VISIT
CONTACT
BROWSE
Edge Grove Aldenham Village Hertfordshire WD25 8BL
01923 855 724 office@edgegrove.com
edgegrove.com
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WELCOME to EDGE GROVE We are a vibrant and successful co-ed day and boarding school for children aged 3 to 13. We are located in Aldenham Village in 48 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside.
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ABOUT US A broad curriculum, inspirational teaching, the highest expectations and superb pastoral support combine to ensure outstanding academic achievement. All our pupils gain places at leading independent schools nationally, with many achieving scholarships and awards. Our pursuit of excellence is, however, not limited to the classroom. Believing that a well-rounded and inclusive education is vital if a child is to have a contented and successful future, we work hard to discover and nurture the talents of each individual. Through experiencing success – whether in their academic studies, on the sports field, in the Creative Arts or through leadership opportunities – we seek to ensure that all our pupils grow in confidence, develop a love of learning and are well prepared for the next stage of their education. This prospectus can give but a taste of life at Edge Grove, so we encourage you to visit the school to meet us and our dedicated staff, as well as our best ambassadors – our happy, courteous, confident and articulate pupils.
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ONE SCHOOL, ONE VISION From their first steps into our Pre-School at age 3, we harness children’s natural curiosity about the world to help them explore new things. Throughout the school, we provide a creative and challenging curriculum which motivates, engages and allows our pupils to make the best progress they can, developing their learning as well as their academic success.
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Upper School
Pre Prep
Years 7 & 8
Pre-School – Year 2
(Age 11-13)
(Age 3-7)
Middle School
Lower School
Years 5 & 6
Years 3 & 4
(Age 9-11)
(Age 7-9)
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PRE PREP Pre-School - Year 2 LAYING FIRM FOUNDATIONS & CREATING CONFIDENT LEARNERS Our creative and progressive curriculum promotes learning through a variety of experiences that develop children’s imagination, communication and social skills. Housed in a purpose-built building located close to the main school site, the Edge Grove Pre-School is our Nursery for ages 3-4 years. It offers vibrant and stimulating learning zones in an exciting, bright and modern environment. Following their one year in Pre-School, children automatically move to Reception in our Pre Prep department located at the main school site. The Pre Prep department offers a warm and nurturing environment in which our experienced staff provide outstanding care. As children progress to Reception and then years 1 and 2, learning becomes more formal, with firm foundations being laid in literacy and numeracy.
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During their formative years in Pre Prep, children benefit not only from highly qualified class teachers and learning assistants, but also specialist teaching in Modern Foreign Languages, Art, Music and PE. Participation, creativity and expression are encouraged and pupils are set individual learning goals with the level of challenge and support they need to flourish. In addition to various day trips, our setting amid 48 acres of beautiful parkland – complete with a lake in our dedicated outside learning area – allows education at Edge Grove to be enriched by the Forest School programme, the Daily Mile and many other outdoor learning opportunities.
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High expectations, a stimulating curriculum and specialist teaching combine to develop a love of learning that equips pupils for life.
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CREATING HAPPY, ENTHUSIASTIC & MOTIVATED YOUNG LEARNERS
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LOWER SCHOOL Years 3 & 4 Situated in its own purpose-built and spacious ‘state of the art building’, the Lower School at Edge Grove extends the Pre Prep foundation by challenging pupils in the classroom, on the sports field or through the Creative Arts. We continue to develop children as independent learners, giving individuals a balance of support, challenge and extension beyond the National Curriculum.
“Key factors supporting high achievement are the extensive and innovative curriculum and the pupils’ excellent personal development.” INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE (ISI)
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Structured as three-form entry with up to 20 children in a class, each form teacher delivers core subjects and oversees their pupils’ personal and social needs. Subject specialists teach PE, games, art, music/drama, MFL, computing, technology and Forest School. Children are grouped according to ability for Maths and English. They study a termly or half termly topic and this underpins their learning and enables them to group knowledge and skills and, where possible, link all subjects to become thinkers who can apply themselves independently. Learning is enriched through an array of off-site trips and visitors to the school. In the summer we offer an Expedition Week when the children experience a few nights away and fun, team-building activities during the day.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL Years 5 & 6 Building on the solid foundation of earlier years, Middle School develops an eagerness to learn and encourages a spirit of independence. Our aim is to produce confident, well-rounded individuals. In years 5 and 6 each form has a dedicated form tutor who is the first point of call for pastoral care, monitors the academic progress of each pupil and communicates regularly and effectively with parents. All subjects from year 5 are taught by individual subject teachers. Small class sizes enable us to concentrate fully on the individual child, nurturing confidence and developing self-esteem. It also gives staff a unique opportunity to form outstanding relationships with the children. During these years at Edge Grove, pupils are encouraged to undertake a broad spectrum of activities, and are given many opportunities for personal and social growth.
