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“Richard Pate was an important and influential part of my childhood. I have extremely positive memories of this wonderful school and couldn’t have asked for a more supportive start to my education. Opportunities in and out of the classroom were endless.” – ALEX GREGORY, FORMER PUPIL, MBE AND TWO TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST IN COXLESS FOUR ROWING, LONDON 2012 AND RIO 2016
Preparing for the Future Choosing the best school for your child can be one of the most difficult decisions any parent has to make. The Richard Pate School prides itself on developing happy, confident children with a passionate desire to learn. Combining small classes and state-of-the-art facilities our experienced and dedicated staff expose the children to a broad and varied curriculum.
Our results in grammar school entrance tests and success with independent scholarships mean that the children have many doors opened for the challenges that await them. After looking through our prospectus we would value an opportunity to show you why we believe the Richard Pate School would provide your child with an excellent start to their educational journey.
“Experiences that will stay with you forever.” – CURRENT PUPIL
The Perfect Start Our Nursery and Reception years form the Early Years Foundation Stage that is so critical to any child’s education. Our children develop a passion for learning in bright, open purposebuilt spaces. Our experienced, dedicated team of educators cater to individual talents and interests while supporting children in any areas they might find more challenging. We believe that strong foundations at this stage help to ensure the children find greater success and enjoyment throughout their education. The Nursery children form a single year group in their spacious surroundings which benefits from its own playground and well-resourced indoor areas. Our highly qualified staff ensure excellent ratios to give children the perfect start.
While the Nursery is very well resourced the children are also able to take advantage of the woodland area, the astropitch and the gymnastics hall on a regular basis. The children also feel very much a part of the school as they join in with assemblies three times a week and lead us into the dining hall for their lunchtime meal. As the children make their transition to Reception they continue to enjoy “Learning through Play”. They make impressive strides in their literacy and numeracy while discovering more about the world around them. The generous Reception “free flow” area gives them plenty of space beyond their classrooms to continue their explorations.
“The School has excellent facilities including our own pond, woodland and science labs!” – CURRENT PUPIL
A Love of Learning Covering a syllabus is important for any school but at Richard Pate we pride ourselves on the love of learning we inspire in each child. This is achieved through creative, passionate teaching delivered in state-of-theart facilities. The broad curriculum allows children to learn about a wide variety of topics that spark interests which last a lifetime. A variety of experiences in art, music, drama, languages and sport allow all children to find areas to develop their passions. The learning is enhanced by guest speakers, visiting presenters and educational visits outside of school for all year groups.
“From a young age, the school was able to show me that yes, I can do it. And for that, I am extremely grateful.” – RUBY
Our Curriculum Focus Programme sees the School concentrate on a different subject area each term. This allows our Curriculum Leaders to design termly projects which bring new and innovative ways to celebrate particular subject areas. This has seen such varied activities as the Kite Man helping 160 children design and build their own kite before flying them on the school playing fields. We have held whole school language days where all year groups were combined to learn about Dutch, Spanish, Urdu
and Mandarin to name but a few. Each term the children are also challenged with Curriculum Extension Activities which can involve the whole family. The School has invested heavily in specialist teaching facilities that allow the children to explore topics in far greater depth. Our dedicated teaching staff take lessons in purpose built spaces including a science lab, art studio, music centre, IT suite and woodland area.
Explore Your Imagination From the very first day they join the Richard Pate School, children are encouraged to share their creative spirit in all lessons. Individuality is evident in the beautiful art work that fills every corridor. The children work with a wide variety of techniques including painting, drawing, weaving, print making, batik, ceramics and many others. They are also exposed to the inspiration of many well-known artists to enhance their own projects. From Nursery the children are exposed to the wonders of music as they explore sounds with our visiting music and movement specialists. Opportunities for performance come very early in their experience both in regular music lessons
and shows performed for parents. We allow all the children to learn a class instrument from Year 3 with the recorder and electric keyboard providing the introduction to written music. Our peripatetic music team provide individual instruction in Suzuki flute and violin as young as Nursery as well as piano, woodwind, brass, percussion and guitar. The children have opportunities to perform in front of fellow pupils and parents in numerous informal concerts. The choir and orchestra also perform in a number of more formal events including concerts in Cheltenham College Chapel, the Town Hall and Gloucester Cathedral.
