Academic success has increased in importance to the point whereby it is a priority for parents when choosing schools. We acknowledge this and have put in place the best International curriculum and teaching staff.

The choice of syllabus for Pre-School, Junior School, Middle School and Senior School reflects our desire to match the critical phases in social and emotional development with learning outcomes. Striking a balance in the early years between encouraging curiosity, social cohesion, self-expression and play with a basic grounding in literacy, numeracy and artistic expression is a crucial first step in schooling terms. As students progress through the Middle and Senior years, we expect them to become increasingly independent learners with an interest in setting personal academic goals.

We have invested heavily in technology and spacious classroom design. Major subject areas have their own learning centres where student work can be displayed and enjoyed. Our three Science laboratories are modern and flexible for both tutorial work and individual research. The School Lecture Theatre enables staff to conduct regular university-style talks that students can attend in comfort. Digital projection facilities enhance the quality, clarity and accessibility of academic information. As our main school building houses all academic facilities on independent levels for Junior, Middle and Senior classes, students find it easy to move from one lesson to the next.

The School Library, built on two levels, allows for modern research with spacious formal and informal reading and study areas for private and group applications. It houses specific areas and collections for different age groups ranging from the youngest readers to Year 12. A special junior reading area allows classes to enjoy picture books and story telling. A library computer room enables students to complete assignments and projects close to their greatest resource. The School Library provides an excellent study and research facility where students benefit from the latest online resources and carefully chosen academic texts and journals. All classes are timetabled for Library and Information Technology sessions. The School blends a sensible laptop programme with access to computers in specialised learning centres and laboratories.

Our academic life is, however, part of a wider school developmental programme that seeks to educate holistically. We want the passage through our Academic Schools to provide points of celebration and personal reflection. Indeed, we believe young people need these rites of passage, definitive markers along the journey that signpost achievement and healthy memories in order to advance with confidence. It is our belief that a whole school approach to education will ensure this happens by guiding young minds along the path from childhood to emergent adulthood in clear and progressive stages, arming them with the skills and knowledge to tackle more varied and complex tasks as they mature. Their success is our success. Their celebration is ours, too.

Class teachers, tutors and senior mentors in either Houses or the Portfolio for Academics, offer general academic support. Specialised support can be accessed via a Learning Support Scheme that operates on Monday afternoons.

Specific help for English and Mathematics can be requested through the Head of School. Tutorials of this nature also operate after school and during evening Prep sessions in the boarding house.

It is important that students practise and consolidate the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom. Establishing worthwhile work habits, persistence, independence, time management and an appreciation of the value of learning itself should begin early in the schooling process. Prep is set according to a School Prep Timetable specifically designed for each Year level from Year 3 upwards.

Approaches to assessment will vary according to the age of students and methodology of teaching. The School is, however, committed to diagnostic appraisal based on a clearly referenced system that, in addition to test and examination scores, provides students and parents with a thorough picture of student progress and achievement. Access to our Secure Website enables parents to follow their child’s timetable, School results and the School programme. Throughout the course of each Semester, we produce a series of reports that cover every aspect of a student’s life at school. Parents may contact a student’s tutor at any time to discuss schoolwork, as well as attend parent-teacher evenings indicated on the School Calendar.

These tests are conducted in Years 9 & 10 to assist students in planning their possible future career. Tests may cover verbal reasoning, clerical speed and accuracy, mechanical reasoning, space relations, spelling and language usage. Information gathered can

All students have access to career guidance and subject selection advice. Academic results form part of the Inter-House competition.