Caldicott. Preparatory School

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1 Caldicott Preparatory School

2 From the Headmaster Caldicott is a preparatory school for boys from 7 to 13 years old. Boys are day boys until they board for their final two years. We believe that these two years of boarding are ideal preparation for the move to senior boarding school. Caldicott is an educational charity which owns the school and the Board of Governors ensures that the school maintains its sole purpose which is to educate the boys at Caldicott and all surpluses are ploughed back into maintaining and upgrading the school s facilities and educational provision. Caldicott is set in 40 acres of beautiful grounds and magnificent playing fields. The original Victorian house is still the centre of the school but many modern buildings have been added over the years. This reflects our aim to provide the proven values of a traditional education with best of modern facilities. Our philosophy at Caldicott is to provide a warm and supportive environment in which a boy can flourish and grow academically and personally, and where everybody feels that they are valued. The school seeks to develop happy and well-rounded boys who grow up to be confident individuals. We promote tolerance and we treasure good manners. We have high academic expectations and we encourage competitive team sports. Boys enjoy a broad cultural experience with lots of art, music and drama. We encourage the eating of healthy food, the time to play with friends and time for everyone to develop confidence in their own abilities. The aim of a Caldicott education is to prepare boys carefully so that they will be successful in the next stage of their education. Most of our boys move on to the top British boarding public schools. They should leave Caldicott with strong moral and spiritual values, high standards of behaviour and a good understanding of their responsibilities in the wider world. To fulfil this mission, the aims of the school are: - To prepare boys carefully for entry at 13+ into the top British public schools - To develop boys potential academically, personally, culturally, physically and spiritually - To develop tolerance and respect for everyone in the Caldicott community and beyond - To encourage good manners and appropriate behaviour - To provide a safe environment for boys to work and play Simon Doggart Headmaster

3 Academic Inspirational teachers are fundamental to the success of the school. In the last inspection report the teaching at Caldicott was highly praised in a substantial number of lessons teaching was outstanding. We encourage intellectual curiosity and independent thought. Day boys are encouraged to do all their work at school and do not take work home, but they are encouraged to read every evening. Boarders have prep sessions in the evenings when they are taught effective learning habits and they are encouraged to start working on their own. The Art and the Design Technology areas have been renovated. The standard of art is impressive and each year group visits an art gallery so Caldicott boys will have been to many major London galleries during their time at school. The Design Technology department encourages boys to manufacture in a variety of different materials and a project designing a mini Formula 1 car is very popular.

4 Sport Boys thrive on the many sporting activities available to them. Sport is very popular and everyone is coached and encouraged to play games properly as well as competitively. Learning to be gracious in victory or defeat is essential. Organised games take place nearly every day and most of the staff coach the boys and run teams. Caldicott has a fine sporting record and we are also proud that all boys have a chance to represent the school in a competitive sport. Rugby, cricket and football are the major sports and there are also school fixtures in tennis, athletics, swimming, cross-country running, squash and basketball.

5 Performing arts The Centenary Hall was opened in 2004 and the sound, lighting and recording facilities have just been upgraded. This is a very well-equipped performing arts centre in which lots of music and drama takes place. There are many concerts, plays and entertainment evenings at which the boys perform and display their skills and talents. The annual Declamations and Debating competitions enables boys to perform in public on the big stage. Music is highly valued. A huge number of boys play musical instruments, many sing in a choir and lots play in various instrumental groups. A new music technology room has proved very popular with boys who want to compose their own music. Drama is both part of the academic curriculum and a creative activity in the boys spare time. There are a number of formal and informal dramatic productions each year and the main school play is always impressive.

6 Boarding Pastoral care of the boys is of paramount importance. All boys have a tutor and the tutor works closely with parents to ensure that all boys are happy and fulfilled at school. It is vital that school and parents work in partnership promoting the highest standards in all areas of the boys lives. Making sure boys feel understood and cared for is a vital ingredient of the school community. Boarding is popular with boys in the final two years. All boarders live under one roof in the main school building in five linked corridors. Dormitories are organised by age group and are bright and warm with space for posters and family photographs, and teddies are definitely welcome. The boarders are looked after by the Senior House Parents as well as matrons, nurses and resident boarding tutors. All Caldicott staff does boarding duties and the atmosphere upstairs is caring, friendly and fun. Most boarders go home after games on a Saturday afternoon and come back for Sunday evening chapel, but there are also full boarders who enjoy a fun weekend programme.

7 Extra curricular Opening the minds of boys is a challenging part of education. School expeditions, outward bound trips, leadership days, a varied activity programme and many outside speakers ensure that there is infinite variety for the boys. Every boy is encouraged to discover new talents and enthusiasms. Caldicott is a very busy school but relaxation is an important part of school life. Boys play happily in the school grounds at break time and boarders enjoy time in their common rooms in the evenings. Reading is vitally important and there is ample time in the school day for boys to relax with a book. If relaxation is important so is the spiritual development of the boys. Time spent in the Chapel is vital. Boys of all faiths are welcome and they are taught to be tolerant of each other; Caldicott is a Church of England school and all boys have to attend the services. On three weekday mornings the day begins with a brief act of worship. The Sunday evening Chapel service is well supported by the boarders parents. Boys enjoy being at Caldicott. Teachers are immensely dedicated and work tirelessly for the wellbeing of the boys, creating an environment in which every boy is encouraged to pursue his interests and talents. High standards are expected. The promotion of happiness and a constructive and enthusiastic approach to work, games and play ensure the development of selfesteem and success. Above all decency and good manners are rewarded. Boys thrive in the Caldicott environment.

8 Admission Parents can register with Caldicott at any time. This is generally at least three years prior to entry, although many do so much earlier, and some later. The only commitment at this stage is the payment of the non-refundable Registration fee of 50. Please visit the registration page on our website to download a form. Prospective pupils and their families are always welcome to visit the school by attending our Open Day or by making an individual visit to look round on a normal school day. Either may be arranged through the Registrar. Parents then complete the Registration Form enclosed with the Prospectus and return it to the Registrar, together with the Registration fee. Prospective parents living abroad who cannot arrange a preliminary visit to the school may register by post and arrange to visit at a convenient date). All are given a chance to visit the school with their parents before the start of their life at Caldicott. They take an assessment and a report is requested from their current school. When a place has been offered, a consolidation fee is requested, offset against the final term s account.

9 For further information please visit our website and arrange a visit to Caldicott by contacting: The Registrar Caldicott Crown Lane Farnham Royal Bucks SL2 3SL Tel: registrar@caldicott.com Website: This prospectus is for information only and does not form any contract between the parents and the school. This is because the prospectus has necessarily been prepared well in advance of entry of a pupil to the school and inevitably there may be subsequent alterations.