5 ways a Prep School can best equip your child for their next steps
We asked Luke Harrison, Head of Sevenoaks Prep, to reveal the key areas parents should consider when choosing a school in order to bring out the very best in their child.
It’s a huge step when your child moves from primary/prep to secondary school. However, there is a lot we can do to prepare them for this exciting time. Luke Harrison, Head of Sevenoaks Prep – known locally as The Prep – shares his pearls of wisdom on how to best shape the leaders of tomorrow. Here’s his 5 key areas that parents should consider when looking at any prep.
1. The benefits of staying at school for Years 7 & 8
For many a move to Senior School in Year 7 is the preferred, or only practical, option. But if you are considering the independent sector, or already in it, you may be debating whether to make the move to senior school now, or wait and make the move when going into Year 9.
Harrison says: ’The first years of secondary education are crucial; pupils should thrive in an environment where they feel challenged, nurtured and respected. We firmly believe in the benefits of building resilience and self-esteem in these vital years of development, where they are really supported away from some of the bigger distractions and pressures of Senior School.’
‘The Centenary Centre building at Sevenoaks Prep is very much geared towards these older years – and feels more like a secondary school space. Classes become more tutorial in nature, teaching feels more like teaching sixth formers in terms of numbers and facilities. The staff in Year 7 and Year 8 have considerable secondary school teaching experience – they understand what the students need in the run-up to GCSE and beyond.’
‘Pupils in the top two years are very much encouraged to develop their responsible side and help “run” the School They are engaged and challenged through a rigorous curriculum and enviable enrichment programme. The facilities here rival many a senior school.’
2. Teach children how to cope with life’s challenges
We know as parents, it’s impossible to over-emphasise the importance of confidence building in order to shape rounded, resilient young adults. It goes without saying that if the atmosphere of a school is warm and supportive then children feel comfortable stepping out of their comfort zone and trying new challenges. Young people are really encouraged to get stuck in – enjoying everything from music to the creative arts.
Harrison says: ’Academic achievements are high, but education is about so much more than this; our children leave us confident and well-mannered, with essential life skills such as the ability to interact with people and work as part of a team. These attributes are often noted by the head teachers of our destination schools.’
‘In order to achieve this, we value co-curricular activities just as much as academics when it comes to the school experience for each child. For example, every year the much-anticipated Prep Idol takes place when the main hall is turned into a live music arena fit for any rock concert. All the students get involved, as do the teachers; I also perform – much to everyone’s horror!’
‘There’s also lots of opportunity for each student to shine in sport, drama or any other interest. Whenever they show an aptitude for something then it is encouraged. Our older students are given extra responsibilities. For example, those that have a flair for computing and technology become digital leaders and support staff in the Pre-Prep.’
3. Outdoor Learning and initiatives
It’s well documented that Forest School activities help to develop problem-solving skills and an appreciation of nature and all living things. It also encourages pupils to work as part of a team and at other times independently, develops inquisitive minds and positive attitudes to learning.
Harrison says: ’Our large site at Sevenoaks Prep, bordering Knole Park, has two qualified Forest School leaders and dedicated outdoor learning areas where classes and after-school clubs offer weekly opportunities to learn in the great outdoors. The covered fire pit, outdoor classroom, muddy slide, creepy crawly houses and butterfly shelters ignite enthusiasm and creativity in the children.’
‘Our Forest School ethos is embedded within the curriculum and is not something that is tagged onto the learning experience. The discoveries that we make beyond the boundaries of the classroom will often follow us back to school and children’s self-esteem and confidence grows when they “have a go”‘.
‘There are lots of other great outdoor initiatives at The Prep, like bite-sized versions of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards for the younger pupils – the Mini Duke Award (for Reception to Year 2) Junior Duke Award (for Year 3 upwards) or the Oak Award, which is for students in Years 7 & 8.’
4. Facilities which really benefit ALL pupils
The facilities here are very strong. Despite being a town-based school Sevenoaks Prep sits in 25 acres of playing fields and backs onto Knole Park, the 1,000 acre deer park, which is used for nature walks and cross-country running.
As well as a large hall for assemblies, sport and productions, a music and drama block and all those grounds, the Centenary Centre building offers further facilities to the School. It has a focal library when you enter, complete with mini amphitheatre-style seating, so making the perfect presentation space. The rest of the building flows as you walk through – past new classrooms, science labs, a computing suite and an art studio.
Harrison says: ’The Pre-Prep is set aside from the main building to give the smaller children the sense of a smaller, safe environment but near enough for them to feel included and share the facilities when needed.’
‘Helen Cook has been Head of the Pre-Prep since 2017 and believes that if children are happy and feel secure they are more likely to embrace the opportunities and challenges that are offered.’
‘Not only do Pre-Prep pupils make full use of all the facilities, they also enjoy interacting with the older children and benefit from exceptional teaching opportunities. Reception and Years 1 and 2 get specialist teaching (by prep school teachers and in the prep side of the school) in art, music, computing, science, PE, swimming and outdoor education.’
5. Pastoral care and a supportive environment
The Prep was recently awarded The Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS) – no doubt a reflection on the huge focus they have given this area. They have appointed a wellbeing team, which includes trained staff members, plus also Year 8 mental health and wellbeing prefects and parent wellbeing champions and even the wellbeing dog who is popular with pupils and staff.
Harrison says: ’Prefects, House systems and “buddies” are all integral to our pastoral care. Everything is designed around helping children grow in confidence – they are all given a chance to take part in sports teams or school productions. Inter-House competitions are competitive but fun! Each child in Year 2 is given a Year 7 “buddy”.’
‘Every staff member at Sevenoaks Prep is involved in the pastoral care of each child. Their wellbeing is the very core of our school. We feel that in order to flourish, our children must be happy. The excellent relationships between adults and children create a happy atmosphere in which each child is helped to grow in confidence, make positive contributions to the life of the school and, most importantly, enjoy coming to school.’
Sevenoaks Prep School, Godden Green, Sevenoaks TN15 0JU, Tel: 01732 762336, theprep.org.uk
Open in Google Maps