West House School

[EduCativ]

West House, which was founded as a day and boarding preparatory school for boys in 1895, is a charitable trust run by a Board of Governors. Today, it is a preparatory day school for boys between the ages of 4 and 11, with the co-educational West House Nursery caring for children from twelve months. The school is situated in Edgbaston, one mile from Birmingham city center, and has occupied the same five-acre site since its foundation. It enjoys excellent sporting facilities both on and off-site. These include a nature reserve, a sports hall, three cricket nets, an all-weather surface, and a grass pitch on campus.
We believe that education goes well beyond the academic curriculum. In addition to preparing pupils for selective secondary schools, we concentrate on developing the life skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing adult world. With well over one hundred years of experience, we aim to combine the best of our traditions with an education that will prepare pupils for the challenges that lie ahead.
Choosing the right school for your son or daughter is one of the most important decisions you will make and I believe that Birmingham offers the very highest standards of independent education anywhere in the country. What makes West House unique is the atmosphere, so often commented upon, that pervades the school.
The school is situated in Edgbaston, one mile from Birmingham city center, and has occupied the same five-acre site since its foundation. It enjoys excellent sporting facilities both on and off-site. These include a nature reserve, a multi-functional hall for sports and performing arts, three cricket nets, an all-weather surface, and a grass pitch on campus. Additionally, the Richmond Hill playing fields incorporate two full-size football pitches and a cricket square within a mile of the main school campus.
Currently, there are approximately 280 pupils including 120 in the Early Years Foundation Stage. From Reception onwards the average class size numbers between 14 and 17 pupils supported by 15 full-time and 5 part-time staff. Specialist subject teaching is a feature from Year 75 onwards. West House School prides itself on having a reputation for outstanding academic success along with a fine provision of extra-curricular activities. There is an emphasis on team sports in which the school has a strong tradition of success across the Midlands.
Pupils are also encouraged to explore their musical and performing talents to the fullest extent. The Director of Music is supported by specialist peripatetic instrumental teachers. During the academic year, the school choir performs at Birmingham Cathedral, Symphony Hall, and various choral festivals throughout the region. Drama is taught as a discreet subject from Year 3 onwards, with a highlight of Year 6 being a grand production during the Spring Term.
West House School is committed to the development of the curriculum, particularly through the promotion of learning opportunities through the use of ICT. A computer suite, housed in the purpose-built Centenary Building, is complemented by the use of Apple iPads in the classroom. The school has adopted the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning Strategy and places a great emphasis on developing individuals equipped with the skills and attributes necessary to thrive in the middle part of the twenty-first century.
The school is structured in departments and the curriculum is built around the requirements of the Early Years Statutory Framework and the principles of the Independent Curriculum. However, a carefully planned timetable allows greater time to be dedicated to core curriculum subjects whilst allowing pupils the opportunity to benefit from the input of specialist subject teachers and the development of their verbal and non-verbal skills. Significant emphasis is placed on the pastoral guidance of pupils in their preparation for adult life, with everyone actively contributing to the Code of Conduct.
At West House School, pupils benefit from small class sizes and high-quality differentiated teaching by well-qualified and experienced teachers. Pupils are encouraged to perform to the best of their abilities at all times. Formal monitoring of pupil progress takes place from Pre-School through to Year 6 and individual progress is tracked to ensure pupils are performing at the expected level. Where pupils fall short of such expectations, support is provided by the class teacher in the first instance. It may be that boys are identified as finding specific aspects of learning difficult, underachieving, or, in the case of gifted and talented pupils, in need of an extended challenge. Further support may be necessary through the involvement of teaching assistants or by referral to the Learning Support Department.

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