The central role played by emotional health and well-being is increasingly recognised in our world today. At OHS we take this seriously. That’s why we have worked so hard to ensure that every day in the Pre-Prep is nurturing and supportive, as well as intellectually stimulating.
A family atmosphere
One of the most distinctive things about our Pre-Prep site at Woodstock Road is that it is just the right size. We only cater for three year groups on this site, from Reception to Year 2, after which the girls move to the bigger site on Bardwell Road. Everyone knows everyone and we all feel like a family where everyone’s needs are always catered for.
This is especially true of our Early Years classes. Here, the two teaching groups are based right next door to each other, and the doors are often left open so girls can go next door if necessary, enabling them to always feel part of a safe, open and harmonious environment.
What I really like is that, although there are two classes, the doors are often open between them, meaning my daughter has got to know everyone in Reception and feels very comfortable with all of the teaching staff. I think this has really helped my daughter stay confident as she starts school.
A philosophy of care
We believe it is vital to develop strong social skills at this early age, which is why our ethos in Reception encourages kindness and consideration for others, above all.
We also focus on making sure the girls know the importance of looking after their own mental and physical well-being. That is why we work so hard to teach resilience and practical, versatile skills to enable them to understand their own mental and emotional health right from day one.
The Positive Project
The Positive Project is a pastoral initiative involving the whole school community, engaging students and staff alike in discovering a shared language for talking about emotions.
The GDST was the first group of secondary schools in the country to adopt Positive, and it has been embraced by girls of all ages at OHS. In our Early Years classrooms, conversations about emotion using the Positive ’emotional barometer’ provide a vital framework for talking about experiences or feelings that would otherwise be difficult to contextualise. Learn more about the Positive Project here.
Kindness Week
Do you want to find out more about Reception at OHS? Our Admissions Team can arrange for you to have a virtual meeting with our Head of Prep and Pre-Prep, Mrs Jessica Williams.