GOWER HOUSE SCHOOL
Founded 1951
A Nursery, Primary and Preparatory School for Boys and Girls Age Two To Eleven
Headmaster: Martyn Keane B.Sc (Hons) P.G.C.E
Secretary: Michelle Fennelly
Telephone: 020-8205-2509
Address
Gower House School
Blackbird Hill
London NW9 8R
Aims:
Gower House seeks to encourage children to develop at their own individual pace both academically, emotionally and socially . Academically, each pupil follows his or her own work programme designed to stimulate the highest possible achievement for that child. Emotionally, children express and develop their own individual personalities through relating to other children and staff, art and games. Socially, children are taught that they have responsibilities to others and have a role to play in their school, at home and in their community. The school seeks to develop happy, well behaved children with enquiring minds, high academic attainment and good general knowledge.
CURRICULUM:
Children in the Under Five classes work to a Qualification Curriculum and Assessment Authority’s “Foundation Stage” which divides learning into the six areas of Language and Literacy, Mathematics, Personal, Social and Emotional Development and Creative Development. Individual records are kept for each child and reports are given to parents covering each of these six areas. Regular meetings are held to discuss progress. Full details of the Foundation stage are available from the school.
Aged Five to Eleven, Children largely follow the National Curriculum subjects, learning Maths, English, Science, History, Geography, some Music, Swimming, Games, Art, Design Technology and a programme of Personal, Social and Health Education. Detailed information of the curriculum is available from the Headteacher and the class teachers. All teachers have a wide range of appropriate qualifications and experience.
Religious Education, Gower House has no particular religious alignment. It is not a faith school. However, the school believes that children should learn moral responsibility and to respect and care for others, whatever their religion, race or culture. To support this the school celebrates the religious festivals of main religions by discussing each festival’s significance to families and staff represented at school
French, is taught from the age of five, by games and songs to start with, but more formally in later years. Progress is monitored constantly so that each child may progress to the next stage when ready. More able children can advance more rapidly while the less able or less confident can receive extra tuition, often individually with a staff member. Children complete homework from the age of five.
Computers, ITC lessons are available to all children from the age of four taught by specialist teachers. Younger children use specially developed programmes to assist their reading and maths, while older children have access to the latest technology, including, Windows, Spreadsheets and the internet. Years one to four have ITC lessons as part of their weekly timetable. Other academic pressures prevent timetabled ITC lessons for years five and six, but many of these pupils take ITC as an extra subject when they complete part of a nationally recognised QCA adult qualification.
Music, Children take part in class singing with percussion for younger children. Individual music tuition on piano is available from the age of six, taught by a specialist teacher. Years one to three receive a weekly class music.
Games: A “Fun Fit” scheme of activities and ball skills is used throughout the school taught by specialist primary sports staff. From the age of six children are taken weekly by coach to an indoor pool for swimming where they are taught in small groups. Older children also visit the games pitch near the school for rounders, football and cricket.
Contact for parents: Parents of children over five receive a graded report twice a year and are encouraged to visit their child’s class regularly to inspect work and discuss progress with the teacher. Additionally, more formal open evenings are held in the Autumn and Summer terms. The headmaster is available always to discuss progress and a child’s future education.
Discipline: Gower House children have a reputation for politeness. Good manners are encouraged and consistently poor behaviour dealt with in a manner appropriate to the child. Children are expected to behave in a considerate way towards others.
Transfer to Secondary School: Children leave Gower House at the age of eleven for Secondary education. Most pupils sit competitive entrance examinations to independent day schools in the area. Gower House has an excellent record in obtaining places in these renowned schools and a list of recent successes is enclosed. Parents are advised which schools may be suitable for their child and pupils are specifically prepared for the entrance exams. More able children each year obtain scholarships or other financial assistance at independent schools.
It is equally important that the children entering state secondary schools reach the highest academic standards as the comprehensive schools “set” or group children by ability in many subjects. Again, Gower House advises parents on all aspects of the transfer to Secondary education. Certainly, Gower House children have adapted with confidence to Secondary schools of all types in a variety of societies both here and abroad.
