Description
Conifers School is Independent Secondary school in Non-selective for kids aged 2 to 13 (Gender - 2 to 13 )
Conifers is a charming independent prep school in the heart of the South Downs National Park, offering an impressive prep school curriculum and a wide range of co-curricular activities. We provide an academically challenging curriculum whilst placing particular emphasis on the great outdoors, pastoral care and paving the way for pupils to enter the very best Senior schoolsConifers gives children the space, support and encouragement to explore their passions and follow their dreams. As a proudly non-selective school our pupils’ exceptional progress enables leavers to consistently enter their first choice senior school. A large proportion are awarded scholarships at a range of national and local independent schools including Royal Grammar School (Guildford), Seaford, St Swithun’s, Lancing, Churcher’s, Prior’s Field and Christ’s Hospital.
Facilities
Little Conifers Pre-School
The Pre-School building opens out on to the newly refurbished outdoor play area. This area has climbing equipment and balance bikes to develop the pupils gross motor skills, as well as a range of sensory play and role play activities. In order to extend their outdoor learning further, all pupils visit the school field and woodland weekly for forest and farming adventures. The pupils spend a lot of time exploring the wonderous outside world, so wellies and waterproofs are essential!
Reception
In Reception, we introduce languages and swimming weekly. The pupils can choose between French and Spanish, with the opportunity of joining a club for their second choice should they wish. They also become part of the wider school community when joining our house system. This provides the opportunity to take part in house activities and competitions. The pupils’ Read, Write, Inc journey continues in Reception with a more formal teaching approach. At this point, pupils will be taught through ‘stage not age’ to ensure all pupils reach their potential.
Pre Prep
When Conifers pupils enter Pre-Prep in Year 1, at 5 years old, they are enthusiastic and ready to learn after an inspiring start in the Early Years. Having such a solid foundation results in a smooth and easy transition into the Key Stage 1 curriculum. For new pupils joining Conifers in Year 1, the welcoming atmosphere and small class sizes allow children to settle in quickly.As pupils enter Pre-Prep they begin to embrace a more formalised approach in lessons broadly following the KS 1 curriculum. Pupils are taught English, maths, science, history and geography by an experienced class teacher while art, languages (Spanish, French, Mandarin), DT, PE and music are taught by specialist teachers. Years 1 and 2 continue to improve their flourishing skills in daily Read, Write, Inc sessions. Lessons are taught in small groups with differentiation specific to each pupil’s individual learning.
Prep
Pupils entering Year 3 at Conifers, whether coming up from Pre-Prep or joining us from a different school, will sit some informal assessments covering English and maths. This helps us to ensure pupils hit the ground running by understanding as much as possible about them before they join us in the Prep school. For new pupils joining us, this also enables our teachers to tailor a great learning experience for your child, in particular those that require extra advancement and additional challenges in their academic learning.
Features
Things to note
Outdoor Learning
At Conifers we have a unique outdoor learning programme. All pupils enjoy an afternoon each week working outdoors on a variety of different initiatives. They have class allotments for pupils to work on together, preparing the planting beds, learning about seasonal crops, then growing and harvesting produce under the experienced guidance of Farmer Paul. In addition, each term, pupils benefit from visiting farm animals in the Upper Paddock, enabling them to experience caring for livestock.
Sport
Although a small Prep school, Conifers’ pupils still have many opportunities to practice and compete regularly, enjoying many sports and a good amount of physical exercise. The sport programme offers pupils up to 6 hours of PE and Games per week. In addition, the co-curricular programme adds further variety with a range of sport related after school clubs.The chance for each pupil to play sport is important in their development both socially and physically. Specialist teaching develops both individual and team skills, promotes teamwork, health & fitness and resilience. Every child, from emerging young athletes to those honing their elite skills will develop these competencies during their time with us.
Music
All pupils have classroom music lessons taught by a specialist teacher and are introduced to a wide variety of music. Creativity, teamwork, confidence and self-motivation are all skills that they aim to promote with an emphasis on the joys of listening, appraising, performing and composing. We have dedicated peripatetic teachers who offer individual lessons for singing, orchestral instruments, guitar and drum kit. The children are prepared for ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) examinations, which are taken termly. Furthermore, Conifers presently has a plethora of music clubs and activities for students to immerse themselves in including music technology club,
Drama and Performance
They firmly believe that the atmosphere at Conifers encourages all pupils enjoy opportunities to shine on stage. All children are encouraged to perform and everyone is included in the annual school shows and productions. The Nativity is performed by the Reception Class with all Early Years children, across the Nursery and Pre School also taking part. Year 1 to 3 entertain their families with a musical production each spring with recent productions including The Litter Muncher and Blooming Gorgeous. The Prep productions, performed by Years 4 to 8, take place in the summer term with the children performing in shows such as The Lion King, Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
Extra Curricular
Please check the school website link for details.
8.17 miles
