Welcome Children develop at different rates, possess different skills, enjoy different interests and hold different expectations, yet each deserves a good education and a strong start in life. At Lichfield Cathedral School we do all we can, in partnership with parents, to give every child the best opportunity to excel. Class sizes are small and staffing ratios high. Teachers get to know the children well and look after their individual needs; they help children to feel valued, secure, confident and increasingly independent. Each subject in the curriculum is carefully structured to enable strong progression from age 3 to 13. This prospectus aims to take you through that educational journey and give you some insight into the lives of the children day by day. No school can hope to answer fully the needs of every single child, but if you like what you see, and believe that your child could be happy and productive here, then please get in touch and arrange a visit. Our children take great pride showing visitors their school, and I look forward to the opportunity of meeting you.
A little bit of history‌.. Lichfield Cathedral School was founded in 1942 and although it was principally created as a boarding school for choristers, non-choristers have always been welcomed.
Peter Allwood Headmaster
The School’s superb buildings, including the magnificent 17th century Palace that has housed a succession of Bishops, are set against the dramatic presence of Lichfield Cathedral. In this unique environment generations of children have thrived and developed.
Early Years Pre-Prep: 3-7 years Within the secure and happy environment of the Pre-Prep we aim to build a firm foundation for the future through structured learning and creative play. At this formative time, boys and girls are encouraged to develop self-expression, independence and a positive attitude to their work and play. Children enter the Nursery at 3 years and move into the Reception Class in the September following their fourth birthday. To ensure a high level of individual attention and specialist care, class sizes are limited to twenty and, with full-time Classroom Assistants supporting the Teachers, the staff to pupil ratio is 1:8. At 5 years children move smoothly into Year 1 where the full range of National Curriculum subjects is taught. The main focus is on reading, writing and number skills, with KS1 SATs being taken at the end of Year 2, but a wide range of other enriching activities are provided to encourage personal development, physical progress and skills in communication and creativity. The Pre-Prep is closely integrated with the Prep School: the children benefit from the ease of progression and continuity this affords whilst the staff are able to monitor individual development effectively.
The Next Stage Prep: 7-13 years At 7 years children enter the Prep School, settling happily into an environment that has been carefully structured to meet their needs. Form teaching in earlier years develops into a subject based approach, with specialist teachers, from age 9. In small classes, children study a broad curriculum of English, Maths, Science; History, Geography, Religious Education; Art, Design, Music, Drama, Dance and P.E. French is taught from Year 3 and Latin or Classics from Year 5; ICT skills are taught and integrated from the very start. The academic structure is closely aligned to the National Curriculum and all children take the KS2 SATs at the end of Year 6 and Common Entrance or Scholarship examinations during Year 8. The best traditional teaching methods are informed by tested and proven modern thinking; individual strengths are identified and every child is encouraged to build on them. Our support system includes the Special Educational Needs Department to assist those with learning difficulties and those in need of extra challenges. With great emphasis placed on recognition for effort and personal achievement, the learning experience at Lichfield Cathedral School is an enjoyable journey of discovery. Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sports Scholarships are available variously at 7+, 9+ and 11+. Bursaries are available to children of Clergy, Armed Forces and others with financial needs.
Creativity The Arts The School has established a strong and welldeserved reputation in the performing arts. A love of music is encouraged and all children have the opportunity to receive individual tuition in a variety of musical instruments, to play in the School orchestra, wind band or various ensembles, to sing in choirs and to perform in concerts throughout the year. Drama and dance help children to grow in confidence, developing communication skills and creative expression. There are opportunities to take part beyond the classroom, both within each year group and in major School productions in venues such as the Lichfield Garrick. Many enjoy backstage crafts, and regular theatre visits are very popular. The visual arts help every child, whatever their ability, to develop creative skills and an alternative means of self-expression. Boys and girls are encouraged to use a variety of materials and be confident in their work, from painting to 3D model making. Given such freedom, with careful guidance, many exceed their own expectations. Lichfield Cathedral Choir is internationally recognised as one of the finest in Britain and the choristers are part of a living musical tradition that can be traced back over many centuries. The twenty-two boy choristers board at the School and receive generous scholarships from the Dean and Chapter, benefiting many who might not otherwise be able to enjoy an independent education. Many proceed into secondary education having gained Academic or Music Scholarships.
Physical Pursuits Sport and Activity The superb grounds of the School, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Cathedral, provide an inspirational setting for a multitude of sporting activities and all children participate in organised games and P.E. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in team sport and we have a busy programme of competitive matches against other schools. The main sports are soccer, hockey and cricket for boys and netball, hockey and rounders for girls. All children participate in athletics during the summer term and enjoy many other sporting activities. The School has a heated outdoor swimming pool within the Palace Gardens which is used for lessons as well as recreational swimming. Thanks to our highly active and supportive Friends of the Cathedral School, the children benefit from an imaginative and popular adventure playground. Under careful supervision, the children grow in confidence and physical ability while thoroughly enjoying themselves!
Social & Pastoral Care Lichfield Cathedral School holds Christian values at its heart, welcoming children of all denominations and faiths. Great emphasis is placed on pastoral guidance and in this caring and supportive environment, the children flourish. The staff, well aware of each child’s individual needs, are quick to recognise problems as well as triumphs. In addition, the strong partnership that exists between school and parents provides stability and continuity. With all meals produced on site, the dietary needs of growing children, and any special requirements, are easily and readily met. Daily life is full and after-school clubs thrive. Boys and girls, day pupils and boarders mix happily and easily, forming friendships that endure beyond the school gates, and in this extended “family” the children enjoy an active social life. From their earliest years through to the day they leave, children at the Cathedral School are encouraged to explore and discover, to work and play in an environment of nurture and care. To experience the unique atmosphere of the Cathedral School, please contact the Headmaster’s secretary for details about Open Days or individual visits. You will be made very welcome.
A day in the life...
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Registered Charity No: 1078650
Designed and produced by DSD Education. Photography by Rupert Watts
Lichfield Cathedral School, The Palace, The Close, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 7LH Telephone: 01543 306170 Fax: 01543 306170 E-mail: reception@lichfieldcathedralschool.com Website: www.lichfieldcathedralschool.com