EHPS Newsletter 21 - EtonHouse Prep Seoul

EHPS
School Newsletter
Month: March
From the Principal/CEO
This has been a very busy and very positive term at EtonHouse Prep and I want to thank you all for your
support and patience during this time of change.
GOOD NEWS!
I have good news for you...we recently secured a ‘new’ building for our wonderful early years children. The
building will be refurbished entirely to create a purpose designed, international nursery school for children
age 18 months to 4 years. The site is near to Namsan Park and the building used to be Kid’s Planet. Please
do not panic about the move. This will be achieved with full consultation with parents and will be a positive
development for our youngest children. The new building will enable us to create a safe and secure space
which suits early learning at the highest international quality. For those parents of nursery age children
who prefer their child to remain at the current school, we will keep a class open for the first year (August
2015-July 2016) This will enable a smoother transition. The new nursery will be called EtonHouse Lodge
and will open for viewing in June/July and for children to attend from the start of the new school year in
August. We hope you see this as a positive development and understand our desire to create a perfect
learning environment for your children who need cushioned floors, curved walls, adjustable lighting and
high quality resources to aid their learning and development. Images below are CONCEPT designs only.
CONCEPT IMAGES OF ETONHOUSE LODGE
68-3 Hannam-Dong Yongsan-Gu Seoul-Si South Korea | T. 82 2 749 8011(3) F. 82 2 749 8017 | www.etonhouseprep.com
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EHPS
This Month
FOCUS ON NUMICON
Numicon supports the development of firm foundations
in understanding mathematical concepts by making number visible for children. This is an award winning resource
which supports the development of maths skills and also
enhances children critical thinking and problem solving
skills. Year 3 and 4 are now confident in using Numicon
and are making excellent progress. Other children in this
class are working together to solve mathematical problems presented in word format. Collaborative learning
ensures children challenge each others thinking .
Children are developing the skills to manipulate numbers
and calculate using a wide range of strategies. This has
led to excellent progress. I would like to thank Lisa Chung
for leading the development of Numicon in school and for
the teachers in Year 3 and 4 for embracing this initiative
so enthusiastically. The children have really enjoyed it!
68-3 Hannam-Dong Yongsan-Gu Seoul-Si South Korea | T. 82 2 749 8011(3) F. 82 2 749 8017 | www.etonhouseprep.com
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EHPS
ACHIEVEMENTS, SUCCESSES AND DEVELOPMENTS
Achievements since January
Developments next term
High quality teachers appointed for Year 1 and Year 3 and support
staff in Early Years
High quality teachers appointed for August in Early Years, Year 2
and Year 5
Programme of peer observation beginning to discuss teaching
and learning strategies and monitor student progress.
Continued observations and feedback given to teachers on
their teaching and students’ learning and progress against
international standards.
Principal observed in several classes to ensure high standards.
Successful split of year 3 and 4 students to ensure greater attention to learning and increased support and challenge
Science room to be created to ensure this area of the curriculum receives appropriate curriculum time and students’ skills
are improved. Appointment of dedicated EAL teacher.
Creation of new Year 1 class.
Introduction of Numicon (visible maths programme) to Year 3 and
4 students resulting in rapid progress towards international
standards. Numicon resources purchased for whole school.
Numicon to be implemented in all classes with staff training
and workshops for parents. Numicon for home use will be
available for parents to purchase to support students at
home.
Review of phonics programme to ensure progression.
Parent workshop on the place of phonics in the process of
learning to read.
Revised reports to parents to ensure greater understanding of
progress – awaiting feedback.
More detailed end of term report which includes international assessment information.
PE modules on Tai Chi and Yoga introduced and much enjoyed by
students.
Review of swimming – including parental survey
Range of Saturday clubs increased resulting in higher numbers of
students participating.
Further clubs opened such as Cross Fit, Yoga, Technology,
Book Club.
Coffee afternoons attended by Pre Nursery, Nursery and Year 1
parents led to clearer idea of parental expectations.
Continuation of coffee sessions for parents.
Artist in residence programme for children in reception to Year 4
resulted in improved skills and opportunity to exhibit own work.
Further opportunities for children to experience learning from
real artist’s, authors and skilled artisans.
ICT Administrator appointed to ensure ICT is developed successfully throughout the school.
ICT strategic plan will be published for parents.
Saturday Club Blog initiated.
Blogs extended to enable parent engagement on a range of
issues—improved communication.
School Improvement Plan created to guide future academic developments.
Summary of plan published to parents to inform them of academic developments.
International Assessments purchased for implementation during
May and June - information to follow.
Results issued as soon as these are received from Durham
University.
Writing process workshop for parents in Year 1 and early years.
Writing workshop extended for any parents who missed this
before.
Site considered for opening of new ‘nursery school.’ This has now
been confirmed and secured. Developments plans being drawn
up.
Plans created to establish Music Academy at EtonHouse Prep
School.
Development plans for the new nursery will be published and
a meeting held to share these with parents.
Interest shown by parents in boarding schools in UK.
Partnership created between Carfax Education, Oxford and
EtonHouse Prep to arrange tour of UK boarding schools in
September 2015.
Dates for your Diary
School resumes on Wednesday 8 April
Monday 14 April—After Clubs start
Tuesday 5 May—Children’s day celebrations
11-15 May—Parent - Teacher Conferences
Summer Camp —27 July—14 August (3 weeks)
Staff appointed to run the Academy and all parents informed
how this will work. Music Festival Thursday 25 June.
facebook.com/etonhousekorea
68-3 Hannam-Dong Yongsan-Gu Seoul-Si South Korea | T. 82 2 749 8011(3) F. 82 2 749 8017 | www.etonhouseprep.com
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