EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
MEET THE HEAD :
PHILIPPA ARCHER , ASHFORD PREP SCHOOL
Please tell us some more about your ‘ one school ’ approach ?
Ashford School is in a unique position to educate children from the age of 3 months to 18 years old . Watching children grow from tiny babies to inquisitive learners and then flourish into confident adults is an incredible privilege . The journey from our Nurseries to Prep School and then onto Senior School is a seamless transition , with a truly individual focus on each and every child . Of course there are practical benefits , too ; our Nursery and Prep pupils benefit from the subject expertise of the Senior School staff , while the Senior School pupils benefit from our extensive sports provision at our Great Chart site .
In your opinion , what makes a great learner ?
An inquisitive mind . Children should be encouraged to develop a love of learning and a passion for asking questions . A great learner is aware of their strengths but is equally aware of the areas they need to develop . If a child feels safe and secure in their learning environment , they will take risks and make mistakes ; often , this is when the best learning takes place .
How does your co-curricular programme of activities give all students ample opportunity to take their interests further ?
The breadth of activities on offer at Ashford Prep is vast . There is a wide array of lunchtime and after school clubs that not only provide additional time to pursue interests and talents in sport and
performing arts , but to also have fun and follow individual passions – Harry Potter club is one of my favourites ! It is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to work collaboratively and spend time with children and teachers from across the school .
How much emphasis is placed on creative and performing arts ?
Creative and performing arts is without doubt one of our strongest assets . It not only features within the core curriculum , but is complemented with a range of additional clubs . We have recently increased our offering to provide Saturday morning performing arts workshops and we are hoping to extend that offering to the wider community .
How do you make sure you and your fellow teachers get the most out of every pupil at Ashford Prep School ?
The Prep School Baccalaureate at Ashford Prep allows teachers to give equal focus to skills as well as curriculum content and this is an excellent way to ensure that we address each child ’ s individual learning habits . Ensuring that every child identifies their strengths and areas to develop , fully understands how best they learn and develops skills such as independence , thinking and learning truly meets the needs for a relevant and bespoke education .
What would you say are the greatest challenges facing headteachers today ?
Undoubtedly Independent Schools are facing unchartered waters under the direction of a new government , and while we must continue to respond and adapt to these changes and pressures , we must not let these decisions impact the quality of provision in our schools . We must strive to ensure that the education children receive continues to evolve and continues to be relevant , modern and fit for purpose .
Going forward , what are your ambitions for Ashford Prep School ?
I am in a very privileged position to have inherited a school that already has a fantastic local reputation and my aim would be to develop the excellence that already exists and extend our expertise to other local schools . Becoming a beacon of excellence for areas such as performing arts and the PSB , Ashford Prep School should aim to widen our reputation beyond our local area .
www . ashfordschool . co . uk / prep-school
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