King's School Rochester Preparatory School Prospectus

PREPARATORY SCHOOL • AGES 8 - 13

There’s one motto we
live by at King’s, and
that’s simply ‘Work hard,
play hard and look after
each other’ no matter
what age you are...

Welcome to
KING’S SCHOOL
ROCHESTER
Welcome to King’s School Rochester Preparatory School, a vibrant and
nurturing community where children are encouraged to discover their
talents and grow into well-rounded individuals.
As both Head of our Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory Schools, I
oversee the education and well-being of all King’s pupils aged 3
years to 13 years, ensuring a smooth transition from Pre-Prep to
Prep. Our dedicated staff team is committed to ensuring every
child settles quickly and thrives within our school. Thanks to
small class sizes and specialist teaching, the school provides
a supportive environment where each child receives personal
attention, both academically and pastorally.
Our broad and balanced curriculum not only supports excellent
academic achievement but also fosters essential skills in
communication, teamwork and leadership. Through a wide range
of co-curricular activities, children are encouraged to embrace all
aspects of school life while maintaining a balance.
Large enough to offer extensive facilities yet small enough
to maintain a caring, close-knit atmosphere, our Christian
community welcomes children from all backgrounds and faiths.
As a Cathedral Choir School, we aim to help all children grow in
understanding, confidence and knowledge, guided by the positive
values that shape our school.
We look forward to welcoming you to our Preparatory School.
Kellie Crozer
Interim Head of KSR Preparatory School
WELCOME TO KING’S SCHOOL ROCHESTER 1

VALUES & ETHOS
Our “Excellent in all areas” ISI inspection rating is a testament to
the warm and nurturing ethos of our School.
Outstanding specialist teaching, small class
sizes and individual care and guidance enable
all pupils to prosper in both their academic and
personal development.
We teach our pupils the importance of charting
their own course, and the value of discovering
their inner passions. To have a sense of purpose
and self-awareness are vital character traits for
success in today’s fast-changing and sometimes
challenging world.
Academic, sporting, dramatic and musical
experiences permeate the curriculum, and
whether it is by experiencing the wonder of
music in the Cathedral or learning teamwork on
the sports pitch, pupils at King’s develop into
polite, well-rounded individuals.
During their time in the Preparatory School our
pupils become enquiring, ambitious and
conscientious, and generations of parents have
delighted in the real sense of achievement their
children have experienced here. We take great
pride in the fact that our young people finish
Year 8 furnished with the skills and experiences
to forge happy and successful lives.
2 VALUES & ETHOS

VALUES & ETHOS 3

PASTORAL CARE
Small class sizes and our high pupil-staff ratio
creates more one-on-one contact time.
At King’s the caring atmosphere of mutual respect permeates all aspects
of daily school life. We know pupils respond when their individual needs
and concerns are addressed quickly and effectively.
Individual well-being is something we take very seriously and promote
actively. We have a designated Well-being Centre, where a qualified
counsellor runs group well-being sessions for all pupils as well as
individual counselling sessions for those who need a little extra support.
Our Well-being Centre is the hub for our school-wide well-being activities.
Pupils throughout the school follow a PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health
and Economic Education) programme, with teaching and learning based
around Personal, Social and Emotional Development. In the Preparatory
School, the first point of contact for our pupils is their form tutor who has
oversight of their progress. In addition to this, the Headmaster, Deputy
Pastoral, Deputy Academic, Medical Centre and Chaplain are
also available to pupils and parents at any time.
4 PASTORAL CARE

