I

n the recently published inspection 

report for Bishop’s Stortford College 

Pre-Prep and Junior School, pupils 

are described as ‘avid and enthusiastic 

learners’, who ‘show a spirit of enquiry 

and a thirst for knowledge’. In a similar 

vein, the Senior School is praised by 

inspectors for creating ‘an exceptional 

learning environment’.  Pen Hopkinson, 

a reception teacher in the College’s Pre-Prep, explains some of the ingredients 

which the school believes are essential 

for starting children off on the right 

track:

‘There are, of course, many aspects, 

but at the heart of successful learning 

lies confidence. A child may have all 

the potential in the world yet without 

confidence will struggle to realise it. 

Receiving high levels of positive attention 

and encouragement will nurture 

self-belief at any age, but it is crucial 

in a child’s early experience of school. 

Our small class sizes and emphasis on 

individual needs mean that we can 

give every pupil the time and attention 

needed to develop confidence and the 

desire to learn. We also believe having 

clear boundaries of behaviour, based on 

concern and respect for one another, are 

important for children to feel safe and 

secure at school.

We ensure our girls and boys are well-grounded in the basic skills, encouraging 

them to become independent learners 

and creative thinkers, right from the 

start. Being adaptable is another 

important characteristic – for teachers 

as well as pupils! In recent years, we have 

taken a fresh look at the way four to 

seven year olds acquire knowledge and, 

in particular, how the beautiful parkland 

setting that surrounds the Pre-Prep 

can be incorporated into work and play, 

enhancing the children’s experiences in 

all areas of our curriculum. This allows 

us to broaden their knowledge and

understanding in new and exciting ways. 

A final ingredient I must mention is 

enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is infectious! 

Children catch it when they are 

surrounded by adults who love to learn 

and treat learning as an adventure. It is 

one of the joys of a teacher to watch the 

appetite for learning grow in the children 

in your care and see the sparkle in their 

eyes when they achieve something for 

the first time.’ 

To find out more about Bishop’s Stortford  college Pre-Prep, or to arrange a visit, contact  admissions officer Fiona Brett on 01279 838607 or by email at:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Families are also invited to  college  open Morning on Saturday, 24 September 2011, 9.30am – 1.00pm.    www.bishops-stortford-college.herts.sch.uk