“Pupils are articulate, and highly effective listeners. They think critically and logically, responding thoughtfully to their teachers and to one another.� INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE (ISI)
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TAKING AN IMPORTANT STEP IN THE PROCESS OF BECOMING INDEPENDENT
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DEVELOPING RESPONSIBILITY, MATURITY & LEADERSHIP
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UPPER SCHOOL Years 7 & 8 Our year 7 and 8 pupils feel a sense of achievement and privilege in reaching the Upper School. The curriculum remains diverse and academically challenging but simultaneously prepares pupils appropriately for their senior school examinations. “Creativity is at the core of everything the school does, and pupils are encouraged to ‘flounder intelligently’. It’s no wonder that in recent years they’ve won a record number of scholarships at 11+ and 13+ to senior schools, including one 2019 leaver gaining a much-coveted Elected Scholarship at Winchester.” TATLER SCHOOLS GUIDE 2020
We build on the excellent practices of the Pre Prep, Lower School and Middle School, maintaining a vibrant and diverse approach to learning, but focusing specifically on the needs of 13+ and encouraging pupils to be more independent and organised.
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Academic focus is based on the Independent Schools Examinations Board’s (ISEB) 13+ syllabus and Scholarship examinations in the final year. Our pupils also follow the Edge Grove Baccalaureate - our own bespoke two year programme designed to develop the school’s Guiding Principles. The Baccalaureate incorporates four distinct areas of study: Leadership, Enrichment (including entrepreneurship) & Life Skills, Outdoor Learning, and Charity & Service. In year 8 our pupils experience a wide variety of leadership opportunities including House and Sport captaincy, Head Boy and Head Girl and Prefects. At the end of their time at Edge Grove our year 8 pupils are socially and academically prepared for the transition to their chosen senior schools, feeling confident that they have been well prepared for the exciting challenges that lie ahead.
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ADVENTURE & CREATIVITY We provide a wealth of extra-curricular opportunities that enrich pupils’ lives and create lasting memories. Learning and enjoyment beyond the classroom play a vital role at Edge Grove. Excellent facilities – including a swimming pool, tennis courts, Astroturf pitches, extensive playing fields, adventure playground and trim trail – allow pupils to enjoy a variety of physical activities. Participation in the many concerts, plays, exhibitions and class assemblies that we stage – to which families are invited – allow children to grow in confidence and demonstrate their talents. Pre Prep children enjoy a range of after-school clubs every day, such as drama, arts & crafts and tennis. Prep pupils are also offered a vast array of pursuits in our after-school Activities Programme. Available every day, activities range from street dance, golf and Taekwondo to cookery, choir, gardening and Mandarin. Field trips and day visits deepen knowledge and broaden horizons, with a residential Expedition Week for years 3 to 8 being a particular highlight. In addition to our annual ski trip, we have developed links with schools abroad to provide travel opportunities, such as a cricket and music tour to Sri Lanka and a netball tour to St Vincent. We also welcome numerous visitors – authors, artists, scientists and business leaders – into school to talk about their work, enhancing the insight and aspirations of pupils.
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“This is a delightful prep with an ethos of discovery and learning through doing – no drilling facts and boring worksheets for these lucky things.” GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE 2018
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CHARACTER & COMMUNITY Outstanding pastoral care and a genuine community spirit support the personal development of pupils and underpin their academic success. Pupils are encouraged to show respect for self, others and the environment and they develop their leadership abilities through a variety of responsible roles such as Pupil Council Representative, Head Boy and Girl, House Captains, Sport Captains, Prefects, Librarians and Eco Representatives.
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Our high standards are promoted through the house system, with Merits rewarding achievement, initiative and kindness. Regular inter-house competitions encourage teamwork and sportsmanship, while special events – including International Day, Sports Day, the Swimming Gala, Harvest Festival and Carol Service – contribute to a palpable sense of family. Our Flourish programme promotes the wellbeing of all pupils within the school. This bespoke programme encourages pupils to work together to build resilience, patience, understanding and tolerance. Pupils can also visit our Wellbeing Centre which is a place to engage in activities that build and support wellbeing. Parents form a key part of our school community, with many joining the thriving Friends of Edge Grove – a committee of parents dedicated to arranging social events throughout the school year and raising extra funds to support the school.
