are allocated a House at the start of Preparatory School life. This encourages a sense of belonging for new pupils. House assemblies and House Meetings encourage teamwork and co-operation between pupils; and are held on Thursday mornings. Houses compete in a variety of ways within the school; in sporting activities, chess, drama etc. There are a variety of inter-House competitions. Pupils achieve House Points by displaying good manners, good behaviour and excellent work. They are positively encouraged to do their best, and the giving of House Points acts as an incentive to build self-esteem and to develop a positive attitude towards teamwork. Prefects + Monitors Prefects are appointed from the senior members of each class. They are democratically elected by their peers. Games & SportsThe country environment enables pupils to develop and strengthen physically and acquire a spirit of adventure and exploration.Sport and Games are important aspects of our school life. A Wide range of sporting activities are offered in many acres of open countryside and playing fields:
An annual Sports Day is held in the summer term for pupils, teachers, parents, families and friends. Competitive sport is greatly encouraged through inter-house competitions and via inter-school competitions. Optional LessonsOptional lessons are taught by qualified and experienced visiting teachers and instructors:
Clubs & Extra Curricula ActivitiesClubs and activities are many and varied:
Pupils are encouraged to develop their own programme of school activities. General InformationAdmission & Entrance RequirementsFor all departments of the school, parents are advised to register prospective pupils at an early age. The school intake periods are in January, April and September. A pupil may join the school at any time throughout the year, providing there is a place available.Entrance to the Preparatory School is by examination and assessment. Parents are requested to make an appointment to visit the School, before completing the enrolment form. A place is conditional upon satisfying the appropriate entry requirements. Health & SafetyThe school adheres to the Health and Safety laws and has a comprehensive insurance policy, which insures all pupils, teachers and visitors.The School Nurse service is used by the School, and all staff members have successfully achieved the St John’s Emergency First Aid Certificate. AT ALL TIMES THE WELL BEING OF YOUR CHILD IS OUR PRIORITY |
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