OUR
ATTITUDE TO CHILDREN
We
aim to unite what are often deemed incompatible educational
philosophies. On the one hand, there is a clear focus on traditional,
systematic teaching which stretches and stimulates every child
– no-concession maths with regular tests, modern languages
taught by native speakers, and English lessons concentrating
on grammar and fine writers from the past. All this work is
done even with quite young children.
On
the other hand, our children are ‘empowered’ in
a way which might unsettle some ‘traditionalists’.
Visitors will see that our children are boundless in their
enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity.
This we actively encourage, even at the risk of occasional
over-exuberance. Prospective parents are always welcome to
sit in on classes and to observe the school in action.
Some
of the staff (including the Headmistress)
are addressed by their first names, without fuss and with
no sense of disrespect. Whilst there is a dress code, there
is no regimented uniform, as we believe that imposing a strict
uniform on the children encourages a ‘them and us’
attitude. Furthermore, we believe that children need some
(guided) freedom in order to develop their own style with
taste and discretion.
Most
of our pupils are consequently forthcoming, confident and
extraordinarily imaginative.
With the right stimulus, there is no limit to a child’s
intellectual and creative abilities. It requires a sensitive
and cultured teacher to recognise such abilities and an open-hearted
and confident one to encourage thought which goes beyond the
drab and the mundane expectations of many examinations.
Our
staff speak to the children with the same respect, politeness
and sensitivity they would exercise for a personal adult friend.
We believe that it is wrong to talk down to children. In sum,
a child should feel as relaxed at school as he does at home.
If
a child needs to be criticised or disciplined, it should be
done using logical explanation. In all cases, we try not to
let children go home upset, humiliated or feeling misunderstood.
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