Building a sense of belonging within our schools to help nurture self-belief and empower children to make a difference Claire Murdoch, Head of Maple Walk School, talks about how prep schools can inspire positive change by focusing on citizenship and community Maple Walk has always been a nurturing, affordable prep school with a big heart. Fees are lower than most so that as many families as possible can join us and become a part of our supportive and dynamic community. It is a place where the children are at the centre; with parents and teachers working together to ensure they feel loved, understood, challenged and inspired. Most importantly it is a place where the children learn that they can make a difference. Over the past few years, many of us have realised the huge benefit of being a part of a community, having a sense of belonging and working together to support each other and our environment. But the power of
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citizenship has long been a part of what makes Maple Walk special and it is this ‘togetherness’ that has helped the school to forge a unique path. Becoming socially aware local citizens helps children to see how their actions impact those around them and they can see the benefits of efforts; singing at local care homes, collecting food for those in need, litter picking in the local area all form a part of this process and we have found it to be wonderfully inspiring. Each morning the ‘Walking Bus’ meet at the fountain in Roundwood Park and stroll through the park to get to school. This small but magical start to the day really helps to bind the children to their local park, gets them outside