“Richard Pate is probably the perfect start for anyone!” – LOUIE
Visitors to the School regularly comment on the confidence they see in each of our children. This develops through countless opportunities to speak in front of others. That confidence is most evident when the children take to the stage for the productions from Nursery through to Year 6. The Nursery children show their great dramatic potential in a summer production recreating a well-loved children’s classic. The Reception children bring the beautiful Nativity story to the stage each Christmas.
We always enjoy a collection of singing, dancing and storytelling when the Year 2 children present their productions which have included Aladdin and Peter Pan. Year 3 and 4 bring our summer season to life with their combined drama and music event and the stage is always alive at the end of the Spring Term when Year 6 show the culmination of all that training and experience in classic productions which have included “Beauty and the Beast”, “Grease” and “Bugsy Malone”.
Taking Part “I think the Richard Pate School is special because we are always encouraged to be independent, creative and unique.” – CURRENT PUPIL
The School is very much a family affair. Everyone’s contributions are valued and celebrated whether they be on the sports pitch, in the classroom, on the stage or in the playground. The children are encouraged to take part in all the rich variety of activities. By the time the children reach Year 6 they may be serving as librarians, school monitors, playground buddies, members of our School Council or part of our Debating Club. These areas of responsibility help the children to develop and bring everyone together as part of the greater School community.
“The sport builds up team spirit and creates good friendships. The teachers help us to work together so we can do our best.” – CURRENT PUPIL
Personal Best Our children are all very different and their individuality is what makes them special. They all have their strengths as well as areas that need support as they develop. We never expect the same outcomes from them but we do expect them to try their hardest and do their best. This instils in every child a laudable work ethic that remains one of their greatest strengths long after they leave Richard Pate.
This striving to do their best helps us to unlock their potential in all areas of school life and typically sees them surpass expectations. Individual learning support helps to identify areas of need early and this early intervention is key to avoiding larger areas of concern further down the line. The children take great pride in their own achievements and these are celebrated through Friday awards, the Commendation Book and the Achievement Board.
Sport at Richard Pate is very inclusive and all children will have an opportunity to represent their School. The girls participate in a range of sports including the core sports of hockey, netball, rounders and tennis as well as some lacrosse. The boys have lessons in rugby, football, hockey, cricket and tennis. All children will also participate in swimming, gymnastics, dance and athletics to give a well-rounded sporting experience.
By giving children such a wide variety of challenges they all find their areas of strength but also develop in those areas where things do not come so naturally. Local rivalries with other schools are positive and good natured and help children to enjoy hard fought victories while also learning to accept defeat graciously.
“I gained fundamental communication skills which have aided me in my sporting success today.” – KATIE
Challenging Opportunities The children’s academic education is hugely important but we also strive to give them experiences that take them out of their comfort zone. The eleven and half acre site features wide open spaces in which to run and explore and despite being near the heart of Cheltenham our beautiful woodland area allows the children to experience nature first hand. The pond provides even our youngest children with
an opportunity to study another ecosystem. The newly developed sensory trail also gives children the chance to enjoy the wonders of our natural world. The children enjoy participating in a wide variety of clubs and activities which include knitting, computer programming, art photography, debating, board games, sports clubs and many more.
“We enjoy so many lessons and activities from maths to sport, pond-dipping to den building.” – CURRENT PUPIL
“I think the great thing about Richard Pate was that it didn’t force you to be any one thing.” – GEORGE
As lucky as we are to have such a wide range of facilities on site we enjoy taking the children out of school as well. Regular day trips see the children travel to Gloucester Cathedral, the Caerleon Roman Fortress and the Commandery Museum to name but a few.
