Notting Hill Prep School Prospectus

N OTTING H ILL P REPAR ATORY S CHOOL

CONTENTS

FOREWORD BY JANE CAMERON, HEADMISTRESS

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ETHOS OF THE SCHOOL – COMMUNITY WITHIN A COMMUNITY

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THE SCHOOL STRUCTURE

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TREATING ALL CHILDREN AS INDIVIDUALS

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CURRICULUM POLICY

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PREPARING CHILDREN FOR SENIOR SCHOOL

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS

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ENTRY PROCEDURE

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1

FOREWORD

BY JANE CAMERON, HEADMISTRESS

2 N O T T I N G H I L L P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L

Notting Hill Preparatory School was founded through the collaboration of parents and teachers, and this partnership forms the cornerstone of our philosophy. I believe that good communication and mutual support between parents and teachers can only enhance a child’s opportunity to progress and benefit fully from all that school has to offer.

Through a broad-based curriculum our aim is to ‘educate’ children in the true sense of the word. We strive to develop an excitement and passion for learning and to create an environment where children can explore, question and appreciate the richness of our culture and that of others.

I firmly believe that every child has talents and needs. It is our responsibility to ensure that we nurture all talents, allowing them to shine, whilst supporting individual needs. Developing their strengths and talents, and having the courage to tackle personal challenges, allows each child to maximise his or her potential.

The key attribute of any good school must be the quality and commitment of its staff. The professionalism, passion and nurturing approach of our teachers is second to none. It ensures that Notting Hill Prep is an exciting and stimulating place to be, a place where children feel challenged and supported in equal measure.

The whole school community is united in recognising that everyone has the right to begin and end the day in a happy frame of mind. Thus kindness, courtesy and concern for others are promoted as defining values of our ethos. Rarely a day goes by that I do not witness children’s enormous capacity for empathy or find myself struck by their perceptive insight and uncomplicated wisdom. We appreciate and celebrate a diversity of qualities and talents, and a generosity of spirit that every single member of Notting Hill Prep brings to the school.

This prospectus is intended to give you a flavour of what makes Notting Hill Prep special, but I would encourage you to come along for a visit and experience the school for yourself.

‘I firmly believe that every child has talents and needs. It is our responsibility to ensure that we nurture all talents, allowing them to shine, whilst supporting individual needs’ JANE CAMERON, HEADMISTRESS

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ETHOS OF THE SCHOOL A COMMUNITY WITHIN A COMMUNITY 4 N O T T I N G H I L L P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L

The aim of Notting Hill Preparatory School is to nurture happy, confident, well-rounded children who are eager to progress both academically and socially.

Notting Hill Prep is based on the principle that a successful education must be built on a partnership between teachers and parents. Strong links between home and school are encouraged to support the common goal of ensuring that each child feels secure, valued and happy.

An environment has been created where children’s views and ideas are respected, where they are stimulated and motivated to explore and discover, and where they learn to appreciate their individual abilities as well as those of others. The school is committed to fostering academic excellence, to ensuring that each child develops an awareness of the diverse nature of today’s society and to encouraging a sense of responsibility both within the school and in the wider community.

‘I’m impressed by the way the school values each child’s differences and creates space for them - there is no ‘cookie-cutter’ approach at NHP’ PARENT, 2006

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THE STRUCTURE OF THE SCHOOL

6 N O T T I N G H I L L P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L

Notting Hill Preparatory School is a co-educational school for children between the ages of five and 13.

Notting Hill Preparatory School currently occupies a building that was purposebuilt as a school in 1902 and has been refurbished and adapted for modern educational purposes. Facilities include an assembly hall, art room, science laboratory, library, ICT room, music rooms and an outside play area.

Classrooms are light and airy. The large assembly hall, which is equipped as a gym, is also an ideal setting for assemblies, concerts, school plays and other school events.

Whole school events, which require greater capacity, take place in St John’s Church, Lansdowne Crescent. Additional facilities are available in the Youth Centre opposite where the children

have lunch and can use the playground.

Other local venues such as Perkes Field, Linford Christie Stadium, Westway Sports Centre, Avondale Park and Kensington Leisure Centre provide additional recreational areas and facilities for our sports activities.

In line with the planned expansion of the school, additional premises have been acquired close by. The new annexe will provide extra space for a theatre, science laboratory and dining area, as well as additional classrooms.