Lunch: A cooked lunch is served each day with a choice of menu, including vegetarian choices. Variations in diet for medical or religious reasons are accommodated. Menus meet the Government nutritional standards for school meals. Salad, fresh fruit and vegetables are offered every day.
Morning and Afterschool Care: Children may remain at school until 6.00pm. They are given tea, supervised with games and other activities until collected. Children may attend afterschool either on occasional days or on a regular basis at an extra charge. Details are available from the school office. Older children may attend the chess club one evening a week.
Children may arrive for morning care by previous arrangement at 8.am. They are supervised and given breakfast before school begins at 9.00am.
Holiday Club: Dependent on demand a Holiday Club operates for part of the school holidays with a wide range of activities. Information is circulated each term and again information is available from the school office.
Visits: Most classes make one or more educational visit each year,usually linked to the project work undertaken at school. In addition, there is an annual fun day out during the summer term and a visit to a Christmas Show.
Security: Gower House is aware that the school’s first responsibility to parents is to keep their child safe. The school car park is supervised by the school caretaker at the beginning and end of the school day and the main school gates remain locked at other times, when access is by a locked gate controlled by a video entry system. Parents are required to advise the school if a child is to be collected by a person unknown to staff. The school premises are covered by a comprehensive CCTV system.
Child Protection: Gower House School has a statutory duty to contact the Children’s Social Work Service who have a responsibility to make enquiries and , if necessary, investigate any allegations or suspicions of Child Abuse. The school supports Brent Area Child Protection Policy.
Equal Opportunities: Gower House School and Nursery believe in equal opportunity for all. Children are accepted at the school from all races and religions. Gower House School is an equal opportunity employer.
Special Educational Needs: The existence of a special educational need plays no part in the school’s admission policy. Within the school any such special educational need is accessed and discussed with a child’s parents. An individual education plan is drawn up by the school’s Special Needs teacher who oversees its application by extra attention either in or out of class.
Uniform: Details of the school uniform are obtainable from the school or from the school outfitters, Pullens, 48-50 Church Road Stanmore Middlesex HA7 4AH. Tel 020 8954 3850.
School Hours: School is unlocked at 8.30 a.m. each morning and lessons begin at 9.00 a.m. classes finish between 3.15 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. in addition, afterschool is available until 6.00p.m. Dance and games lessons take place afterschool.
Admission: Parents interested in applying for their child’s admission should make an appointment to visit the school where there is an opportunity to talk to staff and children and see lessons in progress, in addition to meeting the headmaster. Children are admitted at any time during the school year depending on their development and their parents wishes. The level of ability of a child or the existence of any special needs play no part in the school’s admission policy. Children who speak English as an additional language are admitted to the school. These children are supported in class under the supervision of a specialist teacher and an Individual Education Plan.
Complaints: Any concerns concerning your child’s education should be discussed first with the class teacher. If not resolved, concerns should then be discussed with the headmaster. In the rare event of the concern not been resolved at this stage, the school has a formal complaints procedure, details of which are available from the school office. There have been no formal complaints within the last year.
Exclusions: The school reserves the right to exclude a child from school. This is done most rarely and then only when the school, in consultation with the parents, has exhausted all other options. Such an exclusion may be a temporary suspension or permanent. Exclusions will normally only be for serious offences such as repeated insubordination or rudeness, theft, bullying or violence endangering the child himself, other children or staff.
Disability Discrimination Policy: The school is aware of its obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act and has prepared a policy to make Gower House accessible to all children and parents who would wish to attend provided that the child would benefit from the education provided.
Further Information:
The following school policies are available on request from the school office:
- Anti-Bullying
- Safeguarding Children and Child Protection
- Health and Safety
- Promotion of good behaviour
- Sanctions for Misbehaving
- Particulars of the curriculum and academic performance in the last year, including public exam results and admissions to secondary schools both independent and maintained.
Gower House Nursery and Pre School
Gower House began as a nursery school over fifty years ago and the nursery has operated as an integral part of the school ever since. Children are admitted after they are dry usually between the ages of two and three.
