IN ASSOCIATION WITH Salisbury Cathedral School


Co-education thrives at Stonar prep school


Headmistress of Stonar Elizabeth T omas says the school has not looked back since it welcomed boys


into its classes. Here, she discusses how the prep and pre-prep boys and girls interact in lessons and a host of fun activities, from playing in the Forest School and lighting fi res to rather messy art lessons.


T


he prep and pre-prep years are among the most vital in a child’s education. It is during this time that girls and boys develop their approach


to learning, their motivation and their attitude to risk-taking. With small classes and specialist teaching, the individual needs of each pupil are prioritised at Stonar Prep, which now takes boys as well as girls through to 11 years, providing an exceptional level of one-on-one attention. This nurturing environment fuels motivation


and engagement, laying the foundation stones for children to become lifelong and fulfilled learners.


encourage attention to detail


‘ Small class sizes encourage a child’s focus and


attention to detail, allowing each to be stretched and supported as their ability dictates in building self-confidence and interest. Learning and growing within a secure and nurturing environment, every girl and boy is known and understood and their early learning experience shaped in order to get the very best from them. While Stonar Prep is not a hot-house, pupils are encouraged to aim high in all that they do;


’


whether it is academic, sporting or creative and to celebrate their successes. It is also essential to closely involve parents in their child’s education; regularly and rigorously reporting on progress. Sport plays a major part on the Stonar Prep


curriculum, with timetabled PE three times a week, as well as a range of after school clubs. With fantastic sports facilities, boys benefit from specialist coaching in football, rugby and cricket as well as swimming in Stonar’s indoor pool and, for those who wish, there is riding. Once the boys reach Year 3, they are able to


play in inter-school fixtures; something highly anticipated for the next academic year. Performing arts are integral to Stonar life and


every pupil participates in prep and pre-prep productions. Specialist teachers provide drama, instrumental and vocal opportunities and everyone is encouraged to play and perform in assemblies, class and concerts, developing self- confidence. By being able to experiment in a safe


outdoor environment, children develop their independence and skills such as team building and co-operation. Stonar’s Forest School gives access to a unique outside learning environment where each child has the freedom to explore nature. This was recently extended with the


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creation of a fire-pit enabling girls and boys to experiment with tools and lighting fires. To ensure that learning is as stimulating


as possible, the curriculum is supported by a programme of special trips and workshops both inside and beyond the classroom. In the autumn term, Maths Focus Week helped pupils tackle this often thought-challenging subject in a new and hands-on way. Boys in particular were captivated by applying mathematical strategies to solving puzzles. A trip to the supermarket also enabled children to use maths in a practical environment. A large selection of after-school activities and


lunch clubs includes something for everyone with choices available such as messy art, chess, trampolining and drama. The boys are thriving at Stonar Prep;


enjoying and benefitting from learning alongside the girls and making the most of the opportunities available to them. It is a pleasure to see them develop and progress through the school, and we are looking forward to welcoming the first Year 3 class in September.


Above: The boys and girls at Stonar Prep work and play well together; Left: Exciting sporting opportunities for boys and girls


WILTSHIRE LIFE Schools Supplement March 2012 Small classes


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