Castle School Prospectus

PROSPECTUS



ABOUT US – The whole school

Castle School is a truly independent, co-educational school catering for
pupils from 3 years to 18 years. The senior school was started 10 years
ago by Mrs Harriet Harrison to fill a void in the county for reasonably
priced, quality education where the values of the traditional grammar
school could be complemented by an ethos of inclusion and tolerance.
Mrs Harrison is the sole director of the school and a member of the
Senior Management Team. Although always available to meet with
families should they wish, the day to day management of the school is
left in the safe and capable hands of the Head, Su Cowell, and Bursar,
Cherry Stratford. Our Prep has a dedicated team of primary trained staff,
specialist teachers and learning assistants who work under the leadership
of Head, Sophia Millar, and Debbie Phillips, who is responsible for prep
curriculum.

Castle School is non selective and invites applications from main stream
pupils (irrespective of ability) whose needs the school feel they can meet.
Certain additional needs can be accommodated and these can be
discussed with the Head at interview. We are a high achieving school,
consistently averaging over 90% A* to C grades at GCSE compared with
a county figure of around 65%.

The school opened in small, primary premises in 2009 with 23 pupils and
6 staff. It has now relocated to a converted Grade II listed building just
outside Narberth, in beautiful surroundings, and provides a broad and
dynamic education for over 120 pupils. There are around 35 members
of staff.

Recent developments within the school include the opening of the prep
school (2016), the development of our Outdoor School for KS3 and Prep
(2016) and new undercover sports facility (due to open soon).

Life at Castle School

Pupils join us at any age and benefit from being situated on one site
so they move seamlessly from year to year in familiar surroundings,
and recognising pupils and staff in both schools.

We have a thriving senior school that is welcoming and caring. We
have an excellent record of achievement in external examinations
(GCSEs) as well as a reputation for offering a balanced and broad
education which offers fabulous opportunities to all its pupils.

Castle School nurtures its learners, treats each pupil’s needs
individually and works with parents to assist its students in the
transition from children to young adults. It offers a safe environment
where its small classes and dedicated staff mean learning is truly
accessible. The school is suitable for most learners in mainstream
education, from more able and talented to those who lack confidence
and may need a little additional help.

Throughout their time at the school our younger pupils will spend
time with older ones, including assemblies, sports days and charity
events. We find this is an excellent opportunity for all age groups to
learn from each other and we are always delighted at how readily our
older children display tolerance, generosity and consideration towards
the younger students and how everyone, even our youngest,
demonstrates their kind nature.

We encourage prospective parents to come and see the prep and
senior schools, meet our younger and older pupils and staff to get a
flavour of life at Castle School. Please ask when booking an
appointment if you would like to meet with our director of Outdoor
School or any other subject teachers during your visit.





Our Senior School

At Castle School we understand that every child is an individual with
their own needs and goals. We aim to create a learning environment
where students of all abilities and strengths are encouraged through
diverse opportunities to achieve their potential and one that is tailored
as much as possible to each and every student.

We do this by limiting class sizes - no class exceeds 20 pupils and many
are much smaller. We draw on the expertise of passionate teachers,
many of whom each have over 20 years’ classroom experience.
Energetic and caring learning support assistants are on hand to provide
individual attention as needed.

The role of our staff is not one purely focused on that of educator and
we place equal importance on the emotional well-being of each child.
Parents often tell us that our focus on pastoral care was a key factor
when choosing Castle School.

We offer a wide range of clubs, as diverse as Amnesty International and
Kung Fu or Rock School and Japanese. We established a school
newspaper last year with the first edition going to print in time for
Prize Day. Pupils were responsible for its layout, design and content.
A Film Club was also set up, with some pupils using the meetings to
storyboard their own short film, whilst others produced, filmed and
directed the school’s promotional video.

We also make use of local amenities to maximise the activities we can
offer to the students. Music and LAMDA feature strongly, with many
students studying for exams in their chosen creative field. Students are
also reassured to know that if they join us they can still continue with
their own sports, local teams or clubs away from school too.

The Curriculum

Academically, we have a proven track record and are proud of all our
students. In the past five years they have averaged between them an
impressive 90% pass rate at GCSE - grades A* - C.

Our excellent exam results are consistently 30% higher than local state
schools and significantly better than a nearby boarding school.

In addition to improving their academic skills, students are encouraged
to cultivate a genuine thirst for knowledge and love of learning. They
are shown how to develop excellent communication skills and core
values, along with a strong sense of self.