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ARTISTIC VISION Believing that the creative and performing arts build confidence and promote collaboration, we are committed to helping children discover, develop and showcase their talents. Art, Music, Drama and Dance form our Creative Arts faculty and are integral to the Edge Grove experience. We provide a wealth of opportunities for pupils to enhance their creativity, learn new skills and enjoy participation. Our Art & Design department is a hive of activity in which children are inspired both to learn about their artistic heritage and explore new techniques and media with which to express themselves. Through a variety of themed projects and extra-curricular activities, pupils’ understanding and appreciation of art and design grows alongside their skills in drawing, painting and 3D modelling. The Music department is a great strength of the school, offering specialist teaching from the Pre-School to year 8. Pupils enjoy practical and stimulating lessons, with the chance to listen, compose, perform and appraise. Our Music technology software extends their learning, while workshops and outings develop their appreciation of a variety of genres. Our choirs, orchestra, soloists and range of ensembles and bands have many opportunities to perform at school concerts, assemblies and musical productions, as well as at outside events. Many children also enjoy individual tuition from peripatetic instrument specialists, leading to ABRSM exams. Drama and Dance also have a high profile and all pupils participate in lessons designed to encourage vocal and physical self-confidence, expression and teamwork. Each year group presents a dramatic production during the course of the year, with every child fully involved in the process and final performance.
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“The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent by the time they leave the school. Their confidence, self-esteem, respectfulness and intellectual curiosity clearly demonstrate that they are very well prepared for the next stage in their education.” INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE (ISI)
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SPORTING STRENGTHS With a strong sporting tradition, Edge Grove boasts an enviable record of success in a wide variety of sports at both individual and team level. Led by our Director of Sport and Head of Girls’ Games, our sporting programme features over 25 different sports. With specialist coaching, we offer every child the opportunity to learn new skills and to train sufficiently in order to excel in their favourite sports.
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Edge Grove is firmly established as a leading player in the world of Prep school sport, regularly competing at local, regional and national levels. Our superb facilities include acres of meticulously maintained playing fields, a three court badminton and multi-purpose sports hall, a 20-metre outdoor heated pool, a 300-metre grass athletics track, four outdoor netball courts, two hockey pitches, two tennis courts and five outdoor cricket nets. Children in Pre Prep have weekly PE and Games lessons, while those in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools enjoy one PE lesson and two Games lessons each week, as well as a fixture afternoon. Pupils relish the opportunity to represent Edge Grove in these inter-school matches and every child regularly participates in a school team.
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BOARDING SPIRIT Through a caring, warm and nurturing environment in which pupils feel safe and valued, the boarding experience is one of the great strengths of Edge Grove. Enabling long commutes to be avoided, boarding affords parents more time to balance the demands of work, younger children and quality family time. Whether from the local area, London or further afield, boarders find living at Edge Grove a happy time that prepares them well for senior school. From year 3 (age 7) we offer full, weekly and flexi boarding, with the ability to build up experience over time. A casual option also helps parents with occasional business or family commitments, while our day boarding facility enables pupils to be booked in for a weekday boarding supper. The Boarding Team – headed up by our Head of Boarding and assisted by our House Parent and House Matron – works hard to create an inclusive, family atmosphere. Children are accommodated in bright, comfortable dormitories that are organised by age and gender. New boarders are allocated a ‘buddy’ to help them settle in and all pupils enjoy the company of our gap-year students, who help our boarding community to run smoothly. Regular contact with families via telephone and video calls is encouraged and children know the ‘circle of care’ that they can turn to for support. Boarders have regular dorm meetings to express their views and suggest ideas. Boarders enjoy free time in their common room and our extensive grounds, as well as organised activities, including the vast range of clubs in our Activities Programme.
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“The school fulfils its aim to provide a secure and happy environment in which pupils feel safe, nurtured and valued.” INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE (ISI)
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“Set in grassy parkland, Edge Grove is a world apart from many of its concrete-clad urban rivals.” GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE 2018
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VISIT
CONTACT
BROWSE
Edge Grove Aldenham Village Hertfordshire WD25 8BL
01923 855 724 office@edgegrove.com
edgegrove.com
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