ISI Inspection Comments
Among its many strengths is the creation of a fine, caring community in which pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development thrive. The high quality of pastoral care and the evident concern members of staff have for their pupils are significant features of this provision. Relationships between staff and pupils, and among the pupils themselves, are a strength of the school. The school has a clear, well-defined system of rewards and sanctions, which is loaded very much on the side of positive appreciation and contributes substantially both to pupils’ pride in their work and to the high standards of behaviour observed in all parts of the school. The school itself is a supportive community that offers all its pupils the opportunity to develop their interests and talents effectively. Pupils are honest, polite and self-disciplined, they have a sense of fair play and show great patience. The school safeguards and promotes the welfare and health and safety of its pupils very well. The school is a safe and secure environment
Donhead is fully committed to the welfare of all its pupils. We aim to provide a happy, caring and safe community in which pupils’ spiritual, cultural, intellectual and physical development thrive. We aim to develop pupils’ self-confidence and self-esteem and encourage them to value one another and to respect the views of other members of our community. They will be encouraged to behave in a responsible manner, showing respect, courtesy and consideration at all times.
After-School Care
After-school care is available for all children in the Pre-Prep Department from 4.00 -6.00pm. This provision is staffed by fully-qualified members of staff who aim to develop the children’s emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities through a wide range of play and learning activities.
Further details about this provision is available from the school office.
Catering
Breakfast
Breakfast is available every day from 8.00am. An additional charge is made for this and full details are sent out before the start of each term.
Break time
Boys are not allowed to bring snacks to school. The school will supply a drink and snack (biscuit or fruit) at break time. Milk is also available at break time on request for an additional charge. Milk is supplied free to Reception boys. Water is available for all boys at break and lunchtimes.
Lunch
The Catering Manager, Mr Ray Grimmer, and his team provide excellent and nutritious two-course meals for the pupils and the cost of this is included in the termly fee. Vegetarians are catered for.
After School Activities
A drink and a snack are provided for boys staying at school for after school activities.
Gifted and Talented Programme
At Donhead we recognise that every child is unique, displaying a range of intelligence and abilities. We aim to provide a curriculum that is appropriate to the needs and abilities of all our children, including those who are gifted and talented. These children will be encouraged to develop their full potential academically, creatively, physically, socially and spiritually.
Gifted & Talented Mission Statement- To promote an ethos in which success and achievement is recognised and celebrated throughout the school
- To recognise and support the particular educational, social and personal needs of gifted and talented pupils
- To raise achievement of all children and in particular those who may be underachieving by providing enjoyable, exciting and challenging experiences, in a stimulating and supportive environment
- To develop effective partnerships between school, parents and outside agencies
Provision for the Gifted & Talented
- Setting in English and Maths
- Planning work from a higher level within the National Curriculum and Literacy/ Numeracy Strategies
- Opportunities to develop thinking, reasoning and questioning skills through the normal curriculum and in specific subjects, e.g. Philosophy
- Differentiated homework tasks
- Mentoring by a similarly-talented or appropriately-skilled adult
- After school clubs
- A range of educational visits
- Entering national and IAPS competitions
- Observation of visiting specialists e.g. poets, actors, artists
- Involvement in special projects requiring their own talents
- Allocating responsibilities that make use of their special talents
- Membership of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
Discipline
Our aim is to create a positive, well-ordered learning environment. Every child at Donhead is valued, and all achievements are recognised. There are reward systems in operation which include coupons, stars, merit badges, certificates and stickers.
Children’s achievements are celebrated in class as well as in assemblies. It is our aim to ensure that children in our care have a high regard for themselves and others.
On those rare occasions when children behave inappropriately they are spoken to by the class teacher or duty teacher. If poor behaviour is frequently repeated it will be brought to the attention of the Deputy Head or Headmaster, and appropriate action will be taken. Parents are informed if poor behaviour continues.
House System
A system of three Houses operates in the school:
Campion (Yellow)
Loyola (Red)
Xavier (Green)
House competitions are held in Rugby, Football, Cross-Country, Cricket and Athletics. An annual House Sports Day is held each June.
In addition, house points (called ‘Coupons’ at Donhead) are awarded for good performance and effort in all areas of school life. All the boys start the term with 50 coupons and it is usually the case that 700+ coupons are earned through the term. At the end of term all coupons are counted and the winning House is given a House Tea.
Special Educational Needs
At Donhead we aim to create a curriculum and environment in which all children, including those in need of learning support, can develop physically, intellectually and emotionally at a pace which is suited to their individual need and where all children have equal opportunity to access the curriculum in order to realise their full potential.
We encourage, in all members of our school, a code of positive behaviour which promotes consideration for, and tolerance of, the needs of others.
We believe that every child should feel able to make a valued contribution to school life in order that self-confidence and self-esteem can develop.
The school admits pupils with learning support needs provided that the pupil can be supported within our mainstream setting arrangements. This includes children with statements of special needs. The admission of these children is part of our core purpose of helping those who need our help most.
The Learning Support provision is co-ordinated by our Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). Please do contact the SENCO via the School Office should you have any enquiries about this aspect of our provision.
ISI Inspection Comments on Learning Support
The clear commitment of staff to pupils’ progress and well-being is notable.
Teachers have a close knowledge of their pupils and their abilities which enhances the quality of lessons, so that pupils make appropriate and often better progress according to their abilities.
The attainment and progress of pupils with learning difficulties is also good according to their age and ability.