F R O M
T H E
H E A D M A S T E R
Thank you for your interest in Crosfields. I hope you will enjoy reading this prospectus and that it will give you a good insight into the exciting opportunities your child can receive during these crucial, formative years. At Crosfields our aim is to give all children a first class education which will enable them to take their place in society as well-rounded, confident, considerate citizens. Set within 40 acres of grounds, on the outskirts of Reading, the facilities at Crosfields are outstanding and the opportunities for all children are endless. A tangible family atmosphere exists throughout the school, and we believe passionately, that all children are individuals, with their own skills and talents, which are waiting to be encouraged and developed. Extra curricular activities have an important part to play in school life. Sport, music and drama are all recognised major strengths of the school. Our aim is to give every child the opportunity to find success and grow in confidence. It is a privilege to be responsible for a child’s development through these vital, early years and pastoral care is of paramount importance. Jonathan Wansey This prospectus will give you a flavour of the education we can offer your child, but I invite you to come and meet the boys and girls and see for yourself why Crosfields has become the ‘Family School of Choice’. Welcome to Crosfields.
A B O U T
C R O S F I E L D S
The oldest building on the school site was built in the 1820s and was originally a private residence. In 1957, Crosfields became an independent day preparatory school for boys and the Quaker connection from nearby Leighton Park School remains in the form of ‘Collect’ (or morning assembly) that starts each day and in the ethos that the school has developed. Essentially though, the school is non-denominational, with a long tradition of welcoming children of different religious backgrounds. Christian teaching continues to be given and strong emphasis is placed on moral principles of kindness, tolerance, good manners, honesty and a sense of responsibility to one another and oneself.
• A co-educational independent day school from 3-13 years • First class academic reputation • Over 40 acres of grounds • Wide range of excellent, modern facilities • Strong tradition of music and arts • Renowned sporting tradition • Self contained Nursery on main school site • Excellent pastoral care • Emphasis on good behaviour and discipline • Extended day
T H E
E A R L Y
Y E A R S
A Crosfields education starts as young as 3 years old in our Nursery class. With light, spacious classrooms and a specially designed outdoor play area, it provides the best possible first experience of school life. The Pre-Prep Department takes children through from age 4 to age 7 and provides a balanced and structured learning environment. By the time our boys and girls move to the Junior School, they have an excellent grounding in the traditional basics and confidence in their ability.
• A happy, stimulating environment from age 3 • Foundation Stage curriculum • Small class sizes and excellent pupil/teacher ratio • Self contained, modern buildings • Music, Drama and Art from Nursery upwards • Access to the range of Crosfields facilities • Fully integrated into the life of the school • Smooth transition to Junior School
F O S T E R I N G
A
L O V E
O F
L E A R N I N G
Crosfields aims to achieve an excellent standard of learning within a happy, caring and stimulating environment. Entry is non-selective and we strive to develop the strengths of each child and help fulfil his or her potential. We have high levels of expectation and regularly appraise curriculum content and teaching methods.
• Maximum class size of 20 • Broad and balanced curriculum • Regular assessment • Fast track for able pupils • Learning support where required • Excellent range of classroom facilities • Spacious modern library • State of the art ICT and Design Technology suites • Excellent entry record to senior independent and grammar schools
• Impressive scholarship record
T H E
C R E A T I V E
A R T S
The Arts are a strong feature of life at Crosfields. There are opportunities for music, art and drama at every age and the school is fortunate to have a dedicated Performing Arts building housing music practice rooms, classrooms and a theatre with tiered seating.
• Specialist teaching staff • Record of success in local music and arts festivals
• Music taught from age 3 • Recorder from age 6 • Majority of children learn an instrument • 5 choirs, 3 orchestras • Annual house music competitions • Nursery, Pre-Prep, Junior, Middle and Senior school drama productions
• Modern art studio and specialist ceramics room
S P O R T Crosfields has a fine sporting tradition and on most days boys and girls will be involved in some form of sporting activity. The main sports for boys are Football, Rugby and Cricket and for girls Hockey, Netball and Rounders. All children swim once a week all year round. The overriding aim of the sports department is that all children should have the opportunity to participate in as many different activities as possible and should all have the chance to represent their house and school during their time at Crosfields.
• Facilities include sports hall, all-weather tennis courts, cricket nets, indoor heated swimming pool and six hole golf course
• Competitive sport encouraged from an early age • Experienced and dedicated coaches • Full programme of sporting fixtures • Success at County and National level • Lunchtime, after school and holiday activities In addition to the main sports, there are numerous additional options including Golf, Tennis, Swimming, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Gymnastics, Cross Country, Fencing, Judo, Ballet, Dance and Skiing.
B R O A D E N I N G
H O R I Z O N S
Crosfields aims to give every child the best possible all-round education. Confidence, leadership and working as a team are vital ingredients which we aim to develop through broadening our pupils’ horizons with extra curricular activities and external trips.
• Culture of respect for each other and care for the environment
• Wide range of educational visits from Reception onwards
• Annual ski trip • Drama, art and design clubs • Music workshops • Cookery lessons for all age groups • Extensive sporting fixture list • IT and Computer clubs • Public speaking competitions
T H E F A M I L Y S C H O O L O F C H O I C E Crosfields is a co-educational school. Girls and boys work and play together in all areas of school life on an equal playing field and learn to value and respect their similarities and differences. The world is co-educational and at Crosfields we provide sons and daughters with the very best start and a solid foundation from which they will build the rest of their lives.
• Unique family atmosphere • First class pastoral care • Happy, vibrant, stimulating environment • Aim for every child is to reach his or her full potential
• Close contact with home • Extended day and holiday clubs • Active parent and former pupils’ associations
T H E
N E X T
S T E P
If you would like more information about Crosfields, please telephone or email the Admissions Secretary. Telephone: 0118 9871810 Email: headmasterssecretary@crosfields.com Private visits are welcomed and the school holds a termly open morning.