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| 115 St Leonard, SL4 3DF, UK Windsor +44 (0)1753 862610
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We are situated near the heart of Windsor and have been held in respect by the Windsor community for over sixty years. An independent day school for girls and boys, we have truly earned our excellent reputation. We are also members of the IAPS (Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools) which acts as a gold standard for leading prep schools throughout the world. The school is administered as a registered charity by a Council of Management.
Although a Christian-based school, we welcome and respect all religious denominations.
Quality and high standards
As parents you want the best education possible for your child and at Upton House we aim to provide it. We give children a strong educational foundation, a carefully planned, well-balanced curriculum and sound teaching methods. |
However, learning must be exciting. The environment here is creative and stimulating so that children develop a love of learning that will last them a lifetime. We celebrate hard work and the children are well focused and keen to achieve. High expectations lead to high standards.
Please do make an appointment to visit us, to meet the children and staff and see Upton House for yourself.
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Early Years
We view these early stages of education as vitally important.
The Pre-Nursery acts as a bridge between home and school – a happy introduction to school life. It maintains an excellent ratio of one adult to four children, which ensures plenty of stimulation across a wide range of activities to meet all the children’s needs. Activities are planned using the national framework ‘Birth to Three Matters’ and the ‘Stepping Stones of the Foundation Stage’. Sessions run each morning till midday and take full advantage of the wider facilities of the school, such as the weekly gym and music & movement lessons in the school hall. Pre-Nursery children visit the Nursery and from time to time, participate in school activities, such as special assemblies.
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In the Nursery a stimulating learning environment delivers the curriculum through different themes, e.g. ‘Minibeasts’, ‘Ourselves’, ‘Teddy Bears’ etc. and these are based on the six early learning goals as laid down in the DfEE Foundation Stage Curriculum Guidance. Firm foundations are laid in reading and children are taught letter sounds and correct letter formation through a lively phonic scheme, used alongside language games, role play and creative exploration. Mathematical concepts are developed through practical activities and an excellent mathematics scheme. French is taught by a specialist teacher, as are music and physical education. A good teacher to pupil ratio ensures the individual attention so vital in these early years. The Nursery children attend five morning sessions, which can be increased to all day throughout the child’s time in the Nursery, in preparation for full-time education in Transition. |
Pre - Prep
Children in the Pre-Prep are taught by their own form teacher, ably supported by a qualified, full-time educational assistant. Specialist teaching begins early with drama, music and physical education from Transition, French continuing from the Nursery and from Form 1, ICT and swimming. Two experienced Learning Support teachers offer extra help within the classroom or take out individual children to focus on specific areas where the need arises
A thorough grounding in basics is achieved using a carefully planned blend of traditional and modern methods and a range of stimulating activities. Much emphasis is placed on literacy and numeracy within a broad and creative curriculum. Reading is given high priority and written tasks embrace creativity alongside spelling, punctuation and grammar.
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A sound understanding of mathematical concepts is developed using a practical approach, while mental agility is encouraged through regular practice in arithmetic. Science is covered in an exciting way through experiment, observation and discovery. There are computers and interactive whiteboards in every classroom and use can be made of the school’s ICT suite. A carefully planned series of topics ensure children study a range of fascinating subjects in history, geography and science and outings linked to these topics take place to enrich their learning.
During their years in Pre-Prep the children grow in confidence, learn to work with increasing independence and develop a sense of responsibility. All this prepares them well for entering the next stage of their education. |
Prep
The girls enter Form 3 in the Prep Department and combine to form single class year groups. There is a form teacher who is responsible for their pastoral care and provides a focus and sense of belonging, while most subjects are taught by specialist teachers.
The broad-based curriculum of English, mathematics, science, history, geography, Latin, French, Spanish, religious education, physical education, ICT, drama, music, art and design technology is carefully structured to cover specific learning objectives. We build upon the sound foundations of Pre-Prep by using a mixture of traditional methods and a varied and imaginative approach so that a sound base of skills and knowledge are developed in each girl. This is further extended so that comprehension, deduction, application, balanced argument and original thought follow. Computers and interactive whiteboards are used throughout the department and there is a large suite of networked computers that is used for timetabled ICT lessons and to extend other subjects. |
The Learning Support teachers continue to offer extra help on an individual basis while gifted and talented children are stretched through regular group activities. Daily homework is set and the routine of regular independent study is established.
A number of scholarships are offered during the Autumn Term to bright girls entering the Prep Department. Similarly, a number of our girls gain scholarships and awards to their next schools. Indeed, all our children are successful in gaining places to the schools of their choice, which is facilitated by their high achievements combined with our valued reputation.
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An enthusiastic approach within a happy, friendly atmosphere is at the heart of everything we do at Upton House. The children are offered plenty of opportunity to achieve in different areas and they are all treated as special individuals, receiving the direction and support they need. The atmosphere here is genuinely warm and caring. The staff are both energetic and committed throughout the school and this helps to develop the confident, courteous, considerate and well-mannered children for whom we are renowned.
