ACHIEVE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Hilden Grange is an exceptional co-educational preparatory school in the heart of Tonbridge, Kent for children aged 3 to 13. www.hildengrange.co.uk
Meet the Head Malcolm Gough, Headteacher at Hilden Grange Prep School, tells us about his everlasting gap year! istockphoto.com/ olnik_y What led you to a career in education? I was born in Zimbabwe and then moved to South Africa where I attended school and university and read Law. From there I came to England for a gap year and took a job in an independent school, where I discovered a love and aptitude for teaching (happily the head teacher agreed). A PGCE and senior leadership positions followed. I met my wife at Somerhill, she’s from Kent and so we’re now settled here with our two children. The gap year continues! What drew you to Hilden Grange? When Hilden Grange came up I knew it was the perfect place for me. The size is ideal. With 300 children we’re large enough for great team sports alongside wonderful music ensembles and theatrical performances; whilst being small enough to really know each child as an individual – I think this is particularly important for this age group – and for a really strong community feel. I also like the fact that we’re co-ed, which I believe brings benefits to all the children. Most of all, Hilden Grange aligns with my educational philosophy – to keep expectations high but to do so with kindness. Another factor was that we have the best of both town and country being here in Tonbridge, with close links to Tonbridge School adding great facilities, and ease of access to the train station for parents, but with grounds of 22 acres including fantastic green spaces. What sets Hilden Grange apart? We’ve got a great reputation for academic excellence and a tremendous record for 11+, which is right at the very top in our area, even though we’re a mixed ability school. This year we had a 100% pass rate. Our sport and performing arts departments are two more jewels in the crown, providing a real breadth of experience. We’re proud of our results but we don’t like to be boastful. Our children are likely to become influential in their chosen fields and it’s important that they appreciate their privilege and have a really strong sense of compassion and responsibility to others. Confidence is a wonderful gift for children but arrogance is unhelpful. We’re keen to instil potential future leaders (in whatever capacity) with the ability to be clear and lateral thinkers, to be resilient and, crucially, to be kind. “...keep expectations high but do so with kindness.” How do you achieve your impressive results? From Year 3 all of our children are taught by specialist subject teachers for every lesson, which is earlier than at most schools. So from this young age they will be taught science by a teacher who has a relevant degree, for example. We also set the children for maths and English so that we can effectively tailor and target their teaching. Our lovely nursery is next to reception, so while the little ones get going with phonics and numbers, those that feel ready can also pop into reception class. These structural elements create a situation where great outcomes naturally flow without the need for too much pressure. It’s important that the children get to have fun and be kids. They only get their childhood once. We want to provide everything they need to be inspired to learn and also to enjoy themselves. What are you most proud of? Hilden Grange is a very warm place, with a really friendly atmosphere. We have a very strong parents association and a great community. I’m very proud of our diversity, especially considering our My Favourite Things... Book: I love reading about the life of Nelson Mandela and how his strength of character stands up from every angle. I have two favourites: the first was written by his PA, Zelda LaGrange, and is called ‘Good Morning, Mr Mandela’. The second is written by his chief bodyguard, Rory Steyn, ‘One Step Behind Mandela: the Story of Rory Steyn’. Song: I love so many songs but I’ll choose U2’s I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. Place: Barcelona for the incredible Gaudi architecture. location. Since I joined, our pupil body identifying themselves to be of an ethnic minority or mixed race background has grown from 6% to 27%. We’ve also joined the Inspired Education Group – a global community of schools – so we will virtually visit schools across the world and even explore the jungle outside a school in Peru, for example. It’s important to look outwards and reach out, and whilst we’re dedicated to using these advances to enhance what we have, we’re careful not to break what already works so well for us. I’m thrilled by the outstanding musical, theatrical and sporting achievements of our pupils. We have about 200 individual musical instrument lessons here each week and the standard of music and singing is really phenomenal. It’s an absolute joy. Find out more about Hilden Grange at hildengrange.co.uk 107 priceless-magazines.com
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