The nursery is a proper educational nursery teaching children social awareness and the ability to mix with others in a caring but stimulating atmosphere. Children develop their self-confidence and sense of order and security in an environment that caters for their needs. Every child develops at their own pace. Each child’s development is carefully observed so that he/she may be encouraged onto the next step at the right time. A wide range of educational equipment is employed. Water and sand play, free expression through art and more controlled expression using apparatus leading towards the alphabet and writing. Academic work is begun by learning, tracing and colouring numbers and letters as an introduction to the learning schemes used at Gower House. The nursery has its own, secure garden area with large outdoor apparatus and climbing frames.
Foundation Stage: Children in the Under Five classes work to the Qualification Curriculum and Assessments Authority’s “Foundation Stage” which provides learning in the six areas of Language and Literacy, Mathematics, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Creative Development, Knowledge and Understanding of the World and Physical Development. Individual records are kept for each child and reports given to parents covering each of these six areas. Regular meetings are held to discuss progress. Full details of the Foundation Stage are available from the school.
Government Grants: The Under Five Dept. is part of the Brent Early Years Partnership. Children aged three and four years receive a substantial grant for two years which is deducted from the school fees. Details are on the fee sheet.
Lunch: A hot lunch is cooked and served at school each day. There is always a choice including vegetarian food. Special diets for religious or medical reasons can be incorporated. The children have a snack and drink mid morning and in the afternoon.
Uniform: A simple nursery uniform is obtained from the school outfitters, Pullens, 48-50 Church Road, Stanmore Middles HA7 4AH, Tel 020 8954 3850. The uniform consists of trainers with a maroon tracksuit and a gold short sleeved shirt.
Hours:
Nursery school operates 9.00am – 3.15pm
Afterschool care is available by arrangement until 6.00pm.
Breakfast Clun operates 8.00a.m. - 9.00a.m.
S C H O O L U N I F O R M L I S T
Nursery & Reception
School track suit
Gold school polo shirt
Maroon shorts in warm weather
Trainers with velcro fastening
Maroon anorak (available from school office)
Main school (Mrs Jabbal upwards)
BOYS
Winter
School blazer (optional)
Gold school polo shirt
White shirt with school tie
School pullover
Grey trousers
Grey socks
Black shoes – not trainers
School anorak
Trainers with tracksuit for games
School cap – optional
School hat and scarf (available from school office in winter)
Summer (Optional)
Short sleeve white shirt
Gold school polo shirt
Grey shorts
GIRLS
Winter
School blazer (optional)
School anorak
Grey tunic
White blouse with school tie
School cardigan
Long grey socks
Black or grey woollen tights
Sensible black shoes
No slingbacks, platforms or trainers
School hat and scarf (available from school office)
Trainers with tracksuit for games.
Summer
School anorak
School blazer
School summer dress
White socks
School cardigan
Sensible black shoes or sandals
No slingbacks, or open toed shoes
School straw hat (optional)
Trainers with tracksuit for games.
Options for senior girls in Year 5 and 6
Grey skirts
School pullover
Open necked short sleeved white blouse
All the above school uniform is available from the school outfitters:
Pullens of Stanmore, 48-50 Church Road, Stanmore Middlesex HA7 4AH. Telephone: 020 8954 3850
May 2011
Transfer to Secondary Schools – 2011
Kai Vekeria has won a major award at Haberdasher’s Boys’ School. Other children have passed competitive entrance exams for the following selective secondary schools:
Aldenham School – 2 places
Bales College – 1 place
Brondesbury College – 2 places
Haberdashers’ Boys’ School – 1 place
Heathfield School – 4 places
Islamia School – 3 places
John Lyon School – 4 places
Mill Hill County – 1 place
Northwood College – 1 place
Orley Farm School – 1 place
Queen Elizabeth Boys School – 1 reserve place
St Albans School – 1 place
St Helens School – 1 place
Transfer to Secondary Schools – 2009
Jhanvi has won a major award at Peterborough & St Margaret School. Other children have passed competitive entrance exams for the following selective secondary schools:
Aldenham School – 3 places
Brondesbury College – 2 places
Buckingham College – 2 places
Haberdashers’ Girls School – 1 place
Heathfield School – 3 places
John Lyon School – 4 places
Merchant Taylor’s School – 1 place
Mill Hill County – 2 places
Mount School - 1 place
Northbridge House School – 2 places
Northwood College – 1 place
Peterborough & St Margaret School – 1 place
Queen Elizabeth Boys School – 1 place
St Margaret’s School, Bushey – 1 place
Swaminarayan School – 3 places
Transfer to Secondary Schools – 2008
We are delighted that Khaleel Gulam-Husen has been awarded a major scholarship at Aldenham School.