PASTORAL CARE 5

A broad & innovative
CURRICULUM
We provide a stimulating and progressive
curriculum in preparation for future
academic success at GCSE and A Level,
whilst equipping our pupils for life in a
fast-changing and globalised world.
From the start of the Preparatory School in Year 4, all of our pupils
are taught by subject specialists who have extensive knowledge and
experience within their given subject field. We are also fortunate in
having dedicated learning facilities to support subjects. For example,
Art and Design lessons take place in our superb Art Studio, Drama
in our purpose built Drama Studio, and Science is taught in our fully
equipped labs. This differs from the traditional set up in primary
schools, where there is normally one teacher for all subjects and only
one learning environment.
At King’s our broad curriculum focuses on educating rather than
testing. We believe in giving our pupils a broad education and our
pupils do not sit Key Stage 2 National Curriculum tests (SATs). This
enables us to have a wide range of subjects and allows us to teach
additional topics such as life skills.
We maintain a strong emphasis on language education, building
upon the foundation laid during our Pre-Preparatory School years.
In Year 4, our pupils continue with French, and in Year 7, they are
introduced to Spanish. At this point, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
are introduced as separate disciplines, along with the opportunity to
explore Latin.
In Years 7 and 8, our pupils follow the King's Diploma programme.
Through innovative enquiry days and a focus on sustainability, our
pupils tackle authentic real-world problems. This approach nurtures
informed, empathetic, and self-aware citizens equipped with the
skills sought after by both industry and universities.
The Preparatory School curriculum aims to excite and extend the
intellect of every pupil, all the while striving to build confidence and
self-esteem. We want our children to develop strong academic skills,
and grow into kind, caring and respectful young adults.
6 CURRICULUM

Prep. (Homework) at King's
We think that giving children homework is a great
way to encourage independent learning, as well
as helping to consolidate the learning pupils do
in the classroom. The amount of homework that
the pupils receive increases as they move
through the School and is carefully balanced.
PREP. HOMEWORK AT KING'S 7

SETTLING IN
Our top priority is for all new joiners to feel at home whilst at School.
A happy child means a happy learner.
Being a small school, with small class sizes,
creates an intimate, friendly experience where
everybody knows and supports one another.
Children settle in quickly and soon feel valued as
important members of the school community.
From the start, everyone is encouraged to take
part in the many activities and events that
happen every week, and this really helps pupils
settle in to school life.
Each year we run a Familiarisation Day where all
year groups move up a year for one day. They are
also joined by the children who are joining King’s
from other schools in September. This includes
Year 3 pupils coming up from the Pre-Preparatory
School to experience Year 4 - an important
opportunity to help with the transition into
the Preparatory School.
Those joining the School from elsewhere are
given a buddy and each new pupil will receive
a friendly welcoming letter before they arrive.
Once here, their buddy will show them around
the School, and help them to make friends
and settle in.
8 SETTLING IN

Tracking Progress at King’s
It’s really important to us that each child gets
the best out of their education. To support this,
pupils in the Preparatory School sit end of year
exams, the number of which increases as the
pupils move through the School. Pupils also
take progress tests to ensure that they are
making expected progress.
TRACKING PROGRESS 9

10 THE ARTS

MUSIC
Music is a cornerstone of life at King’s with countless
opportunities for pupils of all abilities to get involved.
King’s provides the unique opportunity for pupils to become choristers of
Rochester Cathedral from Years 4 to 8, and in addition to this prestigious
opportunity, our musical offerings are diverse and versatile. Pupils can engage
in a wide array of fantastic ensembles including choirs, orchestra, rock band,
wind and brass band.
Thanks to our extensive team of subject specialist and peripatetic music
teachers, we are able to teach all orchestral instruments, drum kit, guitar
(acoustic and electric), piano and voice.
Alongside our daily music making we run an impressive programme of regular
musical events, which includes workshops with professional musicians. Many
pupils gain confidence by participating in our frequent formal and informal
concerts, and some even progress to performing solos in the Cathedral.
Our Christmas and Summer concerts, held in the School Hall and celebration
services in the Cathedral, are truly exceptional and incredibly popular
occasions. The entire Prep School community - including staff! - get involved
in the House Music competitions.
DRAMA
Skills pupils learn in Drama provide the bedrock for their
future success in life.
Many pupils eagerly take the stage in front of large audiences with our muchadmired
Prep School musicals and plays. The dramatic and performing arts
curriculum is seamlessly integrated with the co-curricular program, ensuring a
cohesive experience for those aspiring to perform on the larger school stage.
Weekly Drama classes, workshops and school drama productions provide
numerous opportunities for all our pupils to develop their creativity and
acquire valuable performance skills. Class and year group performances are
also held, and each pupil has the opportunity to perform in their class
assembly.
LAMDA Acting and Public Speaking coaching and examinations are offered to
all pupils, building confident communication skills and public speaking
abilities. Additionally, there are regular opportunities for pupils to read in our
Cathedral Services.
To broaden horizons and enhance creativity, we organise regular visits to
professional theatre productions and offer the opportunity to partake in
practical workshops conducted by professional theatre companies such as
Trestle Mask Company and the Unicorn Theatre.
THE ARTS 11

