‘Celebrated 100 Years in 2020-21.’ Manor House School, Manor House Lane,
A SELECTIVE INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED
Little Bookham, Surrey KT23 4EN
4-16 WITH CO-EDUCATIONAL NURSERY AND LOWER PREP
www.manorhouseschool.org | Tel: 01372 457077 Email: admissions@manorhouseschool.org
@ManorHseSchool
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manorhouseschool_bookham
PROSPECTUS ‘To Love is to Live.’
WELCOME I am delighted that you are considering Manor House School for your child. Founded in 1920, the school is nestled in seventeen acres of magical gardens, woodlands and sports facilities near the village of Bookham, Surrey. Our magnificent country house is brought alive by the creative and positive energy of our pupils and staff who enjoy learning and working together here. Our community is small enough to know all pupils individually, yet large enough to offer a broad range of opportunities and experiences. As a result, pupils excel academically, however we recognise that examination results alone will not equip them with the skills they require to thrive in the changing world in which we live. We therefore ensure that we open up the world to our pupils. If your child joins us, they will, for example, discover the wonder of sciences, the thrill of competition and the pleasure and pride of overcoming challenges. Our motto “To Love is to Live” is upheld by the courtesy and kindness that our community show one another. Seven core values underpin this motto and form the foundations of school life. n
A Love of Learning
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Academic Excellence
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Unforgettable Experiences
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Individual Challenge
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Happy and Healthy
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Creative and Collaborative
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Future Leaders
We are delighted to join the Effingham Schools Trust. This new partnership with St Teresa’s and Cranmore will enable Manor House School to focus on it’s strengths whilst retaining it’s individuality, yet providing access to a rich variety of events, facilities and resources. The new partnership will also mean that our pupils will have the guarantee of a place at the combined Sixth Form from 2025. Our prospectus gives you a glimpse into our vibrant school life but there is nothing better than seeing and experiencing this for yourself.
“Our aim is to develop happy young women who believe in their abilities and achieve their personal best.”
I very much look forward to meeting you, be it virtually or in person, at one of our future open events or for a tour of the school.
Tracey Fantham BA (Hons) MA NPQH Headteacher
A LOVE OF LEARNING We nurture our pupils into self-confident, successful and happy young individuals who contribute to society, with a passion for lifelong learning and a curiosity about the world around them. Our forward thinking approach ensures that pupils are prepared for the modern world with the skills and qualities of leadership, teamwork, self-confidence and generosity of spirit, underpinned by the traditional values of respect, kindness and integrity. Technology is integrated into the learning environment and pupils use iPads as a tool to support their learning. We provide a supportive, yet demanding, learning environment. Well-equipped spaces and excellent resources for every age create the best possible learning experience, where pupils are encouraged and inspired by committed teaching staff. We love to learn, we work together and we help each other, from Reception through to the Seniors. Happy pupils make the greatest progress in their learning. At Manor House School we identify and develop the individual qualities of each pupil and support them in their intellectual, social and physical pursuits.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Through appropriate measures of individual guidance and challenge, pupils at Manor House School achieve excellent academic standards. From Reception through to Seniors, our approach allows pupils to flourish as independent learners, ensuring they progress to the Sixth Form College. Transition through the school is seamless and, as a result, progress data indicates exceptional ‘added value’ as pupils exceed target grades. Our teaching staff have a deep enthusiasm and passion for their subjects and age specialisms and engage pupils through high quality teaching and learning. Regular feedback between teacher and pupil in all aspects of work and play is at the heart of our success. As a result, pupils develop very positive attitudes to learning. Right from the outset, we plan, support or extend work to develop the confidence and skills for each and every pupil. Mathematics is set in Year 6. Movement between the sets is fluid to allow for pupils developing learning needs. In the Senior School, girls follow a broad curriculum including a choice of Modern Languages, Latin or Classical Civilisation, Humanities and practical subjects. Girls are assessed at the start of Year 7, allowing us to track progress as they move up the school. From Year 10, each girl studies the core GCSE subjects of English, Mathematics and Science along with four chosen subjects from a range of broad options. Girls also continue to study PE and PSHE as non-examined subjects. While academic progress is naturally the focus, school life is also filled with sport, art, music, expeditions and a range of extra-curricular activities.
“Pupils achieve well both academically and in wider pursuits.”
ISI 2019
“Friendships are forged and the memories created are discussed for years to come.” ISI 2019
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES School life is about so much more than academic results and the education and opportunities on offer at Manor House School extend well beyond the classroom. The curriculum is enhanced through school trips and visiting speakers, both of which help to widen and deepen the pupils understanding as well as linking their learning to the world around them. All pupils can represent the school in sports teams, perform in the school productions and take part in the annual ‘theme week’ which offers a range of unique experiences. Pupils have the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities and every pupil is encouraged to find an interest that suits their skills. From the youngest age groups, pupils benefit from our provision of swimming, French, cooking, Physical Education, Music (learning the violin, piano and recorder by the end of Year 2) and Performing Arts - ballet, dance and drama - and our very own Forest School. The friendships forged and memories created on the annual residential trips (that girls take part in from Year 3) are discussed for years to come. Senior girls develop leadership and teamwork skills through the Prefect system, our Future Leaders Programme, Combined Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.
