St Nicholas House mixes the formal setting of the classroom with the wealth of opportunity provided by our physical surroundings. Children are given the freedom in which to grow, learn and play. Classrooms and corridors are bright and well decorated with children's work reflecting the diversity of the curriculum.
The Junior School plays a very important role within our school community and is an integral part of the school as a whole. It is our aim at Abbot's Hill to nurture the whole child, thus enabling our pupils to develop their talents whether they be academic, artisitic or sporting.
Specialist teaching is introduced from a child's earliest days: French, Music and PE are introduced in the pre-school year. This is added to as a child progresses to include Drama, Games, ICT and Geography. By the time a girl reaches Year 5 she is being subject taught and is able to adapt to moving around whilst being supported by a class teacher.
Children have gifts and talents as well as individual needs. The small class size at St Nicholas House enables those needs to be recognised and met early with the minimum disruption. For those who need extra support this is offered within the classroom setting or one-to-one as appropriate. Gifts or talentsfor a particular area of learning can be extended and developed totheir potential.
Parental involvement is always welcomed and valued. There is a whole class parents' meeting during the first weeks of the Autumn term. This is followed by individual meetings for parents to discuss their child's progress during the Autumn and Spring. Two short reports are sent out to parents during the year, one in November and the second at the end of the summer term. A full and detailed academic report is published to parents towards to end of the spring term.
The wider curriculum plays a key role. Educational visits are an integral part of the teaching programme and children are regularly taken on visits to galleries and museums to enhance their learning experience. Outside visitors lead workshops at school for year groups or the whole school as appropriate. The extra curricular programme is wide ranging and ever changing. It currently includes such wide ranging pursuits as knitting, trampolining and board games as well as a wealth of musical and sports clubs.
Of course,our website can only give you a glimpse of life at St Nicholas House so do pay us a visit. You can be sure of a very warm welcome.
Kathryn Twinn
Head of St Nicholas House