Frequently Asked Questions

Why will Berkhampstead School offer a better education than a state primary school?

 

We are able to care for each child at Berkhampstead. Our small class sizes, longer school day and range of activities mean that staff and children can have time and space to get to know one another well. We have positive and trusting relationships and have an environment that promotes confidence and facilitates learning. The attention we are able to give means that children achieve their potential and discover talents across a wider range than they might in a primary school.

 

How big is the school?

 

There are approximately 220 boys and girls at Berkhampstead School currently, with ages ranging from 3-11. It is a close-knit and friendly community, big enough to offer a wide range of experiences and to be a good social mix, small enough for everyone to be well known and for their needs to matter.

 

Our brand new, bright Day Nursery is due to open in the Spring of 2012 and will provide care for up to 60 children on a year-round basis. This will supplement the School Nursery provision, which starts at age 3 and is for term-times only.

 

What is the youngest age my child can start?

 

Berkhampstead School takes children from the age of 3 into its School Nursery. However, the Berkhampstead community will shortly welcome in those aged from only 3 months when our Day Nursery opens in the spring. An exciting new venture, it will provide the superb pastoral care for which the school is known to the very youngest children.  

 

Which schools do children transfer to at the age of 11?

 

Berkhampstead pupils are prepared for a range of schools. We are extremely fortunate to be surrounded by excellent schools, both state and independent. An average of 95% of those who take the Grammar School entrance test pass, going on to Pate’s or the Gloucester grammar schools. A significant number move to independent schools at age 11; our scholarship board shows the splendid record we have of winning scholarships to the leading schools. We hold an annual forum which enables Year 5 parents to gather information and advice on the choices available.

  We will offer advice and work with your child to secure a place at the best school for them.

 

How can my child travel to Berkhampstead?

 

We run minibus services to help with transport – particularly useful should you live outside Cheltenham or have children at a different senior school. Routes currently cover Bishops Cleeve, Winchcombe, Teddington, Tewkesbury and Coombe Hill but we may be able to accommodate other locations by arrangement. Our pupils come from a wide catchment covering areas such as Cheltenham to Tewkesbury and Gloucester to Andoversford.

Many parents and children walk, scooter or cycle to school and there is a bike/scooter rack so that these can be left during the day.

 

Do you teach Verbal Reasoning (VR)? 

 

Verbal Reasoning forms the basis of many Entrance Tests and is the measure used by the grammar schools.

All children from Year 4 have regular VR sessions as part of their timetabled lessons. They have fun with quizzes and puzzles, learn how to break codes and enjoy word games in a non-pressurised way. The lessons are stimulating and interesting and will stretch young minds. Our pupils relish the challenge and benefit from learning to examine problems using a range of skills.

 

How much homework will my child have?

 

In the Pre-Prep, all children are encouraged to read or share a book with a parent every night. They are occasionally set tasks that extend the topics studied in class, often involving research into an area of study or gathering items to bring into school. As they get older, they learn spellings and do some maths at home as appropriate to their ability.

 

In the Prep department (Years 3-6) children are set work most evenings excepting Wednesdays due to games commitments. Tasks are varied and designed to reinforce or extend what has been studied in class. The use of art, drama, design and ICT to supplement the more traditional Maths/English tasks is common. Homework is designed to be interesting and enjoyable.

 

What is your ethos?

 

Berkhampstead is a positive and vibrant place with a ‘can-do’ culture. We know that every child here is capable of remarkable things - we see the remarkable in every child and help them to build on it.

Children leave Berkhampstead as sociable and confident individuals, willing to turn their hands to whatever is asked and to do so cheerfully. They are ready to embrace the next stage of their education yet have a real affection for their Prep school.

 

How do you perform on the games field?

 

We punch above our weight in sport and regularly hold our own against much bigger schools. We enjoy winning but playing the game well matters most. Participation for all is important and every child will represent the school across a range of sports during their time here. Matches are invariably played in good spirit and the training sessions are popular. Children adopt the habit of being active, become competent across a range of sports and games and go on to have active lives.

 

What about ICT?

 

Recent reports in the press re: a lack of programming skills hampering the UK’s competitiveness, are being addressed here at Berkhampstead! Beyond the core skills required for today’s world we teach simple programming skills from Year 3 and the children relish the challenge. The introduction of iPads has revolutionised ICT teaching. Their versatility and the children’s enthusiasm are allowing IT to become genuinely cross-curricular and a real tool for learning.

