Prep Schools

St Olave’s Prep School

Claire Holloway

Headteacher

How would you rate your expectations prior to running the course – and why?

of 10

As it was something that we had not done before and sounded like a great opportunity that would promote teamworking skills in our year group.

How satisfied were you with the course – and why?

of 10

It was very well resourced and so easy to facilitate in school. The quality of the videos were excellent and there was a good balance of practical and teaching of how to edit. It really encouraged the children to use their collaboration and communication skills.

Did you feel the course was good value for money – if so, why?

of 10

Yes because of the resources we had access to and the ongoing access for the year.

Course rating by categories.

of 10

Screen time Vs Practical activity

of 10

Age-appropriateness of content

of 10

Learning new skills

of 10

Quality of pupil films

All of the films were excellent and we asked the staff to vote for their best film.

of 10

Film History

of 10

Fight Choreography

of 10

Camera

of 10

10-Shot Film Challenge

How likely are you to recommend the course – and why?

of 10

Because it was very easy to facilitate in St Olave’s Prep School and the children gained so many new skills from it. They really enjoyed it too and were very proud of their films afterwards. Some of the children have spoken about their day as part of their Year 6 Leavers’ memories too, which is amazing.

Any other comments that may be useful for other schools to read when considering this course?

Nothing other than it was excellent and we would highly recommend it.

About St Olave’s

St Olave’s offer an exceptionally high quality of education provided by a team of skilled, motivated, and dedicated teachers and support staff. The curriculum is broad and well balanced and enriched by a varied and interesting programme of extra-curricular clubs and activities.
St Olave’s is a co-educational school for children aged from 3 to 11 years old. The school offer pupils a broad, rounded education in a happy and caring environment, where their pastoral needs, happiness and wellbeing are of paramount importance. The positive, family atmosphere, with small classes and excellent staff:pupil ratios, is well-established and one of the school’s notable strengths. It is testament to the mutual respect shared between children and teachers and the close partnership it develop between home and school.

Laura Hegarty

Director of Drama

Beechwood Park School

How would you rate your expectations prior to running the course – and why?

of 10

I wasn’t sure how the pupils were going to take to the project.

How satisfied were you with the course – and why?

of 10

My pupils have developed loads of new skills & refined existing ones. They have enjoyed learning about all aspects of film & have relished the opportunity to be creative. One pupil said he had no idea how much work & thought went into making even a short film. He now understand the process really well.

Did you feel the course was good value for money – if so, why?

of 10

I have used this project as the basis for a term and a half of work. Amazing!

Course rating by categories.

of 10

Screen time Vs Practical activity

of 10

Age-appropriateness of content

of 10

Learning new skills

of 10

Quality of pupil films

of 10

Film History

of 10

Fight Choreography

of 10

Camera

of 10

10-Shot Film Challenge

How likely are you to recommend the course – and why?

of 10

I have already recommended this course at the annual IAPS Drama teacher’s conference.

Any other comments that may be useful for other schools to read when considering this course?

Do it! The pupils will be inspired by the opportunity to work creatively & collaboratively. It taps into their passion for technology & encourages them to develop and refine a host of skills. I’m not that tech savvy & was cautious about supporting my pupils with the editing side of the project. The videos are super clear & it was wonderful to see the more experienced pupils supporting their peers with technical issues.

About Beechwood Park School

Beechwood Park School is fully co-educational prep school in Hertfordshire and welcome boys and girls from rising 3 to the age of 13.
Whilst a significant number of Beechwood Park School leavers move on to local senior day schools, Beechwood Park is not affiliated or linked to any particular secondary school and will work with parents to ensure pupil receive the correct guidance and advice about next schools – wherever in the country, or the world, that may be. Beechwood is proud of its academic record. Pupils excel at senior school entrance exams, and many are awarded scholarships to their senior schools of choice. Almost without exception Beechwood leavers gain places at their first choice of secondary school, having been well prepared by Beechwood staff for entrance assessments and interviews. In 2021, Beechwood was the only prep school to have a 100% success rate at 13+ for Haileybury. But the Beechwood curriculum goes far beyond ‘just’ the academics – Beechwood offer a well-rounded educational programme includes an inspiring co-curriculum of sports, music, and the arts, alongside an engaging array of trips, clubs and co-curricular activities.

At Beechwood, is firmly believe that learning is not limited to what goes on in the classroom, and lessons learnt outside of the classroom are just as important to a child’s preparation for the future. Beechwood school is justifiably proud of extensive co-curricular provision, which is called Roar. This programme ensures that every child has the time and space to explore new experiences, to embrace new challenges, to discover new skills and talents, and to grab every opportunity that comes their way – in short, to find their “roar”.

Located just minutes from Harpenden, St Albans and Berkhamsted and set in stunning rural parkland, Beechwood Park successfully blends the old with the new; innovation with tradition. Boys and girls create ceramics in the pottery room located in the old wine cellar and fabulous music compositions in the dedicated Apple music technology suite situated in a former coach house.

Raspberry Pi, Micro Bits and 3D Printers inspire Computer Science studies, whilst outside, pupils swing from the trees and hunt for bugs in Forest School and the extensive woodlands. From Greek or Russian Club to Cheerleading or Chess, there is something to captivate every curious mind from the youngest pupils in the School’s “Woodlands Nursery” through to 13+ candidates who head off to a range of excellent Independent day and boarding secondary schools.

