Independent Schools

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Newbury Weekly News

Alder Bridge School AT Alder Bridge School in

Padworth, Berkshire, a Steiner-Waldorf school,

outdoor play is a fundamental part of the curriculum. With a woodland classroom and plenty of outdoor space, lessons take place outside, whenever its possible. Children can experience, in a kinaesthetic way, how the subject they are learning affects them physically, emotionally and spiri- tually. Consequently, the learning ‘sticks’ because they have been fully involved in the experience and been able to use play and creativity to make the subject their own. Outdoor play has been proven to improve creativity and improved mental and physical health. The classroom has a place in our schools but its still good old fash- ioned play and outdoor experi- ences that can produce creative, happy and healthy adults, able to face the rigours of our modern world. Creativity – isn’t this the foun- dation of a happy and success- ful life? It’s not necessarily about art or music or theatre, although expressing one’s ideas through art, music and drama is indeed creative. Rather, it’s skills like critical thinking, flexibility and the abil- ity to imagine another way and try it out: this is what makes an adult successful in whatever field they are working in, whether they are stepping onto a West End stage or navigating a complex legal case. How do we become creative adults? The roots of our creativity as

Elstree School TATLER Prep School of the Year, Elstree is academically ambitious and provides a

c ildren to discover their individual talents. The family friendly boarding model enables boys to develop life skills that will serve them well at senior school and beyond. This is an exciting time to be at Elstree. The school’s recent ISI Inspection Report (2015) stated: “Elstree School is highly successful in meeting its aim of providing a first-class all-round education, while embedding the values of hard work, kindness to others and making the most of opportunities. “This is thanks to an excellent curriculum and extra-cur icular opportunities and to excellent teaching, which inspires and motivates pupils to want to learn.” Home Farm is the Nursery and Pre-Prep, which caters for more than 70 girls and boys aged three to seven years. It is often the child’s first

experience of school life and staf understand how important these initial steps are. The offer of home visits and taster days, prior to a child start- ing in the early years, eases the transition between home and school. The children also have the opportunity to make use of all the facilities at Elstree School, and benefit from specialist PE, French, drama and music lessons. Home Farm also has a woodland area where, each week, the early years children spend a full day investigating and exploring the natural environment. Buses run from Hungerford, Peasemore and Basingstoke and after-school clubs are provided. To find out more, come and visit at the next open morning on Saturday, October 15, call (0118) 9713302 or visit the website at www.elstreeschool.org.uk

adults are in our games as chil- dren. All children are creative, from the moment they are born babies are experimenting with movement, taking immense plea- sure in discovering new things they can do with their bodies. From that moment on they are pushing boundaries, trying things out, experiencing ‘what happens when’ and learning more about the world with every step. A play-based curriculum in the early years gives children the opportunity to learn more, not less. The time that they are not being taught is spent instead on play, during which they are actually engaged in extensive scientific experiments – social, physical and cognitive. They learn how to persuade a reluctant friend to join a game, or how to deal with disappointment. They learn to choose the right

sequence of branches when climbing a tree, and that water and earth mixed to the right consistency makes the best mud pies. If all children are creative, how do we ensure that creativ- ity is retained through their school years? Play doesn’t have to end when school starts. Plenty of time outside for organised games, free play, and formal learning will give children the opportunity to learn and develop through play. A curriculum rich in experiential learning and a school which values the arts will nurture that creative spark. Exams? They are important too, but at the right time. Creativity is what enables us to innovate and to problem solve, and the root of this creativity is play. Visit www.alderbridge.org.uk to find out more.

first-class all-round education. The school has an excellent track record of boys gaining places at leading public schools, together with scholarships and exhibitions. The school comprises Home Farm, Elstree ’s Nursery and Pre-Prep, and Elstree Prep. From Year 4, Elstree caters for boys only as boarders, flexi-boarders and day boys. In its magnificent 150-acre setting, children are exposed to a wide range of opportunities, including music, art, DT and sport. Two state-of-the-art science laboratories, well-equipped classrooms, a new full-size all-weather pitch and spacious play areas ensure that we offer a purposeful, stimulating and supportive environment for

Come and see how Steiner-Waldorf Education is your local alternative Choose a unique educational experience at Alder Bridge We offer places for children aged 0-14 years. Mother & Baby (0-3 years), Kindergarten (3-6 years) & Lower School (6-14 years).

Our SIS Report (School Inspection Service) is Good with aspects of Outstanding

“When I look back at my time at Alder Bridge as a student I remember days filled with creativity, nature, beauty and wonder. Today I am a parent of a class 1 child who comes home every day with a smile on her face and joyful stories of her day.”

0118 971 4471 Alder Bridge School, Mill Lane, Padworth, Berkshire, RG7 4JU Find us at www.alderbridge.org.uk and on Facebook