THE STAFF In order to provide the highest standard of education, the calibre of teachers is of paramount importance. The teaching staff at Notting Hill Prep have been selected on the basis of experience, commitment to the ethos of the school and proven ability to motivate children and inspire learning.

‘The quality of pupils’ learning, attitudes and behaviour throughout the school is very good and is endorsed by their willingness to learn and be challenged. They are well motivated and oral skills are positively developed across all age groups. When given responsibility for classroom tasks, they show increasing self-confidence and consideration for others’ INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE, 2005

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In the lower school, subjects are mainly taught by form teachers supported by teaching assistants. From Year 4 up teaching is largely subject-based.

Designated specialist teachers coordinate the school’s curriculum. Drama, Music, French and Sport are taught by specialist teachers throughout the school. Specialist Art instruction is given from Year 3. Individual music lessons are given by specialist peripatetic teachers.

THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS The school’s Board of Governors acts as an independent body responsible for overseeing the provision of a high standard of education.

YEAR GROUPS AND HOUSES Year groups are divided into parallel classes up to Year 6. After Year 6, when many of the girls and some of the boys leave for their senior schools, we move to single classes for Years 7 and 8.

Reception is always a one-class intake, as children with birthdays in the second half of the academic year (March to August) enter the school directly into a Year 1 class (see Entry Procedure later in this prospectus).

‘The atmosphere of the school is friendly, lively, yet calm and happy. The corridors are filled with children busily moving about the school and enjoying their environment. Doors are held open for each other and the children chat enthusiastically. The children and staff are polite and respectful towards each other at all times. It would be a joy to be a part of such a community’ PROSPECTIVE PARENT, 2006

8 N O T T I N G H I L L P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L

Notting Hill Prep is divided into four houses: Arundel (green), Blenheim (yellow), Lansdowne (blue) and Elgin (red). Children are assigned to a house when they join the school and members of their family join the same house. Each house has a pupil House Captain and a member of staff Head of House. House meetings are held once a fortnight and activities and charity events are organised by the children under the guidance of the Head of House. Inter-house competitions and matches are organised.

Classes have a maximum of 20 children.

Lower school: Reception to Year 2 (ages 5 to 7) Middle school: Years 3 to 6 (ages 8 to 11) Upper school: Years 7 and 8 (ages 12 and 13)

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ASSEMBLIES Each day at Notting Hill Prep begins with an assembly, which helps to reinforce a sense of unity and shared identity in the school. The assembly is a special and important part of life at the school and provides an opportunity to promote the ethos of kindness and care for others. It is also a time to acknowledge and applaud endeavour and achievement. The assemblies are non-denominational. The customs and beliefs that children of all religions bring into the school are recognised and appreciated. Children are encouraged to play, sing, perform, recite and contribute in an active way to these daily gatherings.

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PASTORAL CARE School rules are kept to a minimum and are generally to ensure the safety and happiness of the children while they are in school. Children are expected to respect the teaching staff, other adults in the school community, their fellow pupils and property. It is expected that children will be attentive, well behaved and hard working in the classroom.

Kindness, courtesy and consideration for others are highly valued and positively reinforced by all members of staff.

Our ethos of providing a happy, supportive environment in which children feel confident to ask questions and explore will require children to develop self-discipline and a sense of personal responsibility.

Any wilful, conscious desire to intimidate, frighten or hurt someone else is regarded as bullying. Such behaviour, which involves the illegitimate use of power in order to hurt or offend others, is regarded as bullying behaviour. At Notting Hill Prep bullying and bullying behaviour are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. All the staff are alert to any potential occurrence of this behaviour, and pupils and parents are encouraged to report any such incident at once should they become aware of it.

There is a staged procedure in place to deal with bullying and in the event that such an incident is reported, it will be dealt with swiftly by staff in accordance with the school’s bullying policy.

It is a cornerstone of the philosophy of the school that all pupils at Notting Hill Prep have the right to start and end their day in a happy frame of mind.

