LOCKERS PARK BOARDING LIFE

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1 LOCKERS PARK BOARDING LIFE

2 Welcome to Lockers Park Lockers Park s preparatory school is one of ambition and excellence that has been educating boys to the highest standard for over 140 years. Set in 23 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire woodland in Boxmoor, it is a day and boarding school for boys aged The school provides not only a first class academic education but also places a breadth of opportunity, from music and sport to drama and extra-curricular acivities, at its heart. Founded as a boarding prep school, we are proud of our approach to boarding and believe it is one of the school s strengths. A child s boarding journey at Lockers Park is designed to prepare them to be independent and honourable members of an active community. This important introduction to boarding allows the boys to learn to live and work together while fully enjoying their childhood. Boarding at Lockers Park is perfect preparation for senior boarding schools. For boys moving onto senior day schools, we also believe that Lockers Park offers a unique opportunity to benefit and learn from this special experience. Friendships forged in the boarding house frequently last a lifetime. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that each child leaves Lockers Park as a well-rounded, caring individual with the self-confidence and self-esteem needed for the broader world that lies ahead. A fantastic boarding school the Lockers Park boarding experience has transformed our boy into a confident and happy young man. Parent Testimonial Boarders at the school are happy and confident individuals. The school provides good care for its boarding pupils and nurtures their personal development well. Ofsted Boarding Inspection

3 Why Board at Lockers Park? Boarding life is fun and attractive to pupils, and we often find it is the boys themselves who ask to board. Boarding teaches respect and the value of community, while in-house camaraderie and interhouse competition remain crucial tools for future educational and working life. One of the key benefits of boarding is that children are able to make good and focussed use of their after-school time. Boarders complete their academic work and music practice in quiet and supervised settings, and then have time to enjoy a wide range of activities. Being together allows the children to develop strong relationships with friends and relax in a homely setting. We have a dedicated team of staff with endless good humour and energy, providing a family environment where everyone counts. Added to this, theme nights and weekend trips ensure boarding life at Lockers Park is never dull. For busy families, there can be practical benefits to boarding. Boarding arrangements at Lockers Park are flexible and can be a helpful part of planning a family diary. As well as full and weekly boarding, some boys choose to board a few nights a week to benefit from the social experience and the range of activities on offer.

4 It s brilliant here. I love being with my friends. Year 7 Boarder The Boarding Routine Modern boarding is far removed from the traditional stereotype. Ask a boarder at Lockers Park and they will confirm that it is a hugely enjoyable experience. We create an atmosphere where boys can be themselves and enjoy the many benefits that boarding allows. We strongly believe that learning to live and work together is one of the most important life skills we can teach. The week day starts with a hearty breakfast at 7:30am and School begins at 8:20am with Chapel, Assembly or Tutor Time. Lessons finish mid-afternoon, followed by games or activities and then prep. After supper, boarders are free to relax with friends or participate in the many activities on offer until bedtime. Remaining true to our 19th century roots, Lockers Park pupils work a 6-day academic week, with Saturday morning school operating from 8.30am until 12.35pm every weekend. In the evenings and once prep is completed, there are plenty of activities to choose, from chess to 5-a-side football, to skiing at the local Snow Centre. In addition, we run our own Cub pack and Scout troop and many of the day boys who take part in these activities choose to board afterwards. Dormitories are cheerful, homely places and boys bring their own bedding, photographs and poster choices to personalise their space. A wellfurnished Boarders Common Room provides a calm place to watch television, chat and play games (not forgetting Movie Nights) and healthy snacks are available every evening. Food at Lockers Park is healthy and plentiful. Our in-house catering team provides three tasty cooked meals a day as well as homemade snacks mid-morning and afternoon. They are able to cater for a variety of dietary requirements. On theme days/nights there is always a special menu to look forward to, from ghoulish Halloween fare through to mouth-watering international cuisine. Boarding at Weekends We understand the boundless energy of 7 to 13 year old boys and the value of having fun with friends. Weekend boarding features a plethora of organised activities to ensure the boys have the opportunity to try all sorts of experiences. Recent events have included team challenges, barbecues and bouncy castles in the Old Gym, ice-skating and pantomime trips, bread-making and pumpkin carving alongside more structured games. The legendary annual Dark Tower Game remains hugely popular; Tatler s Schools Guide 2016 comments: We re intrigued by the famous Dark Tower Game, details of which are never divulged In free time, the boys may be found building camps, playing table tennis, pool and table football, visiting the ever-popular Train Room or playing games organised by members of staff. Our beautiful grounds are also well used by boarders, especially in the summer when popular pursuits include swimming in our outdoor heated pool and playing mini golf. Weekends also see houseparents supporting boarders with any weekly test preparation as well as revision for assessments and exams.

