Curriculum
All children have full access to the main subjects. These include the Core subjects of Mathematics, English, Science, and Information Communication Technology as well as Foundation subjects: History, Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education, Design &...
All children have full access to the main subjects. These include the Core subjects of Mathematics, English, Science, and Information Communication Technology as well as Foundation subjects: History, Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education, Design & Technology and Religious Education
. Our curriculum is creative and links are made between subjects to enhance childrens learning and attainment.
Drama and the Arts are key elements of the education provided. Children are involved in productions and concerts throughout the year which offer opportunities for children to showcase their talents.
Children also benefit from tuition in Speech and Drama
from experienced teachers. This provides opportunity for self expression and as children enter the Upper Junior Department they are put forward once a year for speech and drama examinations.
Children begin French in the Reception class and are introduced to a new language through the use of songs, nursery rhymes and games. Where possible, to make the learning more relevant, teaching of vocabulary is incorporated into daily routines and other areas of the curriculum. The school uses La Jolie Ronde teaching programme.
All children have regular lessons in PHSCE- Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education, taught mainly by the Headteacher and this work underpins many other areas of the curriculum. Sex Education is also included within the Junior scheme of work.
Music is an important part of the curriculum and as such is taught by both the class teachers and a specialist - Mrs. Kathy Rigbye. Mrs. Rigbye is an experienced teacher who plans our music scheme of work and teaches each class regularly. Lessons involve Listening, Composing and Performing.
Juniors learn to play the keyboard and are taught how to read music. They will have a 40 minute lesson per week, taught by a specialist music teacher. These additional lessons further extend opportunities to our children and enhance our excellent music curriculum even further.
Individual music tuition is also available with peripatetic teacher, Paul Heptinstall. Details can be obtained from school.
Physical Education
plays an important part in our curriculum. Facilities are of a high standard and all children are actively involved. In Year 5 & 6, children also enjoy swimming
lessons
as part of their annual P.E programme (and we currently use the pool at a local high school). Children are taught by a qualified swimming instructor and we follow a syllabus where certificates are issued regularly to reward and encourage progress.
Ashbridge has been awarded a grant to fund a three year collaboration between our School and Asempanaye DC School in
Further details regarding the subjects taught and the curriculum covered are available. Please email if you wish to see reference copies of subject policies.
Ashbridge is a non-denominational school. Our beliefs are based on Christian principles and our collective worship and religious education reflect this.
Ashbridge Outside
Sport at Ashbridge is about more than physical exercise. Of course, keeping fit and learning to compete are crucially important but the school places equal emphasis on promoting the ethos of teamwork. By learning to cooperate productively with each other,...
Sport at Ashbridge is about more than physical exercise. Of course, keeping fit and learning to compete are crucially important but the school places equal emphasis on promoting the ethos of teamwork. By learning to cooperate productively with each other, children gain crucial skills that go far beyond the playing field. "A lot of what we do with the children is about teamwork and team sports, and promoting a competitive but fair-minded attitude", said teacher Nicola Livesey. Working with peers is essential to all other aspects of learning and something that we hope stays with individuals all their lives. A more immediate benefit is that children stay healthy, fit, and able to concentrate more effectively on their academic activities. The school offers a wide spectrum of sports, including netball, football, cricket, rugby, swimming, and tennis. All children have extended PE lessons each week, plus additional sports sessions that focus specifically on team skills, such as French cricket and rounders. In addition, Reception and Year 1 children take part in Fitness Club, while all junior-aged children have swimming lessons.
Forest Sessions
Our extensive grounds and beautiful environment enable us to operate Forest Sessions as part of our curriculum. Forest Sessions provide children with the opportunity to learn outside and are led by class teachers overseen by Head of Juniors, Arthur Wood.
The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. By delivering this initiative, we aim to develop self awareness and regulation, motivation, empathy, good social communication skills, independence and a positive mental attitude, along with self esteem and confidence.
Currently each child enjoys a quality Forest Session each week, where they spend time within one of our wooded areas. These sessions encompass a wide range of experiences including enjoying the environment, music, trails and treasure hunts, creativity and arts, building dens and shelters, using real tools, fire lighting and cooking (upper juniors only), healthy eating, games and physical activity.
Through these activities children learn how to handle risks, co-operate with others, use their initiative to solve problems, safely use full sized tools and appreciate the beauty of the natural environment.
Learning For Life
Formal assessments are completed as both a baseline at the beginning and end of the Reception year and thereafter annually to determine progress. The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile
is also completed during the final term of the reception...
Formal assessments are completed as both a baseline at the beginning and end of the Reception year and thereafter annually to determine progress. The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile
is also completed during the final term of the reception year.
Teachers are happy to discuss childrens progress at any time and we encourage parents to take every opportunity to view their child's work. There are also formal parent consultation meetings throughout the year.
In October and February teachers set and review targets and give a general appraisal of each child's performance and attainment. In July a full written report is issued which may be followed by a meeting to discuss points raised and ways forward.
Records from nursery or previous schools are transferred to us when a child enrols, and we pass records on to high school when children move on.
TRIPS, VISITS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS
We take the children out on many educational visits to support the learning in class, enrich the curriculum and broaden horizons.
We also arrange for special events and visits to take place in school to enhance childrens learning and enjoyment.