 

Will my child learn an instrument?

 

Most children do, inspired by the way in which music is a huge part of Berkhampstead life and the way it is incorporated into the school day from the very youngest age. Children receive specialist teaching from age 3; peripatetic teachers offer individual lessons and two highly skilled and inspirational specialists take timetabled lessons and run clubs in school.  Music is used to stimulate art, drama and dance work and a range of styles is enjoyed.

 

From the toddlers' Berky Bear sessions, where music making begins, through to the final Leavers’ Concert in Year 6 there is opportunity to create, learn and compose music. Well over 90% of children aged 7 and above learn an instrument with many younger children attending the superb, fun and really rather loud ‘Crash, Bang, Wallop’ music sessions and ‘Strum It’ for the many ukulele players. Music thrives here and your child is very likely to ask to learn to play something.

 

What chance does my child have to perform?

 

There are regular music recitals after school. Assemblies and plays often feature someone playing an instrument or singing. Our Spring Concerts, held at the Pittville Pump Room provide the opportunity for every child from age 7 to perform in an impressive formal setting. The Music Festivals in Cheltenham see many Berkhampstead entries, as does the Primary Live Day.

 

What provision is there for before and after school care?

 

Children may arrive at school from 8.10am and will be cared for here until 5.30pm. The normal school day finishes at 3.30pm (Pre-Prep) and at 3.45pm (Prep); however, there are activities after school most evenings and the Running Club on a Friday – trainers on and jogging along by 8am is very popular! After school clubs allow homework to be completed and give time to relax and play. For those children staying beyond 4.30 pm a tea is provided to sustain children until their meal at home.

 

What is the school uniform – where is it stocked?

 

The school colours are blue and red. Our uniform is practical and durable, with cosy coats for winter and cool dresses and shorts for the warmer months. It is stocked at The Famous in Cheltenham and we have a super second-hand uniform shop, run by the Friends of Berkhampstead which is a model of organisation and friendliness.

 

Is there a Parents’ Association?

 

The ‘Friends of Berkhampstead’ is made up of an extremely active team of parents and staff. They have enormous energy, a diverse range of skills and plenty of imagination. Their drive and commitment mean that the school benefits from regular fund-raising and super social events. School is a welcoming place with a warm atmosphere, made more so by the parent class reps and other members of the Friends.

 

Is there an Alumni Association?

 

Our fledgling alumni society has held reunions during the past few summer holidays. What could be nicer than a barbeque in the school grounds, tours of the old place where you can remark on how much has changed, how much is the same and how much smaller everything seems than you remember! We are building a database of alumni and plan more events. Jo Simons, teacher and parent at Berky for many years is spearheading the alumni association and cataloguing photographs. 

 

Do you cater for children with special needs?

Each child’s progress is monitored closely and we would advise you if we felt that your child would benefit from additional curricular support from our specialist teachers. The SENCo (Special Education Needs Co-ordinator) has overall charge of any learning support that your child might need. All staff at Berkhampstead are skilled at delivering lessons in the most effective way for their pupils and will differentiate tasks to suit.

All children, including those who have been identified as more able/gifted and talented, will be given opportunities within lessons and through extra curricular activities to use and develop their gifts and talents.

What is the food like?

The food is excellent. School lunches are cooked on the premises from scratch and include a daily choice of hot main course and a dessert or fresh fruit. From time to time, ‘themed’ lunches are arranged. We encourage all to eat a well-balanced and varied diet. We operate a ‘family-dining’ system and lunch is an occasion where good manners are promoted and it is an opportunity to socialise and exchange stories.  Any special diets can, of course, be catered for.

How is my child kept safe at school?

We have a thorough procedure for ensuring the safety of the children in our care. The school bursar and maintenance manager are in charge of Health and Safety and carry out regular checks on procedure and policy. The staff are kept up-to-date with First Aid training, child protection training and carrying out risk assessments. The safety and happiness of the children is our highest priority.

When can we visit the School?

We hold open mornings several times a year, but can easily arrange appointments at other times - do please contact the School Office on 01242 523263. Mr Cross, the Headmaster, is always pleased to talk to prospective parents and show them around the school.

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about Berkhampstead, if you have one that is not on our list, do please contact us directly for the answer.