Our older children enjoy residential trips which build independence and confidence. The Year 4 children travel to a PGL centre to enjoy their first residential experience of high adrenaline activities while the Year 6’s have their own adventure in a chateau in northern France where they can practice their extensive French language skills.
“Uptatincium eium faces dus nus aut utempelit aut des moluptatquos es moluptaquid quias utet que.”
A Family Community One of the most notable aspects of Richard Pate is the deep connection people feel for the school community. The older children have a great affinity for the younger members of our school family and are able to help out through assisting at playtime or acting in their roles as Monitors or Buddies.
Past pupils often return to become involved in work experience or just to volunteer to help out. They always speak with fondness of the lovely times they enjoyed as pupils at Richard Pate. The Christmas and Summer Fayres are filled with young adults hoping to reconnect with old friends but also to remember the lovely times they enjoyed in their formative years.
“I have gained life-long friends, we still talk about our time at Richard Pate.” – FORMER PUPIL
Beyond Richard Pate It seems odd to consider leaving a school as part of the process of joining but it is always vital to consider what options your child will have at the end of their journey. We believe that part of our service to you as parents is finding the best school to continue your children’s academic journey. Over the past decade the children have moved on to more than 35 different senior schools. They are currently thriving in independent senior schools, grammar schools and some of the very best comprehensive schools.
Our senior schools love to have Richard Pate pupils because they are “taught how to learn”. We are always told they are polite and hardworking, confident without being arrogant. The work ethic they have inherited and the passion for learning helps them to stand apart wherever they continue their academic journey.
RUBY, YEAR 3, 2007
“From a young age, the school was able to show me that yes, I can do it. And for that, I am extremely grateful.” – RUBY
Where are they now? RUBY, 2010 LEAVER “I have just completed my A-Levels in History, Physics, Maths and Spanish at Pate’s Grammar School after achieving 11 A*s in my GCSEs. I hope to combine skills in these subjects, along with my interest in politics, human rights, criminal justice and debating, to pursue a career in law. I help run Pate’s Amnesty Society. We act on behalf of the global organisation, Amnesty International, by raising awareness of human rights violations, fundraising and campaigning for individuals to gain their freedom, or for States to adapt their laws to make them more humane. I have also taken part in a European Youth Parliament regional competition, where we debated the current issues Europe is facing.
Another significant part of my time is spent being a Scout. Being part of this organisation has allowed me to travel abroad and meet many amazing people. By spending my primary school years at the Richard Pate School, I was encouraged to always do my best and take every opportunity. This gave me confidence and self-belief, also instilling a good work ethic, which I’ve found invaluable later on in life.” Ruby has been offered a place at Oxford University to read Law.
“Richard Pate is probably the perfect start for anyone!” – LOUIE
LOUIE, YEAR 4, 2007
Where are they now? LOUIE, 2009 LEAVER “Richard Pate really gave me the mindset and manners that have defined me as a person ever since I left in 2009. I think Richard Pate really gave me the drive and inspiration that is vital for all children these days. It has the perfect blend of learning and fun, which is a very hard balance to strike. The advice and help I was given at RPS has not only helped shape my future for the better but would be advice I would happily give to anyone who needed it. Memories: condensed version because I have too many! •
Everyone having the time of their lives at the Year 6 Leavers disco
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Mr MacDonald roller blading into assembly, getting everyone really excited.
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French trip: playing a massive game of tag but trying to get to the opposite side without having our hidden pieces of paper taken.
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Canoeing experience on the French trip too.
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Dancing around the hall in Mrs MillerHowell’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and winning with Ellie Ford. We got maltesers as a prize.
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Harry McQuaid (best friend) and I being called into the Headmaster’s office to be congratulated on our artwork (very contemporary).
