The Old School Henstead Prospectus

PROSPECTUS

HEADMASTER’S WELCOME At The Old School Henstead we aim to realise the immense potential of our pupils, creating a place of learning that will inspire our children to excel in and make their own special contribution to the global environment that awaits them. Henstead children know not just what to learn, but how to learn it; they are interested and interesting and they have the words to prove it.

We encourage you to visit our website for additional information, including details of our Curriculum. Or browse one of our weekly newsletters - downloadable from our website - to get an idea of the many activities and achievements that take place every week. We invite applications for places for boys and girls from age 2½ in the Nursery up to age 11 (Year 6).

In addition to Open Mornings, we welcome individual visits from parents and children. Please feel free to contact the office to make an appointment. We also offer Taster Days to prospective pupils, so that they may spend a normal day at the school, to experience it for themselves and meet the teachers and fellow classmates.

W J McKinney MA PgDip MA(Ed) Headmaster

“Our children are so happy at Henstead; they always want to come to school, and are smiling both at drop off and pick up..” The Old School Henstead Prospectus

Aims & Values

In a secure and caring environment and as part of a happy childhood, The Old School Henstead seeks to provide the opportunity for every child to become a lifelong and resilient learner. We aim to do this by:

• encouraging our children to seek excellence in all that they do

• supporting them in developing their intellectual, aesthetic, creative, physical, spiritual and emotional capacities to the full

• nurturing the development of a sound moral framework

• providing a rigorous and appropriately challenging academic curriculum, complemented by regular opportunity for adventure and personal development

• encouraging each child to be mindful of the needs of others and of the world around them.

All that we do at The Old School is underpinned by a Christian ethos and we welcome children of all faiths and none. Our core values of confidence, resilience, empathy, adventure, teamwork and excellence guide us to be the best that we can be.

As a preparatory school, a core aim is to prepare pupils to be successful when they leave us for senior school.

“Exceptional teaching standards and a wealth of opportunities across the whole academic, arts and sports spectrum.” The Old School Henstead Prospectus

TEACHING AND LEARNING.

The Old School Henstead is driven by our Small class sizes, excellent teaching and an Assessment determination to provide pupils with a tailor- insistence on traditional values of hard work made learning experience of the highest and good manners help all pupils at The Old Assessment for Learning plays a vital role in standard. Whilst focussing on the core School Henstead to achieve high academic ensuring that every pupil makes excellent subjects, the teaching at The Old School standards. progress. We encourage pupils to take Henstead is committed to ensuring that responsibility for their own learning, to be every pupil maximises their potential through We cater for pupils of all abilities, offering involved as far as possible in reviewing the inspiring, motivating and enriching learning specialist support where needed at both way they learn, and to reflect on how they opportunities. Our curriculum is designed to ends of the ability spectrum. learn – what helps them learn and what inspire and challenge all pupils, with makes it difficult for them to learn. teaching adapted to meet the varying needs In Early Years (Reception) and the Lower of our students. School (Years 1 and 2), the children are We ensure that every child knows where taught in their class base by their class they currently are in their learning and what We aim to teach children how to grow into teacher for the majority of subjects. In the they need to do in order to improve. positive, responsible people, who can work Upper School, from Year 3 onwards, the Assessment takes many forms at The Old and co‐operate with others, whilst majority of subjects are taught by subject School Henstead: from informal classroom developing knowledge and skills in order to teachers. discussions and the marking of pupils’ work achieve their true potential. Above all, we to the data provided by thorough believe in making learning fun. We believe in Detailed Curriculum Maps for Years 1 to 6 standardised assessments. We believe that engendering a love of lifelong learning in can be found on the school’s website. to really assess children, you must first try to every child that passes through the school. understand them for who they are – individuals. The Old School Henstead Prospectus

THE SCHOOL DAY.

