the falcons dear parents, welcome to the falcons school ... prospectus1.pdf · welcome to the...
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Dear Parents,
Welcome to the Falcons School for GirlsThe Falcons Schools for Girls is a non-selective, independent school for girls aged from three to
eleven. Our aim is to provide a 'gold standard' education in a happy, purposeful and mutually
supportive environment. Our girls are enthusiastic, inquisitive learners who take pride in playing
their role within the school community. They care for each other, value relationships with their
teachers, and make visitors feel welcome.
We aim to instill a love of learning in every girl, and our challenging and wide ranging curriculum
is tailored to each child’s individual needs. We set academically rigorous standards for our girls,
and support each girl to achieve to the best of her ability, by teaching in ways that accommodate
a range of different learning styles.
In order to ensure that our girls are educated for the challenges of the twenty-first century, we are
increasingly using web-based resources and applications alongside traditional teaching methods.
These provide our girls with opportunities to present their work to a wider audience, extending the
curriculum in innovative ways and allowing us to link with schools across the world on shared projects.
I hope that this prospectus will begin to give you a feel for what makes the Falcons School for Girls
such an exciting environment. Falcons Girls report a tremendous identification with the school
during their time as pupils, and remember it with considerable affection after they have left.
To appreciate the full range of what we can offer your daughter, I would encourage you to make
an appointment to visit the school. I will be delighted to show you what it means
to be part of the Falcons School for Girls.
Joan McGillewie
Head Teacher
The Falcons School for Girls020 8992 5189
www.falconschool.com/girls-school/
The FalconsSchool for GirlsIndependent School for Girls | aged 3 - 11 years
The Falcons School for Girls15 Gunnersbury AvenueEalingLondon W5 3XDT: 020 8992 5189F: 020 8752 1635E: [email protected]
www.falconschool.com
Head Teacher: Miss Joan McGillewe DEd HDE FDE
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Open Door PolicyPastoral Care: Nurturing every childOur Ethos - Providing a ‘Gold Standard’ EducationFalcons Girls is committed to providing your daughter with a‘gold standard’education
• Leadership can be seen at every level of the
school, contributing to a culture of excellence
• The school and our resources are maintained
and updated to a high standard.
• Teachers adapt their delivery of the curriculum
to reflect every girl's individual learning needs
• Parents are genuine and valued partners in
the education process
• Girls are prepared for entry to the Senior Schools
which will best meet their learning needs and
future development.
The Falcons School for Girls provides a stimulating,
friendly and caring environment in which every
girl is valued as an individual and encouraged to
develop her talents. Each class has a teacher whose
primary responsibility is for the social, emotional
and academic welfare of each child. Our small classes
enable us to create an atmosphere where each girl
is valued and supported as an individual.
Our Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)
programme encourages each girl to become
an active citizen in the school and their local community.
Our girls mature into confident students, with a keen
interest in the welfare of their younger peers and the
world outside the school gates, able not only to respect
difference, but to celebrate cultural diversity.
We welcome children from all religions and faiths. The
school itself is non-denominational.
We believe that quality education is a collaborative
effort between school and family. Formal written
reports are sent to parents in mid-year and at the end
of the Summer term, and parent/teacher meetings are
held twice a year; however, we strongly encourage
parents to contact the school office at any time to
arrange an appointment with a teacher or the Head
if there are any questions, queries or concerns.
Foundation Stage(Nursery and Reception)Pupils aged 3-4 years
Lower School (Year One and Two)Pupils aged 5-7 years
Year Three and FourPupils aged 8-9 years
Year Five and Six Pupilsaged 10-11 years
the rear of the main school, it leads to a safe and vibrantoutdoor play area with easy access to the music room, ICTsuite, library and sports hall. We follow the Foundation StageEarly Learning Goals, but enrich our curriculum through theuse of specialist teachers in music, sport and French. Girls
build their confidence through structured play, learning tobecome independent learners. The girls are taught to readthrough phonics, and usually begin to read and write aheadof national expectations for this age group.
From their very first days at Falcons School for Girls, weprovide a supportive and stimulating environment, withlearning through fun, play and structured experiences.
The nursery is housed in a spacious, airy building that enjoyslots of natural light. Situated in the former stable block, to
engagement with the world around them. We recognise thatpupils may respond to different approaches to learning, andwe therefore adopt an integrated teaching approach which
incorporates the best of traditional and modern teachingmethods.
In Years One and Two we place a strong emphasis ondeveloping pupils’ creativity and curiosity in order to lay thefoundations for a life-long love of literacy, numeracy and
subject specialists in Science, IT, Games, Music and French.Girls are strongly encouraged to take on greater
accountability for this stage of their school career. The girlsare at the heart of our decision-making process.