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Going to a train station to film my opening for the Year 6 play ‘The Rocky Monster Show’ and performing the show to the rest of the school and our parents.
I left for Tommies in 2009 moving to Crypt for 6th form. I’m currently studying Creative Writing, Government and Psychology for A Level. I’m planning to shoot a short film and I hope to embark on a career in film making in the future.”
“I gained fundamental communication skills which have aided me in my sporting success today.” – KATIE KATIE, YEAR 3, 2007
Where are they now? KATIE, 2010 LEAVER “Being at Richard Pate was the most enjoyable school experience of my life. I have so many funny memories, including the Ski Trip when Mr Rowland fell off the edge of the piste or getting covered in mud on the French Trip. Richard Pate set foundations in my life, providing me with a very strong work ethic and independent research skills. I have gained life-long friends, we still talk about our time at Richard Pate. The sports teams were my highlight. Hockey matches with Mrs Powell with juicy oranges at half-time, followed by the pressure of writing a match report. In our Year 6 production, ‘We Will Rock You’, the staging and rehearsals made me believe I was performing on the West End, even though I never made the choir!
Charity Day turned into the most competitive day of the year, with who had the best stall and who gave the most sweets as prizes. I want to study Economics and Management at University with the aim of eventually running a business. Biology is one of my favourite subjects which I am studying at A level. I’m interested in seeing how humans have evolved over time and the adaptations that have taken place.” Katie has recently been selected to play hockey for England and has gone to Durham University to read Business and Management.
“I think the great thing about Richard Pate was that it didn’t force you to be any one thing.” GEORGE, YEAR 2, 2007
Where are they now? GEORGE, 2011 LEAVER “I joined the Richard Pate School at Easter in Year 1. We had just returned from 3 years in Melbourne, Australia. We started school later in Australia, so when I arrived everyone seemed much further ahead than me, but they made me feel really welco One of the things that I immediately liked about school was that there was a drum kit and a drum club. I’d been playing the drums since I was little, so it was good to be able to play at school. I think my first ever drum performance was accompanying the “Roman Rap” in Year 3. I’m now drumming with Gloucestershire Youth Jazz orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall, so things have moved on a bit! I learnt the violin at Richard Pate too, using what is called the “Suzuki method”. That taught me to play by ear, which gave me the confidence to have a go at other instruments. Now I play the guitar and write for my band, playing gigs in Cheltenham and around the country. A year ago we won the performance prize in the
national finals of Music for Youth, which was a fantastic moment. It wasn’t all music at Richard Pate though. In Year 6, I was in the school play. Drama wasn’t really my thing, but I was given the opportunity to take a leading role, which was really good for my confidence. My time at Richard Pate was fantastic. I loved playing football on the Astro every break and lunchtime. I had a great group of friends, lots of them came up to Pate’s Grammar with me. I’m now in sixth form at Sir Thomas Rich, studying A levels in English, Music and Psychology and I’m really enjoying it. I think the great thing about Richard Pate was that it didn’t force you to be any one thing. You could be a bit academic, a bit sporty, a bit musical, whatever – no one put you in a box. I’ve ended up wanting to be a professional musician, but I didn’t necessarily know that back then, so it was good to keep all the options open.” me and I soon settled in and caught up.
– GEORGE
“Imagination is as valued as knowledge.” – CURRENT PUPIL
See for Yourself There is no better way to discover what the Richard Pate School can offer your child than to come for a personal tour. The pages of this prospectus will give you a feel for the School but nothing replaces the experience of seeing the happy, hardworking children going about their business. Please call 01242 522086 to book an appointment and find out why so many people are talking about the Richard Pate School.
H A R D PAT E D E P E N D E N T S C H O O L 3 –11
THE RICHARD PATE SCHOOL Southern Road Leckhampton Cheltenham Glos GL53 9RP T: 01242 522086 www.richardpate.co.uk
Part of the Pate’s Grammar School Foundation - Registered Charity Number 311707
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