Three Pathways, One Outcome
THE THREE PATHWAYS FOR 5TH AND 6TH FORM
“ The appeal of our approach is strong, offering families flexibility whilst ensuring that each pathway is equally valued by the senior schools that our boys may go on to attend. ”
Over the course of the last few years, it has become abundantly clear to us that the role Caldicott plays is clearer, yet more nuanced, than ever before. Our priorities extend beyond the fulfilment of each boy’s academic potential, to nurturing robust mental health and wellbeing, to developing soft skills which will make boys eminently employable one day, and to delivering our unique blend of both a classical and contemporary curriculum which is supported, but not overwhelmed, by digital learning.
This approach is served best with our three equal pathways through the 5th and 6th Form. Full Boarding, Weekly Boarding and Day Plus are different as they recognise the varying rates of child development. But where do those pathways lead? Whichever pathway is right for your son in the 5th and 6th Form, the full range of boarding and day schools at 13+ is available. Our approach has proved successful; boys are receiving offers from the country’s most famous boarding schools, the most selective London day schools, the excellent schools of our
local area and beyond southeast England too. The appeal of our approach is strong, offering families flexibility whilst ensuring that each pathway is equally valued by the senior schools that our boys may go on to attend.
We have all been incredibly motivated to ensure that between each of the three pathways there is an option that best serves every Caldicott family. With the last few years’ experience under our belts, we can confidently say that this evolution of our model has been a success and hopefully the information in this booklet will help you feel confident in your decision for your son.
Warmest regards,
Jeremy Banks Headmaster
Boarding
Boarding teaches camaraderie, tolerance and independence. We provide the conditions for pupils to develop their intellectual needs through participation in a range of activities, within an ethos that values effort and mutual respect. Each aspect of the school day is paced in such a way that allows for optimum rest, exercise, mental stimulation, and fun.
Tom Gloster, Head of Boarding, is supported by a team of Houseparents and Matrons, including a Night Matron who offers a warm and comforting presence in the event of boys feeling unwell or having trouble sleeping.
Full Boarding
A smaller proportion of boys - a mix of both British and international pupilsremain in school for the weekend and return home (or to their UK Guardians) during exeats and school holidays. These boys will relax in the Boarding House after their busy week and go for fabulous day trips on the Sunday, as arranged by our dedicated team of Houseparents and boarding staff. Boys may visit local attractions such as Windsor Castle, or travel to London, or enjoy trips to the cinema or to local sports facilities. They are also welcome to just enjoy the grounds and the school facilities.
Weekly Boarding
This option is defined as going home after Saturday afternoon fixtures and returning to school on either Sunday evening or Monday morning. After a full and enriching week, the boys can spend Saturday evening and all day Sunday relaxing and recharging with their family. Parents can also visit on Wednesday afternoons to watch the midweek matches and to take their son out to supper afterwards if they wish, although if your son is a Weekly Boarder, this isn’t an opportunity to take them home midweek.
Day Plus
One of the key benefits of Day Plus, and a difference between this and flexiboarding, is that each boy has his own bed. Boys are encouraged to personalise their own space, and it also means that there is full flexibility when choosing which nights your son will stay over; whether these are synced around your son’s favourite evening activities or your own personal, family logistics. There is a games kit laundry service too, for the nights your son is boarding.
An easy-to-use booking system, accessed via the Parent Portal, allows parents to fix the two nights of boarding for the term (with the understanding that some activities will need to be locked in for the whole term). Each Friday we will communicate with you to remind you of the nights your son is boarding for the upcoming week, and highlight any special events taking place that your son may want to attend.
A typical Day Plus day, on the occasions boys do not board, means they will check out at 18.00. The option to depart at 16.00 for Day Plus boys will no longer be offered as we have discovered that the quality of prep is poor compared to boys who benefit from supervised prep and academic clinics. On reflection, we have also felt that by missing these two hours boys are not as psychologically prepared for Senior School (boarding or day) as you would expect.
On the nights Day Plus boys board we treat them as if they are boarders. This means they participate in the Boarders’ Activity Programme between 18.45 and 19.45. Please note that we do allow a collection of Day Plus boys at 20.00 should they be involved in either a Drama rehearsal or a Music concert and do not want to board that night. Furthermore, please note that some of our most magical events for 5th and 6th Form occur after 18.00, such as Declamations or the Christmas Feast, and we’d hope that boys choose to board on those nights.
Our Ethos
In fast-changing times, Caldicott must answer the evolving needs of its pupils without losing sight of the core strengths that give us our dynamic spirit. It remains a place of academic rigour and teaching excellence. It remains a place where boys, at a critical stage of their development, are nurtured to become problem solvers and critical thinkers. It remains a place where camaraderie fuels achievement and a sense of brotherhood. At the same time, Caldicott boys demonstrate compassion and selfawareness. They are eager to play their part in the community and to help address society’s collective challenges. They have the values to guide them, the determination to persevere, and the capacity to lead but, crucially, they also know how to apply those qualities in today’s world.
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A clear set of objectives:
To provide a strong sense of community, with Chapel playing a central role in the moral and spiritual life of the school.
To deliver an innovative, broad and academically rigorous curriculum, with the facilities and technology to enhance learning.
To nurture happy, resilient boys who thrive and face challenges with confidence.
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To deliver an inclusive and holisitic boys-only education, with sensitivity to the needs of each individual.
To live the values of our school through our work and in our relationships.
To make the best use of our grounds and facilities to support the effective delivery of curricular and extra-curricular activity.
To use our resources to achieve educational aims but also with consideration for sustainability and the delivery of public benefit.