Castle School offers a wide range of more unusual subjects, including
Psychology, Computer Science and Additional Maths. There is an
emphasis on languages at the school, with French, Latin, Welsh and
Spanish available. All these subjects are taught alongside the core
subjects of English, Mathematics and the Sciences. At all times lessons
focus on cross-curricular literacy, numeracy and ICT skills.

GCSEs in the Creative Arts are also on offer, including art and music, so
that those who enjoy painting or playing a musical instrument can learn
about their chosen subject in more depth.

Some pupils may take GCSEs early, with year 9 often sitting RE and year
10 taking modules in Science and English Literature at the end of the
summer term. Some pupils may be on an accelerated program for
maths and sit the GCSE in November of year 11 so they can study for
the Additional Maths exam which they will sit at the end of the year.

Year 9 choose their GCSE subjects during the Easter term and more
information about the subjects we offer is available from the office.

At A level we provide a bespoke service for those who prefer private
tuition to sixth form or wish to study a combination of subjects not
available at most schools. In addition to first class tuition by qualified
teachers, many of whom each have over 20 years’ experience, we can
provide on-going support with careers advice, UCAS applications and
preparing for life beyond school.





Extra curricular

Castle School also aims to broaden pupils’ horizons, encouraging them
to take on new challenges and discover things that will both interest
and inspire them. We provide many opportunities for pupils to
experience different activities or environments that will hopefully instil
them with confidence and build their self esteem.

Throughout the year, pupils have access to many different events, trips,
and experiences that complement our academic curriculum.

Pupils do not need to be studying Art, Drama or Music to get involved
with school productions and students are encouraged to perform in
plays, recitals and concerts or use their creative skills on different
projects that occur from time to time.

Pupils of all ages have the opportunity to study music, both for GCSE
and for pleasure, and many take the time to sing or play, either in
choirs or in the school’s rock club which is popular. Many of our pupils
take exams in the Performing Arts and peripatetic music and LAMDA
teachers visit the school to those wishing to take individual lessons.
More information about this is available from the office.

A big part of our annual community day focuses on both the people
and surroundings close to our school. Some pupils explore the issues
of conservation, pollution and learn to appreciate the responsibility
that everyone has to protect the natural world around them, not only
globally but locally too. Other pupils develop a strong understanding
for caring about others during this and other events, visiting the elderly
nearby or inviting them in to the school for lunch, for example.

Sport is an important feature at school too. We consistently field a
strong netball team who have enjoyed sports tours to places such as
Brighton and several of our players compete at national level. Our
school’s sports ambassadors ensure that everyone gets fully involved
with other activities including the fiercely contested inter house
football tournament. Many pupils take up Kung Fu or golf and others
pursue sports such as karate, swimming, show-jumping, cycling and
archery when the school day ends.

Outdoor School

At Castle School we combine a healthy balance for learning, both in
and away from the classroom. Everything we do is aimed to inspire,
motivate and challenge students whilst still allowing them to develop
at their own pace.

We have a unique facility at our outdoor school in Llawhaden. This
beautiful wood and grassland setting provides the ideal outdoor
environment in which to explore and learn about nature and each of
our prep school and years 7 & 8 pupils spend a day each week here.

In this natural setting we can encourage child-led learning with a focus
on all five senses, giving them the chance to discover for themselves.
Students gain confidence and grow in self-esteem, with an ability to
assess the world around them, including risk, and learn to make their
own decisions.

Recent research into outdoor learning has highlighted that students
who study outside benefit in many ways - their health, well-being and
physical and social development improve and as do their academic
achievements, broadening their outlook and improving their
motivation.

In the five acres of mixed woodland, meadows and streams on the site,
the students become immersed in truly cross-curricular learning.
Literacy, numeracy, science, humanities, music, drama and art are all
taught both outside and in our fully equipped classroom. The outdoor
setting enables students to learn in a practical, challenging and hands
on manner which enhances understanding of key curricular questions.

Students are encouraged to think independently and creatively,
enabling them to put their classroom learning into wider, real life
contexts. Work is often carried out in small groups, promoting
teamwork, communication and responsibility. Students also gain a
deep understanding of potential risks and how to put health and safety
considerations into practice, all skills desired by future employers.





Our Prep

Our prep is a true delight. Nestling within the main school but with its
own facilities, it offers a truly family experience for children from 3
years. A recent addition to the school family, our prep gives pupils a
really dynamic and inspiring education within a nurturing, caring
environment.

At Foundation Phase (Key Stage 1) much of the ethos follows the
Montessori methodology, with children mixing in small groups (not
necessarily dictated by chronological age), and encouraged to
experience new things, make choices for themselves and learn at their
own pace. We offer lots of extra-curricular activities including drama,
swimming, tennis, Kung Fu and dance. There is not a moment to be
idle but, if it all becomes too much, we have a lovely book nook for
rests and quiet time.

