Nursery • Prep Where every child feels nurtured, challenged and supported
Contents Welcome 5 Experiential Learning
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A Broad and Exciting Curriculum
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A Partnership with Roedean
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An Holistic Approach
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Early Years
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Wrap-Around Care
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Transition to Senior School and Roedean
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Admissions & Fees
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WHAT THE PARENTS SAY...
‘My daughter has shined academically since she started [at Deepdene], as well as creatively. I can’t thank them enough for nurturing her new-found skills…I absolutely cannot fault the teachers and staff. They are attentive, interactive and are very caring with the children.’ Parent of Pre-School pupil
A Small School... With Big Ideas Welcome to Deepdene Prep, a small independent school in Hove for boys and girls aged 6 months to 11 years Deepdene Prep & Nursery is a co-educational school in Hove delivering a rigorous curriculum within a supportive and uplifting community. We are a small school with big ideas!
Mrs Nicola Gane, Principal
Deepdene enjoys strong and established links with Roedean and shares Roedean’s ethos, combining the highest academic standards with an expansive and exciting allround education. At Deepdene, we pride ourselves on offering an affordable, bespoke, quality education, where every single child feels nurtured and valued, and, most importantly, that their voice matters. Pupils are challenged to reach their full potential within small classes and a supportive environment. At Deepdene, knowing the unique and individual character of every child is central to our ethos and enables us to support and challenge our pupils to become the best versions of themselves. Teachers and staff contribute to the ethos of the school by developing a creative and inspiring environment which helps our pupils to develop a lifelong thirst for learning.
Ms Tracey Hayward, Head of School
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TEACH ON THE BEACH
‘Teach on the Beach is an initiative we started in 2020, where we take each class at least once per term for a lesson on the beach - whether that is for Geography, Science or Art. This initiative also supports our work as an Eco School, where we are currently working towards our Silver Award.’ Ms Hayward, Head of School
Experiential Learning Practical and hands-on experiences are at the heart of the creative process of learning at Deepdene
New in 2020, our STEM Lab at the heart of the school is packed with equipment, light and space. The children are able to approach Science, Maths and Technology with the kind of hands-on learning that we know allows for the best outcomes. Located in Hove and less than ten minutes’ walk from the beach and Hove lagoon, at Deepdene Prep we have plenty of resources on our doorstep that we regularly make use of to encourage experiential learning, most recently encapsulated by our Teach on the Beach initiative. 6
STEM AT DEEPDENE
‘STEM is so important, particularly in the current climate. I want these children to be excited by the possibilities of STEM, and to always dive head-first into their learning.’ Mrs King, Head of STEM
THE SECRET GARDEN
‘We often use this local garden to support our Science work, where the children are encouraged to be curious and ask questions about the world around them. They are particularly enjoying the pond-dipping right now!’ Ms Hayward, Head of School
WHAT THE PUPILS SAY...
‘I never dreamt that I would be anything like Head Girl, but when I think back, it was Deepdene that first started me believing in myself and my abilities.’ Eleanor, Former Roedean Head Girl (Now reading History at Edinburgh)
A Broad and Exciting Curriculum Small class sizes and a wideranging curriculum taught by innovative, specialist teachers Our curriculum is based on the school’s aims, with the emphasis on learning, wherever possible, from first-hand experience, not only developing our pupils’ potential, but allowing them to enjoy the creative process of learning. In the Lower School, the children benefit from specialist teaching in Art, Sport, Music, Drama, French and Dance. In the Upper School, further specialist teaching ensures confident and active learners in the following subjects: Maths, English, History, Languages and STEM. Children learn languages from an early age at Deepdene, starting with French in the Nursery, picking up Spanish in Year 3 and then Latin in Years 5 and 6. At Deepdene, our pupil-centred approach allows children to learn in an environment that ensures they feel nurtured, challenged and supported.
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WHAT THE PUPILS SAY...
‘I love Deepdene because you learn so many new things, make good friends, and all the teachers are really nice.’ Luciana, Year 6 9
SOME OF OUR ACTIVITIES...