“Pupils work independently and develop good study skills. They plan and organise their work well, read critically and reflect effectively on the knowledge they have gained.” ISI 2019
INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGE Academic success is demonstrated every day throughout the school. Our staff know and understand each and every pupil and through this personal approach, are able to nurture and stretch each pupil to ensure that they fulfil their potential, be that academically, on the sports field, musically or on stage. Class sizes are small with tutor groups of approximately twenty in our senior department and all girls receive the individual attention that will ensure they flourish. Our aim is to encourage pupils to have and achieve the highest aspirations. We recognise that some of our pupils have a high level of academic ability in one or more subject areas, or indeed an exceptional talent such as leadership, creativity or highly developed social skills. Our Gifted and Talented programme helps to stretch and challenge their intellect. Pupils are encouraged to work beyond their comfort zone and are offered many opportunities to participate in challenging activities such as skiing in Europe, speaking in public, participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme or taking a role in the school productions. We offer a rich, challenging and differentiated provision for our most able pupils so that all ages can work at their own level and pace. This is realised through in-year setting, staff mentoring, self-paced learning for specific areas and differentiated schemes of work.
HAPPY & HEALTHY A welcoming, happy atmosphere, a warm, friendly ethos and positive relationships between pupils and staff create an environment in which pupils feel happy, safe and supported. Strong pastoral care and a focus on well-being is an important feature of the school and the smaller setting ensures that pupils are known as individuals by all. These qualities inspire the pupils to achieve their very best as they progress through the school from Reception to Seniors. Sport is a fundamental part of Manor House School life. Specialist teaching takes place throughout the school, with pupils developing individual and team skills, self-confidence and a positive attitude towards physical activity and fitness. Through sport for all and a wide range of extra-curricular activities, pupils are encouraged to foster a healthy, active lifestyle. We play competitive matches against a number of schools and pupils compete successfully at district, county and national level. The Prep School curriculum includes physical development, games skills and activities, gymnastics, dance, outdoor adventure activities, Forest School and swimming. By Seniors, our PE curriculum includes traditional team games - Netball, Hockey and Rounders - as well as Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Swimming, Athletics and Cricket. Movement is also expressed through Gymnastics and Dance. Senior and Prep extra-curricular activities include Athletics, Badminton, Cross-Country, Dance, Golf, Gymnastics, Hockey, Rounders, Netball, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Swimming and Yoga. We also have our own Tennis Academy providing coaching from beginner to performance levels. Inter-house challenges also rouse the best competitive instincts, in addition to school sports days and swimming galas. Our award-winning in-house catering team create balanced and varied menus and we enjoy fantastic, healthy food, using local suppliers and produce wherever possible.
“Pupils have an excellent understanding of how to live healthy lives.”
ISI 2019
“Pupils across the school show great appreciation of the non-material aspects of life through their enjoyment of creativity in Art and Music, their study of other cultures in language lessons and through the literature they read.” ISI 2019
CREATIVE & COLLABORATIVE Art, Drama, Music and Dance feature highly in school life and enable our pupils to develop their creative and expressive skills. Within the classroom, creative application of knowledge and skills is developed. All pupils have the opportunity to take part in the high quality school productions and studying a musical instrument is encouraged for all. Pupils enjoy practising and performing together as part of our choirs, orchestra, instrumental ensembles and school bands as well as outside of school, such as at the National Trust’s Polesden Lacey and Hatchlands, or on BBC Radio Surrey. LAMDA lessons are very popular and are available from Year 1 and into Seniors. Manor House School collaborates with other schools to the benefit of all pupils, for language and sporting competitions, access to facilities and a plethora of educational trips. Opportunities to participate in a range of charitable events foster an understanding and generosity of spirit for those in greater need. These activities, alongside outreach work both locally and internationally, ensure that girls leave Manor House School with an appreciation of the wider world they will enter beyond school and university. Opportunities across the Trust enable pupils and staff to access facilities at each school as well as combined activities.
FUTURE LEADERS Manor House School aims to help girls develop into responsible, tolerant young women with the ambition and ability to contribute to society and become the leaders of tomorrow. When our girls reach Year 11, they enjoy responsibilities and privileges normally awarded at Sixth Form level. The Senior Prefect team including Head Girl, Deputy Head Girl, Senior Prefects and House Captains is appointed following a voting and interview procedure. There are numerous leadership roles throughout the school, allowing pupils to play a leading role in school events and special days as well as acting as role models, peer mentors and Supportive Friends. The younger pupils identify the older pupils as excellent role models, particularly the ‘Supportive Friends’. Pupils are well prepared for the technologically rich world into which they will emerge. Pupils use iPads as a tool for learning and all Seniors have their own device. ICT is taught across the school and as a result, their skills are well developed. At Manor House School, we prepare our young people not only for the technologically rich world in which they will live and grow, but with the maturity to use their skills and these tools wisely. Manor House alumnae enter a wide range of professions, from medicine and engineering, the arts to academia. We cherish our alumnae and are delighted to welcome them back as valued members of our community and as mentors, visiting speakers, Governors and thoroughly inspiring women.
“Pupils demonstrate well-developed entrepreneurial skills and understand the importance of contributing to the local community.” ISI 2019
CONTACT US Address Manor House School, Manor House lane, Little Bookham, Leatherhead, Surrey. KT23 4EN Email: admissions@manorhouseschool.org www.manorhouseschool.org Tel: 01372 457077
School Bus Services Manor House School is easily accessible from Leatherhead, Ashtead, Cobham, Dorking, East and West Horsley, Epsom, Esher, Guildford, Surbiton, Kingston, Ripley, Send, Walton, Wimbledon and the surrounding villages via a comprehensive school bus service. Member of the Girls School Association (GSA)