About our School

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WHAT WE OFFER Falcons Preparatory School for Boys is an independent school for boys aged 7-13 years, based in Richmond. We deliver a fast-paced and stimulating curriculum suited to the needs of young boys.

Academic life at Falcons Preparatory School for Boys is complemented by a wide range of clubs, residential trips and educational visits, a varied sports programme, as well as music and drama that further our provision for our pupils.

www.falconsprep.co.uk

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At Falcons Preparatory School for Boys we are committed to educating the whole child, we provide every boy with a huge variety of opportunities in which to grow, experiences that spark inspiration and outcomes in which to aspire to. I feel incredibly fortunate to lead 4 Falcons Preparatory School for Boys and look forward to welcoming you to our learning community.

Falcons boys enjoy a vibrant learning environment where staff nurture a love of learning. We are an ambitious 4-13 school with a strong set of values focused on providing every boy with the opportunity to reach their full potential. As a staff, we are ambitious for our boys academically and we are proud of the range of senior schools they go on to. Yet, just as importantly, we realise what an exciting, and challenging, time it is to be growing up and the significant role we play in preparing the boys for their future beyond this. We appreciate that academics alone will not provide the boys with the skills they need to succeed and are therefore proud to offer a range of opportu- nities in leadership, sports, the arts, within the community, through charity work, drama whilst also promoting a range of cultures, ideas and an understanding of the world around us. We want all our boys to acquire and secure the proficiency to become effective life-long learners.

Committed to providing the very best for our boys, we will continu- ously review and reflect on our own practices creating a curriculum that is adaptive, collaborative, innovative and academically rigorous. I would be delighted to meet you and welcome you personally to Falcons Prep, giving you a tour of our site and allowing you to meet some of our staff and boys. Olivia Buchanan Headmistress BSc (Hons) MEd PGCE Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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www.falconsprep.co.uk

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‘‘The Falcons is a brilliant school. The work, the trips, the sports, the food – everything is great.” Year 8 pupil

Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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OUR VALUES Falcons boys are encouraged, motivated and nurtured. Our values are built on mutual trust and respect for all. All members of the school community share our four values:

Individuality through fostering boys’ talents and unique skills Innovation in a fast moving and ever changing technological world Inquiry and the acquisition of knowledge through exceptional teaching Inclusivity through rewarding community relationships

www.falconsprep.co.uk

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“Exemplary attitudes to learning contribute to the rapid progress pupils make.” ISI Inspection Report 2012

Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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HERITAGE The school, formerly known as Falkner House, was founded in 1956 and originally located in 9 . In September 1989 the school moved to its Pre-Preparatory site in Burnaby Gardens and changed its name to the Falcons. The Pre-Preparatory is the founding member of The Falcons Schools Group.

Falcons Preparatory School in Richmond caters for boys from 7-13 years. It opened in September 2008 and continues to grow from strength to strength.

Our highly qualifi ed and dedicated teachers foster a caring and productive environment where boys are encouraged to develop a love of learning, a strong sense of community and the ability to make judgements between right and wrong. Our boys proceed to the next stage of their education with the confi dence to succeed.

Falcons Preparatory School for Boys is a member of the Alpha Group.

www.falconsprep.co.uk

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Year 8 Pupil

Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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www.falconsprep.co.uk

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Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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www.falconsprep.co.uk

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Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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CURRICULUM The Preparatory School prepares the boys for 15 entry to secondary schools at 11+ and 13+ and we work in collaboration with parents to determine the appropriate route for each boy.

The school prides itself on excellent teaching staff that are focused on making their subjects exciting, challenging and accessible. We work in partnership with secondary schools to determine their requirements when preparing our boys for entry. The boys are taught in sets for Maths and English from Year 5, to help meet their individual needs in these subject areas. Specialist rooms are used for teaching purposes and the school site is well resourced with two well-equipped science laboratories, a dedicated art room, an ICT suite and music rooms used by peripatetic music teachers. We employ specialist staff – all of whom are graduates in the Common Entrance subjects that they teach.

We pride ourselves on the varied programme that is off ered and it is this methodology that places our boys in the strongest possible position to access senior schools that are best suited to them.

www.falconsprep.co.uk

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Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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www.falconsprep.co.uk

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“Our son is thriving and skipping to school every morning – he can’t wait for the next day.” Falcons Parent

Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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SPORT FOR ALL Sport plays an integral part of school life for every boy here at Falcons Preparatory School for Boys. We pride ourselves on our philosophy of ‘Sport for all’ as well as furthering the boys in their pursuit of excellence. We off er a wide and varied programme from Year 3 through to Year 8.

