Prospectus Option 2

A Forest School

Widford Lodge School

Prospectus

Widford Lodge aims to educate its pupils through a broad
and balanced curriculum so that they can meet the challenges
of the wider world. Children of all abilities are educated in a

purposeful, safe and secure environment where emphasis is
placed on the traditional values of honesty, courtesy and

respect of self and others.

Widford Lodge Preparatory School, Widford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9AN www.widfordlodge.co.uk 01245 352581 [email protected]

Warm Welcome

Our vision is simple – to enable all of our children to flourish
in an inspiring and nurturing environment, fulfil their
potential and achieve the very best they are capable of.

Widford Lodge is a unique and special learning environment. We have
been instilling a love of learning in pupils between the ages of 2 ½ and
11 for over 80 years.

Today, we are proud to be an outstanding and high performing school,
which offers a broad and balanced academic curriculum in an inspiring
environment full of opportunities in which children can thrive.

We value childhood as a most important stage in life, a time when
social and emotional development through friendship and play is as
important as academic progress within the classroom. We promote
traditional standards and values; caring for others, good manners,
honesty, integrity and respect. Our pupils are encouraged to support
each other, creating lasting friendships and work together – this is at
the heart of everything we do.

I look forward to welcoming you to our school.

Miss M Cole
Head Teacher

Widford Lodge Preparatory School, Widford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9AN www.widfordlodge.co.uk 01245 352581 [email protected]

Our Heritage

We are proud of our record of achievements. Today, we
are an outstanding and high performing school – where our

pupils reach their full potential, flourish in a nurturing
environment and develop a love of learning.

During the war years, the majority of pupils were evacuated to
Somerset and the school was commandeered by the local ambulance
corps. During this time, Widford Lodge acquired its distinctive school
hall.

In 1985, the Pre-Prep was introduced accepting boys aged four to
seven. At the end of the 1980s, the decision was made to become a day
school and, at the same time.

With the early 1990s seeing a decline in the number of boys choosing
to stay at the school beyond the age of 11+, Widford Lodge became a
co-educational day school for children between the ages of 2½ and 11
years old.

Widford Lodge Preparatory School, Widford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9AN www.widfordlodge.co.uk 01245 352581 [email protected]

Prep School

Our Preparatory School builds upon the firm
foundations established in our Early Years Foundation
Stage and Pre-Prep, offering a broad and challenging

curriculum in an inspiring and supportive environment.

As an independent school, we are able to refine the curriculum to suit
our ethos whilst preparing the children for a variety of academic
challenges. Many of our children sit the 11+ and take entrance and
scholarship exams to local senior independent schools. Our gifted
teachers, subject specialists and small class sizes ensure our pupils work
at pace, making progress whilst taking increasing responsibility for
their work and effort.

Pupils in the Preparatory School have their science, computing, art and
design technology and music lessons in specialist, well equipped
classrooms. French continues to be taught and by the time the children
reach Forms 5 and 6 they are introduced to Spanish and
German. Once a week, the whole Prep School goes ‘off timetable’ and
takes part in a variety of activities, ranging from cooking and gardening
to puzzles and mindfulness. The learning experience is enriched as the
children are challenged in different ways, whilst having a lot of fun.

Widford Lodge Preparatory School, Widford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9AN www.widfordlodge.co.uk 01245 352581 [email protected]

Pre-Prep School

We provide a secure and inspiring environment that
promotes a child’s happiness, independence
and opportunity to shine.

Literacy and numeracy provide the main emphasis of the curriculum
and as a priority, teachers strive to instil a love of books and reading.
As well as an extensive reading scheme, author studies familiarise
pupils with a range of children’s authors and provide wonderful
opportunities for creative language work.

Numeracy skills are gained through a hands-on, practical approach,
which teaches mathematical concepts using discussions, practice,
challenges and investigations. Our enthusiastic attitude towards maths
ensures that the children see it as a fun and creative subject. Mental
strategies are a priority and children are frequently assessed to ensure
their knowledge and understanding is progressing.

Science, art, design technology, computing, PE/games, music and
French are also part of the Pre-Prep timetable, with history, geography
and religious education taught as topics. Educational trips and an
annual ‘Go Creative’ event enrich the curriculum.

Widford Lodge Preparatory School, Widford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9AN www.widfordlodge.co.uk 01245 352581 [email protected]

Early Years’
Foundation Stage

Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the
support they need to enable them to reach their full potential.

Children develop quickly in the early years and high quality learning
combined with first class development and support provides the
foundation for children to make the most of their abilities and talents
as they grow.

