IS YOUR CHILD READY

TO BE A 21ST CENTURY ENTREPRENEUR?

Success isn’t just about academic results. Though of course they are extremely important, they are only one element of what makes up a dynamic young person, writes Meena McDonald

Westholme School takes a unique approach that develops all the skills that will make your child a confident well-rounded individual.

Dr Richard Robson joined the school at the beginning of this year, following two headships at independent schools as well as 10 years as an Independent Schools’ Inspector. Though he’s only been at the school a few months he feels like he has been part of the Westholme community for years!

Dr Robson comments: “Even after a short period at Westholme, it really is hard to imagine a school that does it better.”

So what makes Westholme so much better?
Everyone within the school is committed to providing each individual student with a set of skills that they can utilise in the outside world, combined with a stimulating environment that encourages self-belief and the desire to achieve their aspirations.

It begins with a holistic approach where academic subjects and extra-curricular activities are given equal value. So, whether your child is interested in chemistry, music, maths, design technology or history – each subject or activity is given equal status and importance, as each one will help to form the whole individual. Students are given the freedom to explore their interests and challenge themselves through a plethora of opportunities.

Their aspirations are encouraged the minute they arrive at the school and each student is welcomed, recognised and appreciated for their individualism. They have tremendous relationships with their teachers, who inspire them to broaden their horizons to become confident and accomplished young people.

This is supported by a vibrant, embracing and genuine school environment which is full of warmth and support. The Principal’s door is always open so he can hear the fun and laughter of students as they go about their school lives, and he enjoys his daily, personal interactions with them. Students thrive when they are doing the things they enjoy and that’s exactly what daily life at Westholme looks like.

Academic rigour of course is crucial and the grades reflect the excellence of the teaching.

The exceptional standards set by the school and the commitment of the staff ensure the school can easily hold its own against any independent or grammar school in the region. The teaching staff are dedicated to delivering a supportive environment, providing personal guidance and encouragement to every student, ensuring they achieve and go beyond their expectations.

So, what next?
A five-year strategic plan is currently being produced to take the school to the next level. Dr Robson believes that everyone has a role to play in the success of the school and the teachers, students and parents have been involved in the process as they are much more familiar with the school and have been there a lot longer than he has!

Technology will be fully utilised and the blended learning approach will be adopted where it will help improve teaching, alongside providing students with the best possible experience.

With developments underway, which will see all students being educated on one state-of-the-art site, combined with inspirational programmes such as the Westholme Diploma and Award, the future for the school really does look very bright indeed.

The recently launched Sixth Form Academic Scholarship, an award that covers between 50 per cent and 100 per cent of school fees throughout the whole Sixth Form period, is already proving a real success.

Dr Robson really cannot imagine being anywhere else. His own education was a very academic one, with little additional inspirational activity. This he found many years later when acting at the Old Vic Theatre in Bristol.

He’s determined, however, that the students at Westholme will gain all the skills they require at school, a combination of independence, problem solving, creativity, leadership, transferrable skills and of course, the confidence to achieve their dreams and be ready to become 21st century entrepreneurs!

Westholme
Wilmar Lodge, Meins Road
Pleasington BB2 6QU
01254 506070
westholmeschool.com

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