This week I sent a letter to parents of children in Years 3 to 6 about the benefits of Years 7 and 8 in a Prep School and I thought it would be helpful to share the main points with all parents in my Head’s Reflections this week. My personal view is that children gain much more from these two additional years at their prep school – they are a great launch pad for senior school, a great time for children to grow up before they are ‘grown’ up. This happens for several reasons:
- Prep Schools have smaller classes and fewer children in a year group means that children receive individual attention. For example, at St Christopher’s there are approximately 35 children in Year 8, at senior schools with a Year 7 intake there can be 100+ in the year. At St Christopher’s every child is seen and heard.
- There are more opportunities to shine and to experience leadership opportunities at a time when they have the maturity to appreciate the extra responsibility. At St Christopher’s the positions of responsibility (our Prefects, Heads of School, Heads of House, Sports Captains, and the ‘Buddy’ system) all happen in Years 7 and 8. In a senior school pupils do not have these opportunities until the end of their GCSE years.
- There are a large number of Scholarships and Awards offered by the senior schools that are only available to children entering at the 13+ stage. Staying at your Prep School for Years 7 and 8 means an opportunity to apply for these awards. Every year St Christopher’s pupils earn top scholarships to the senior schools in our area.
- During the awkward early-teens, children are being taught and cared for by teachers who know them well. The bond that is built pre-adolescence enables teachers to get the best out of their pupils during a tricky time in their lives.
- Excellent opportunities in Year 7 and 8 that simply don’t exist in senior schools: the French trip, team building activities and trips, representing their school at open mornings and acting as tour guides, taking a lead role in things like the school council and charity fundraising, and being a Buddy to our younger pupils, of course. The residential trip to Dorset where English, history, geography and science come together. The Upper School play (Shrek the Musical this year) and the Leavers’ Trip in the Summer Term of Year 8 to name just a few.
A final factor is reflected in recent activity. Our Year 7s sat their first Upper School exams this week, and Year 8 have their Mocks immediately after Half Term. The final two years of Prep School have a rigorous academic focus as we prepare the children for Entrance examinations to their senior schools. There are Scholarships and Awards to be won, something that St Christopher’s achieves extraordinary success in.
When you are considering the next step in your child’s education, I cannot stress enough how important it is to speak to the experts: your child’s Form Tutor, Head of Section, Deputy Head Academic, and myself. We know your child well and we know the schools well and you will receive bespoke advice tailored to your child. And it is never too early to start. To this end, if you have any questions or would like to discuss anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Wishing you and your families a restful break.
Ms Elizabeth Lyle, Head