BALEY FINDS THE WAY
Illustrated by Sophie Heywood Designed & produced by House Creative Agency
This book is dedicated to our friends at The Barn Owl Trust and to all the children who are looking for a way to discover the joy of learning.
“Throughout the forest, in the shade of the waving trees and along the banks of the winding, sparkling river, in the soft ferns, the lily-clad ponds, the bushes and the bracken, of all the creatures that live in the countryside, none are as wise as the owl.“
Baley the young owl sat with his little clawed feet, clutching his favourite branch and cleaning his beak, wondering how owls become wise. “Mr. Moon, can you show me the way?” he asked. “The way to where?” said the bright, silvery moon, who was hoping to go to sleep sometime soon. “I can light the way to the mountains, the sea, or anywhere a young owl might want to be.” “Can you show me the way to be wise, like grown up owls?” asked Baley. “Hmmm, that’s a good question, I can’t say right now. But I’ll be up all night wondering how,” said the moon, yawning. So Baley swooped down with his feathers unfurled to ask Hedley the hedgehog, who in a ball was curled, snoring quietly away. Up above, a small voice said, “Don’t ask me! I’m on the web all day I’m only a spider, you see!” “And I don’t know either!” croaked his friend, Flora the frog, as she jumped merrily away, under a log.
Just then, Grandpa owl flew past, wings outstretched, swooping low, flying fast. As he stopped, the little owl asked, “Grandpa, how can I become wise like you?” “Hmmm…good books, nice teachers and… I think as a rule, you just can’t beat a good Forest School.” he explained. “Forest School? I’d really, really like to go there!” said the young owl, his eyes sparkling with wonder. “The thing about Forest School is, it makes learning a joy, with fun things to do for little girls and boys.” “Girls and boys? I often see them in the woods. They’re always playing, I’d join in if I could,” said Baley. “Wait until morning, I’ll show you the way, but get a little sleep or you’ll be tired all day,” said Grandpa.
Next morning, Baley went to Wakefield Pre-Prep, happy and contented, with a spring in his step. When he arrived, a nice teacher greeted the young owl, “If you want to be wise, first, you’ll need to learn how.” “Please, can you show me?” asked Baley. “At this school you can learn indoors or out because we enjoy better adventures when we move about. Out there we can make things and ask why, we do all kinds of things, you never know till you try…” When Baley heard that, he was so glad. “I just can’t wait to tell Mum and Dad,” he said, as he waved goodbye to Grandpa. Off Grandpa flew, and into the school Baley walked. Down the long, bright corridor, he talked and he talked. His little head was filled with so many questions. He was so excited, he couldn’t wait to start lessons. A little boy smiled as he walked happily by. Baley wanted to walk with him, even though he was shy. When the boy showed him his painting, his excitement grew. He wanted to draw things, make things and paint things too. Inside and outside he could see bright play spaces. He passed class after class full of joyful faces.
“Our classes are small in size and learning is fun, because our teachers have time for everyone,” the teacher said, stopping at a classroom full of children learning to read. “What are they doing?” said Baley, having a really good look. “They’re reading, because a love of learning starts with a love of books!” “Sometimes we sit quietly, sometimes we sing; sometimes we explore and make lots of things.” Baley thought about this for a moment and then he said, “I can be quiet, especially when I fly. My soft feathers are so light, you can’t hear me fly by.” And like all owls I have REALLY big eyes, so if I can read, I wouldn’t be at all surprised. I can see really well, even when it’s dark, whether I’m flying over hedgerows, rivers or parks.” “Well, reading is different but I’m sure you’ll be fine. We select the best books so you’ll love story time,” said the teacher. “I’m sure I will, watching and listening are some of my best features.” “Well, you seem to me like a sensible, friendly bird. I’m sure you’ll enjoy picking up new letters and words,” agreed the teacher. “If you don’t mind, I won’t sit on a chair. Is it OK if I perch over there?” asked Baley, pointing to the bookcase. “Of course!” said the teacher.
