Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:08 Page 1
Who am I ?
O U R
V A L U E S
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:08 Page 2
Dean Close seeks to treat every member of the School community as unique and equally valuable
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:08 Page 3
I am
Nurtured The Christian faith is seen as life enhancing and dynamic and, therefore, a positive force in the School, even to those who do not share this faith. Our Christian ethos means that everyone is truly valued as an integral member of our community. This brings shared trust and respect and closer bonds of friendship and understanding than are usual in a school of our size. Teachers get to know the children in the classroom, on the sports field, in the day and boarding houses, in the orchestra, choirs and after school clubs. This means they see the different facets of every child, giving them an in-depth knowledge of each individual, their strengths and their weaknesses. It is in the Houses that houseparents are able to monitor and guide the social and moral progress of every child, taking time to talk to children and their parents about the highs and lows of their day. There is also always time for a game of pool, table tennis, air hockey or table football!
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:08 Page 4
I am
Exploring
Dean Close fires the imagination and enthusiasm of
academic excellence whilst supporting the less able
every pupil, giving them each a love of learning and
on an individual basis.
helping them to grow into independent thinkers. Every specialist teacher brings a love of their subject Whether the children are experimenting in the science
into the classroom to deliver memorable, effective
laboratories, pond dipping in the brook or perfecting
teaching that stimulates and inspires each child.
the use of the lathe in the design technology
Exciting visits seek to reinforce this: going to HMS
workshop, they are encouraged to use a multi-sensory
Victory, experiencing the court of King Henry VIII,
approach to learning.
discovering glacial passages or the rainforest '@Bristol'. We also receive visits from Olympic athletes,
We aim to meet the educational needs of a wide
explorers and even Vikings, who bring the outside
range of individual abilities, extending the most able to
world into the classroom.
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:08 Page 5
Dean Close prepares its pupils for life by providing them with a strong and proven education underpinned by the School’s values
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:08 Page 6
Dean Close holds community, respect for others and relationship as key principles at the heart of the School
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:08 Page 7
I am
At Home For boarding pupils, living in school brings friendship and fun, shared lives and laughter. Home is one of the three large Regency boarding houses specifically designed for boys and girls as they progress from playing with cars and dolls to games of pool and pyjama parties. Before school there is time for an early morning swim, a choir rehearsal or to build a den. At the end of the day there is always a warm welcome when they come home and then games to be played, models to be glued, smoothies to be made and laughter to be shared. With a busy programme of weekend events there is never a dull moment and whatever is going on there are always lots of friends to share it with, trips to Drayton Manor Theme Park, Twickenham Rugby ground or the ice skating rink. At home there is a woodland and brook to explore, acres of fields for a game of Smugglers and Sellers, rollarblade hockey on the covered play area, Dance Wii, go-karts, a paddling pool or chilling out together at a 'piazza and film night'.
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:09 Page 8
I am
Prepared
We believe that sport is for everyone; the joy of
Whether it is cantering around the arena at the riding
physical activity and the thrill that comes from being
school, taking aim at the shooting range, pounding
part of a team. All pupils enjoy organised sport at least
the running machine in the fitness suite or practising
four times a week and represent the School in home
a demi pliĂŠ in the dance studio, every child can
and away matches.
appreciate the buzz that comes from physical activity.
With our outstanding sports facilities, coupled with
Being fit and healthy is not all about formal sport. At
specialist coaches - many of whom have played at a
break times the covered play area allows children to
professional level in sports such as rugby, hockey,
work off excess energy whatever the weather, all year
tennis, swimming and cricket - every child has
round.
the opportunity to find a sport that they enjoy, with some excelling at county and national level.
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:09 Page 9
Dean Close pursues excellence without being exclusive
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:09 Page 10
Dean Close helps children to develop the important quality of empathy through drama. The actor is able to experience how someone else thinks and acts
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:09 Page 11
I am
Playing My Part
By its very nature, drama requires children to invest
The extremely popular drama department ensures that
physically, mentally and emotionally in the portrayal of
by the time pupils leave the Prep School they have all
someone or something else – helping them to grow as
been involved in a drama production, be it on stage or
individuals. It is about many things - theatre, acting,
behind the scenes.
developing presentation and communication techniques, instilling confidence, developing self-esteem and
There is also class drama taught by specialist teachers
having fun!
and additional ‘Speech and Drama’ lessons which
Two productions are performed annually, giving every
examinations and for the Cheltenham Festival of
prepare children for the LAMDA verse and prose child in the School the opportunity to be involved. Most
Performing Arts. Dean Close Prep School is renowned in
recently – ‘The Tempest’, ‘Oliver! The Musical’ and ‘The
the county for winning more prizes and accolades than
Railway Children’.
any other school at this event.
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:09 Page 12
I am
In Unison At the Prep School the philosophy that every child is musical pervades the teaching: in the Music School where individual lessons are taught, in class music lessons where every conceivable instrument is at hand to try, or in the music computer room where children can use software to compose. There is a dedicated Music School and 28 full-time and visiting instrumental staff, including the world-renowned Carducci Quartet, who are the quartet-in-residence, teaching strings to everyone from the enthusiastic beginner to the aspiring professional. The musical community is further enhanced by the internationally acclaimed boy choristers of the Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum who are all educated at the Prep School. They perform to the highest standard, regularly demonstrated in chapel services and concerts, which inspires the various orchestras, ensembles and musical groups to give of their best.
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:10 Page 13
Dean Close believes giving a child a love of music is giving them a gift for life
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:10 Page 14
Dean Close encourages pupils to be ambitious and to use their talents to the fullest
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:10 Page 15
I am
Creating
Dean Close loves to embrace everyone’s creative
throughout the School. Young artists are inspired
ambitions, both great and small.There are endless
by visits to art galleries and exhibitions, and are
opportunities for pupils to explore their creativity,
encouraged to enter local art competitions.
whether it is painting giant-sized Roald Dahl characters for the school play, modelling gargoyles out of clay,
From film-making to cartoon drawing, from website
growing vegetables in the school garden, baking
design to jewellery-making, the range of creative
cup-cakes or engineering Lego robots.
opportunities helps a child discover hidden talents and interests, providing light relief from the academic rigour.
Visitors will quickly appreciate that Dean Close takes huge pride in the children's work by exhibiting it
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:10 Page 16
I am
Individual Dean Close encourages children to challenge selfishness, greed and consumerism, and discourages too much focus on fame, money and celebrity. We expect much from our children simply because we know each one has so much to offer in who they are, as much as in what they can do. Children have the opportunity to explore new activities at lunchtime and after school, from the adventurous Climbing and Bouldering Club to the entrepreneurial skills acquired through the Website Design Club. Many clubs are for no purpose other than fun, but others involve specialist preparation for formal exams to give an additional focus for progress, achievement and satisfaction. The School believes that our gifts are used most effectively in the service of others. Children are encouraged to think of others by supporting charity events, growing vegetables in the School garden and welcoming the elderly for afternoon tea and a summer concert. Experience has proven this is a valuable lesson at such a young age and one that teaches empathy, kindness and a sense of duty.
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:10 Page 17
Dean Close affirms that we are all comprised of body, mind and spirit and encourages children to explore all facets of their personality
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:10 Page 18
I am
Dean Close
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:10 Page 19
www.deanclose.org.uk
Dean Close Prep Prospectus A4 New 2017_Layout 1 05/05/2017 09:10 Page 20
DEAN CLOSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Lansdown Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 6QS Telephone 01242 512217 Email dcpsoffice@deanclose.org.uk www.deanclose.org.uk