Junior School and Pre Prep

Junior School and Pre Prep
“Bablake Junior School is a diverse
and supportive community. The shared
aspiration of parents and teachers
encourages and supports the pupils,
allowing them to flourish and to do
their best. Opportunity, care, ambition
and challenge facilitate success.”
Why Bablake Junior School?
“The pupils’ success
is promoted by
excellent attitudes
to learning.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate
“B
ablake Junior School offers an all-round academic education that allows children
to explore their potential. As a consequence our pupils are thoroughly prepared for
the next stage of their education.
We strive for academic achievement and facilitate this through teaching interesting
lessons within a school culture that allows everyone to thrive. Pupils encourage each
other and working hard is expected and normal. We utilise varied, relevant and effective
teaching strategies and resources to combine the very best of old and new. Where
children struggle they are supported - both academically and pastorally.
Outside of the classroom Bablake offers a plethora of extra-curricular activities, clubs
and experiences. General participation and the pursuit of excellence go hand in hand and
pupils progress with enthusiasm and confidence.
Bablake Junior School was opened in 1991 to extend the opportunity for children to
experience a Bablake education beyond the traditional 11-18 age range. Bablake School
was founded in 1344 and is consistently placed amongst the highest performing schools
nationally. Today Bablake Junior School is a flourishing co-educational day school for
children aged 3-11 following the addition of Cheshunt School as Bablake Pre Prep in 2009.
This prospectus gives a flavour of the many and varied opportunities available to your
children and should there be places, new pupils are able to join us at any time.
Please come and meet us; we look forward to welcoming you into our school.
Neil Price, Headmaster
”
Facing challenges, exploring potential
T
o help our pupils do their best
we provide a fantastic environment,
excellent care and stimulating
teaching. We offer a breadth of experience
that encourages everyone to explore their
potential and prepares them to face ongoing
challenges in the classroom and in life.
Pupils leave us with the confidence to
be considerate and co-operative and to
offer leadership. They learn to be part of
a team and to be able to persevere
individually when they have only
themselves to rely upon.
Success at Bablake Junior School is a
fulfilment of the parental dedication that has
brought them to where they are even before
they walk through our doors. The families
that choose Bablake come from many
different backgrounds and cultures but
all share the same aspirations. This instils
in our pupils the determination to work
hard alongside others and to do their best.
We nurture that early impetus and give it
educational form and academic opportunity.
We want our pupils’ achievements at
the Junior School to set the foundations
for what lies ahead. In the classroom, on
stage, during expeditions or when playing,
knowledge is learnt, skills are gleaned and
the perseverance essential to success is
honed. We want our pupils to be stimulated
by their learning, to be personally enriched
and to make lifelong friends. We believe
that contented children learn best and we
want your children to be happy and to enjoy
coming to school.
“Thank you for letting me go to Bablake.
I love it. I’m excited about going to school
every day.”
Year 5 Pupil
“Her joy at school and her academic
achievements are truly wonderful to witness.”
Year 5 Parent
Teaching and learning – the hub of school life
A
t Bablake we bring together well
taught, stimulating lessons
and enthusiastic learners. This
positive synergy allows our pupils to achieve
academically and lays the foundations for
future learning through the enjoyment of
lessons and the acquisition of appropriate
skills and knowledge.
The curriculum and life in the classroom
Our pupils follow a broad and challenging
curriculum and great care is taken to ensure
a balance across the study of languages and
the arts, Maths, Science, sport and extracurricular activities.
Pupils are based in classes with their Form
Teachers who will teach them for some of
their lessons whilst increasing use is made of
specialist teachers and facilities as the pupils
get older. Having only two or three classes
per year group ensures a close community
where everyone knows each other. The
close relationship between Form Teachers,
specialist staff and pupils enables fulfilling
and personalised learning to flourish.
Languages, Humanities and the Arts
Learning Support
Pupils learn to express themselves and their
ideas with increasing clarity through the
study of English language and literature.
Drama lessons encourage everyone to
use their imagination and develop the
confidence to perform with others. Art and
Music lessons develop creativity and explore
different processes and techniques. As part
of the Music curriculum, in Year 4 all pupils
have group instrumental lessons in strings,
keyboard and brass.