UNIFORM The uniform is designed to be practical and flexible. It is supplied by The Children’s Warehouse and can be ordered by mail or on line at www.childrens-warehouse.com

‘There is a tremendous energy and positive air about the school. I believe this is generated by the staff – who through their inspirational teaching give the children confidence to believe that all things are possible’ PARENT, 2006

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TREATING ALL CHILDREN AS INDIVIDUALS

12 N O T T I N G H I L L P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L

The style of teaching at Notting Hill Prep aims, above all, to be responsive to the differing needs of individual pupils in the school.

A variety of teaching techniques is used to support the requirements of all pupils across the academic spectrum and to enable them to realise their full potential. The school works hard to ensure that each child is able to take advantage of the school’s whole curriculum and be included in all aspects of school life.

ASSESSMENTS Children are assessed regularly through a combination of progress monitoring, standardised testing and in-house exams. Pupils in Reception and Year 1 are given baseline assessments during their first term in school. The aim is to obtain a pupil profile that will inform teachers and provide data against which further progress can be measured.

1 and 2 are assessed through more informal end of unit tests.

Teachers also monitor progress through ongoing observations, discussions and informal tests at the end of units of work.

Children are given timely and sensitive feedback about their performance with the aim of helping them to set their own targets, rather than competing against their peers. Children in the middle and upper school are taught how to develop realistic learning and performance targets. In so doing they can take a direct role in raising their own expectations and gaining knowledge about their strengths and weaknesses.

Formal assessments are held for Year 3 and above in the form of in-house exams in the Autumn and Summer terms. Years

Annual standardised tests in Mathematics and English are used in Years 1-6 to give objective data showing value added progress. Staff use this information to indicate clearly progress being made, to inform teaching and planning and to review and analyse the curriculum.

Through regular assessment we aim to ensure that children are well prepared for performing in timed conditions and consequently enjoy the opportunity to show what they have learned. Where appropriate, differentiated elements are introduced into papers in order to allow every pupil to experience success.

‘“Child-centred” is a much over worked phrase these days. But I really believe that at NHP every child’s voice is heard and valued’ PARENT, 2006

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CURRICULUM POLICY

14 N O T T I N G H I L L P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L

The curriculum at Notting Hill Prep is designed to provide children with a breadth of knowledge that will inspire them to want to learn more.

Children are prepared for a world that not only places a high value on educational achievement, but also on artistic flair, social awareness, independence and diversity. They are given the opportunity to test and develop their talents across a broadly based and academically stimulating curriculum that promotes intellectual, artistic, aesthetic, physical and social development. Extra-curricular activities also allow deeper exploration of subjects of particular interest, as well as the development of individual skills and talents.

The curriculum includes the statutory framework of the National Curriculum.

It has been extended to reflect the particular ethos of the school and will continue to be developed in response to children’s needs.

education. Road Safety education and environmental issues are also introduced as part of our school Travel Policy.

While literacy and numeracy are stressed in the early years, pupils are taught Mathematics, English, Science, French, History, Geography, Religious/Moral Studies, Sport, Art, Music, Drama and ICT throughout the school. Personal, Social, Health Education and Citizenship also form an integral part of the general curriculum for all children, but are taught more formally to older children. Latin is introduced in Year 5 and Greek is provided for those children for whom it is a requirement for entry into their senior school of choice. Art, Music, Drama and Sport are emphasised as essential elements of a complete

Great importance is also placed on problem-solving and reasoning skills in all subjects. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 follow a formal programme of thinking skills. Study skills are also introduced in Year 6 so that pupils can acquire successful revision techniques and make efficient use of study time prior to public examinations. Pupils are carefully and thoroughly prepared for Common Entrance and School Examinations at the ages of 11 and 13 years.

It is our intention that pupils should leave Notting Hill Prep with a strong academic foundation, combined with the self-esteem and confidence in their

‘One of the main achievements of the school is the inclusive approach to music. It helps to give the school its unique character. Music is woven throughout the curriculum. Singing and playing music are great confidence boosters. The assembly is a very important part of the school day and knits the group together, everyone singing with one voice, sharing a common experience, an emotional surge’ TEACHER, 2006

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abilities and social skills that will ensure that they are fully prepared for the exciting challenges ahead. We aim to instil in our pupils an enthusiastic anticipation of the next stage of their education following a happy experience at prep school.

SPORT Sport is an integral part of Notting Hill Prep life. The physical education department offers a varied, balanced and differentiated curriculum that gives pupils the opportunity to experience a diverse range of activities. From Reception, pupils are taught PE, Games and Swimming by specialist staff.