The school day starts at 8.30 for Nursery 3.35pm for children in Reception to Year 2 After School Clubs Water is on offer throughout the day and children and 8.35 for pupils in Reception and at 4.10pm for Years 3 to 6. children are encouraged to drink whenever year upwards, with registration at 8.45am. A range of supervised activities takes place they wish. Children may be pre-booked into the early Children in Reception to Year 2 who need to after school each day, from Monday to morning Breakfast Club, which opens at wait until 4.10pm are cared for in a Thursday, for children in Reception upwards. Please inform us of any dietary 7.45am. Children arriving early (at any time supervised activity or prep session. After The activities on offer vary from term to requirements, so that we may accommodate between 8.15am and 8.35am) may be this additional care is provided until 5.30pm term. Examples include: Debating, Wire any special requests. looked after until 8.35am, when they go to Monday to Friday for children in all year Sculpture, Spy School, Arts & Crafts, their classrooms. groups. Computing, Athletics, Archery, Rugby, Rounders, Cricket, Football, Netball, • Morning break is from 10.50am to Our term dates and calendar of events can Hockey, Multi-Sports, Unihoc, Dodgeball, 11.10am be found on our website. Tennis, Musical Theatre and Pony Club.

• Lunchtime is from 12.20pm to 1.25pm Prep Lunches (12 noon to 12.30pm for Nursery children) Parents of pupils in Reception upwards have At lunchtime a freshly cooked hot lunch is • Afternoon break is from 2.30pm to 2.45pm the option of an after school prep session available every day. Organic produce from *We accept County Council Early (Lower School) every day until 5.30pm. Children complete the school garden is incorporated wherever Education Funding of 15 hours per week for their daily homework, under supervision, possible. Children are also welcome to sessions in our Nursery and Reception Nursery children may attend for full or half- before having the option to complete bring in their own packed lunch if preferred. classes. Please contact the office day sessions* during term time. (See Fees independent work, reading or creative In Nursery mid-morning and mid-afternoon [email protected] for more for full details of options and timings). The activities. A small fee is charged for this healthy snacks (such as fruit, vegetable details. day ends at 3.30pm for children in Nursery, service. sticks and cheese cubes) are provided. The Old School Henstead Prospectus

PASTORAL.

Assemblies Pupils are registered by the Form Teachers for good work and behaviour, which and Tutors every morning and spend time contribute to the end of year award of the Assemblies are an important starting point together at the end of each day. Contact Inter-house Cup. of the day at The Old School Henstead. Our with Form Teachers and Tutors is assemblies are designed to inspire pupils to encouraged and can be arranged through School Council appreciate all that life has to offer and to the school planner (Years 3 to 6), message settle for nothing less than their very best. book (Reception to Year 2), via email or in The School Council has two representatives Every morning children from Reception person at the beginning or end of day. from every year from Year 1 to Year 6, with upwards attend assemblies which are Regular form updates are posted on the Reception joining in the Summer Term. New themed – on a termly basis – around the form’s Schoology page. Each form has a representatives are elected every term. Christian ethos and core values of the mascot that is awarded weekly to the pupil Designed to give all the children in the school. In addition to whole school who best demonstrates the core values of school a voice, class representatives meet assemblies, there are also House the school. every week to inform the Council of any assemblies, Show and Tell assemblies and issues or ideas generated by their classes. pupil-led form assemblies. Houses There are often good suggestions for improvements around the school and in the Forms The school has an active house system that classrooms, plus some wonderful ideas for encourages pupils to interact and learning. Minutes are taken, which are The Form Teacher (Early Years and Lower collaborate with pupils outside their own communicated to the Headmaster. It is a real School) or Form Tutor (Upper School) plays year group. Weekly house assemblies form a opportunity for the boys and girls to a vital role in the daily life of each pupil. The basis for a wide range of house activities contribute to the development of the life of Form Teachers and Tutors are the first point including sports competitions, artistic and the school. of contact for any queries or concerns. cultural pursuits. House points are awarded The Old School Henstead Prospectus

The Arts - Music

Music making is a very important part of life at The Old School Henstead.

