Academic life
Great Walstead School has high academic expectations of all of its pupils and its experienced and inspirational staff ensure that children reach their full potential at the school.
The core of Great Walstead’s curriculum is based on the national curriculum but includes much more in addition (for example, French, Latin, drama, music and specialist games/PE from an early age). This broad education means that the school can discover and develop talent in every child.
We also emphasize the importance of education that is “differentiated”, that is, geared to what each individual has and can achieve. This is possible because of our relatively small class sizes, through the experience of our class teachers but also through the extensive use of classroom assistants and some setting by subjects as the children get older. As the children progress through the school the balance also shifts – gradually – from lessons largely delivered by generalist class teachers to lessons taken by subject specialist teachers.
We look out for children who are especially gifted or talented and, led by our Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator, an enrichment programme has been developed to provide extra stimulus and challenge to these children. We also support children who need additional help through our Learning Support Department.
We are continuing to develop a regular reporting framework that gives parents routine feedback on their children’s progress. This is backed up by parents’ consultation evenings and an “open door” policy that encourages parents to raise with teachers any concerns they may have about progress.
In Years 7 and 8 the children follow the curriculum that leads to Common Entrance or Scholarship examinations (set by the Independent Schools Examination Board) which gain children admission to senior schools. These are very challenging exams which lay a solid foundation for future GCSE work. Our record of success in getting children to the school of their choice is 100% over at least the last ten years and our record in achieving awards (scholarships and exhibitions) to senior schools has hovered (again over the last ten years) between one third and a half of all our Year 8 leavers.
Mrs Linsey Kemp
Deputy Head (Academic)