Theme days and charity events are popular with both children and parents who take part enthusiastically- bringing learning to life and developing community spirit.
Teaching & Practice
The following Home School Principles outline the code by which we operate and work together:
HOME SCHOOL PRINCIPLES
The school will:
- Deliver a high standard of education and...
The following Home School Principles outline the code by which we operate and work together:
HOME SCHOOL PRINCIPLES
The school will:
- Deliver a high standard of education and care
- Provide a broad and balanced curriculum to meet your childs individual needs
- Encourage your child to do their best at all times.
- Encourage your child to respect their surroundings and others around them.
- Keep you informed about your childs progress and how you can help at home.
- Keep you informed about what your childs teacher plans to teach each term.
The family will:
- Support the school in the delivery of its aims.
- Make sure their child arrives at school on time, attends school regularly and is properly equipped.
- Make the school aware of any concerns or problems that might affect their childs behaviour or performance.
- Support their child with their homework and home-learning opportunities.
- Attend Consultation Evenings to discuss their childs progress
- Ensure their child attends school presented well, in correct uniform which is clearly labelled.
The child will:
- Do all their classwork and homework as well as they can.
- Follow the school and classroom rules at all times.
- Take good care of the equipment and buildings.
- Be friendly, helpful and kind.
- Never behave like a bully.
Together we shall:
- Have high expectations of our children
- Praise and reward effort and positive attitudes to learning.
- Encourage good behaviour and discipline in line with the schools behaviour and anti-bullying policy.
- Support each childs learning to help them achieve their best.
The school year is divided into three terms, Autumn, Spring and Summer.
We operate an extended school day which enables us to offer our extensive curriculum. Hours are from 8.45-3.45pm Monday to Friday.
At the end of the school day children can be collected at school at 3.45 pm. Alternatively they may join After School Care which then operates until 6pm.
Standards & Acheivements
High standards of teaching and learning are the basis for our success and our curriculum is challenging. Our children consistently achieve excellent results in all areas and are regularly assessed. Parents are kept informed of individuals progress and attainment through...
High standards of teaching and learning are the basis for our success and our curriculum is challenging. Our children consistently achieve excellent results in all areas and are regularly assessed. Parents are kept informed of individuals progress and attainment through regular meetings and reports. See the section on Assessment and Reports that follows for further details.
All performance indicators demonstrate that we are highly successful and as a result we continue year on year to outperform schools in the area. Occupancy and demand for places continues to be strong. It is evident in feedback from customers and children, that Ashbridge not only meets their needs but adds significant value.
Assessment results continue to show that children in the school outperform their peers nationally and locally. Along with assessments at the end of their nursery years, Ashbridge pupils sit nationally accredited tests in Literacy and Numeracy at the end of Key Stage 1 when they are 7 and again at the end of Key Stage 2 at 11. Along with additional internal and external assessments this gives teachers the data they need to be able to monitor progress and set targets. The results also enable us to compare our results with national statistics. For example results in recent key stage 2 tests showed that 100% of Ashbridge pupils achieved level 4 in English compared to 81% nationally, with similar results in Mathematics. Our results however, go well beyond these levels with a high percentage of year 6 pupils achieving level 5, the expectation for children of 13 years of age.
In July of 2011 67% of our children achieved Level 5 in English and Science with 83% achieving Level 5 in Mathematics. Results for all children show high levels of progress and we continue to add value and meet the needs of children with additional learning needs.
The schools record in Sport, Drama and Music is equally impressive and we have regularly achieved success on the sports field, competing with local schools, and impressive results in externally accredited Drama and Music exams. Our children continue to enjoy success in inter-school events and feedback from all who meet our pupils, in whatever context, is continually positive.
Ashbridge is a member of the highly acclaimed Independent Association of Preparatory Schools.
Membership of such a prestigious organisation as IAPS acknowledges our commitment to quality education and recognises the school and nursery’s focus on high academic standards. Being a member of this association will bring many benefits including opportunities for Academic, Sporting, Drama and Cultural exchanges with other prestigious 
schools and nurseries across the country. In addition we benefit from training and support at all levels. If you would like further information, please visit the IAPS website on the link below and the Attain website for the link to the leading education magazine of the independent schools' sector and official magazine of IAPS.
http://www.attainmagazine.co.uk/
As part of our IAPS membership we are allocated a mentor. Our mentor, Dr Patricia Thompson recently visited Ashbridge and commented:
"As you know, I have enjoyed a very full, long and varied career in education, visiting and working in schools, colleges and universities all over the world, especially Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Indonesia, America, France and Denmark, not to mention all over the UK, as an Ofsted and ISI Inspector, a QAA Assessor, a Teacher-Trainer, an adjudicator, and a consultant, but I can honestly say I have never seen such a complete picture of professionalism, academic excellence, outstanding care for all ages, superb leadership and management, with palpable fun and enjoyment, as I gained from your wonderful school and nursery. It really is a very special place that I felt it a great privilege to visit and see it on a normal school day, which was anything but in its shining, beacon-like character. Indeed despite being surrounded by severe wintry weather, the sun shone the whole day, validating the feeling of it being blessed.”
Dr Patricia Thompson MA DLitt GRNCM ARMCM PGCE FIPCD FRSA