In further excellent results children have passed competitive entrance exams for the following secondary schools:
Aldenham School
Buckingham College
Brondesbury College
Heathfield School
Henrietta Barnett School
Islamia College
John Lyon School
Mill Hill County High School
Northwood College
North London Collegiate School
Peterborough and St Margaret School
Queen’s College
Queen Elizabeth Boys School
Royal School
St Gregory’s High School
St Margaret’s School, Bushey
Watford Grammar School
Transfer to secondary Schools - 2007
From a small senior year. Rasheidah Price has been offered major awards at both Aldenham and Heathfield Schools.
In further excellent results children have passed competitive entrance exams for the following secondary schools.
Bedford Prep
Brondesbury College
Buckingham College
Edge Grove Prep
Heathfield School
Loughborough Grammar
Swaminarayan
St Gregory's
St Margaret's School - Bushey
The Mount
Transfer to Secondary Schools – 2006
We are delighted that five senior children have been offered major scholarships and bursaries at leading independent schools this year.
Leah Jayaratnam has won a scholarship at St Margaret’s School, Bushey.
Radhiyyah Phillips has been offered scholarships at both Heathfield School and Northwood College.
Darius Price has been offered a major award at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School while Ibrahim Qureshi has a major award at John Lyon School. Hashim Syed too has won a scholarship at John Lyon School.
In further excellent results children have passed competitive entrance exams for the following secondary schools:
Belmont School, (Mill Hill School) - 1 place
Brondesbury College - 3 places
Buckingham College - 1 place
Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys School - 4 places
Haberdashers’ Aske’s Girls School - 1 place
Heathfield School - 9 places
Henrietta Barnet School - 1 place
Islamia High School - 5 places
John Lyon School - 5 places
King Edwards School - 1 place
Merchant Taylors School - 1 place
North London Collegiate School - 1 place
Northwood College - 9 places
Parmiter’s High School - 1 place
Peterborough and St Margaret School - 1 place
Queen Elizabeth Boys School - 5 places
Royal Alexandra School - 1 place
Royal School, Hampstead - 2 places
South Hampstead High School- 1 place
St Christopher’s School, Letchworth - 1 place
St George’s School, Harpenden - 1 place
St Helen’s School, Bushey - 2 places
St Margaret’s School, Bushey - 3 places
St Margaret’s School Hampstead- 1 place
Watford Grammar School - 1 place
T E R M L Y F E E S Sept 2010
Under Fives Termly Fees
|
Age
|
Termly Fees
|
After deduction of
Nursery Education Grant
(£649 estimated)
|
4 monthly payments per term of
|
|
Three & Four Year Olds
|
£2070.00 inc Lunch
|
£1420.00
|
£355.00
|
|
Main School Fees
|
|
Five to Six Years
|
£1965.00 not including Lunch
|
|
|
Seven years and Over
|
£2055.00 not including Lunch
|
|
|
Lunch
|
£95.00
|
|
|
Sports
|
£90.00
|
|
As at all independent schools, fees are due in advance at the beginning of each term, but fees may be paid in instalments.
All of the above fees can be divided into four payments per term (see breakdown above)
The sports fee is payable when a child enters a class that swims weekly, usually at age 6.
A discount of 5% is given for children who have an older brother or sister attending the school. There are three terms in one school year.
A registration fee of £110.00 is required before each child is placed on the school roll.
Parents are reminded that one term’s notice of withdrawal must be given or a full term’s fees paid instead.
Nursery Education Grants: The under fives department is part of the Brent Early Years Partnership. Children aged three and four years receive a termly grant for two years. This amount is deducted from the fees (see above). For more information about the Grant please contact the school office.
