At Radnor House Prep, each child is valued for who they are rather than reduced to results and data points.
Sasha Davies, head at Radnor House Prep, is committed to building on the school’s already exceptional reputation for pastoral care and academic excellence. A core aspect of Radnor House Prep’s approach to education is the forgoing of the eleven-plus examination. “Though quite unusual within an independent school, not doing the eleven-plus is a major strength for Radnor House Prep,” explains Sasha.
“We offer an extraordinary uninterrupted curriculum that brings the best out of our pupils, as well as encouraging their personal development in secure surroundings.” We discuss the distinctive characteristics of Radnor House Prep, and why it has such an incredible reputation.
(Image: Mario Wageman)
An unmatched curriculum
By moving in a non-selective direction, Radnor House can provide academic rigour whilst not losing sight of teaching essential life skills. “What children really need to flourish is a purposeful, uninterrupted education,” shares Sasha. “The eleven-plus exam prep begins in earnest in Year 5 with some schools starting the preparation work earlier, and is the main focus of the academic year until the exam process is completed by February half-term in Year 6.
“Here at Radnor House Prep there is no gap in our students’ learning. We are able to provide exceptional breadth within our curriculum, as well as specialist teaching across the spectrum of subjects. Maths and English, languages, music, drama, PE and many other subjects benefit immensely from our dedicated, experienced teachers. STEAM is a core part of the timetable and our pupils benefit from the specialist facilities of our technology lab and our design lab – a firm favourite subject for many of our pupils.”
Digital literacy is a major strength of Radnor House Prep’s approach to education, with every student having access to a safeguarded iPad for lessons. Students design and code projects, use 3D printing and the tools in our design lab to bring them to life. The school’s approach with iPads is also underpinned with the aim to enhance their understanding of online spaces in a safe environment. “Our duty is to prepare young people for the world they will soon be entering,” adds Sasha.
“The online sphere is a massive part of that world, so teaching them how to navigate it safely and with an age-appropriate skill-set is vital – remembering also that knowing when to step away from technology, unafraid to challenge it, is also an essential part of digital literacy.”
(Image: Radnor House Prep)
Building a strong community
One aspect of Radnor House Prep that visitors often comment upon is the sheer amount of joy present within the school. At the heart of this happiness is the wider community – parents and staff have a very strong partnership that creates an exceptional environment inside and outside of the classroom.
“Parents are involved in a wide array of initiatives and activities at Radnor House Prep,” reveals Sasha. “Whether it’s working closely with class reps, supporting bake sales or helping out during school fairs, parents are always welcome to play their part in creating a positive school culture.
“Recently, we held a parent talk to showcase and explain how we use iPads to enhance the teaching and learning at Radnor House Prep. We discussed the important balance we have in place, with traditional methods still at the core of our approach, and provided examples of how new technologies can enhance education and pupil progress. We also allowed the parents to try out the iPads for themselves, challenging them to a design task as part of a STEAM lesson. This kind of collaborative effort ensures that students and parents have the best possible experience at Radnor House Prep.”
(Image: Radnor House Prep)
Excellent extracurricular opportunities
Alongside a fantastic academic provision for classroom learning, Radnor House Prep offers a packed extracurricular calendar with over 50 different activities available. Performing arts and sports have historically been very strong at Radnor House Prep, across the Prep and our Senior School, and remain so. However, there are a range of strengths across the whole curriculum and school life, with many extra-curricular clubs and activities that students can join.
“We have a STEAM club, sewing club, science club and dodgeball club just to name a few of the popular ones,” shares Sasha. “Over half of our students have one-to-one musical training for an instrument, and at least a third are learning two. We are currently preparing for Annie the Musical as well as a number of class assemblies, with LAMDA available to our pupils and very present in our school life and calendar.
“We maintain a focus on each child as individual throughout their time at Radnor House Prep. Looking ahead to the Senior School at Radnor House (soon to become Kneller Hall), when it comes to looking at university destinations and career pathways, it can be difficult not to get fixated on league tables and specific destinations. The approach at Radnor House (Kneller Hall) is to guide each child to their preferred place and champion them for the individuals they are, as well as the adults they will become.”
For more information about Radnor House, visit prep.radnor-twickenham.org and knellerhallschool.org or call 020 3869 5871.
