Surrey Homes | SH97 | February 2023 | Education Supplement inside

Education Supplement
The Balancing Act
According to their ISI EQI Inspection Report from
September of last year, Parkside School’s pupils
“consistently attain well in relation to the abilities
of others taking the same tests”. We ask them how
they bring out the best in their pupils
We believe good schools are about experiences
and opportunities promoting the personal
growth of all – pupils, parents, staff and the
community. Parkside is a great example of this as we use our
extracurricular, community and school trip programmes to
complement and enhance our innovative curriculum.
Experiencing new opportunities to discover and develop
unique passions and talents is at the heart of Parkside’s
philosophy. The motto, “Courage, Confidence, Character”
underpins all learning and teaching. It is about having the
courage to try new things, which builds the confidence
and motivation to succeed. The understanding gained
through participation establishes a strength of character
which translates in each of the boys as they leave after Year
8, to go to senior school. Our ISI EQI Inspection Report
from September 2022 noticed how our pupils “feel safe to
take risks and attempt new challenges, supported within an
environment where warm and trusting relationships prevail”.
The extracurricular programme incorporates the expected
range of sporting activities such as tennis, football and cricket.
However, more adrenaline-fuelled activities such as trail
biking and target shooting spice up the programme nicely.
Those who prefer something slightly more mindful enjoy
yoga, knitting, nature and papercraft. Academic clubs and
clubs for the designers, chefs and potters are all up for grabs
and these change termly with new activities.
The academic rigour of the school is effectively
complemented by the emotional and mental health benefits
of exploring new experiences, the local community and the
wider world around us. The privilege of being able to travel
together, as a school, on a residential trip were championed by
Parkside last year, being one of the first schools to take their
sports tour out to the Caribbean after the pandemic.
This academic year will see the more senior boys travelling
to France and Italy on separate trips to immerse themselves
in language, culture and even more dare-devil activities such
as skiing, climbing and orienteering. Boys in Year 7 and 8
are offered leadership opportunities through adventure and
activities centres, which take them outside their comfort zone
and challenge their status quo. Trips to the beach, Harry
Potter World, London and residentials to such destinations
as Stratford upon Avon are all planned into the calendar
meticulously. The younger boys visit art galleries, museums,
adventure centres, boat trips on the Thames and Legoland!
Whilst the Nursery children enjoy trips to local farms and,
importantly, the local high street and library.
The whole school community is encouraged to take part
and get stuck in with new activities. Parkside parents are
always welcomed and encouraged to take part in school life
through weekly tennis clinics with Parkside’s resident coach,
Nicky Draper (yes, Jack Draper’s mummy), movie nights,
cheese and wine tasting and sports dinners.
Pupils at Parkside are recognised for their individual talents
which are often unleashed and enhanced through the range
of extracurricular activities and experiences. Food technology,
languages, forest school, the humanities, design and
technology are all taught as part of the curriculum and topics
within these are consistently reinforced by life experiences. A
rich education is one full of risks and adventures, after all you
only live once (YOLO)!
Join Parkside’s Open Event on Saturday 4 March 10am
to 12pm. Register your interest by e-mailing admissions@
parkside-school.co.uk or visiting parkside-school.co.uk
priceless-magazines.com
30