In Years Three and Four girls take on added responsibilitiesin a supportive environment. Skills are expanded upon andcritical thinking skills are emphasized. Girls are taught by
through the process of selecting, and winning entry to, themost appropriate Senior school to meet each girls' learningneeds. Popular choices at eleven include London DaySchools including St. Paul's Girls, Latymer Upper, Latymer,
Lady Eleanor Hollis, Notting Hill and Ealing and St. James',and a range of country boarding schools.
Year 6 girls act as prefects, assisting class teachers across theschool and providing role models for their younger peers.
Year 5 and 6 sees the girls thrive as they prepare for thechallenge of Senior School. We aim to make the transitionprocedure as smooth as possible, and our well qualified andexperienced staff are able to support both girls and parents
Academic Success - Promotinga Culture of ExcellenceThe traditional values associated with the best
independent school education continue to be at the
heart of our philosophy, but are enhanced by the very
best practices in modern education. At Falcons Girls,
dynamic, creative teachers will ensure that your
daughter makes the most of her abilities, enthusiasm
and interests, drawing on our expertise with learning
styles and the use of Web 2.0 technologies.
EnglishEnglish at Falcons Girls begins from the premise that
we are all writers. Every girl is taught to see herself as
a novelist, poet, essayist and critic. Our girls pass their
11+ examinations with flying colours – but they also
leave us with the ability to think and argue passionately:
our classrooms are alive with the sound of debate and
discussion. We recognise that good writing starts
from a thorough grounding in the tools of grammar,
punctuation and spelling – but we also believe in
fostering a genuine love of books and reading. Our
English teachers find material that inspires pupils and
give them the tools to express their thoughts; lessons
are enriched through our visits to educational sites
such as Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, and visiting
authors and speakers reinforce our message that
reading and writing are for life.
MathematicsAt FSG, maths is fun. Our girls receive a thorough
grounding in all of the key mathematical concepts of
the National Curriculum, and we develop the problem-
solving skills that allow them to explore fully the world
of numbers. Our girls have a longstanding record of
success in impressing the examiners with their ability
to manipulate numbers and apply mathematical
concepts to unfamiliar challenges. We encourage our
girls to embrace the subject with enthusiasm and
confidence. Our students are registered with Mathletics
an online learning resource that ensures enjoyment
and improvement in Mathletics at school and at home.
We compete annually in a world Maths Day against
students from all over the world.
ScienceAt the Falcons School, girls learn to apply scientific
methods, making predictions, testing and evaluating
their results. Throughout their time with us, girls
explore the world around them through play and
simple experiments. A dedicated Science specialist
introduces the girls to the subject, working individually
and in groups to explore a variety of topics. The emphasis
of the teaching is on capturing our girls’ imaginations
and provoking curiosity through practical investigation
and a wealth of scientific resources.
Information TechnologyThe application of web technologies is at the heart
of our curriculum. Girls learn from an early age the
importance of digital literacy, and share their creativity
with the world using student blogs and wikis, podcasts
and digital videos. Increasingly, homework tasks are
published online, allowing girls to access additional
material and extension tasks.
The school’s purpose-built computer suite is home
to IT classes, where girls learn to become proficient
with a wide range of programs, acquiring skills in word
processing, data management and Powerpoint
presentations.
FSG is committed to a rolling programme of hardware
and software updates, ensuring that the education we
provide is informed by the cutting edge of technology.
MusicFalcons girls participate in Music and perform at every
school level, beginning with classroom instruction and
singing in Lower School, and there is a wide range of
opportunities for children to perform, from assemblies
to our annual Carol Concert. Girls enjoy two music lessons
every week, covering all aspects of the appreciation and
performance of music. Girls are inspired to explore their
own musical talents and ambitions, with some girls
learning two or even three instruments. Our Junior and
Senior Choirs are open to all girls. Each year the girls
get the opportunity to sing as part of a massed choir of
over five hundred children. The girls join up with other
schools in the Alpha Plus group to rehearse and then
perform a musical extravaganza along with a live band
in the fantastic setting of the Westminster Central Hall.
DramaThe School has a fine tradition of excellent productions.
We aim to give every girl the chance to participate in
productions, both on stage and behind the scenes. We
recognise how important acting can be for developing
confidence and personality, and our girls have weekly
timetabled Drama lessons throughout their time at the
school, taught by a drama specialist.
The centrepiece of our work is the end-of-year
production which is staged at The Questers Theatre
in Ealing. Recent productions include Shakespeare’s
Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night, and Peter Pan.
ArtWe believe that art activities help girls gain the tools
necessary to develop creative problem-solving,
communicate their thoughts and ideas, and adapt
to and respect other cultures. Art stretches and
encourages the girls to look at and analyse what they
see, and to ask questions about their observations:
these skills enhance the work they do across the rest
of the curriculum.