ART & DESIGN
The Art and Design department is buzzing with creativity and inspiration.
The creativity of young minds is extraordinary,
and it is a privilege to nurture the artistic
potential of each and every pupil. Pupils have a
strong visual sense, and they love to explore and
discover new things.
We teach our pupils history of art and design,
and they learn about the different techniques to
help them build an in-depth understanding of
the breadth of creative and design options. Our
project-based approach enables many pupils to
achieve a level of artistic skill beyond their age.
We take art and design teaching beyond the
National Curriculum, and this lays the foundation
for future success at GCSE and A Level.
Scholarships at King’s School Rochester
Across music, art, drama , sport and academic,
we offer scholarships to those who demonstrate
particular skill and ability. Scholarships are
awarded into Year 7 to both internal and external
candidates. Successful recipients are expected
to contribute not just to the area of their award
but also to the general activity of the Preparatory
School. Further information on scholarships is
available on our website, within the Admissions
section, or by contacting our Admissions team.
12 ART & DESIGN

SPORT
Our exceptional seasonal sports
programme gives pupils at least four
hours of games lessons each week.
Sport is a truly dynamic and fun experience at
King’s. Pupils throw themselves enthusiastically into
our enriching programme of activities, building their
confidence and ability to work as part of a team.
All children benefit from expert specialist sports
coaching, and this is vital to support each pupil,
regardless of individual ability or level of experience.
There are numerous opportunities to represent and
compete for the School both as part of a team or as
an individual and have fun!
SPORT 13

Co-Curricular
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES
Our diverse co-curricular options are impressive and naturally
complement the immersive educational programme.
Pupils benefit from many opportunities to take
part in a variety of activities. Our children are
encouraged to broaden and extend their skills
of communication, teamwork and leadership.
Clubs available include: Art, Athletics, Ballet,
Chess, Cricket, DT, Ecology and Gardening, Film
Club, Hockey, LAMDA, Lego, Maths, Minecraft,
Needlecraft, Netball, Photography, Puzzle Club,
Rugby, Running, Soccer and Swimming.
The majority of clubs and activities are at no extra
cost and take place on-site during lunchtime and
after school. Swimming takes place in our on-site
indoor heated swimming pool.
There are also numerous fun House competitions
that take place throughout the year, including
House Tiddlywinks and House Conkers.
14 CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

CO-CURRICULAR CURRICULAR CLUBS & ACTIVITIES 15

16 BOARDING

BOARDING
Boarding at King’s School Rochester is a
true home-from-home experience. Our
boarding community is small enough so
that it has a real family-like atmosphere,
where everyone knows one another and
feels supported and cared for.
At King's we offer boarding to both domestic and
international pupils from Year 7 through to Sixth Form.
We have two boarding houses: School House for boys
and St Margaret’s House for girls and offer a range of
boarding options.
Rooms in both boarding houses are light and airy with
modern furnishings, and equipped with the latest
high-speed, age-appropriately filtered Wi-Fi, meaning
that a video call home or quick online game with friends
is always an enjoyable experience. Depending on the
age-group, boarders have access to either an en-suite or
communal bathroom close by.
Both boarding houses have shared common areas that
include facilities for making food and playing games,
from relaxed card games to console thrillers. This gives
many opportunities for making friends and enjoying
each other’s company. Boarders in Year 7 and 8 have
their own dedicated area in each House called the Prep
Suite, for sole use by our Preparatory School pupils.
Our very own Italian chef serves bespoke two course
meals with a wide variety of salads at lunch and dinner.
The two boarding houses come together every evening
for a shared dining experience, a highlight of the school
day where pupils and staff share a delicious meal and
catch-up on the day’s events.
Each boarder is supported upon arrival with a bespoke
induction and familiarisation programme. For
international pupils, this includes sessions on British
culture and how to excel in a UK classroom setting.
Each House has several staff members on hand
including a Head of House, Tutor and a Houseparent to
ensure that pastoral support is available 24/7 so that
every King’s boarding pupil has a happy and exciting
boarding experience.
BOARDING 17