Learning Support at Bablake helps children
overcome factors that inhibit their learning.
Our support structure allows pupils to
flexibly access help when it is needed and
many different pupils receive help over their
time with us. Learning Support teaching is
delivered in close co-operation with Form
and subject teachers to ensure learning is as
successful and enjoyable as possible.
A keen interest and understanding of culture
is stimulated through a broad Humanities
programme that encourages reflection
upon our circumstances and how we fit
into history and the world. French is taught
throughout the school with German and
Spanish introduced in Year 6.
Science, Maths and Technology
Science lessons are based around interesting
practical investigations and the Maths
curriculum ensures pupils have a clear grasp
of the skills they will need to access the
more applied challenges ahead. Whilst the
importance of traditional education remains
as strong as ever, ICT brings a stimulating
dimension that both encourages and allows
individual innovation. Our excellent ICT
facilities support the children’s learning and
help us evolve and enliven their studies.
Year 6 innovation
A stimulating programme of study
supplements the core curriculum in Year 6.
In their last year with us, pupils experience
an enhanced drama, language and sports
programme alongside the challenges of
taking part in charity based enterprise
activities. All Year 6 pupils become school
prefects and there are specific leadership
opportunities in sport, ICT, the library
and music. Our older pupils are important
role models and positively influence the
behaviour of the younger members of
our community.
Our academic results are outstanding,
with pupils attaining standards well above
those elsewhere. Normally all of our pupils
join the Senior School and children who
enter the Junior School are considered to
have that potential. Thorough preparation
means that every year many Junior
School pupils win academic, Art or Music
scholarships and receive bursaries for entry
into the Senior School.
“Pupils throughout the school are
very keen to learn and clearly
enjoy what they do in lessons and
other activities. Pupils attain high
standards in their learning.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate
“The encouragement he has had from the
staff has been second to none and we are
amazed at his achievements.”
Year 6 Parent
Empowered to learn
W
e want our pupils to engage
with their learning. We
believe that this way they
will achieve their best. At the start of
lessons the purpose of what’s to come is
explained and every effort is made to keep
everyone focussed. Engagement means
that the children are switched on to what is
required and the pace, questioning,
co-operation and feedback enables learning
to be enhanced and embedded. Thorough
assessment means that as gaps appear they
are targeted and overcome.
Responsibility for their own academic
progress grows as the children get older.
They are encouraged to think for themselves
and to persevere in the face of challenges
with determination. Working hard
underpins academic success and individuals
are supported in the pursuit of their own
academic goals. Thorough foundations are
put in place and it is good to hear of our
former pupils’ success as they move through
the Senior School.
“Pupils are very well prepared for the next
stage of their education.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate
“The School has a
high culture of praise.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate
“A wonderful five years!”
Year 6 Parent
Teamwork and challenge;
participation and the pursuit of excellence
T
eamwork is encouraged throughout
the life of the school. Whether it
be within the classroom, choir,
orchestra or school team, the immensely
important benefits of co-operative
endeavour are reinforced through challenge
and experience.
Sport plays a major part in life at Bablake.
During a varied and balanced PE and
Games programme pupils will be
encouraged to support and work with
others, seek excellence and to do their best.
They will play in teams, have fun and enjoy
physical activity.
Pupils play varied sports as well as taking
part in other physical activities: football,
netball, rugby, hockey, cricket, rounders and
athletics are all taught by specialists within
the curriculum. Our aim is that all of our
pupils represent the school in fixtures. Our
small numbers make that possible and we
frequently field A, B, C and even D teams so
that everyone can experience the challenge
and excitement of matches. In addition
pupils play tennis and basketball and take
part in swimming, karate, cross-country
and gym sessions.
Our sports teams are very successful
and win the vast majority of our fixtures.
We regularly win county events and the
school has a well-founded reputation
for its sports provision and the pupil’s
performances. It is also pleasing to note
the spirit with which our teams play their
matches; determined yet measured. Children
are also encouraged to pursue sporting
interests outside of school and many go on to
compete at representative level.
Excellent facilities
Bablake benefits from excellent sports
facilities with the swimming pool, sports
hall, tennis and netball courts, rugby,
football and cricket pitches on site. Only
a mile away is our Astroturf and other
extensive grass sports fields.
