10 | Wealth & Finance Q3 2024 Most Enriching Early Years & Prep School 2024 - South East England Hazelwood School firmly believes in the capabilities of every child and is committed to realising their best selves. This means constantly seeking new ways of doing things. The school’s recent introduction of Flexible Classrooms is one example of this. Pupils have a variety of choices of how to sit in class: comfy seating with lap trays for individual iPad work, round tables perfect for collaborative brainstorming (complete with whiteboards to capture ideas visually), quiet zones with beanbags for those seeking sensory input, and designated areas for focused independent work or extra support from the teacher. This dynamic environment fosters deeper engagement. Interactive, hands-on lessons become the norm, motivating pupils to take ownership of their learning journey. The freedom to choose their learning environment sparks creativity and critical thinking. They explore different approaches, experiment with solutions, and gain valuable insights. The results have been impressive. One Year 6 pupil progressed from scoring 16/25 to 25/25 in his arithmetic. He would always rock on his chair or stand with one leg on his chair, and now he chooses to work at the standing desk with no problems. Also inspired by feedback from the school’s children, Hazelwood is extending its Electives Programme for its Year 7s and 8s, and so Friday afternoons will be devoted to the pursuit of a wide range of enrichment subjects such as forensic science, fashion design, food tech, debating, graphics, and life-saving – to name but a few. It’s a wonderful way to help them make connections across the curriculum and discover new passions. It has also just launched its fabulous new website which is a great source of information about all things Hazelwood. At Hazelwood, the aim is to do right by the young people in its care, to inspire them to enable them to keep abreast of the latest in education, to stay innovative. It is a down-to-earth school – in a lovely countryside setting – but it dreams big for its children. At Hazelwood, education is seen through a very modern lens whilst still paying heed to tradition. All its new initiatives are the result of extensive, in-depth research and it ensures it keeps up-to-date with educational advances to equip children for the future. Hazelwood views it as incredibly important to be ambitious for the children in this sector. Research shows that it can have a huge impact on their thinking and approach to learning at this age, which lasts a lifetime. Its students will need to be able to adapt to change and so it is teaching the skills now that will equip them to make the most of opportunities throughout their lives in an everchanging fast-paced world. It’s vital the school instils values of respect, critical thinking, and compassion, to help them become the positive changemakers needed in today’s society. This coupled with the rise of AI will increase the need for ‘human centred’ skills such as creativity, empathy, strong communication skills, and problemsolving – all of which will be vital alongside good exam results. The school also prides itself on its warm and nurturing environment and promotion of looking after one another and those in the wider community – Its children are global citizens. The school has implemented a comprehensive programme which involves the entire school community; wellbeing is woven throughout the fabric of school life. It holds dedicated Wellbeing Days when pupils and staff alike can choose from a variety of activities which promote mental health such as animal petting, Reiki massage, crafting, sports, board games, and plenty besides. It also has trained mental health first aiders to give pupils support when needed and also tools to manage their own wellbeing. An online Wellbeing Hub can be accessed by staff, parents, and pupils aged 10, and above all, is a fabulous resource full of tools, links, and signposts to experts. Hazelwood opened its Well Being Hub earlier this year, and this provides a haven for children needing some time out, to talk to a member of staff, or for valuable one-to-one learning to take place. This term, it celebrated ‘The Power of Me’ which encouraged children to identify and celebrate the uniqueness of everyone. Throughout the term, they had opportunities to showcase their particular strengths and dreams and champion those of one another. Hazelwood is a school that dreams to think big for its children, where every child is seen and heard. Open Morning, Friday 22nd November – book a place online or arrange a private tour by emailing [email protected] Company: Hazelwood School Website: www.hazelwoodschool.co.uk Hazelwood School (Hazelwood) is a coeducational nursery and prep school for children aged 9 months to 13 years, set among 25 acres of woodlands on the Surrey/Kent border. It is a school committed to introducing bold initiatives that will equip pupils with the human skills they need to succeed in tomorrow’s new world. Innovation is in Hazelwood School’s DNA, and it fearlessly explores new approaches to learning, pupil projects, teaching environments, and teaching methods to help unlock every pupil’s potential.
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