The Capability Brown sculpted grounds provide orienteering trails, an indoor swimming pool complex, outdoor classrooms and eleven football pitches where a multitude of matches play out under the supervision of the neighbouring sheep.

At the end of the jam-packed day, School buses depart and boarders’ tea commences, then homework, music practice and entertaining games, including the ever-popular “Colditz” – a Beechwood Park School tradition.

Ronan McNicholl

Head of Digital Learning

How would you rate your expectations prior to running the course – and why?

of 10

I was expecting it to be good though as I couldn’t see the material until payment was made, I couldn’t allow my expectations to go higher than this.

How satisfied were you with the course – and why?

of 10

The course material is great and exciting.

Did you feel the course was good value for money – if so, why?

of 10

Yes, I think it was a fair price.

Course rating by categories.

of 10

Film History

of 10

Fight Choreography

of 10

Camera

of 10

10-Shot Film Challenge

How likely are you to recommend the course – and why?

of 10

I think it is very useful for any teachers who are unsure of the different shooting angles and cutting techniques and how these are employed in the film industry. Also, it would be useful for any teachers aiming to inspire pupils.

Any other comments that may be useful for other schools to read when considering this course?

I found that the course can easily be spread over several weeks.

Holme Grange School

22 January 2021 by admin Leave a Comment

Holme Grange School

Grant Swainston-Harrison

Head of ICT & Computing

Out of 10, how would you rate your expectations prior to running the course – and why?

10/10. I was very expectant as I had already seen the in-person workshop.

Out of 10, how satisfied were you with the course?

10/10 – very satisfied with the course.

Did you feel the course was good value for money?

Yes.

Please rate the course in the following areas (1 – VERY POOR, 2 – POOR, 3- SATISFACTORY, 4 – GOOD, 5 – EXCELLENT):

* Screen time Vs Practical activity 5
* Age-appropriateness of content 5
* Learning new skills 4
* Quality of pupil films 4
* Film History 5
* Fight Choreography 5
* Camera 5
* 10-Shot Film Challenge 5

Out of 10, how likely are you to recommend the course?

10/10.

About Holme Grange School

Holme Grange is thriving Independent co-educational school for 3-16 year olds in Berkshire. The school offer a unique educational experience in an idyllic setting in 21 acres of Wokingham countryside. Each pupil can develop in an environment offering a wide variety of opportunities in the classroom, on the stage or sports field and in our woodland outdoor learning areas.
As a smaller school, Holme Grange have a distinctive ethos, which allows it to give much more individual care and attention to its students and to monitor and motivate them as they seek to make academic and personal progress.
Parents describe the school as caring, friendly and warm which highlights our strong pastoral support and sense of community. When a child leaves Holme Grange School, they will be well-prepared for the world – self-confident, sociable and articulate – and will have many special memories of their time at Holme Grange.

Devonshire House School

29 November 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Devonshire House School

Tatiana Epaillard

Assistant Deputy Head

How was it running the course in school – did you face any challenges?

Smooth and straightforward. The online guide and checklist were very useful. Help was available by emails and on the phone which was very reassuring.

What was the balance like between screen-watching and practical activity?

Excellent. Interesting presentation to start with. Practical activities were well explained in the video clips. Teachers leading the activities throughout the day found it really easy.

What was your/your pupils’ favourite part, and why?

Filming was definitely our pupils’ favourite part – working together, all having specific roles to play. Teachers were impressed by the films we watched the day after.

What educational benefits do you think the course has?

Teamwork, being able to communicate with their peers, learning new practical skills, creativity.

Would you do it again?

Definitely – online, if we can’t have people from outside on our premises due to the pandemic.

About Devonshire House School

Devonshire House school is a co-educational independent IAPS day school for children from 2½ to 11 for girls and to 13 for boys. The school is based in four large Victorian houses in Hampstead. The school currently has about 640 pupils.

Devonshire House’s commitment is to outstanding education, to help discover, inspire and develop pupils’ talents, from nursery age through to entry to Senior School.
Devonshire House inspires not only a love of learning, but a love of thinking for oneself and the strength and resilience to do so, to make the most of life and to help others along the journey. Pupils learn how to work hard for their own achievements and to work well with others, with understanding and co-operation.
The school has exceptional results, including for the senior schools to which, pupils have won thirty-six scholarships and exhibitions in the last three years. Each child is unique; it prides self on bringing out individual talent. The school fully prepares boys and girls for their 11+/13+ examinations and have an excellent track record in sending them to the most desirable schools in London and beyond. Pupils develop adaptable and creative minds for a changing world. There is an open, trusting dialogue with parents. The school is a very strong and vibrant community.
Devonshire House provides an outstanding education from nursery age through to entry to Senior Schools. Its staff nurture and care for the children throughout their time at the school. Devonshire House has fine premises, with spacious grounds, two onsite AstroTurfs and walled gardens.
Children can join the Devonshire Day Nursery, The Oak Tree Nursery, in Pre-Reception or Reception and at later stages.
Devonshire House has exceptional results, including for Senior Schools and in their Scholarship examinations. The school has strong links with Senior Schools and ensures every family has good advice about their child’s next school.