Activities
An extensive programme of activities
takes place before and after school and at
lunchtimes. These vary between the creative,
like drama and art, to the competitive, such
as chess, swimming and football.
We have many music groups who tend
to meet at lunchtimes, including
orchestra, brass, percussion and strings.
Many pupils take individual music lessons
and regular concerts and performances in
front of parents and friends build confidence
and bring music to the fore. The diversity
of opportunity, from martial arts to Maths
clubs, means that there is something
for everyone.
The importance of co-operative endeavour
in developing teamwork whilst pursuing
excellence and personal interest is very
much at the heart of a Bablake education.
Everyone has the opportunity to enjoy and
excel at sport, to learn to play a musical
instrument or take part in a wide variety
of activities. Our pupils then gain further
fulfilment whilst playing together in teams
or groups.
“The contribution of curricular and
extra-curricular provision is excellent.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate
“I like Bablake because everyone has enough
room for friendships.”
Year 3 Pupil
“We have all loved
the Bablake Junior
experience.”
Year 6 Parent
An enriching community
A
t Bablake we want your children
to enjoy their education. Pupils,
parents and school staff work
together to help facilitate the best possible
outcomes for everyone. A harmonious
community brings enrichment and great
care is taken to ensure that the children are
content. Problems are dealt with quickly
and sympathetically and staff are always
ready to talk to pupils and parents. Our form
system means that teachers spend significant
amounts of time with the children in their
classes. This bond means support is readily
available and willingly given.
We are very conscious of the significant
responsibility we have been entrusted
with. Staff share values with parents
and also a commitment to high expectations
of behaviour, standards of dress, courtesy
and manners.
We all flourish in an environment where
support and consideration for others are
paramount and this message is regularly
reinforced. Being a successful and
considerate member of the community is an
important aspect of the hidden curriculum
at Bablake.
Senior School pupils are regularly welcomed
into the Junior School and they are often to
be seen listening to the younger pupils read
and assisting them with their Maths and
Music. This continuity and engagement is a
very positive experience for all concerned.
The house system challenges and supports
individuals as part of a team through
competition. House points are awarded for
effort and excellence and for consideration of
others. Educational trips and weekends away
both support the curriculum and encourage
personal responsibility, as do certificates
and other awards presented in Assemblies.
Positive reinforcement highlights
commendable behaviour throughout
the school.
Parents are encouraged to visit our school at
any time and there are two formal Parents
Evenings each year. Reports are sent home
each term and homework diaries aid
communication between home and school.
Parents are encouraged to support the
children as they take part in sports teams,
concerts and plays. This interaction helps
us all understand each other better and
enriches our community.
Bablake Junior School is open from 8.00am
to 6.00pm to accommodate the varied needs
of hardworking families.
“Tolerance and
harmony are
integral to the
community.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate
“She has had a fantastic time and loved
every moment at your school.”
Pre Prep Parent
Bablake Pre Prep
B
ablake Pre Prep offers a friendly
and caring environment, where
children are happy and excited to
come to school. Parents, pupils and staff
work together to ensure successful learning
takes place. A family atmosphere ensures
individuals are prepared to take
full advantage of the opportunities that
lie ahead.
Families that choose Bablake come from
many different backgrounds and cultures
but all are determined that their children
should have a great education. From a very
early age this instils in your children - our
pupils, the determination to work hard
alongside others and to do their best.
The sharing of collective values ensures
co-operative success.
As part of Bablake, Pre Prep pupils are
members of one of the country’s leading
independent schools. From an early age
your children will share in the ambition
Bablake has for all of its pupils; that within
an ethos of care and community, our shared
aspirations help assure academic and
all-round success. Pre Prep pupils more
specifically benefit from accessing Bablake’s
specialist teaching and facilities.
Every year former Pre Prep pupils achieve
remarkable success across our school. The
educational foundation for this was laid
many years before, at Bablake Pre Prep.
“The school’s
welcoming and
family ethos reflects
its aims to value
and support each
individual.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate
“In the EYFS children are extremely
motivated, confident and independent
learners, who respond to school life
with great enthusiasm and enjoyment.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate
The Early Years
E
ducation for children at the Pre
Prep begins from the September
after they turn three. Our
Kindergarten classroom for children who
are 3+ is bright, colourful and airy with
displays highlighting the children’s many
successes and achievements. Teaching
supports children in their first steps towards
numeracy and reading and writing through
‘Letters and Sounds’. The staff who look after
Kindergarten are passionate about their
work and the children thrive.