Our Early Years Foundation Stage incorporates the learning,
development and care of your child from the age of two and a half to
five years old. Our Early Years’ stage comprises a Pre-School and
Reception, and focuses on preparing your child for school, through
carefully planned activities.

We provide a happy and stimulating start to school life. Classrooms
are bright, spacious and engaging, with a warm and welcoming
atmosphere and the support of caring, enthusiastic and well qualified
staff.

Widford Lodge Preparatory School, Widford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9AN www.widfordlodge.co.uk 01245 352581 [email protected]

Pre School

Children are encouraged to explore their ideas, be inquisitive
and put their creative talents to imaginative use.

Our Pre-School incorporates the learning, development and care of
your child from the age of two and a half to four years old. Children
learn through planned activities and play, based around the Early Years
Foundation Stage curriculum.

Planned activities encourage social interaction with others and build
confidence, instilling a love of school and learning.

Early phonic sounds, reading, writing, shape and number skills are
taught in small groups, with each child working towards their
individual goals. Children are taught in small classes and enjoy lessons
in music, dance, art, drama and French.

There is an on-going programme of special visits – such as meeting
guide dogs and members of the emergency services – stimulating
curiosity in the wider world.

Widford Lodge Preparatory School, Widford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9AN www.widfordlodge.co.uk 01245 352581 [email protected]

Sport

Sport encourages participation, develops
self-esteem and fair play.

Sport has an important role to play at Widford Lodge and is an integral
part of the rounded education we provide, offering challenges and
leadership opportunities to all of our pupils.

We have our own swimming pool within our grounds as well as a nine-
acre field and floodlit tennis court.

Through sport, we aim to create an understanding of the values and
ideals of good sportsmanship and commitment. Rugby, football,
cricket, netball, hockey and rounders are our main team sports.

Athletics, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, dance and movement and
outdoor pursuits are also part of the sports’ curriculum. Regular inter-
school fixtures are arranged to encourage the spirit of competition,
teamwork and achievement. Our annual sports’ tour for senior teams
is a highlight of the school year.

Widford Lodge Preparatory School, Widford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9AN www.widfordlodge.co.uk 01245 352581 [email protected]

Music

We are committed to enhancing and developing pupils’
musical horizons and performance skills.

All of our children have weekly classroom music lessons where they
sing, play percussion instruments, listen and appraise music. There are
many opportunities to perform and compose music.

Many children also learn to play an instrument, with additional lessons
from visiting teachers and entry for external grade examinations.
Instruments played range from string to woodwind and brass
instruments.

We offer the children the opportunity to play in the String Orchestra,
Wind Band or Recorder Clubs. For those children with a deeper
musical interest there are opportunities to study and perform chamber
music.

Our Junior and Senior choirs perform in school, in the local
community and at music festivals around the region.

Concerts and musical events are held throughout the year, with
highlights including the Christmas Carol Service at Chelmsford
Cathedral, the school carol service, house competitions, music festivals
and summer concerts.

Widford Lodge Preparatory School, Widford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9AN www.widfordlodge.co.uk 01245 352581 [email protected]

Art

We strive to develop our pupils’ artistic skills
and encourage creativity across the school.

Every student is encouraged to develop their ideas and explore their
artistic talents, using a broad range of techniques. Pupils develop their
skills in painting, drawing, mixed-media, sculpture and print making.
Art and design technology is taught in a dedicated, fully equipped
studio, complete with a range of light machine tools and kiln.

Widford Lodge Preparatory School, Widford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9AN www.widfordlodge.co.uk 01245 352581 [email protected]

Drama

Developing education and achievement through Drama.

Our children develop listening and communication skills, elocution,
performance and life skills which is why we place an emphasis on
Drama as area of our children’s learning.
As well as curriculum drama, pupils have the opportunity to get
involved in a number of productions during the year.
Our Year 6 Leavers’ School Play gives an opportunity to perform and
work together in a fun and friendly environment and to help develop
memories of achievement within a team that will stay with them for
the rest of their lives.
We are proud to celebrate the talents of our children and look forward
to inviting you to come and enjoy performances throughout the school
year.

Widford Lodge Preparatory School, Widford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9AN www.widfordlodge.co.uk 01245 352581 [email protected]

Widford Lodge Preparatory School

Widford Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9AN
01245 352581
[email protected]
@widfordlodge
www.facebook.com/WidfordLodge

Widford Lodge Preparatory School, Widford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9AN www.widfordlodge.co.uk 01245 352581 [email protected]