Dean Close Immersion Programme
Contents
Introduction
Overview of Programme
Dean Close Preparatory School
Catering and Welfare
Introduction
Marie Widdowson, Commercial Director
The Dean Close Foundation is a growing, vibrant and diverse family of independent schools and nurseries, uniting around a shared vision and set of values. These spring from the origins of Dean Close School, which was founded in 1886 in memory of Dean Francis Close, Rector of Cheltenham and educational philanthropist. The Christian ethos of that original school continues today where the aim is that every child should be given the opportunities to flourish, underpinned by its core values of courage, contribution and love which are the guiding principles behind its educational vision. These values run through all that we do including our term time, short stay programmes.
We understand that not everyone wants to commit to an education at an English boarding school, without trying it first. Students may also wish to improve English language skills before embarking on their UK Boarding experience in the future. For some, the Short Stay Immersion Programme ultimately is the first step to transitioning to full-time study with us.
Immersion pupils will make friends from the UK and around the world whilst improving their English skills and developing their independence. They will study alongside Dean Close Foundation pupils and will participate in all aspects of school life.
Overview
Dean Close Prep School offers exceptional coeducational schooling for children aged 8 - 13 years.
The DCPS Immersion programme runs three times a year and is designed to offer young people aged 10 & 11 a fun, engaging and comprehensive experience of life in a traditional boarding school in England.
Over the course of the two weeks, as well as academic and English language development, the programme helps students to develop transferable skills and gain valuable life experience. Every student receives a certificate and pupil school report at the end of their stay
In the day, pupils will be fully integrated into the life of the school, and in the evening, students and visiting staff will stay in a dedicated Boarding House normally used by our Flexi Boarders. During the immersion programmes, the house will be exclusively used by the visiting students and staff, providing a safe, secure and spacious environment for all.
*Please note that in the June stay, DCPS students may be sitting exams on some days and the timetable will be adapted to accommodate this.
Weekly Timetable
Excursions & Activities
Excursions:
During the programme there is the opportunity to explore local attractions with our regular boarding students.
Activities:
On-site activities will include team building games and exercises as well as sport such as football & Basketball. Students will be given time to enjoy the pool and other school facilities throughout their time with us, as well as time to just relax and replenish their energy in our boarding houses and social spaces.
Catering
We offer a varied and healthy menu with options from around the world as well as staple British meals such as a Sunday roast and fish & chips
Breakfast is a variation of cooked and continental with lunch offering a salad bar, with cold options and a hot option
Our fantastic catering team have a wealth of experience and have been with us for many years.
We are a nut free site with all dietary requirements catered for.
Snacks and drinks are served during break times.
Health & Welfare
Students are supervised at all times Welfare or health concerns are spotted quickly and dealt with promptly. All our staff will be trained in Safeguarding.
Students will be covered by a basic insurance policy with a nurse available to assist, if necessary, through our on-site Medical Centre
The student's laundry will be washed once per week as required with bedding also changed once during the two week stay.
Students will be given a safeguarding briefing upon arrival and will have staff they can contact if they need support
Contact Details
Marie Widdowson
Commercial Director, Dean Close Services Ltd
Dean Close Foundation, Dean Close House, 67
Lansdown road, Cheltenham, GL51 6QD, England
+1242 258023 | EXT 741
mwiddowson@deanclose.org.uk