So there he sat, quiet as a mouse. And the teacher added, “How would you like to be in a House?” “What’s a House?” he asked. “There are four Houses – Red, Green, Blue and Yellow. You’ll join children and teachers in a House team. You’ll feel right at home, with lots of opportunities to get involved in our happy school community.” At that, Baley jumped up and down. “Can I join the green one please? Green’s my favourite colour; it reminds me of trees!” he shouted. The teacher smiled and said, “I’ll see what I can do. And we have lots of clubs and activities too. There are 25 to choose from, at lunch and after school. Whatever your hobbies and interests, we do all sorts, from ballet, gardening and painting to chess and multisports.” “Wow, that’s amazing!” said the young owl. “Talking of Wow…” said the teacher. “Yes?” “Each year we have a WOW Week, with a top secret surprise. It’s so packed with adventure, you won’t believe your eyes. We also have specialist teachers and as you’ll see, they teach music, games, languages, I.T. and P.E.” “If I learn to do all of those things, will I become wise?” asked Baley. “Wait until you hear my next surprise.” said the teacher. “You won’t believe your ears.”
“I have really good ears, or so Mum and Dad say. I can hear a mouse playing a long way away! Like all barn owls, one of my ears is slightly higher than the other. So I can hear exactly where sounds are coming from, just like my brother.” “Well then, you’re really going to like this!” said the teacher. She gave Baley some headphones. “Ready to start? Now press play.” “This sounds fantastic, I could do this all day!” “It brings stories to life and takes you on an amazing journey. It’s a wonderful experience, a fun way of learning.” “Can I listen again later?” he asked, jumping for joy. “I’d like to go to Forest School now with all the girls and boys!” The teacher laughed “OK let’s go outside then. As you’ll soon see, it even has an Owl’s Den.” When they got there, Baley’s big eyes opened wide with wonder. “I may spend my time sleeping in barns, standing on branches and flying around farms, but I’ve never seen an Owl’s Den this size,” said Baley. When he saw all the children playing outside, his little white chest was bursting with pride. His little wings fluttered and into the air he flew. “Do you mind if I go up there for a better view?” he said. “But you can’t ask questions up there in the skies and if you don’t know the answers, YOU’LL NEVER BE WISE!” said the teacher a little louder, so Baley could hear him. He knew she was right, so he gave everyone a wave. “The first lesson I have to learn, is the way to behave.” he thought to himself.
With wings outstretched down to the Forest School he flew. “Here, children can do everything they like to do,” said the teacher. “You can learn new skills outside the class, gathering knowledge that lasts and lasts. You’ll also learn all about the seasons, which is ideal for Geography and all kinds of reasons. Studying animals and plants is such fun and it’s part of the Science curriculum. You’ll enjoy doing woodwork and assembling things; it’s good for Design, Technology and everything. Connecting with nature gives you a wider sense of the world; you’ll learn new social skills with other boys and girls. And there are plenty of places to make new friends. Like sitting right here on our Buddy Bench.” “While you tell me more about the things that are taught, I’ll just sit here and think owly thoughts,” said Baley. Just then, the boy with the painting strolled by. “My name’s Jack, I just thought I’d say hi!” And from that moment on, Baley just knew, that he would make lots of friends here too. When Baley met Mum, Dad and his grandparents at the gate, he told them all about this day and how he couldn’t wait… To come back the very next day and enjoy learning in all kinds of new ways. “Just wait until I tell hedgehog and frog! They just won’t believe it, they’ll be agog!” he said, jumping up and down happily.
Then later, when he nestled into his straw at night Baley said, “Grandpa you were right, I feel wiser already. But if you don’t mind, I think I’ll still hug my teddy.” So Grandpa gave him his teddy and said, “You know the big thing about life is, it’s funny how time flies, so before you go to sleep, here’s a little word to the wise. Life is a journey and you still have a long way to go, but if you listen carefully your knowledge will grow. Then, when you move to Juniors you’ll see, at this school, you can be who you want to be.”