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Cooking
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Coding
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Eco Club
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Fitness Fun
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Martial Arts
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Street Dance
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Tennis
SOME OF OUR TRIPS...
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Art - Museums and galleries in London
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History - Fishbourne Roman Palace, Newhaven Fort, Butser Ancient Farm, Brighton Pavillion, Battle Abbey
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Science - Herstmonceux Science Centre
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Residential trip to PGL in Years 4, 5 & 6
A Partnership with Roedean Deepdene’s partnership with Roedean continues to go from strength to strength Deepdene has strong and established links with Roedean. Pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6 enjoy weekly visits to Roedean for a structured programme of Sport and Academic Enrichment, taking full advantage of the wonderful space and facilities, including the full-sized astro hockey pitch, 12 tennis and netball courts, a heated indoor pool and the use of our Science Labs and equipment. This year we are also delighted to be launching Roedean Experience Days exclusive to Deepdene for Years 3 to 6 twice a term, covering Geography, Classics, Maths, Art, History and English, all run by Roedean academic staff. These day-long sessions allow the children a deeper exploration of each subject, whilst every visit to Roedean gives them the chance to experience the breadth, scope and opportunities of a Senior School while still at Prep School. 10
An Holistic Approach A meaningful range of activities, clubs and trips offer a breadth of knowledge and experience, and the opportunity for discovering passions At Deepdene, learning extends well beyond the classroom. We know that a happy child who finds interests and talents in one area will build confidence to be successful in another. That’s why we offer a range of meaningful experiences through clubs, activities and trips, and through our expansive curriculum. Our Head of Performing Arts and our Head of Art have ensured an exciting Creative & Performing Arts curriculum that is taught from an early age whilst our wide-ranging Sports Programme includes Hockey, Cricket, Football, Rugby, Tennis, Swimming, Gymnastics and Dance, ensuring there is something for every child to enjoy.
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Early Years Nursery and Reception We ensure that your child will flourish in all areas, and is made to feel special whilst under our care We take children from 6 months into our Nursery, which is located in the heart of the school on the ground floor. In our warm, brightly decorated rooms your child will be nurtured and valued. Our caring and experienced Nursery staff are what really sets Deepdene Nursery apart. We have a very low staff turnover; the average length of employment of our staff is well above the national average for nurseries. For small children, seeing the same faces each day is paramount to making them feel safe and secure. At Deepdene we will ensure your child is made to feel special and given plenty of individual attention so that when you leave them you can relax in the knowledge that they will be valued and listened to by someone who is personally making every effort to get to know your child. For more information on hours available, fees, and to book a tour of the Nursery, please contact Ms Taylor on secretary@ deepdeneschool.com. We are pleased to offer the Early Years Funding at Deepdene Nursery. WHAT THE PARENTS SAY...
‘We found Deepdene on recommendation from a work colleague. We couldn’t be happier here. The nursery staff have been so amazing with our little boy, treating him like family. He is so happy to go to nursery every morning and it makes it so much easier to go to work. The team really work with you to ensure you have the kind of coverage you need. Everyone is so kind and helpful and friendly, we cannot recommend Deepdene enough.’ Nursery Parent 12
Whether joining us as a new pupil, or having transitioned from our Upper Nursery classes, children in the Reception class start their school education with us in a large, bright and airy classroom, with enthusiastic and specialist teaching that is able to differentiate for every single child. Small class sizes and a bespoke education offer children an inspiring and creative environment where they fall in love with learning. Specialist teaching is offered in Drama, Music, Tennis, Sport, French, and weekly ballet lessons are also included in the curriculum. In our Reception class, we accept the Early Years Funding for three terms after your child’s 4th birthday, which will be deducted from your school fees.
WHAT THE PARENTS SAY...
‘Thank you for everything you’ve done to nurture our little boy. We, and all the other parents, are very grateful to you for delivering an education to our precious children, in a kind and loving way. It’s made a big difference.’ Reception Parent
Wrap-Around Care Our pupils always look forward to coming to school in the morning and our affordable Wrap-Around Care, from 8am to 6pm, is an extension of the family atmosphere that we provide. WHAT THE PUPILS SAY...