We have two small classes in Reception
where early foundations are reinforced and
greater structure and traditional academic
emphasis is introduced. Reading, writing
and number work are at the heart of the
programme. Staff encourage children to
be good communicators and to develop
problem solving techniques. Alongside
this we are keenly aware that each child
develops individually.
In Kindergarten and Reception there are
plenty of opportunities for children to
develop creatively, physically and socially.
All children are carefully observed and their
progress is monitored and shared
with parents.
“The quality of provision
in the EYFS is excellent.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate
Years 1 and 2
I
n Years 1 and 2 children follow an
extended National Curriculum in small
classes where their individual needs can
be readily met. The curriculum is broad and
balanced and pupils regularly enjoy going on
trips and outings to local places of interest.
Pupils visit Bablake for several lessons each
week whilst specialist teachers visit the
Pre Prep to teach Music and Art. In Years 1
and 2, as throughout the Pre Prep, positive
interaction and supportive relationships are
readily apparent.
Our school
The normal school day at Bablake Pre Prep
is between 8.45am and 3.20pm although the
school is open between 8.00am and 5.45pm.
Hot lunches are available daily or children
can bring their own food into school from
home. A fun, structured and stimulating
holiday club runs most days of the school
holidays between 8.45am and 5.00pm and
a diverse selection of clubs are available
after school.
Children can join the Pre Prep at any time
subject to a visit and there being a space.
As the children get older more formal
assessment takes place during their visit.
We need to be confident that pupils have the
long term potential to pass into the Senior
School aged 11.
“You have provided a wonderful
nurturing environment with
superb teaching.”
Pre Prep Parent
Naul’s
Mill Park
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Entrance (CV6 2NB)
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Spencer Park
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(40 acre site)
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Hinckley and Leicester
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A4114
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B4119
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Bablake
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Directions to Bablake
Ap
ox
ely
Rd
at
im
don
Bu
tts
La
Kenilworth
A45
Leamington Rd
A45
Ken
ilw
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s
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A4114
5m
Ba
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A429
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Pre Prep
A4114
M69 (M1, M6)
A45
A429
A46
Warwick
Royal Leamington Spa
Stratford-upon-Avon
(M40)
M45
Directions to Bablake Junior School
To arrange a visit contact:
From the Ring Road, leave junction 8 and
turn right at the first set of traffic lights by
the Days Hotel. From the A45/A4114 turn left
at the traffic lights by the Days Hotel. Bablake
School is 250m beyond the left hand bend and
is situated on the right hand side of Coundon
Road. Bablake Junior School is situated directly
over the front field opposite the main school
entrance gate. A driveway runs down to the
right of the field.
Bablake Junior School
Directions to Bablake Pre Prep
From the Ring Road, leave at junction 6 and
go through the railway station. At the first
crossroads you then meet, Bablake Pre Prep is
directly opposite you on the right.
Coundon Road, Coventry, CV1 4AU
t 024 7627 1260
[email protected]
wwww.bablake.com
fwww.facebook.com/bablakeschool
twww.twitter.com/bablakeschool
Bablake Pre Prep School
8 Park Road, Coventry, CV1 2LH
t 024 7622 1677
[email protected]
wwww.bablake.com
fwww.facebook.com/bablakeschool
twww.twitter.com/bablakeschool
BABLAKE
Co
un
do
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“Bablake Pre Prep is a special place where children can work
and play together in safe and stimulating surroundings.
We provide a happy and friendly environment where emphasis
is placed upon building firm foundations and nurturing
a love of learning. Children and parents feel welcome and
supported and we aim to inspire all of our pupils to become
more independent and to do their best.”
Tracy Horton, Head of Pre Prep
bablake.com
Bablake School, which exists to provide quality education for boys and girls, is a
registered charity (No 528961) and is a school within the Coventry School Foundation.
It provides independent education for 3–18 year olds, through Bablake Junior School
and Bablake School, founded in 1344.
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