Our core sports are football, rugby and cricket and we also run extensive programmes including hockey, swimming, athletics, cross-country, gymnastics and tennis. The School has recently begun entering Ski Championships and Triathlons with great success to further enhance our programmes.

www.falconsprep.co.uk

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“There is nothing better than coming off the pitch knowing you have given your all alongside your teammates.” Year 8 Pupil

Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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Boys have the opportunity to play individual and team sports during after school clubs with a wide variety of activities on off er, ranging from table tennis and squash, to handball and chess. All boys are encouraged to take part in a sporting club of some sort and they enjoy the club atmosphere that it entails. The school has many longstanding relationships with the local community, and the sports department has created great links for the boys to participate in sports outside school to complement their sporting school life.

www.falconsprep.co.uk

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‘‘My favourite things are acting in the plays and using the kiln.” Year 5 Pupil

Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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THE ARTS Every boy is given the opportunity to participate in Music and the Performing Arts. Pupils can explore their musical talents through visiting instrumentalists who teach a wide range of instruments. They are encouraged to participate in choirs and music groups and perform in the major events in the school calendar. Drama has the benefi t of building confi dence and is also used as a tool to explore other topics taught in the curriculum. 23

Taught by a specialist Art teacher, boys are given a solid foundation in techniques which empower them to fl ourish creatively as they progress through the school. A well-equipped art and ceramic studio enables boys to experience a variety of media. Regular visits and workshops provide further visual and intellectual stimulation.

Falcons Preparatory School for Boys is a registered centre with Trinity College Arts Awards. The boys are able to develop their interest and skills in Art and gain a range of nationally recognised qualifi cations that support them as artists and art leaders of the future. Our Art provision inspires them to take part in the wider arts world. These challenges are in art forms from theatre set design to pottery, photography and poetry.

Year 8 boys leave having achieved Bronze awards and they will hopefully continue their arts journey in order to achieve the Gold award. These awards are managed by Trinity College in association with The Arts Council, .

www.falconsprep.co.uk

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Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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25 A CARING COMMUNITY All boys have a form tutor who looks after their wellbeing and tracks their progress throughout the year. Boys are placed in one of four houses and they earn merits for themselves and for their house.

An active Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship curriculum teaches the boys important values which are embedded in fundamental British values. Guest speakers present a range of topics including internet safety. Each year a charity is identifi ed and supported by the boys at the school and events are arranged in support of this goal.

The boys’ own views are represented though the School Council, which gives them the opportunity to comment and infl uence the school community.

www.falconsprep.co.uk

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Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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FACILITIES Our boys have the use of our on-site astroturf pitch for PE lessons throughout the year. We also have the use of Richmond Athletic Association’s grounds, only a stone’s throw away, for our spring term’s rugby where our school keeps up its strong partnership with Harlequins.

The autumn term’s football takes place at Old Deer Park, just a short walk away, and home fi xtures are played at the well-equipped Westminster Playing Fields in . During the summer term the boys have use of the immaculately kept Richmond Cricket Club.

www.falconsprep.co.uk

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Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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PROGRESSION Falcons Preparatory prides itself on being a school of choices and options. Your son can be prepared for 13+ Common Entrance to a local selective day or boarding school or for 11+ entry to a day school.

Senior school entry is highly competitive and we work closely with our parents in order to map out the best route possible for each boy, whilst ensuring he remains positive and confi dent throughout the examination period.

www.falconsprep.co.uk

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Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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www.falconsprep.co.uk

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Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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www.falconsprep.co.uk

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Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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ADMISSIONS Falcons Preparatory School for Boys off ers 35 excellence in education all the way through to 13. Boys progress automatically from the Pre-Preparatory to the Preparatory.

The school also prepares boys for both 11+ and 13+ entry to London day and boarding schools. Our guiding principle is to work with families and to support and assist our boys to transition on to their next school at the point most appropriate for them.

The main intake is at Year 3 level, at age seven and eight. Occasional places are available in the remaining years up to Year 8 as and when they arise.

All candidates are invited for assessment in a classroom environment before being off ered a place. Assessments are in English and Mathematics, and boys are also given the opportunity to join in group activities. References from current school are requested and careful note is taken of them.

www.falconsprep.co.uk

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Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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As an Alpha Plus School, we provide first class learning which enables our pupils to achieve their full potential in a challenging yet secure and caring environment. Our teaching combines the best of traditional and modern methods and provides access to the latest school technology.

Alpha Plus Group: the Gold Standard in educational provision.

Schools within the Alpha Plus Group: Chepstow House School, Davenport Lodge Nursery School, Hilden Grange School, Pembridge Hall School, Portland Place School, Rolfe’s Nursery School, St. Anthony’s School for Boys, St. Anthony’s School for Girls, Falcons Pre-Preparatory School for Boys, Falcons Preparatory School for Boys, The Falcons School for Girls, The Minors Nursery School, Wetherby School, Wetherby Kensington , Wetherby Preparatory School, Wetherby Senior School, Wetherby-Pembridge School, New York.

Sixth Form Colleges within the Alpha Plus Group: Abbey College Cambridge, Abbey College Manchester, DLD College London.

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Falcons Preparatory School for Boys

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