The School Choirs rehearse every week and lead the singing in the daily assembly and at our regular services at St Mary’s Church. In addition to this we have, over the years, been very proud of the achievements of the choir at local, regional and national music festivals. The choir also frequently sings at local events and Christmas carol services and raises money for charities, including CLIC Sargent, Children in Need and East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Every child also has weekly music lessons with our specialist music teachers. Children all learn to play the recorder during these lessons and many children also take advantage of the many peripatetic music teachers who visit the school to receive specialist tuition in piano, voice, woodwind, brass, strings, guitar, ukulele and percussion.

“... inspiring staff whose dedication is reflected in such highly motivated and well-rounded children.” The Old School Henstead Prospectus

The Arts - Drama

In keeping with The Old School Henstead’s focus on building our pupils’ confidence, social skills and awareness of others, the Drama syllabus provides an approach which is both structured and adventurous. With drama games, improvisations, role play and practice of specific elements of Drama, the children are equipped to meet not only the challenges of regular performance and presentation within the broader curriculum of the school, but also in their ensuing educational experience.

The Junior and Senior Summer Shows, our traditional climax to the year, are produced at an exceptional level of professionalism by talented and dedicated staff and include every child from Nursery to the top of the Senior School, at an appropriate level of performance. The Shows always provide a memorable send off for our leavers.

We also offer LAMDA tuition in the Upper School.

“...the children are included in everything, from sports teams to school plays.” The Old School Henstead Prospectus

The Arts - Art & Design

At The Old School Henstead, children are given the opportunity to express and develop their inherent creativity, using hands, eyes and personality – finding enjoyment and personal satisfaction in the process. They are encouraged to find beauty and interest in the world around them, and to appreciate the place of design in all things. In particular we believe that the study and practice of art should enable children to:

• Develop observational skills.

• Develop an appreciation and further understanding of the world around us.

• Develop spiritual values.

• Develop an interest and appreciation of the work and talent of others.

• Use art as a means of communication and learning to represent observations, ideas and feelings.

• Use and develop the imagination.

Visits to galleries, exhibitions and historical sites offer further opportunities to appreciate art. Our dedicated Art Room allows work to be competed to a high standard and displayed to the school community.

“My child’s attitude to learning has excelled since starting at The Old School Henstead.” The Old School Henstead Prospectus

Sports

We believe passionately in sport for all. At The Old School Henstead all pupils are expected to take part in competitive sport, representing the school in a range of sports. We compete against local schools and further afield in both regional and national competitions.

Each child has regular lessons in team games and athletics according to season. Children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 have sports sessions every Wednesday and Friday afternoon and the school has regular fixtures against many local independent schools. Children in the Early Years and Lower School have weekly P.E. lessons focused on developing skills, hand-eye coordination and boosting self-confidence.

Each child has a weekly swimming lesson in the large, modern pool, when the school has exclusive use of the facility. Henstead children compete in both regional and national competitions. Every child also has the opportunity to learn gymnastics at the Waveney Gymnastics Club, which has produced gymnasts of international quality.

“The Old School really is a unique “family”, who not only want the best for our children, but also instill the real life values of teamwork, support and confidence.” The Old School Henstead Prospectus

Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education is an important part of the curriculum, for it is inclusive, builds confidence and encourages supervised and sensible risk taking. At The Old School Henstead we are committed to the learning opportunities that are to be found outside the classroom – as varied and challenging as those enjoyed indoors. Our learning trail, dedicated nursery playground, trim trail, pond area and kitchen garden exemplify our commitment to ensuring that outdoor education facilities at The Old School Henstead are first rate.

Our broad range of outdoor education excursions support the range of educational experiences on offer. The whole school takes part in Big Day Out, last year to the Capital and this to Cambridge. In the summer, Reception, Year One, Year Two and Year Three have outdoor days at Hall. Activities such as Forest School, Earth Trek, Shipwrecked, Bushcraft and Survival will have something for everyone. Year Three has timetabled outdoor education lessons. Year Four tackles the orienteering and coastal treasure hunt with a nautical theme, staying overnight at Warden’s Trust Centre. Year Five heads for the North Norfolk Coast, with a multi-activity two night stay at West Runton. For Year Six, the Leavers trip centres on Wales, with the programme geared to providing our boys and girls with the skills they will need to move on to Senior School.

