Description
Daneshill School is Independent Secondary school in Non-selective for kids aged 3 to 13 (Gender - 3 to 13 )
At the heart of the philosophy lies the firm conviction that for children to thrive they must be happy and confident in their relationships. There is an exceptional degree of collegiality and mutual support at Daneshill, both among the children and also between pupils and staff. There is a confident and respectful informality between staff and pupils, which allows for excellent discipline without fear.Rather than the simple imparting of knowledge, the best schools are also focused on fostering strong values and key skills too. Themes such as team work, resilience, critical thinking, problem solving, creative processes and growth mind-set are prominent in both curricular and extra-curricular planning
Facilities
Nursery
The Nursery takes children from approximately 3 years old until the summer before they join reception at the age of 4 years old. At Daneshill we believe that children’s learning will develop best through expert supported play and a purposeful theme. In Nursery, children are encouraged to learn through a mixture of child-initiated activities, and some adult led or adult directed activities. These activities include sand and water play, creative activities, themes and projects to promote awareness of the diversity of the world around them, books and music which encourage speaking and listening skills, and a chance to experiment with dough, paste and paper, puzzles and construction toys, to name a few! In addition, Daneshill places a strong emphasis on the importance of physical development and children have access to specialist teachers in Physical Education, gymnastics and, when age appropriate, swimming. They try to be led by the children as much as possible and therefore will centre topics and themes around children’s interests and important events.
Pre-Preparatory
From the ages of 4 to 7 years old pupils are based in the Pre-Preparatory department which comprises Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. A sizeable proportion of the children join the Pre-Prep from our own Nursery but it is just as common for children to join us from other nurseries in the surrounding area.The Pre-Preparatory is based on the main school site in a purpose-built classroom block that provides a fantastic and stimulating learning experience. The classrooms are spacious and well equipped with a wide range of learning materials available to challenge the children. In addition the children are also able to make use of all the facilities of the main school.
Preparatory
The Preparatory school comprises Years 3 to 8 (ages 7-13) and is based within the main school building. Teaching takes place in well equipped, internet linked classrooms with interactive whiteboards throughout.The best facility of any Preparatory school should be the collective qualities of its teaching staff and their ability to interact with the pupils to deliver a stimulating learning experience. Daneshill boasts a highly qualified and experienced team of teachers who are all motivated to ensure that the pupils benefit from a wide variety of educational experiences in a well rounded curriculum.
Features
Things to note
Sport
There is an intensive programme of sport for all pupils at Daneshill enabling each child to learn new skills while keeping them fit, active, healthy and happy, no matter what their level of sporting ability is.All pupils are taught by fully qualified physical education teachers and individual coaches ensuring each child is stimulated mentally as well as physically.
After-School
A wide range of activities and after-school clubs are available for Daneshill pupils to choose from, and a great variety of interests are catered for, from sport, music and art to cookery, dance and chess. The clubs are organised and run by members of staff or highly qualified external coaches and offer an extension to the normal school day with the majority running from 4pm-5pm. After-school clubs are not compulsory but pupils are encouraged to choose from the menu of activities to further stimulate their interests outside of the classroom.
Adventure, Leadership & Service
Extra-curricular activities play an important part in the 13+ curriculum. In-keeping with our school ethos, we foster a spirit of adventure and team-spirit and are always striving to develop our pupils’ leadership potential.One afternoon a week, our senior pupils embark upon their ALS programme of activities. These aim to stretch the children to their limits and broaden their horizons. The adventure strand exposes the children to a less conventional world of sport. They complete levels on the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme, become certified in Kayaking and Sailing, row on the River Thames, and go extreme with indoor skiing and skydiving. Their leadership skills are fostered subtly through orienteering, problem solving and bush craft sessions and more overtly with guest speakers leading group work sessions on topics such as ‘extremisim’, ‘image in the media’ and ‘cyber bullying’
Extra Curricular
Please check the school website link for details.
3.80 miles