GAMES Football and netball are the main team sports in the Autumn term; rugby and hockey in the Spring term; cricket,

rounders and athletics in the Summer term. Inter-school fixtures are arranged in all the major team sports for pupils in Year 3 and above. Lessons take place at Perkes Field, Kensington for the younger children and at the Linford Christie stadium and associated pitches for the older children.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION The PE curriculum includes gymnastics, basketball, short tennis, tennis, badminton and swimming. We use our gym for these lessons as well as the local Kensington Leisure Centre.

Children showing particular flair or interest can join one of our early morning or after-school clubs.

‘The quality of communication across the school is fantastic and ensures that every child’s needs are met and nurtured through appropriate assessment and target setting’ TEACHER, 2006

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OUTDOOR PURSUITS In Years 6-8 pupils spend a week at an outward bound activity centre where they can experience rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, archery, shooting and initiative courses.

A school ski-trip is organised in the Easter holidays.

MUSIC AND DRAMA Music and drama are distinctive features of Notting Hill Prep. The emphasis is on enjoyment, working together and developing skills that provide fulfilment and help promote self-confidence.

All children are encouraged to discover their musical potential and realise their natural talents. During music lessons children learn to develop their vocal

and instrumental skills, to improvise and compose and to become familiar with a wide range of music, past and present. Over two-thirds of the pupils play a musical instrument. Individual tuition is provided by specialist teachers on a variety of instruments, including piano, violin, cello, recorder, saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, guitar, drums, trombone and French Horn.

Children are encouraged to join the school choir and orchestra, as well as other music groups.

Assemblies as well as formal and informal concerts provide a platform for performance, as it is important for children to learn that one of the key aspects of playing an instrument is communicating with an audience.

Each year, at Christmas time, the choir performs for the elderly at the Kensington Day Centre. Children are encouraged to take Associated Board or equivalent examinations. The school also participates in the national ‘Music for Youth Festival’, competing with 1500 schools for the opportunity to perform at the Royal Albert Hall.

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ART AND CRAFT Art and craft are important aspects of the curriculum at Notting Hill Prep and children are able to explore a wide range of materials, experiment with a variety of techniques and acquire practical skills. The quality of artwork produced is of a very high standard.

The children are introduced to artists of different periods and styles, as a means of developing their aesthetic appreciation. As they acquire skills and knowledge they will develop the confidence to express their own creativity and individuality through their art and craft. The artistic endeavours of the pupils are celebrated in displays around the school, in end-ofterm shows and exhibitions and through participation in competitions where appropriate.

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HOMEWORK At Notting Hill Prep we believe in the value of homework as a way of complementing and reinforcing work done in school. It helps to ensure that children have assimilated new concepts that have been introduced in class. It also gives children the opportunity to acquire personal organisational skills and develop the self-discipline to work at home independently. Whenever possible, homework will be differentiated in

content and time limitations in order to accommodate individual pupils’ needs and abilities. Teachers aim to work in partnership with parents to ensure that children are able to work confidently and independently at the tasks set.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Children with special educational needs, identified either prior to entry or during their time at the school, are given additional support from the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). A specialist speech and language therapist also serves the school if needed.

The SENCO will suggest strategies to help children reach their potential and facilitate their learning in class. The learning support role is integrated in the classroom wherever possible. In the event that a child requires individual specialist tuition this is given by the SENCO, who is qualified to deliver a wide range of intervention programmes. Specialist tuition will also be available for pupils who need support transferring between two education systems. Individual lessons incur an additional charge.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES A range of extra-curricular activities is offered at the end of the school day.

These clubs help to extend the main curriculum and develop individual talents and interests. Clubs may be added in response to interest and demand from children and parents.

Interests and activities currently covered include judo, yoga, drama, dance, gym, badminton, needlecraft, art, chess and challenge club.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL TRIPS We are fortunate to live in one of the world’s great cities. At Notting Hill Prep we make use of the many and varied opportunities London offers to extend children’s knowledge of their environment, their culture and their history.

Visits are made to museums, exhibitions, parks and special places of interest as they relate to different aspects of the curriculum. Residential field trips are also organised for older pupils.