It is also important that, as a school, we act together to help others and develop our own resources. We completed The “The residential trips are Henstead Hundred, a cycle challenge for parents of some 100 fantastic - exciting, miles (just over) in support of our building fund. For five adventurous...” consecutive years the children tackled the Henstead Hike, a challenging coastal walk, in aid of Walking with the Wounded, CLIC Sargent, East Anglian Air Ambulance and CCHS UK. The Old School Henstead Prospectus

EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage we Areas of Learning 2. Mathematical Development These areas of the curriculum provide the aim... basis for planning in Reception and lay In Nursery, there are three Prime Areas of 3. Understanding the World secure foundations for learning. We cannot To give each child a happy, positive and fun Learning and Development that are afford to get things wrong at this early stage start to their time at The Old School particularly important for inspiring young 4. Expressive Arts and Design. in a child’s development. Henstead so that he or she can establish children’s enthusiasm and love of learning solid foundations on which to expand and and for enabling children to form positive In Reception children’s learning is grouped ‘If foundations prove inadequate, it is very, foster a deep love of learning. relationships: into seven areas: very expensive to underpin them later on’. (J. Fisher, ‘Early Education’) To offer each child a wide range of new and 1. Personal, Social and Emotional 1. Personal, Social and Emotional exciting experiences. Development Development TAPESTRY – Online Learning Journal

To enable each child through 2. Communication and Language 2. Communication and Language Parents of children in Nursery and Reception encouragement and high expectations to Development are given secure login access to our develop to the full in all areas – socially, 3. Literacy TAPESTRY online learning journal, to keep physically, intellectually and emotionally. 3. Physical Development. updated on daily progress, achievements 4. Problem Solving, Reasoning and and photographs. Parents are encouraged To encourage children to develop When children are ready, there are also four Numeracy to get involved with this and are welcome to independence within a caring, secure and Specific Areas of Learning and Development post comments, viewable only by 5. Understanding the World friendly environment. through which the prime areas are themselves and those to whom access is strengthened and applied: granted. To help children recognise their own 6. Physical Development strengths and achievements. 1. Literacy Development 7. Expressive Arts and Design The Old School Henstead Prospectus

WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY.

We saw such a difference in our daughter who are less able can develop their skills, (My son) has increased in confidence since We are delighted to have chosen The Old “when she joined The Old School Henstead, those who are less confident become more “being at The Old School Henstead. From a “School Henstead. It is wonderful to see our having spent two years in our local primary so, and most importantly, the children learn child that would shy away from new son look forward to school with such school. She grew so much in confidence, about teamwork, and the importance of experiences to one who will try everything enthusiasm and watch him thriving in a both with her academic studies, but also in supporting each other. put before him. positive and encouraging environment. sport and music. ” A small school with a huge beating heart.” A real strength of the school is the inspiring Our children are so happy at Henstead; they staff whose dedication is reflected in such always want to come to school, and are The Old School Henstead raises all the highly motivated and well-rounded children.” smiling both at drop off and pick up. Can’t “children in its care to be more than they can ask for more than that! Exceptional teaching standards and a wealth be. “of opportunities across the whole academic, ” I have no doubt the children have met arts and sports spectrum have given my friends for life at Henstead, as have we, as children the confidence, assertiveness and parents. The Old School really is a unique independence for a solid foundation in their My child’s attitude to learning has excelled “family”, who not only want the best for our education. “since starting at The Old School Henstead. children, but also instill the real life values of As parents we have noticed how much more teamwork, support and confidence. The residential trips are fantastic - exciting, confident and well-mannered our son has adventurous, team building, trust, become. My son’s enthusiasm for his school Being a relatively small school, all the leadership, independence. is reflected in all that he does. children are included in everything, from ” sports teams to school plays. Without the A small, friendly environment gives the pupils even realising, this ensures that those children opportunities to get involved in all aspects of school life.” The Old School Henstead Prospectus

CONTACT.

Address Email

The Old School Henstead [email protected] Toad Row Henstead Website Nr Suffolk www.theoldschoolhenstead.co.uk NR34 7LG

Telephone

+44 (0)1502 741150

@OldSchoolHstead