EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
ST EDMUND ’ S SCHOOL , CANTERBURY
SELECTING THE RIGHT START TO YOUR CHILD ’ S EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY
BY SARAH BARTHOLOMEW , HEAD OF NURSERY & PRE-PREP
“ WE FOCUS ON THE UNIQUE ABILITIES AND NEEDS OF INDIVIDUAL PUPILS ”. ED O ’ CONNOR , HEAD
What makes St Edmund ’ s the right choice ?
Our 2 - 18 school is located on a 62-acre site where children from all ages can explore and participate in the outdoor education programme . In addition to the excellent teaching in nursery and pre-prep , our pupils are fortunate enough to receive specialised teaching from the wider teaching faculty including drama , music , sports , art , science , and outdoor education . The creative arts programme is introduced at an early age and is also included in the daily cocurricular clubs that are offered to all pupils . A late stay option is provided as well as an excellent holiday programme throughout the year . All meals are included , as well as afternoon tea , and the nutritious and delicious menus are curated and made on-site by our catering team .
Coming to St Edmund ’ s in the pre-prep offers many opportunities for both pupils and parents to be a part of a dynamic , caring and vibrant school community . Pastoral care is at the forefront of everything we do and the home , school links and communication are a real strength .
In a nutshell , what is the Outdoor Education curriculum ?
We use the outdoor areas to support our varied curriculum and Forest School is timetabled for each class . Children enjoy activities such as identifying animals and plants around the school site and using objects and imaginative play to create artwork while developing their use of colour and texture . There is a large pond with fish , as well as a giant teepee , and children are taught how to build a shelter using the materials available . Learning the importance of caring for the environment is introduced during every stage of the curriculum .
How does St Edmunds monitor your child ’ s progress in the pre-prep ?
The pupils ' progress in pre-prep is tracked and monitored regularly with a variety of techniques . These include Baseline Assessments , both Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning , NFER Maths and English , Abacus Maths , and Phonics Assessment Screening . As well as reading and writing assessments , SWST spelling assessments , and the Wellcomm GL Assessment .
How does the transition from pre-prep to Junior School work ?
The head of Junior School , Ross Comfort has regular meet and greets with the Year 2 pupils and parents leading up to their move to Junior School , and Year 2 pupils have regular visits to the school and take part in lessons together as well as many activities from singing contests , dance festivals , author visits and charity events . Formal taster days take place in the summer term to give Year 2 pupils an opportunity to feel comfortable in the new school prior to starting in September .
How can I visit the school ?
There are a number of options to come and visit our school . We have regular open events throughout the year , the next being Saturday 4 March . However , if you are unable to make an open day , we can arrange a meet and greet with our head and provide a personal tour of the school .
www . stedmunds . org . uk
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