THE END (And where big futures start.)
Grandpa’s Glossary Some bigger words in our Prospectus we couldn’t fit into Baley’s little book. A is for Academically Focused Activities Rather than early year lessons being adult-led, each child selects activities to suit themselves, tailoring their individual choices while teachers observe their preferences and aid development. Activities flow with the energy of the day and follow what children want to do. B is for Buddy Bench All friendships have to start somewhere. At our school, it’s often on the Buddy Bench. Ensuring that everyone can join in and no-one is left out of the fun is a big part of school life, and our bench is somewhere children know they can go to meet new buddies and form lasting friendships. C is for Curriculum and Context Each year group has a different curriculum. Staff plan this together but it may look slightly different in each class within the year. We teach in a thematic way, which means that learning often has a shared context such as Castles, Land, Sea or other topics. A curriculum overview is produced each year so take a look at what learning looks like for each year group.
D is for Different Our experienced teachers recognise that all children learn differently and adapt exceptional teaching to personal needs. Boys and girls develop at different rates and progress at their own pace, so we tailor our education to meet the needs of both. While girls have superior fine motor skills at an early age, we work with all pupils to develop their handwriting when they are ready, for example with cursive writing. E is for Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum (EYFS) This encompasses Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED), Physical Development and Communication and Language, together with Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design. Pupils also benefit from specialist teaching in Physical Development, Music and French. At the start of lessons, teachers focus on a specific area of learning within a subject area. Pupils then take part in a focused adult-led activity, designed to put a key skill in action. In the Autumn term, our focus on PSED means that pupils learn to play together, share, make friends and develop life skills. As the year progresses, they prepare for Year 1, adopting skills required for more formal learning.
F is for First Aid Most of our staff are trained in first aid. This means that in the unlikely event that a pupil has an accident at school, they will be compassionately cared for and well looked after. As a matter of course, parents are also informed by telephone. G is for Going to the toilet From the word go, we encourage children to put their hands up and ask the staff if they need the toilet. We prefer visits to be at breaktime or lunchtime but if the call of nature comes during class time, it’s fine. There are lots of toilets around school, clearly signposted to ensure they’re easy to find. H is for House All children (and staff) are assigned to a House. These are the same colours for boys and girls (Red, Green, Blue and Yellow) but different house names. Houses are assigned when pupils start and wherever possible, we ensure siblings are accommodated in the same one. I is for Individuality Our small, stimulating classes enable teachers to give all pupils individual attention, nurturing a genuine love of learning through bespoke and managed activities that encourage curiosity and interest. We enhance, accentuate and build upon children’s passions, interests and uniqueness to help them become true individuals. This ensures their time in school gives them the best chance to understand how to use their own talents for future happiness and success.
J is for Joy At Wakefield Grammar Pre-Preparatory School, our aim is to introduce children to the joys of learning. We believe that every child brings their own unique talents and strengths into the classroom and we are here to bring them out, building confidence in their natural abilities and creating strong, independent individuals who care about others, embrace new challenges and have a growing awareness of the world around them. K is for KS2 We work closely with the Junior sections at both QEGS and Wakefield Girls’ High School to ensure that we are preparing children for the curriculum they will receive in KS2 (Key Stage 2). L is for Launchpad The learning that children have access to in their first years is so important, because it provides the launchpad for a future without limits. We believe that the more individually focused this learning is, the more likely it is to help them fulfil their early promise as they go on to be who and what they want to be. M is for Meals Variety is the spice of school life and children get a choice of lunch each day. We offer a range of delicious meal options and ask that children try a little of everything, gently encouraging them to try new foods whilst always ensuring they have plenty to eat. We can also provide a specific, nutritious menu for children who have bespoke requirements – please ask at the office so we can put this is in place for you.
N is for Nibbles and Snacks
Q is for QEGS and Wakefield Girls’ High School.
