ACHIEVEMENT KINDNESS FRIENDSHIP HONESTY RESPECT RESPONSIBILITY IT'S ALL HERE
Prep-Life
“Every day is a good day,” said one Year 3 child recently. A Twyford day is certainly a rich tapestry of experiences and opportunities.
Twyford School can lay claim to being the oldest preparatory school in the country, but don’t be misled by the traditional outlook of the physical settings. At play in all aspects of school life is a successful blend of tradition and modernity with a forward thinking approach to education.
A timetable of exciting lessons gives the backbone to the day, but around this, the children experience a rich and stimulating environment of activities that deliver a day that is varied and fun.
With optional Saturday school starting from Year 4 (compulsory from Year 6 onwards), our enriching Saturday Activities Programme (SAPs) offers the environment for children to explore things that might tickle their interest before an afternoon of fixtures completes the week. Each child chooses a different activity every term which can include Eco Warriors, robotics, mechanics, bird watching, poetry, girls’ football and rugby, navigation, colouring for mindfulness, yoga, ancient Greek, debating, fencing, mountain biking, music theory, philosophy, gardening, cookery, photography to name but a few.
We work hard to ensure that every child feels included and part of the spirit of school life. To this end, our House system offers regular opportunities for children to participate in sports and a wide range of other activities, earning valuable House Points in the process. Belonging to a House is great fun, creating a sense of loyalty, and it helps children develop the skills and co-operation to work together. The House system also gives all members of Year 8 opportunities for leadership.
Our children have a voice, which they have the confidence to use. Involvement in school life extends to the School Council where children from every class are represented. The active School Council is an important forum in which children can put forward ideas and suggestions and where collectively they decide which charities the School will support for that year.
To recognise and prepare our older children for the more independent world of senior school we have created a “sixth form” style approach to their final two years in Year 7 & 8 at Twyford. Bespoke separate academic and social spaces have been created within the School to allow these children to explore their independence with its increased responsibility. For Year 7s they are enjoying the newly refurbished “School House”, with state of the art classrooms and changing facilities. Originally built and used as dormitories, these wonderfully light and spacious rooms create a thriving hub for life in Year 7. “Saxon Court” is home to Year 8 with modern classrooms and changing facilities and a spacious outdoor area to socialise in and play table tennis during break times.
Most of our pupils who have been in Year 6 at Twyford have completed their pre-testing for senior schools. However, if pupils join us in Year 7 and are looking for a place at a senior school, we can support with that next step. We have strong links with local day schools as well established boarding school and have an excellent record in preparation and success in academic scholarship to senior schools. The Twyford curriculum focuses on high standards and exceeding pupils’ potential. Pupils are assessed in a variety of ways including formal exams, group presentations, projects and extended essays – all of which will prepare pupils for senior schools.
These formative years in Years 7 & 8 are structured to recognise evolving needs socially, emotionally and physically, to allow the children the space and time to learn and grow preparing them for the next stage of their academic journey. Trips home and away for both year groups provide a solid foundation for promoting confidence and independence. As part of the French curriculum the Year 7s head to France for a week and an outward bound trip to Wales in the summer Term. Year 8 enjoy a week’s leavers trip to Italy in June as well as enjoying many academic trips throughout the year and regularly welcoming inspiring visiting speakers to the School. Both year groups take on increased responsibility over these two years as pupil leaders, prefects, peer supporters and house captains; roles which encourage collaboration, leadership, confidence and academic achievement.
"Excellent in all areas. Pupil attainment is outstanding. " ISI 2022