St. David’s College WEST WICKHAM Welcome to St. David’s College Reliable in all things Resolute of mind.... and Respect for the beliefs and cultures of others. St. David’s College is a small, selective, co-educational day school with a happy, family atmosphere. We cater for children from 4 to 11 years old. Our aim is to develop the academic and social potential of each child to the full. We have a flourishing House system which encourages a healthy competitive but friendly atmosphere. Pupils are encouraged and supported in a caring, disciplined and positive environment to develop self-esteem, a sense of responsibility and an awareness of the wider world. We have high expectations in all aspects of school life. History and Development St. David’s College was founded in 1926 by Mrs. Gwenllian Davis, a graduate of Cardiff University, a gifted teacher and an excellent administrator. Initially, the school comprised just one room for a kindergarten class but by 1931 there were 32 pupils on roll, whose ages ranged from 5 to 10 years. In 1935 Mrs. Davis sold the school to Dr. Derek Schove, the father of the present principal. During the Second World War the number of pupils declined but the school opened its doors to students from the age of 3 to 33! After the war, numbers quickly grew and by 1950 there were 130 on roll. The building was extended to match the expansion. In 1968 the Little School opened on its new site in St. David’s Close. St. David’s celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1976 and its Diamond Jubilee in 1986. In 1983 the school was granted accreditation by the Independent Schools Joint Council and this accreditation has recently been re-awarded following another highly successful Independent Schools Association (ISA) inspection. In 2005 the building of the new studio was completed to provide splendid extra space for both drama and music. The number of pupils on roll is now over 150 and, whilst traditional values are maintained, St. David’s College provides a wide and well-balanced curriculum commensurate with the challenges of the twenty-first century. St. David’s College Little School Reception - Year 2 The Reception curriculum is based on the Foundation Stage Early Learning Goals, while Years 1 and 2 follow the National Curriculum. Priority is given to the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science, with a special emphasis on reading during this Infant stage. However, we also offer a wide and diverse curriculum through a range of topics that covers History, Geography, Art and Personal, Social and Health Education, over all three year groups. Years 1 and 2 also begin French lessons. A variety of teaching methods and styles, both formal and informal, is used to make lessons informative and interesting, which caters for all kinds of learning - visual, oral and kinaesthetic. We also aim to enhance the children’s development in self-discipline and independence. All children have Drama, Music, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Sports lessons taken by specialist teachers. Extra-curricular subjects such as dance and swimming are available for all and individual instrumental lessons (piano, string, brass) can begin in Year 1. There is an opportunity for Year 2 children to learn to play the recorder as part of a group music activity that takes place during the lunch break. “The close co-operative working of staff is a key element in the high quality of education offered to all parents.” “In everything it does, the school keeps the welfare of pupils at the centre of its thinking and activities.” “The school is successful in achieving its aim to develop pupils’ academic ability to the best level.” Independent Schools Inspectorate Justin Hall - Years 3 to 6 The Curriculum In Justin Hall we offer a wide and varied curriculum which prepares Year 6 children for both the state grammar and independent school examinations and also for the national curriculum tests. We are justifiably proud of our results. The syllabus is delivered by a body of well-qualified form teachers, who are supported by classroom assistants and a team of talented specialist staff in art, drama, French, Information and Communication Technology, literacy, music and sport. Two qualified and highly experienced teachers also provide extra group and individual tuition when additional support is needed. Mathematics and English Mathematics is delivered through a structured scheme of class and group teaching which supports the less confident and extends the more able mathematicians. It encompasses formal and practical exercises and investigations, worksheets, mental arithmetic, regular tests and homework. In English, using a variety of skills and a wide range of literature, we aim to enable pupils to reach a high level of listening and understanding, to communicate with clarity and confidence, and to express themselves in both factual and creative writing. Science In line with the National Curriculum we set out to develop the scientific skills to predict, hypothesise and investigate, so nurturing an enquiring mind. Our science programme is designed not just to develop understanding but also to promote an enthusiasm in the study of life and physical processes and living things and materials. Religious Education (RE) and Personal and Social Education (PSE) St. David’s College upholds a traditional Christian ethos whilst welcoming pupils of all faiths and fostering respect for their beliefs. Our RE and PSE lessons and assemblies seek to contribute to the spiritual, moral, social, cultural and intellectual development of the individual, irrespective of cultural background or faith. Information and Communication Technology Our timetable is designed to give every pupil a regular group session, led by a specialist teacher, in our computer suite. There is also computer access in each classroom. Pupils soon become confident using a range of ICT skills: word processing, data collection, art and design, presentation and printing. Work is designed to be topical and cross-curricular. History and Geography Our ultimate aim in the teaching of both history and geography is to foster a real enjoyment and enthusiasm for both subjects. In history, skills of chronological awareness, enquiry, accurate reading and interpretation are encouraged to develop a knowledge and understanding of our past. In geography, all pupils are given the opportunity to develop their knowledge and mapping skills and to participate in environmental activities. The school’s location is ideal for local history and geography studies. French