‘I love the experience of learning new things. My school is the best ever!’ Etty, Year 5
TIMETABLE
(Please note that Years R, 1, 2 & 3 finish each day at 3.20pm. Years 4, 5 & 6 finish Monday to Thursday at 4.30pm)
There is a wide variety of after-school clubs and activities for children to join such as Cooking, Street Dance and Art, but if you need to leave your children after school hours and they do not wish to join in with a club or activity, they can attend our Stay & Play sessions. These sessions are structured in a relaxed way and pupils are given a choice of activities to participate in within the session.
8.00 - 8.30am - Early Birds £5.00 3.30 - 4.30pm - Club £6.50 3.30 - 4.30pm - Stay & Play £3.50 4.30 - 5.30pm - Club £6.50 4.30 - 5.30pm - Stay & Play £3.50 5.30 - 6.00pm - Night Owls £5.00 13
WHAT THE PUPILS SAY...
‘My time at Deepdene School was essential to the development of the person I am today.’ Harvey, Lancing College Sixth Form
Transition to Senior School & Roedean Our expert teachers ensure a smooth transition to leading independent and local senior schools Every year, we are delighted that Deepdene pupils move on to a range of schools in the area, including both top-performing independent schools and leading local schools in the maintained sector. Wherever they go, Deepdene pupils find that they arrive at their new schools confident and engaged, and with strong foundations for their ongoing education. Each year, girls at Deepdene who wish to apply can experience a smooth transition to Roedean School, subject to the Roedean admissions process, to continue their education very successfully at Roedean in Year 7. Deepdene’s girls join in with Roedean’s exciting programme of activity days to ensure they feel completely at ease within the school by the time they enrol.
WHAT THE PUPILS SAY...
‘The friends you make at Deepdene make the transition to Roedean so much easier.’ Kallie, Year 8 at Roedean 14
Roedean’s Early Entrance Programme is an option designed to fast-track certainty of a place whilst still enabling prospective pupils to take part in Roedean’s programme of inspiring and challenging activity days. In the summer of Year 5, early entry places can be awarded following successful performances in their entrance papers.
FEES 2021 / 2022 Deepdene offers a flat-fee structure across the Prep School. Fees include all tuition, books and classroom resources Reception - Year 6 £3,068 per term School Lunches - £198 per term School Lunches - £198 per term Registration fee - £50 Deposit - £500 (refunded in your child’s last term) Some sports, such as swimming and gymnastics, peripatetic music and LAMDA lessons all incur an extra charge
Admissions & Fees At Deepdene, we aim to make the admissions process as smooth and informative as possible. We understand that choosing the right school for your son or daughter is a big decision, and we will help to support you through this in any way we can. Prep School admissions will be managed by the Roedean Admissions team, with Mrs Alexa Barlow, Group Registrar, as your main point of contact (abw@roedean.co.uk). For Nursery admissions, please contact Ms Alison Taylor (secretary@deepdeneschool.com) who will be delighted to discuss available hours and fees with you. Please get in touch with your son or daughter’s full name, date of birth, and a recent school report if applicable. We would then be delighted to arrange a tour, which is the best way to get a feel for the school, and is an excellent opportunity to meet some current pupils who will be your tour guides, along with a chance for discussion with the Principal and/or Head of School. Once Registered, children enjoy a Taster Day with us which is a chance for your child and their future class and school staff to get to know each other in a relaxed setting. Registration for a school place costs £50, and the place is secured with a £500 Deposit. We are pleased to be able to offer a flat-fee structure, which makes us one of the most affordable Prep Schools in the area, and significant financial awards are available to widen access for local families. 15
Our Partnerships Registrar, Mrs Alexa Barlow (abw@roedean. co.uk), will be your main point of contact throughout the admissions’ process and will be happy to discuss any questions you may have, along with Registrar Ms Joanna Clarke (jco@roedean.co.uk), and the Admissions Team at Roedean. Deepdene Prep & Nursery, 195 New Church Road Hove, East Sussex, BN3 4ED
One of the Roedean Group of Schools