‘The teaching staff are very confident and not afraid to encourage individuality amongst the children. This energy and “can do” approach means each child gets the chance to shine’ PARENT, 2006

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PREPARING CHILDREN FOR SENIOR SCHOOL

20 N O T T I N G H I L L P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L

At Notting Hill Prep children are given support and encouragement to develop the self confidence to embrace fresh challenges.

AFTER NOTTING HILL PREP We recognise the importance of planning for the next stage of each child’s education.

Year group meetings with parents are held well in advance of final registration dates for senior schools to give a thorough introduction to the application process and to ensure as smooth a transition as possible. Boys and girls are prepared for entry to both boarding and London day schools.

The staff will provide the necessary information on each child’s performance and potential to enable parents to base their decisions on realistic expectations, and the Headmistress and Deputy Head are

happy to offer advice on schools best suited to each child’s character and potential. Exam techniques and specific entry requirements will be incorporated into the curriculum during the years prior to taking public examinations. Parents will be kept fully informed of developing expectations in relation to these exams and, if necessary, will be offered advice on how best to support the preparation process.

‘The school has achieved in equal measure the right balance between nurturing happy and enthusiastic children and providing appropriate academic rigour to attain excellent exam results’ TEACHER, 2006

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS

22 N O T T I N G H I L L P R E P A R AT O R Y S C H O O L

At Notting Hill Prep we believe the relationship between the school, the child and parents is central to a successful education.

Parents have been very closely involved with the school from its earliest days and have given their support in many ways.

We consider partnership with parents an essential ingredient for ensuring children’s progress and a sense of well-being.

Parents’ Evenings are held twice a year to discuss and review children’s progress with the teaching staff concerned.

Attainment and effort grades are provided every term and a full written report is given at the end of the academic year. A regular newsletter gives details of activities and events taking place throughout the term.

The Headmistress supports an open door policy and is always pleased to see parents. Communication between teaching staff and parents is given the highest priority.

Informal social evenings are arranged throughout the year and parents are invited to concerts, assemblies, plays and any performance opportunities.

The Parents’ Association organises social and fundraising events. It holds regular meetings and acts as a bridge between the school and local community groups and charities. It provides an opportunity for new parents to meet one another, for promoting the welfare of the school and for fostering school/parent relationships.

All parents are automatically members of the Parents’ Association.

‘The school is an extremely friendly, welcoming and incredibly inspiring place.

There is the opportunity to talk with teachers at any time – very impressive.

My daughter is very happy and can’t wait to go to school each day’ PARENT, 2006

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JOINING NOTTING HILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL ENTRY PROCEDURE Reception and Year 1 Entry for places in Reception and Year 1 is non-competitive.

We operate a two-tier entry system to enable children to start school as close to their fifth birthday as possible: • children born between September and February enter the Reception class at 41⁄ 2 • children born between March and August enter Year 1 at 5+.

Entry into each class will be decided by ballot. Siblings will be exempt from the ballot and will automatically be offered places if they are available. Ballots will take place twice a year: in May for September to February birthdays, and in November for March to August birthdays.

One year before entry into the Reception class, and two years before entry into Year 1, the successful candidates will be asked to confirm their place by paying a deposit. In the event that there are still places once all deposits have been received, offers will be made to those on the waiting list until the class is full and all deposits have been received. Every effort will be made to balance boys and girls in each class.

ENTRY PROCEDURE

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YEAR 2 AND ABOVE Pupils entering Year 2 and above are assessed to ensure that the school’s educational facilities meet their needs.

Most children will be assessed in the Spring term for entry the following September. The assessment procedure will comprise: papers in English and Mathematics; problem solving and verbal and non-verbal reasoning activities; an interview with the Headmistress or Deputy Head.

Parents will be informed of the results no later than two weeks after the last assessment date. Efforts will be made to balance the number of boys and girls in each class.

If you have any questions about the entry process, or any of the information in this prospectus, please do not hesitate to contact us.

N OTTING H ILL P REPAR ATORY S CHOOL 95 LANCASTER ROAD LONDON W11 1QQ TELEPHONE: 020 7221 0727 WWW.NOTTINGHILLPREP.COM ADMIN@NOTTINGHILLPREP.COM

EDITED BY CAROLE FITZGERALD | DESIGNED BY SUGARFREE DESIGN LIMITED, LONDON O20 7619 7430 | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICHARD LEWISOHN