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‘We aim to give each child encouragement and stimulation to develop their academic abilities and to find something they are good at, whether from the broad curriculum offered by our excellent team of subject spealists and support staff or the wide range of extra curricular activities they can choose from. This combines with a kind and loving environment that develops a set of pastoral values that will hold true throughout their lives.’ Madeleine Collins - Headmistress | |
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The school is a close knit community consisting of three departments: the Early Years; the Pre-Preparatory and the Preparatory, catering for both girls and boys till the age of seven and then girls until they are eleven.
In the Early Years the youngest children are accepted into the Pre-Nursery (2-3 years) as soon as they are two years old and then move into the Nursery (3-4 years) in the September following their third birthday.
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The Pre-Preparatory Department consists of two parallel classes in each of the following Key Stage 1 year groups – Transition (4-5 years), Forms 1 (5-6 years) and Forms 2 (6-7 years). At the end of Form 2 the boys transfer to preparatory schools of their choice, for which they are very well prepared.
Girls move into the Preparatory Department consisting of the Key Stage 2 year groups: Form 3 (7-8 years), Form 4 (8-9 years), Form 5 (9-10 years) and Form 6 (10-11 years). During their final years the girls are prepared for scholarships, examinations and interviews leading to entry to their senior schools. | |
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It is no surprise that yet again we have been awarded by the Art Council of Great Britain, the ArtsMark Gold Award. This highly prized award reflects the importance that we put on each aspect of the Arts at Upton House.
Art has a vital role to play in helping to develop observation and manual dexterity, as well as imaginative and lateral thinking skills. Pupils learn to express themselves in a wide variety of media and to appreciate art from other cultures and time. Their own art is highly valued and is imaginatively displayed around the school. Problem solving and investigative work are at the heart of Design Technology. It is an exciting, practical subject enabling pupils to use their creative skills to develop, construct and evaluate their work, communicating their ideas in a variety of ways.
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Music is an essential aspect of life at Upton and is taught throughout the school. Children learn to appreciate a wide range of musical styles and participate in varied musical activities including singing, percussion instruments, recorder work, movement to music, musical notation and history. Opportunities are given to learn a variety of instruments and singing through optional individual lessons with specialist teachers. We have two choirs and the children perform regularly, both in informal music concerts and also full scale musical productions.
Drama is highly valued at Upton House. It helps to develop a child’s confidence and self-esteem. Pupils are prepared for the nationally acclaimed LAMDA speech and drama exams through specialist lessons. Children experience the thrill and discipline of performing in varied productions throughout the year, allowing each child to let their potential shine. | |
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Gaining the ActiveMark is testament to our belief that sport is an essential and dynamic aspect of every child’s education and all our children are encouraged to play their part in that. There is a well-balanced programme of games, gymnastics and dance which not only develops physical skills but also promotes important personal qualities such as self-confidence, control and team work.
A number of taster workshops, such as fencing and body combat, are organised to widen the range of activities within the curriculum, while further opportunities are offered as optional lessons, such as judo, gymnastics, ballet and tap.
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Sports are played on a seasonal basis – netball, football, rugby and hockey in autumn and spring terms and rounders, tennis, athletics and cricket in the summer term. Gymnastics and dance take place throughout the year and the children in Forms 1–6 swim all year round in an off-site pool. Gymnastics and swimming certificates motivate the children to develop and hone their skills, while the opportunity to take part in matches and tournaments (e.g. IAPS Netball Tournament) develop match-play and teamwork. It is fun to compete and the school year ends in great excitement at the Pre-Prep and Prep Sports Days and the Swimming Gala.
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At Upton House we offer many opportunities to take part in different activities and experiences. There are a number of annual events, such as an ‘Arts’ or ‘Book’ week, house competitions, music festivals and productions. Outings are linked to the curriculum, such as London museums, Wyld Court Rainforest, art galleries, geography field trips, craft days and of course Windsor Castle. Each year Forms 5 and 6 go on an extended field trip to such places as diverse as Paris, Normandy and Cornwall. Similarly, theatre groups or visiting speakers come into school.
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Lunches are provided in a family-group setting, where all staff eat at tables with the children every day. A wide range of well balanced meals are offered and all the fruit and vegetables are organic.
‘Extended Day’ means that children can remain in school after the usual collection time. First there is tea, followed by play activities for younger children and supervised homework or clubs for older children. Each term different after-school clubs are held, such as puppet making, pottery and ICT. Lunchtime activities include chess, Spanish, sports and choir.
‘Early Birds’ is another facility enabling children to be dropped off earlier in the morning before normal school opening.
A Uniform Shop is based on the school site, and strives to cater for all uniform requirements.
Parents are encouraged to take an active part in their children’s’ education through parents’ evenings, subject discussions and lively PTA events. All this develops a sense of belonging to the Upton family. | |
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