Where every child can learn to f ly

Bassett House School in Kensington is a non-selective, co-educational preparatory school for children aged 3 – 11 years.

It is a member of the House Schools Group family of schools, along with Prospect House in Putney and Orchard House in Chiswick.

All three schools share a common ethos but retain their unique personalities. They collaborate closely, sparking off new ideas to promote ever more successful teaching practices.

Bassett House School60 Bassett RoadLondon W10 6JP020 8969 0313Registrar: Mrs Thalia Demetriadesregistrar@bassetths.org.uk

www.bassetths.org.uk

WELCOME FROM THEHEADMISTRESSI’ve yet to meet a child who isn’t naturally curious. Sometimes it lies dormant, but it’s always there. Our job is to develop this curiosity so it becomes a lifelong love of learning.

We achieve this through a regime of creativity, encouragement and reward; but fi rstly we need to make sure every child feels safe, secure and welcome. I would say Bassett House School’s outstanding characteristic is its warm and nurturing atmosphere. I fi nd having Poppy, my chocolate Labrador, curled up under my offi ce desk helps!

I believe a teacher’s enthusiasm is infectious, and can safely say we’re not lacking in that department at Bassett. Through an enticing mix of lessons and activities we inspire all our pupils to be inquisitive about the world, and recognise its endless possibilities.

I would like to invite you to visit Bassett House, where you can meet me and some of the teachers but, most importantly, see the children in action: their confi dence and enthusiasm is something you need to experience for yourself.

To obtain a prospectus, have a chat or arrange a visit, please do telephone the school offi ce on 020 8969 0313 or contact the school by email at info@bassetths.org.uk.

Mrs Philippa CawthorneHeadmistress of Bassett House School

The confi dence and enthusiasm of our pupils is something you need to see for yourself

Headmistress Mrs Cawthorne

A member of House Schools Group

Believe in people, they fl y for a day. Teach them to believe in themselves, they soar for a lifetime

A.D. Posey

ETHOS Every child is different, but they all deserve to learn to fly and reach their full potential. We are a proudly non-selective, co-educational prep school. True to our belief, children are not tested and judged at the tender age of 3 or 4 years.

Our outstanding results repeatedly show all children can learn to fl y, regardless of early learning ability.

We encourage high fliers to soar, whilst children who need a little extra support are given wings for their journey.

Great minds think for themselves. Nurturing individuality is at the heart of our teaching.

We believe tailor-made teaching opens up young minds to endless possibilities, encouraging them to think creatively and form their own ideas. Our pupils mostly call it having fun. We call it being the best they can be.

And every day, everywhere, our children spread their dreams beneath our feet. And we should tread softly

Sir Ken Robinson

ETHOS IN ACTION Bassett House School was formerly a family home and retains a happy, welcoming atmosphere, starting at the front door where the headmistress or senior staff greet each child by name every morning.

Individual attention is our hallmark and we rarely have more than 20 pupils in any class. In the early years there are three teaching adults in attendance. Small group and 1:1 sessions are commonplace.

Teachers take lunch with the children and our extensive extra-curricular activities allow teachers and pupils to interact in a more informal atmosphere.

Our school is a place where every child feels valued and gains the confi dence to fl y.

Children are not things to be moulded but people to be unfolded

Jess Lair

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHYEvery child learns differently. Accordingly we embrace different teaching methods including Montessori (for younger children), kinaesthetic, oral, tactile and visual.

The scope to cherry-pick from these various methods, combined with small class sizes, allows us to tailor our teaching approach to each child individually.

Importantly they are taught mistakes are not failures, but a positive sign they are trying. And that their efforts will always be encouraged, regardless of the outcome.

Our children benefi t from being in an environment where girls and boys learn from each other. Life is co-ed.

PASTOR AL CAREChildren blossom when they feel secure, happy and valued.

No child has any doubt our teachers will lend a safe and sympathetic ear to their issues. We also have a personal ‘Pupil Plan’ so pupils can note any private thoughts or worries.

Our buddy system helps newcomers through their early days, and we encourage older children to mentor younger pupils, instilling a sense of responsibility.

Our house system encourages team work and a competitive spirit, allowing children to celebrate their own success as well as the achievement of others. Whole school events and charitable activities foster a sense of pride in belonging to a wider community.

