6 minute read
Behind the scenes
BEHIND THE SCENES LOCKERS PARK SCHOOL
New Head GAVIN TAYLOR explains how the Hertfordshire school’s inclusive extracurricular approach imbues pupils with a real energy for life
At Lockers Park School, we place huge importance on educating the whole child. An excellent academic education is a given, but we also seek to inspire a thirst and enthusiasm for life and learning in our pupils that will last for years to come.
Set in the heart of Hertfordshire, Lockers Park was the country’s rst purpose-built preparatory school, expressly created in 1874 as a foundation school for preparing boys for Rugby School. While much has changed since, there are several constants. We remain a leading preparatory and boarding school for boys aged four to 13, o ering a rst-class academic education that sees pupils moving on to the country’s top senior schools.
We’re also still a small school. Purposefully small. Academically, this enables boys to take advantage of highly individualised, kinaesthetic learning. Every teacher knows every child – by both name and by personality too – and understands how to get the best out of them. is is an approach that reaps dividends when it comes to pupils’ academic progress and also, when the time comes, carefully nding the right school for each individual boy.
But a Lockers Park education has always been about so much more. Take a closer look and you’ll nd a thriving wider life that gives boys access to a plethora of inspiring, actionpacked activities. Pupils’ energies and passions are supported from the get-go and allowed to grow. is open, inclusive approach helps pupils build con dence and develop resilience, ambition and empathy. e school’s unique take on the traditional prep school a er-school club means there’s no need to sign up for speci c activities: everything is on tap and accessible to one and all. Tireless, supportive sta encourage the boys to work together as a team, being there for one another every step of the way. is inclusive attitude also means every boy is given the opportunity to represent the school termly in sports xtures throughout their Lockers Park career.
Boys can try their hand at debating, join an art extension group, immerse themselves in chess club or sing in the chapel choir as well as enjoy all kinds of sports including badminton, ri e shooting and squash. We’re lucky enough to o er a closed Scouts group onsite, with 40 per cent of the school participating, as well as having e Snow Centre right on our doorstep, with a third of pupils skiing once a week.
We like pupils to make the most of all that a Lockers Park education entails. is includes an unrivalled wraparound care programme, where the boys can complete prep, let o steam in the school grounds together and try out a range of fun-fuelled options, as well as socialise with peers over breakfast and supper. Our boys jump at the chance to take up our exi-boarding opportunities as well. ese o er one-of-a-kind, exciting boarding nights that are the talk of the school for days and days a erwards, including the legendary Dark Tower adventure game.
All of the above creates a sense of togetherness among the boys that’s both peerto-peer and cross-year. Pupils know they’re part of a community where their opinion counts – they understand each is a valued member of the team.
We believe providing such a rich, inclusive palette of opportunities readies our pupils for the next stage in their educational journey. It imbues them with a real can-do attitude. is is o en commented on by prospective senior schools, who observe that Lockers Park boys will happily sign up and try out as many activities as possible. eir palpable energy and enthusiasm for life is what sets them apart from their peers. And with that, our work is done.
Lockers Park boys can try out singing in the chapel choir
Mr Wells returns The Somerset school welcomes its new junior school headteacher to Wells!
Mr Wells believes that great schools are all about the love and support of the community within them
Jody’s philosophy of education was established at Wells:
“I believe education shouldn’t just equip children with a curiosity for the world around them, but also instil in them a love of learning that’s matched by a balance of ambition and integrity. Alongside academic development I believe in the development of transferable skills such as communication, collaboration, leadership, initiative and tenacity.”
A memorable encounter that shaped his approach:
Wells Cathedral School in Somerset has announced the appointment of Mr Jody Wells as Head of its junior school this September. He succeeds Julie Barrow, who has retired a er 30 incredible years at the school.
Most recently, Jody Wells was Headmaster of Forres Sandle Manor Prep School in Hampshire, where he was previously Deputy Head. He is also an ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) Inspector. He was previously Head of Boys’ Games and Head of Boarding at All Hallows School. But he began his career at Wells Cathedral School – as a houseparent and class teacher – and is delighted to be coming back to where it all began.
The start of his teaching journey:
“A er school, I signed up for a gap year at a school in Devon to give myself time to decide what to study at university. My mother was a teacher and I had no intention of following in her footsteps – in fact I even had a £10 bet with the Head that I wouldn’t go into teaching! But my year there changed everything. I paid my £10 on the last day of term and have never looked back!
“I can’t wait to reacquaint myself with the school that’s so dear to my hear. I vividly recall the sense of wonder I rst felt when I joined the school in 1998, and in fact, have felt every time I’ve visited since. Many visitors tell us that they experience this feeling too!”
“Early in my career, I was talking to a parent over a cup of tea. She wanted to know why her son, a reasonable under-10 sportsman but an abject day dreamer, had not made the A-team. My response of “if he worked a bit harder, maybe he would get into the team” was met with “Maybe if you put him in the team, he would work a bit harder”. And that stopped me in my tracks. I hadn’t ever thought about it like that before. He got his chance, he revelled in the opportunity and ended his school career as captain of a county championshipwinning and national nalist hockey team and A-team player in all sports. Children deserve a chance, Jody and Lucy are happy to be they deserve opportunities. back in Wells ey might not know what they can do until they get a chance to discover it for themselves.”
Jody Wells is joined by his wife Lucy and his children, who have started as pupils. He said:
“Great schools are about the people. A school should be a happy place where children feel valued, respected and cared for by the people working with them. e love for the school demonstrated by sta , the governing body, parents and pupils alike is clear to see, and we couldn’t be happier to be returning.”
