A Message From The Headmistress |
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“The school is a happy, harmonious community where each individual is valued.”
Not my words – although most certainly my experience of Talbot Heath – but, instead, a direct quote from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
It’s just one of many comments praising Talbot Heath in an 18-page report, published in June 2007, which examined in detail every aspect of what we do.
It confirmed what parents of existing students already know, namely that Talbot Heath is a caring school which encourages and enables each girl to achieve her best.
We are a Church Of England School, founded on Christian principles, but a multi-faith chaplaincy team exists to foster understanding between pupils of all faiths and to ensure the spiritual support of all members of the school community.
Academically, Talbot Heath’s results are impressive, but examination statistics mask the richness and diversity of school life, something else highlighted in the ISI report.
Girls of all ages enjoy music, sport, art, drama and all the activities which make up the curriculum of a successful school community.
But at Talbot Heath we place particular emphasis on supporting our students during the challenging years of adolescence, preparing them to face their futures with well-founded confidence.
To quote the ISI report again, the school’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils is “outstanding and a major strength of the school.”
Overall, the ISI concluded, by the time students leave Talbot Heath they are “confident, competent and thoughtful individuals, ready to make the most of their opportunities and…a significant and positive contribution to society.”
It may seem like a statement of the obvious but, put simply, happy children learn well.
I see our job at Talbot Heath as bringing the best out of your child in a caring and upbeat environment.
In short, you want the best for your daughter and so do we.
I look forward to meeting you.
CHRISTINE DIPPLE Headmistress |
Senior School
“A stimulating academic education that gives pupils the opportunity to fulfil their potential, acquire knowledge and develop skills.”
That was the verdict of the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) on the Senior School at Talbot Heath.
In its report, published in June 2007, the ISI described the quality of education as “good.”
It added: “The curriculum enables the school to meet its aim of providing a stimulating academic education that gives pupils the opportunity to fulfil their potential, acquire knowledge and develop skills.”
The ISI highlighted the acquisition of skills such as speaking, listening, literacy and numeracy.
It also pointed to Talbot Heath’s extra-curricular programme with sporting activities, music, organised trips and expeditions as well as our extensive links with the community.
According to the ISI, the overall quality of teaching in our Senior School is “good and some is outstanding.”
The inspectors concluded: “It is clear that the pupils and the teachers enjoy lessons.”
The Senior School at Talbot Heath takes girls from the age of 11.
Many of these pupils transfer from our own Junior School, but a considerable number of girls also join Talbot Heath from other local schools at this point.
We also offer places at 12+ and 13+ and do all we can to ensure that for all girls, the transition to the Senior School is as smooth as possible.
Entrance to Senior School is by our own examination for all girls including those from Talbot Heath Junior School.
All candidates sit papers in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning. At 12+, 13+ and 14+ there is also a French examination. In exceptional circumstances an alternative first foreign language may be offered.
Girls are usually tested at Talbot Heath in January, but they may take the examinations at their present school or at another time by arrangement. A report from the Headteacher of the candidate's present school is requested as part of the entrance procedure. |
Junior School
Talbot Heath Junior School will give your child the best possible start to their school life.
Not only will they benefit from a “well planned broad curriculum” (as stated by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in June 2007) but also enjoy a range of activities designed to make learning fun.
It could be hearing about the Aztecs in one of our Living History days or, perhaps, taking part in a school drama production.
One thing you can be sure of – our staff will do everything possible to foster in your child a sense of confidence and self worth.
The Junior School at Talbot Heath comprises the Pre-Preparatory Department, catering for boys and girls aged 3-7 years, and the Junior Department for girls aged 7-11 years.
It is a flourishing part of the whole school, housed in its own buildings on the campus, but making full use of the senior school facilities and specialist staff.
The Junior School is run on sound Christian principles. The children are encouraged to feel part of the school family and to understand that every member of that family should be valued, respected and supported.
Our academic tradition and the ethos of the school, depend on the encouragement of hard work and diligence and the creation of a caring community.
Children spend a large part of their lives at school, the foundations for their future life are often built at junior school.
It is important that the environment we provide is happy and secure as well as educationally stimulating. After all, children achieve far more if they enjoy their education.
We believe that we have achieved this balance at Talbot Heath.
I hope that you will come and visit us and experience it for yourself.
KAREN LEAHY Head of Junior School
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