French is taught from Year 1 through to Year 6 by a specialist teacher. The emphasis is on building vocabulary and listening and speaking skills through role play and games. We aim to foster a love for the language, which sets a sound base for later language learning in senior school. Health and Sex Education “Keeping our bodies healthy” is an important topic included within our science syllabus and is reinforced by an annual visit from the Bromley Life Education Centre mobile classroom, which organises specially designed programmes appropriate for each year group. Healthy eating is encouraged by our school lunches and our tuck shop guidelines. Year 5 are given a more formal talk on puberty by a qualified nurse/youth counsellor. An informal session is arranged for parents prior to this talk. Extra-curricular Lessons Available in Piano Violin Flute Clarinet Trumpet Recorder Singing Clarinet Group Recorder Group Flute Ensemble Brass Group Orchestra An all-round education Music Music plays a prominent part in the life of St. David’s. It is essentially a hands-on experience. Participation in group performances is encouraged at a very early stage using the extensive range of percussion instruments available. Singing is an integral part of most lessons and it is our aim that the majority of the children will gain an enjoyment of singing and will be able to play simple song parts on a variety of musical instruments by Year 6. Instrumental lessons are available on a wide range of orchestral instruments and on the piano. All children are given the opportunity to join group recorder lessons. There are several opportunities for public performance during the school year, including an Inter-House Music Competition and a series of Summer concerts. Children frequently perform to each other during school assembly. Bands and ensembles St. David’s has its own band, which rehearses once a week after school. All instrumentalists of Grade 1 standard and above are welcome to join. Instrumental teachers rehearse smaller chamber ensembles for concert performances. These include a clarinet group, a flute choir, a recorder consort and a brass and percussion group. Arts and Crafts Our classroom and corridor displays demonstrate the high standard of art work at St. David’s. Every junior class has a specialist-led lesson each week. The children learn design and creativity through experimenting and working with both materials and ideas. We aim to continue traditional skills whilst exploring modern developments and techniques. An introduction to the history of art for the older children complements the more practical work. Pupils are encouraged to express their ideas confidently and to develop their talents to the full. Drama Drama is taught in small groups by a specialist drama teacher. Confidence is gained at an early age in verse and prose speaking and in role play. Children can enter for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) drama exams and for the local festivals. Our children regularly win medals and cups for verse and prose speaking at the Beckenham Festival each Autumn. Year 6 also present a drama/musical production towards the end of each Summer Term. “St. David’s has prepared me for my secondary school, from the project work through to remembering my PE kit...” Zosia Edwards 1999 -2004 Sports at St. David’s Football Netball Cricket Athletics Hockey Rounders Swimming Cross-Country Sport At St. David’s College, there is a strong tradition of sporting excellence and we are very proud of our pupils’ individual and team successes at district, county and national level. We provide a broad and balanced programme of differing sports and we aim to promote the development of physical fitness, the enjoyment of active participation and the acquisition of a high level of skill. Our half-term and holiday sports courses are always extremely well-attended and very much enjoyed. Living History St. David’s pupils have dressed in togas at Crofton Roman Villa, spent a day ‘working’ on a Tudor farmstead at Ladyland Farm, and baked drop scones in a Victorian kitchen at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum. Visits to places of historical interest are regularly organised, giving young children the opportunity to participate in role play and to experience a little of what life might have been in past times. Outside visits Many visits are arranged throughout the school year. They are designed to support and extend the work in school. These visits include outings to farms, museums, theatres, nature centres and local amenities. The Final Year The Year 6 School Journey has become an important feature of the final year at St. David’s. This takes place over five days and is an opportunity for the children to develop further their social and educational skills. The Summer Term concludes with Prize Giving for the Year 6 leavers. We welcome their parents, local head teachers and guests. We then wish the leavers success in their secondary schools and look forward to hearing their news for future editions of our school newsletter. Our Children go to many different schools Trinity Whitgift Bromley High School Croydon High School Newstead Wood School St. Olave’s Old Palace School of John Whitgift James Allen’s Girls’ School Dulwich College Alleyn’s School Eltham College Sevenoaks Tonbridge Grammar The Judd Dartford Grammar Royal Russell Croham Hurst Combe Bank Farringtons Bullers Wood Langley Park School for Girls Langley Park School for Boys Wilson’s “Thank you St. David’s for such a lovely childhood...” Jeannine Addinall Before and After School Care Before School Care and After School Care are available for all pupils. Indoor play sessions are supplemented after school with supervised homework, sport and ICT. Chess Club There is a flourishing chess club, managed by a qualified coach, once a week after school. This is organised by the Coulsdon Chess Fellowship (CCF). The CCF organises individual and school team tournaments. Dance Dance lessons are available as an extra-curricular activity. All lessons include a mixture of ballet, tap and disco. There is an annual show every Spring Term. The PTA There is a thriving Parent-Teacher Association at the school, which all parents are encouraged to join. Activities include a magnificent firework display, which is attended by many former pupils (Old Davidians), a Christmas Fair and a Summer Fair. St. David’s College Justin Hall, Beckenham Road, West Wickham, Kent BR4 0QS Telephone: 020 8777 5852 Fax: 020 8777 9549 Email: stdavids@dial.pipex.com Website: www.stdavidscollege.com