Children in Foundation Stage have a snack provided for them by school. Children in Year 1 and 2 can bring in a healthy snack from home. Please make sure it does not contain nuts as some Pre-Prep pupils are allergic to nut products.
Everything we do here is designed to help children move seamlessly into Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS) or Wakefield Girls’ High School.
O is for Outdoors
School life is rich and varied, with each child championed and empowered with the ‘bouncebackability’ that will propel them forward with the strength of character to prevail against life’s challenges. Children learn to be self-sufficient and take care of themselves, which boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Through trial and error they learn to deal with failure and develop the resilience to keep trying, vital qualities in learning and life.
Connecting with nature helps pupils feel part of the world and has a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. Simply being outdoors can have a real calming influence, improving mental and spiritual health, communication skills, social relationships and behaviour. Our Forest School also connects pupils to many areas of the curriculum. Being outdoors all year round helps children learn about weather and the seasons, (part of the programme of study in Geography), studying animals and plants relates strongly to Science, while tasks like den building and woodwork link strongly to Design & Technology. Forest School also helps children develop many skills that are hard to teach in the classroom. Children learn to assess, appreciate and take risks, making sensible, informed decisions about how to tackle the activities and experiences they encounter. P is for Prepared Our proven academic approach gives our very youngest pupils the best possible preparation for life. From the age of three, children are welcomed into our school by caring, experienced staff who are dedicated to creating a happy and enjoyable environment which enables them to thrive.
R is for Resilience
S is for Swimming Learning to swim is a key part of any child’s development and we benefit from having our own pool, located at QEGS Juniors. Children have a weekly swimming lesson, from the summer term of Foundation Stage 2. T is for The Wakefield Way As one of a family of three schools that make up the Wakefield Grammar School Foundation, our school follows the Wakefield Way, a shared ethos which defines everything we do, academically, socially and ethically. The Wakefield Way is about developing inspirational learning environments which celebrate and nurture the distinctive learning needs of boys and girls. It’s about encouraging each individual student to look outwards as well as
inwards as they become remarkable people with the desire to make a difference in the world. It’s about building confidence, inspiring hearts and minds and instilling an empowering sense of purpose. But most of all, it’s about providing an imaginative foundation for life, learning and lasting achievement. U is for Unique experiences Our primary focus is on making every learning experience fun and exciting, by igniting curiosity, building on interests and developing the talents, passions and potential that will help our children on their way to a successful, high-achieving future. V is for Values As a highly respected independent pre-prep school for girls and boys, our ethos and values are very much in evidence from nursery right through to Year 2. In everything we do we are Respectful, Resilient and Kind, values we live by every day. W is for WOW Week Once a year a very special WOW Week happens – besides being an engaging and immersive curriculum experience for the whole school, it’s also a top secret surprise so our pupils (and parents) have no idea when it will happen. So prepare to be WOWed! X is for Xmas Nativity All children have the opportunity to perform in the Nativity productions during their time at the Pre-Prep.
Y is for Years 1 and 2 These years enable all pupils to build strong foundations in English and Mathematics. From the start, they become fully involved in their own learning, evaluating their work and taking responsibility for achieving personal targets. Each teacher, supported by an assistant, introduces cross-curricular lessons, making connections across all subjects, instilling the idea that all learning is connected and can be researched further, in a way that expands horizons and encourages the development of independent learning skills. This is complemented by a rich programme of external visitor sessions and workshops and lessons from subject specialists in Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Swimming and PE. All children take part in Philosophy For Children three times a week. These sessions are based on a shared book each week which all children read Z is for ZZZs after an adventure-packed day To give children as fully rounded an education as possible, we ensure that every day is packed with adventure. Throughout the day pupils can learn, participate and enjoy exciting new experiences as they grow their imaginations and their capabilities. So like Baley the Owl, they’ll go to bed happily dreaming of their next day at Wakefield Pre-Prep.
Wakefield Grammar Pre-Preparatory School Address: Margaret Street, Wakefield WF1 2DG Tel: 01924 231618 Email: preprep@wgsf.net