Before and after
SCHOOL CARE
At King’s, it’s not just our pupils that we care for and support -
our parents are always at the forefront of our minds too!
We understand the challenges balancing work
with school drop off and pick up times and so
we have a wraparound care system that helps
support our parents.
Wraparound care is offered to support working
parents at a supplementary charge. We have
a ‘Breakfast Club’ which runs from 7.30am and
playground supervision begins at 8.10am.
‘Prep Club’ is available free of charge from
4.15pm to 5.30pm, for pupils to complete
homework ("prep") or do quiet reading. We
also offer an ‘After School Supper Club’ which
runs each day from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
Thanks to our extensive co-curricular programme,
there are also clubs after school most nights.
These are emailed to parents on a termly basis.
18 BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE

MOVING ON UP
King’s ‘One School’ ethos makes the transition to the Senior
School seamless.
What do we mean by King’s ‘One School’ ethos?
Essentially the close and natural collaboration
between all years and departments creates a
stress-free and better experience for our pupils
on their journey through the School.
As many of the Preparatory School lessons are
taught in parts of the Senior School by Senior
School staff, the transition from Preparatory to
Senior is seamless. From Years 6, 7 and 8, pupils
start to experience more lessons in the Senior
part of the School so they get to know staff and
become familiar with the buildings. Teaching staff
also work very closely with Heads of Department
across all three Schools and they meet regularly to
ensure continuity of curriculum and pastoral care.
Although we are always sad to see our pupils
go, we are confident they leave us well set to
achieve fantastic results in the Senior School
and Sixth Form!
MOVING ON UP 19

FURTHER INFORMATION
We work with families to ensure that the admissions process supports
you and your child every step along the way.
To find out more information or to schedule
a visit to the School, please contact us on
+44 (0) 1634 888590, or email
admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk
Our School Day
7.30am - 8.25am
Breakfast Club
Visit Us
The best way to get a real sense of the School is
to visit us. We offer private tours and taster days
during term time and hold two whole school
Open Mornings each year.
8.10am
8.25am
8.50am - 10:50am
10.50am - 11.15am
Playground
supervision begins
Registration
Lessons
Break
School Fees
Fees are charged in advance and reviewed
annually, with additional charges kept to a
minimum. Further information about fees and
charges are available on our website within the
Admissions section.
Scholarships
King’s School Rochester is pleased to offer a
range of scholarships in both the Preparatory
School and Senior School to internal and
external pupils in Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12.
Pupils with a proven talent in sport, music,
drama, art or academic attainment are
encouraged to apply.
Bursaries
We offer means-tested financial support to
pupils who otherwise would be unable to
attend. Bursaries may be offered in addition to
the award of a scholarship to increase the value
of the award.
11.15am - 1.25pm
1.25pm
2.15pm - 4.15pm
4.15pm
4.15pm - 5.30pm
5.30pm - 6.30pm
Lessons
Lunch
Lessons
End of School
Prep Club
After School Supper Club
For more information on admissions,
fees, scholarships, bursaries and
term dates, scan the QR code...
Parking
Due to the central and historic location of our
School, there is very limited parking during drop
off and pick up. Instead, if you are arriving by car,
there are numerous car parks nearby which can
be found at en.parkopedia.co.uk.
.
20 FURTHER INFORMATION

Come and experience
our School for yourself.
Meet our pupils, talk
with our staff, and feel
the welcoming and
inspiring atmosphere
that makes King’s School
Rochester so unique.

PREPARATORY SCHOOL
St Nicholas’ House • King Edward Road • Rochester • Kent • ME1 1UB Telephone +44 (0)1634 888577
www.kings-rochester.co.uk