4-7 Years
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Year 7s were asked to describe their time at St Faith’s in three words.
“Fun, interesting, inspiring”
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Admissions
The Importance of Year 7 & 8
The step up to Senior School can be full of challenges. When choosing a school, parents should consider what is in their child’s best long-term interests. How ready are their children to move on? What do they really want for them? What makes them happy?
Building resilience and self-esteem in the crucial years prior to puberty is key. At a time when young people are under more pressure than ever before, going through the early years of puberty in a smaller and familiar environment can be hugely beneficial.
Children who stay in a prep school for Year 7 & 8 have less exposure to influences of social media, distractions associated with older children and pressures of senior school. They have time to develop the appropriate coping strategies, to become more confident and self-assured, in a community they know and trust. Year 7 and 8 offer the chance for them to grow up before the full impact of adolescence.
The average class size at St Faith’s is 18 – often much smaller than a Senior School. Our pupils receive specialised teaching, they are stretched academically and can experience tailored learning in a smaller environment. Pupils are issued with their own laptops. They are given opportunities to explore wider issues and topics, promoting a flexible approach towards both the curriculum and life beyond the classroom. Remaining in Year 7 and 8 also enables us to deliver individualised preparation for senior school entrance and scholarships.
Prep pupils benefit from personal development in their secure surroundings, become increasingly responsible and independent. They can explore their creativity and innovate. We want our pupils to be able to follow their interests and strengths, to allow them to become the best version of themselves. To reflect, identify strengths and next steps, proactively and positively. Our future-focused all-round curriculum creates all-round thinkers.
Being involved in co-curricular activities and sport is so important for physical and mental health, as well as character and confidence building.
Being encouraged to get outside, breathe in the fresh air, get active and try something new helps build self-assured individuals who are extremely well-rounded and supportive of each other. Year 7 and 8 provide the opportunities that come from being at the top of a school, to be involved in sport, leadership, music and drama as part of the leading cohort.