Settling in at 8+ (First Year)
8+ boys enjoying "Book Week"
Boys joining at 8+ enjoy the full benefits of our large campus but also have their own dedicated teaching area where they spend much of their time, allowing them to settle in and adjust to life in a large, fast moving prep school. Form Tutors ensure a sense of routine and stability and foster an atmosphere of respect, care and consideration amongst the boys.
The day starts at 8.20am and finishes at 4pm. On weekday evenings the boys have about thirty minutes of homework, which might be a short reinforcement exercise in Maths or English. Most importantly though, they are encouraged to read every day. More extended tasks are set at the weekend, often involving research in Science, History or Geography.
Parents' Evenings are held in the Autumn and Spring terms and parents are encouraged to maintain regular contact with the Form Tutor throughout the year.
Boys engage in an extensive activities programme
The boys in the First Year enjoy participating in an extensive activities programme. Popular activities include chess and aikido, and some are given the opportunity to represent the school at swimming, rugby, football or cricket. Many also learn a musical instrument and consequently become members of various ensembles, including the school orchestra. Others successfully audition for the junior choir.
The Form Tutors aim to provide an environment where the boys feel challenged intellectually and encouraged in all aspects of school life without feeling unduly pressurised. They encourage each boy to take pride in his work and to produce his best at all times.