At Key Stage 2 learning has two distinct strands: mastering really solid
basics - we make sure, through small classes with dedicated teaching
staff, children are completely confident with their numeracy and
literacy. Where there are concerns over progress in these core skills,
we will work tirelessly alongside parents to overcome any issues.
Knowing the traditional 3 Rs are being addressed leaves us free to
approach the wider curriculum in a variety of different ways; at
Outdoor School - the Prep visit our fantastic woodland site and work
with our outdoor specialist for a day a week; Science takes place in our
senior school science labs; there are opportunities for Dance, Drama
and Music delivered by our enthusiastic specialist staff; Spanish, Art
and the Humanities are brought to life with pupil led topic work.

This fabulous curriculum is excellent preparation for those joining our
senior school but equally prepares those moving further afield for
boarding provision or those entering the local state system. A visit to
get a true sense of how your child/ren will be stretched yet nurtured,
challenged and supported is strongly recommended.

Fees

We endeavour to keep our fees as low as we can and additional costs to
a minimum, whilst still providing an excellent education.
£2,995.00 per term payable on or before the first day of term. Fees
include regular sporting and subject specific activities.
Public examination fees, trips, individual music lessons and individual
speech and drama lessons (LAMDA) are not included.
Lunches are charged at £180.00 per term. Meals at Castle School are
freshly made each day. The pupils choose from a menu during morning
registration. The choice of mains and soups varies daily.
Discounts are available for subsequent children whilst there are two or
more children at the school.
A term’s notice is required for any child leaving the school.
Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the school’s director.
Please refer to our admissions page.

Transport
Castle School is within reasonable travelling distance of most towns in
Pembrokeshire as well as several towns in neighbouring Carmarthenshire
and Ceredigion. We have transport which covers the majority of these
areas - using local bus companies and our own minibuses. Fees for this
service are charged termly - please contact us for further details.

Uniform
A uniform list is available on request. All uniform items can be bought at
Matthews in Haverfordwest (01437 762 706).
We ask pupils to respect our uniform and wear it properly.



Admissions Information

We will be delighted to talk to you and answer any initial queries you
may have. We can also arrange for you and your family to visit and tour
the school and meet with our Head, Su Cowell. Many parents find this
initial visit a perfect opportunity to have an informal chat about their
child, their needs and what we have to offer.

Castle School is a non selective mainstream school, catering for children
from 3 years old. There is no entrance exam at Castle School. When you
visit we can discuss your child’s strengths, needs and goals. Please bring
any information with you that you think might be relevant.

We hold several Transition Days throughout the year when current Year
6 pupils can attend the school for the day. These give pupils a taste of
learning in a secondary environment at Castle School. There is usually
one Transition Day during each term of the academic year. All are
welcome to come and join us for a day or more to experience life at
Castle School before making any commitment. This can be arranged at
any time.

We offer a limited number of scholarships for pupils showing exceptional
performance. If you would like to apply to sit our scholarship paper
please contact the school. This process involves numeracy, literacy and
non-verbal reasoning tests and a scholarship paper covering a wider
range of aptitudes and abilities. There will also be an interview with the
Head and the school’s director. For those who excel in the performing
arts or sports, we invite you to submit a written piece describing your
ability, levels of competence and awards, together with a full report from
your coach or instructors. Please note that all scholarships are awarded
at the discretion of the school’s director.

If you want to read what parents and pupils, past and present, have to
say about Castle School please visit the admissions page on our website.

Please call us on 01834 218 220.

The next step

Open Days
Join us at one of our Open Days for a chance to look around, meet
with some of the teaching staff and generally get a feel for the school.
Please call for the date of the next scheduled Open Day.

Or

Come and visit during term time.
We welcome visits during the school term when you get an
opportunity to see our children getting on with their day.
Please contact us on 01834 218220 to arrange to meet with the Head,
have a guided tour by one of our older pupils and get a true sense of
what Castle School has to offer your family.

Or

If you are moving to the area and are currently unable to visit, please
feel free to call or email us to organise a telephone chat with one of
our senior team to discuss your child/ren, hear what we can offer and,
if possible, arrange convenient out of hours times to meet up.

We are aware that many families have incredibly tight time schedules
and visiting during the week may not be possible. We can always
arrange a weekend or evening appointment although, of course, there
will be no children on site to meet and chat to.

Narberth 01834 218220
www.castleschoolpembrokeshire.co.uk