Since 1932 Dair House School has built a reputation based upon high standards of teaching and learnings combined with the central principles of kindness, manners and empathy towards the feelings of others following the school motto, "Principium a Principio".
We moved to our present site in 1962 and became a registered charitable trust in 1976. The Headmaster is a member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS). We are a Church of England school with regular visits from two local vicars. We welcome all faiths and seek to celebrate all religious denominations in a truly multi-cultural environment.
AIMS
We take great pride in the happy atmosphere which is evident throughout the school, and the way in which Dair House School children show consideration and care for each other across all year groups.
The traditions of the Kindness Cup and Work of the Week, dating back many years, are still at the centre of our work, but we continue to move forward in the 21st Century preparing our children in the words of the ISI report of 2011, "in a stimulating environment where the overall quality of teaching is excellent".
Our small classes and family ethos ensure children grow up with confidence and self-belief.
Our aims are:
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To provide a high quality education for boys and girls aged 3 to 11 years. Preparing children for the 11+ entry to Grammar Schools or Common Entrance to Senior Independent Schools.
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To promote a life-long desire for learning.
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To provide a happy, stimulating environment, which will encourage the best from our pupils.
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To provide a broad and exciting curriculum aimed at nurturing the academic, sporting, musical, artistic and dramatic talents of the children.
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To develop tolerance and understanding, consideration and courtesy in our school community and beyond.
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To provide the opportunity for every child to achieve and to develop their confidence and self-esteem.
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To foster good communication with the families of our pupils.
HOUSE SYSTEM
From the start of the Summer term in the Reception year, children join one of four Houses: St. Andrews, St. Davids, St. Georges or St. Patricks. This encourages team work, co-operation and healthy competition. It also enables children from different year groups to work together and form friendships.
We organise many House competitions in sport, poetry and music, to name but a few. House points are awarded for effort, achievement, manners and thoughtfulness. The Devonside House Cup - named after Mrs Thelma Devonside who was Head for 20 years - is awarded at the end of each term to the House with the highest total of House points.
PUPIL RESPONSIBILITIES
We place great importance on developing the levels of responsibility of our children. Therefore we appoint children in Year 6 take on various positions:
Head of School
Prefects
House Captains
Sports Captain
Children in each class from Year 1 to Year 6 are also elected to the School Countil.
Friendship Buddies are chosen from Year 5 to support harmonious play at break times.