We give our pupils the skills to achieve their personal best and go on to lead fulfi lling and successful lives. In short, we teach children to fl y.

Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all

Aristotle

PREMISES Formerly a large family residence, Bassett House School was built in the late 19th century in the leafy streets of North Kensington. The building was substantially purpose re-built in 2001, whilst holding true to the Victorian architectural principles of large, bright and airy rooms (though heated, lit and ventilated to 21st century standards).

60 Bassett Road now houses some ten classrooms and various play areas, including an outside play area.

The premises also include the large hall at St Helen’s Church just round the corner, providing a professional stage and assembly hall/gymnasium, three classrooms, a custom-built kitchen and a garden.

Our location allows us to walk to excellent nearby facilities including the Westway Sports Centre, Kensington Memorial Park and Kindred Studios (art studios used by professional artists).

• Within easy reach of Ladbroke Grove and Latimer Road underground (Circle or Hammersmith and City lines)

• Nearby bus routes: 7, 23, 52, 70, 295, 316 and 452• Car sharing for pupils is encouraged via assistance from our parents’

association• We participate in an award scheme for scooting and walking to

school

HISTORYBassett House School was founded in 1947 by Sylvia Rentoul, with just 6 pupils. Back then ‘children should be seen but not heard’ was the prevailing belief.

Conversely, Sylvia Rentoul passionately believed children should be encouraged to express themselves, and teaching must take into account the individual needs of each child.

One of Sylvia’s grandchildren is currently a school governor, and Sylvia’s visionary philosophy not only endures but fl ourishes at Bassett House School to this day. As it does across the sister schools of the House Schools Group: Orchard House School and Prospect House School.

Bassett House School is a member of the Independent Association of Prep

Schools (IAPS) which is a constituent body of the Independent Schools Council

(ISC). It is rigorously inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

Sylvia Rentoul with her children – 1955

Class photo – 1953

Personality can open doors but only character keeps them open

Anon

CHARACTER BUILDING Some children have the good fortune to be privately educated at schools with the drive, experience and resources to teach children to think for themselves.

At Bassett House School children learn their personal choices can make a real difference, and their opinion matters. Equally importantly, they learn to respect the opinions of others.

They learn the value of endeavour and staying power, of developing social skills and of forming respectful relationships.

Our children feel confi dent and valued, so they are not worried about making mistakes and are willing to ‘have-a-go’. This eagerness to be involved and make a contribution is one of the most valuable life skills we nurture in our pupils.

A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything.

Anon

CURRICULUMThe syllabusTeaching for the youngest children combines the Montessori method and the requirements of the statutory early years foundation stage (EYFS).

The syllabus is based on the national curriculum, supplemented by elements the school has developed to meet the needs of our pupils.

It gives a thorough grounding in reading, writing, maths, science, humanities, religious education (RE) and personal, social, health and citizenship education (PSHCE).

Bassett House School provides specialist lessons in maths, English, science, computing, French, music, physical education, art/design technology, eurhythmics and dance.

TestingWe monitor progress using teachers’ assessments combined with tests which provide standardised national norms. This allows us to track the individual progress of every child.

Testing is operated unobtrusively to the point that younger children do not even realise they are being tested. Little do they know their results allow us to fi ne-tune their personalised learning program.

Whole-school screening is also used at various points to make sure children are reaching their potential.

Information technologyIn addition to the specialist computing classes taught from Form 1 upwards, every classroom has an interactive whiteboard with at least one Apple Mac connected to the internet.

A bank of MacBook laptops and iPads is available for pupils’ individual use to aid research, projects and other educational activities. We also ask parents of pupils in Forms 5 and 6 to supply personal iPads to support their children’s learning.

High-speed internet and sophisticated servers connect children to the vast information resources of specialist educational programs, covering all subjects taught in the primary sector. All resources are rigorously fi ltered.

In 2014 Bassett House School was recognised for its outstanding ICT provision and accredited with the ICT Mark of the National Association of Advisors for Computers in Education. Our team includes an Apple Distinguished and Google Certifi ed Educator.

Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I’ll learn.

Xunzi

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESVariety and new adventures are the life-blood of curiosity and enthusiasm (which we deem to be fundamental to personal and academic development).