5 Boarding: The Choice is Yours The flexibility we offer at Lockers Park when it comes to boarding is indispensable for many of our parents; about half of our boys board and many day boys also stay for activities and prep in the late afternoons and evenings. Tatler s Schools Guide 2016 concurs: Day boys and boarders mix very well. Boarding options include full boarding, weekly boarding, or flexi-boarding. Lockers Park also offers free trial boarding to boys who want to find out what all the excitement is about. Starting with just one or two nights and gradually building up to weekly or full boarding provides boys with valuable boarding experience in familiar and friendly surroundings. This can be enormously helpful to boys who are likely to progress onto senior boarding schools. Extras These are kept to an absolute minimum and comprise mainly of tuition for Music, Drama, specialist help and extra-curricular activities such as skiing or tennis lessons.

6 Pastoral Care At Lockers Park we aim to offer the ultimate in pastoral care; the individual boy and nurturing his character is at the centre of everything we do. We are a small and family orientated school and pride ourselves on the strong relationships between boarders and staff; we can honestly say we know every boy inside out which allows us to ensure the most positive experience for each. Our Head of Boarding lives at Lockers Park with his family, working with Matron who also resides in the boarding house. This dedicated team are on hand to provide the care, comfort and support which is vital for the boys well-being and success. The feeling is of a home away from home ; there is always someone on hand to chat, listen and to laugh with. Other members of our highly-regarded teaching team run regular activities for the boys ensuring there is variety in the weekly programme. We believe regular contact with parents is essential in ensuring the best academic progress and personal development for each of our boarders and we are committed to working closely with both parents and boys to establish effective communication and mutual trust. Along with a form tutor, boarders are under the care of a housemaster who will monitor their progress and liaise with teaching staff. Housemasters or the Head of Boarding can be contacted directly via or telephone and ensure the overall well-being of each boarder. We have a full-time resident matrons team, well-qualified in nursing and first aid, ready for all that a school of young boys can throw at them. The team is supported by a school doctor, a school nurse and a counsellor too. The school office regularly communicates via with boarders parents and academic and boarders reports are sent home twice a year.

7 The Heritage of Boarding Lockers Park is proud to maintain the traditions associated with typical British boarding school life. These include the 6-day academic week, where all pupils attend Saturday morning school (8.30am pm). This tends to be followed by sporting fixtures on Saturday afternoon. Importantly for our overseas and full-time boarders this means that school retains its vibrant and buzzy atmosphere. Welcoming Overseas Boarders Lockers Park is proud of its international character; we have long welcomed pupils from around the world and we greatly value the richness and diversity that they bring to our community. Our international and overseas pupils live alongside our British students, sharing all aspects of school life. A new pupil is always warmly welcomed into the Lockers Park community. A significant percentage of our full boarders are from overseas and we recognise the complexities of living and learning in a different country. We sensitively co-ordinate each boarder s individual academic and extra-curricular programmes to ensure they settle in while offering one-to-one English language tuition to accelerate proficiency and fluency. Overseas Boarders Support Our excellent pastoral care record means that all our overseas boarders are part of a secure family structure, ensuring they always feel welcome and well cared for. We understand the complexities of educating children such a long way from home and try to be as flexible as possible, offering support to boys to help them through this. There is always someone to lend a friendly, listening ear, whether the Housemaster, teacher or group tutor. Boys can contact their families at mutually convenient times via telephone, Skype or (naturally, time zone differences are considered). Boys living overseas must have an appointed guardian in this country. This is the parent s responsibility to arrange, but we can help with the names of reputable Guardianship Agencies. Our son was made to feel very welcome and has thrived, progressing both in the classroom and on the playing field. He couldn t be happier. Overseas Parent

8 A child that boards at Lockers Park will be offered the best possible start in life; a first class education that builds independence, selfconfidence and self-esteem. We seek to ensure each and every child leaves us as a wellrounded individual fully prepared for the next step of their educational journey. I invite you to come and take a look for yourself. Headmaster Christopher Wilson BOARDING AT LOCKERS PARK Full-time academic support A highly-regarded team of staff dedicated to making the boys happy Building camaraderie and long-lasting friendships A programme of fun events and activities catering for all tastes Bright and welcoming boarding accommodation A small, family community where everyone counts The happiness of the boys is paramount. Tatler Schools Guide 2016 LOCKERS PARK SCHOOL LOCKERS PARK LANE HEMEL HEMPSTEAD HERTS HP11TL E: SECRETARY@LOCKERSPARK.HERTS.SCH.UK T: +44 (0) F: +44 (0) FIND US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER