Whole school
Early Years Curriculum
Early YearsThe Nursery School accepts boys and girls from the age of 2 years 9 months and has a staff ratio of one adult to eight children. In the Nursery children learn to play constructively and co-operatively as they are encouraged to take part in a variety of activities. There are plenty of opportunities for physical play in the outdoor play area. At the appropriate time, the children spend a greater proportion of the day in Pre-Prep where they receive a thorough grounding in the basics of reading, writing and number work. Each child is encouraged to develop at his or her own pace, and small groups ensure much individual attention.
The Sixth Form
Sixth Form
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Dear Student,
Why choose Alton Convent Sixth Form? The simplest answer I can offer you is: Because it has been designed specifically for you.
We listened to the ideas of students and what they wanted, so we have a wide choice of AS/A Level subjects, and an extra-curricular programme to cater for each individual - both on and off site. Purpose built accommodation, away from the main building, was considered important to give our sixth formers a sense of individuality and privacy. The transition into the Sixth Form here will be a natural progression. You will know your friends and your teachers – and they will know you and your potential. No time will be lost in getting to know new systems and new people. There will be pastoral support and we will work with you to develop your individuality and independence. You will be prepared for the next step into Higher Education or vocational training.
Preparatory School Curriculum
Prep
Alton Convent Prep's curriculum is about balance.
We seek to find the perfect balance between nurture and challenge. We are a warm, supportive learning community, in which the needs of all are addressed, in which each child's talents and abilities are given the opportunity to flourish, and where learning is fun. Our curriculum also seeks to challenge each child: providing new experiences, providing lessons which meet pupils where they are and then take them on to somewhere they wouldn't have reached otherwise, and providing academic, sporting or personal challenges, which encourage a sense of determination, perseverance and ultimately achievement. The nurture and support we provide enables and encourages our children to rise to these challenges.
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Practice Expedition
Extra-curricular | Senior SchoolOur task was to walk from one point on the map to another staying overnight at a pre arranged destination with approximately 10 kilos on our backs without getting lost! We were arranged in groups of four or five and set off with all our provsions for the next 24 hours. We managed to reach our checkpoints on the first day even though we got a lost a couple of times.
After walking over 8 miles we finally reached the farmhouse where we would be pitching our tents for the night. This took for ever and then we had to cook! We chose noodles for supper as it was easy and meant we didnt use too many pots and pans.
Crowning of Our Lady
Prep | Religious Studies
On Friday 2nd May, 3B gave an assembly about Mary. Some people read about Mary’s life and some held up pictures. Then we had a procession to crown our lady. Jemima and Jessica led the way to the Statue of Mary, carrying flowers. Jamie Simmons carried a cushion with a crown of fresh flowers. Everyone else sang ‘Bring flowers of the rarest’, while we walked up. Lucy picked up the crown of flowers and placed it on Mary’s head. We finished with a prayer to Our Lady.
Lucy said “It was lovely to take part, but I thought the statue would fall on me because from where I was standing it looked really tall, so I thought ‘Oh no, how am I going to this.” Jemima said, “It was very good and we had to walk very slowly and I felt a bit nervous. I took the flowers up and I felt O.K. It was a nice presentation.”
Jubilee Celebrations
Arts | Whole school
As part of Alton Convent School's 70th Jubilee celebrations, parents and friends were invited to an evening of art, music and dance. The evening started with a colourful display of Maypole dancing from pupils of year 5 and line dancing from year 6. Parents listened to the many musical solos from senior school girls and watched entranced as Sophie, recently named "Young Dancer of the Year", performed several ballet dances. From the Prep school, Joe impressed fellow pupils and parents alike with his interpretation of Pachelbel's Canon on the electric guitar. Joe, who has his own band, has recently won a musical scholarship to a major public school.
GCSE Drama Performances
Drama | V Form
Drama comes in many forms and this year's final GCSE examination performances were no exception! The work was created and performed in five groups. The creative inspiration was a piece of contemporary film music by Craig Armstrong called 'Glasgow*. 'Big Brother's Watching You', a piece about the way we are all being surveyed today; 'Heaven Sent, Hell Bent', a slightly surreal comic play set in Limbo; 'Storm', the toy shop as a microcosm of life today; 'No Man's Land', a view of the world as a totally female society and 'When the Lights Go Out'.
Miller's Ark visit Lower Prep
Biology | Early Years | Key Stage 1To parents of children in the Lower Prep
Dear Parents,
We are delighted to be welcoming Miller's Ark animals into school on Tuesday 15 May. They will be bringing with them an assortment of friendly farm animals for the children to cuddle, stroke, feed and groom. This is always an enjoyable occasion, and one from which the children gain a real insight into the handling and care of the different farm animals. All children in the Lower Prep will benefit from the visit, spending time with the animals during the course of the day.
I'd be grateful if you could complete the slip below giving permission for your child to take part in the visit and giving details of any special instructions regarding allergies. The cost of the visit will be £3.50 and should be returned along with the permission slip to your child's class teacher as soon as possible.
Moulin Rouge Ball - Auction
PTFA | Whole school
As you will be aware, this year's Ball is now a mere two weeks away and looks set to be a truly spectacular event! One of the most popular parts of the evening is, of course, the Grand Auction. As in previous years this will comprise two parts - one silent and one live. We have been extremely fortunate once again in securing some fantastic lots of a very varied nature. Whether you hanker after a week in the sun or an evening of classic jazz, a signed Arsenal shirt or a day of pampering at a luxury Spa, I urge you to check out what's on offer! For those unable to attend the event (or for those who can't resist a preview), all the auction listings are available to view on the school's web-site and can be accessed at www.altonconvent.org.uk/silentauction08 for the silent auction or www.altonconvent.org.uk/liveauction08 for the live auction.