Aside from being fun and exciting, extra-curricular activities can work wonders in building confi dence. A child who once struggled with maths may well excel once they discover they’re a dab hand at sailing a dinghy.

Extra-curricular activities which take place outside the school timetable include:

Sports We like to keep our children active and our sports include football, netball, hockey, tennis, rugby, athletics, cricket, rounders and gymnastics.

Other physical activities Sport isn’t every child’s fi rst choice, so we also have classes in yoga, dance and climbing.

Music and drama Visiting music teachers offer individual instrumental tuition on a variety of instruments. We have a school orchestra, chamber choir, senior and junior choirs and many instrumental ensemble groups, including a rock band.

Performance All children act in assemblies, school plays and concerts throughout the year. We have an inclusive approach to children performing, giving each child the opportunity to shine.

Clubs Coding, chess, drama, textiles, fencing, art, animation, swimming, netball, cooking and yoga are some of the many clubs on offer.

Residential adventures These start from Year 3. Here are some examples:• geography fi eld trip to Suffolk, with after-dark nature trails and bug hunting• learning to sail a dinghy • history fi eld trip to York • bushcraft activity trip • a week at a château in France where only French is spoken • an overnight stay in the Science Museum

OUR STAFFOur teachers share one fi rm belief: nurturing individuality is the most empathetic and effective way of teaching children to fl y.

To ensure personal attention, the ratio of staff to pupils is high. Without exception our teachers are highly qualifi ed and ably supported by our carefully chosen team of teaching assistants.

We have an extensive range of specialist teachers covering maths, English, science, computing, French, music, physical education, art/design technology, eurhythmics, Latin and dance.

Other highly-trained staff are available to identify and support children who may display specifi c learning needs. If appropriate, specialist staff such as speech therapists are also available to work with pupils.

Not only do we have rigorous recruitment protocols to ensure we employ teachers of the highest calibre, we also support them in continuing to grow as educators throughout their careers.

Our ongoing and extensive development programme embraces professional training courses, assessment/appraisal, lesson observations and subject clusters.

Importantly, expertise is shared not just within Bassett House School, but across the wider House Schools Group community. We value our staff and are justly proud of their achievements. They don’t just teach children to learn, they teach them to fl y.

Teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning

Anon

PARENTS’ ROLEWe actively encourage a close relationship between parents and all staff.

Sharing information gives us a deeper insight into the wellbeing and progress of each child, and our open-door policy means we’re readily available to discuss any concerns that arise.

Parents are encouraged to support their child’s learning and the school gives guidance on how best this can be achieved.

They are invited to regular parents’ evenings and open mornings, sports days, concerts, class assemblies and theatrical productions. They can also join in their child’s class to share special events or celebrate a religious festival.

Membership of Bassett’s parents’ association offers a more intimate link between parents and school, as well as parent to parent communication (useful for fi xing play dates, pick ups, etc). Nannies can also participate.

Busy parents are also regularly updated and reminded of upcoming events such as school assemblies and various charity events. Notably our parents’ association Christmas party raises the most funds (not to mention fun).

It is thanks to our parents’ association we have a friendly, close-knit and supportive community which extends a warm welcome to all.

The parents’ association isn’t stuff y. It’s an active and fun community that makes you feel very welcomeBassett House School parent

CHILDREN HAVE THE LAST SAY

I really like that all the teachers are kind, helpful and understandingBeatrix - 8 years

I really like the food!Leo - 7 years

History is the best subject in the school because we learn about cool stuff , like Ancient EgyptNed - 7 years

At Bassett House, no matter what you are good at, the teachers will support you throughout your time hereFormer pupil Monica - 11 years

I like art at Bassett House because it is very creative and I’m very creativeBeau - 5 years

I like playtime because at playtime you can take out toys to play with and make new best friendsCosima - 5 years

I like how everybody respects each other and it is easy to make friendsGene - 9 years

At Bassett House my favourite thing to do is science because we used our senses and became science detectivesFelix - 7 years

We have lots more to tell you

Please contact our registrar

Mrs Thalia Demetriades on 020 8969 0313

or email registrar@bassetths.org.uk

Also see our website, bassetths.org.uk

Bassett House School60 Bassett RoadLondon W10 6JP

020 8969 0313

www.bassetths.org.uk

A member of House Schools GroupRegistered in England No. 2481145