The Art Department has a large, well-appointed studio,
complete with kiln, and an enormous range of materials
and resources – allowing activities such as batik, pottery
and textiles. The work girls produce is much admired
by fellow girls, staff and visitors alike, and is entered for
numerous competitions.
Modern Foreign LanguagesWe encourage every girl to develop their curiosity about
the world around them. Learning a foreign language
offers an exciting insight into another culture and
another way of thinking. Girls start learning French
through games and songs in nursery, and build up
their ability to understand and communicate in the
language as they progress through the school. The
culmination of our work is the visit to France for the
Senior Girls. Girls also have taster lessons in Spanish.
Sport, Physical Educationand DanceFalcons Girls demonstrate outstanding skills,
competitiveness and courage on the sports field.
We celebrate everyone’s participation in sport. An
emphasis on sportsmanship is a fundamental principle
of the school: win or lose, our opponents frequently
pay tribute to our co-operative spirit and good manners.
We have access to a wide range of facilities including
an outdoor play area, gym, an excellent riding school,
a swimming pool and the Old Actonians sports ground.
From the Junior School onwards, they have the
opportunity to take part in interschool competitions.
There are opportunities for girls to represent their
school on the sports field, with successful teams in
netball, rounders and cross-country.
Visits, Excursions andResidential TripsTo ensure that learning extends beyond the classroom,
classes undertake a trip each term. Girls in Years 3-6
have the opportunity to join a residential trip towards
the end of the academic year, taking part in outward-
bound experiences and educational activities. Field
work is an important element of each of these trips,
and we examine various different aspects of the trip in
lessons across the curriculum. Girls are also able to take
advantage of our annual programme of visiting
musicians, theatre groups and lectures on topical
issues given by outside speakers.
Some of the trips and visits recently undertaken by
our girls include a residential centre near Paris, the
Lake District, Moorland Hall outdoor pursuits centre,
Kew Gardens and the Science Musuem.
Valuing CommunityWe believe that quality education is a collaborative
effort between school and family. The parents are
encouraged to become active participants in the life
of the school.
Our dedicated Parents’ Association is an invaluable
support to the work of the staff. In addition to regular
meetings and lunches with the Principal and senior
staff, the Parents’ Association organises a variety of
social and charitable events, and provides a fantastic
social and support network for new and existing
parents alike.
Alpha Plus & The FalconsPreparatory and Pre-Pre SchoolsThe Falcons Prep and Prep-Pre School for Boys are
our partner school, based in Chiswick and Richmond
respectively. Many families have children at both
schools. Both Falcons Schools have recently received
excellent Independent Schools’ Inspectorate (ISI)
reports, which praised the good quality teaching
and pastoral support.
The Falcons Schools are part of the Alpha Plus Group–
the Gold Standard in Education– one of Britain’s fastest-
growing and most successful educational organisations.
The schools and colleges cover the whole spectrum of
education from nursery schools to university entrance.
Alpha schools have a long-standing reputation for
delivering premium quality education.
The Alpha Plus Group are therefore able to provide
expertise and a strong network which supports the
Head and her team. Learn more about Alpha Plus
at their website: www.alphaplus.co.uk
RegistrationWe are excited that you are considering The Falcons
Girls’ for your daughter’s education, and look forward
to working with you throughout the admissions process.
Our main intake is at Nursery, aged three, with a few
places available in our Reception (aged four). Places
may become available for older girls.
The first step is to make an appointment to visit the
school by phoning the school office and completing
a Registration Form.
Parents wishing to register a girl should send their
completed Registration Form, together with the
Registration Fee, to the School Secretary. This fee is
non-refundable. Registration may be made on or at
any time after a child’s first birthday. Registration
does not guarantee a place; siblings have priority.
LocationThe school is situated on the North Circular Road A406
(also known as Gunnersbury Avenue) south of Ealing
Common.
Parents and visitors are permitted free short term
parking in the Ealing Riding Stables’ car park; restricted
parking is available in the side roads off the North
Circular with a school parking permit.
Nearest tube stations: Ealing Common, Ealing Broadway
and Acton Town
Buses: E3, 207, 427, 607 and 65
The Falcons Group of SchoolsThe Falcons School for Girls
15 Gunnersbury Avenue
Ealing
London W5 3XD
T: 020 8992 5189
The Falcons Pre-Preparatory School for Boys
2 Burnaby Gardens
Chiswick
London W4 3DT
T: 020 8747 8393
The Falcons Preparatory Schools for Boys
41 Kew Foot Road
Richmond
Surrey TW9 2SS
T: 0844 225 2211
Alpha Plus Group Ltd
The Gold Standard in Education
50 Queen Anne Street
London W1G 8HJ
T: 020 7487 6000
F: 020 7487 6001
www.alphaplusgroup.co.uk