The aim of the curriculum at Swanbourne House School is to provide a broad education with strong academic foundations through which pupils with a range of abilities, interests and learning styles flourish.
Our progressive academic environment ensures that the children are fully prepared to take on the challenges of the next stage of their education with courage and confidence, whilst the extensive co-curricular and Saturday Enrichment programmes provide boundless opportunities for the children to develop their individual passions and talents.
Traditional academic disciplines are complimented by Expressive and Performing Arts, Design & Technology, Computing and Outdoor Learning, as well as a diverse Sports programme. The breadth and balance within the curriculum entices pupils to engage fully in the range of lessons they have each day. Activity and investigation enable our pupils to be confident in thinking for themselves and to be resilient when problem solving. A Swanbourne House pupil will understand that to ‘fail’ is actually another step forwards in learning.
Reaching Potential
Pupils’ progress is monitored closely to ensure that their potential is reached and any difficulties are identified early. Progress is regularly assessed, both formally and informally; parents are kept up-to-date with attainment and attitude to learning through the reporting system and parent-teacher meetings. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s progress with the teaching staff at any time.
We value communication, collaboration, resilience, reflection, and leadership and the development of these core skills is integral within our curriculum.
Senior Schools
Our pupils are thoroughly prepared for entry to a wide range of senior schools and considerable success is achieved by way of scholarships. Pupils gain entry either through the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB) or Scholarship examinations where awards gained may be Academic, Art, Design & Technology, Drama, Music or Sport.
An education at Swanbourne House School has a hands-on feel where children increasingly take ownership of, and pride in, their education. We are passionate about developing in the children, genuine awe, wonder and curiosity at the complexities of life and the world about us – past, present and future.
PSB @ Swanbourne House
In September 2019, we replaced Common Entrance with the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB), an assessment model that seeks fairly and accurately to quantify a pupil’s all-round achievements in Year 7 and Year 8. A final summative Baccalaureate Certificate accompanies the transfer to senior schools and offers a 360° assessment of a pupil’s progress, knowledge, skills and attitudes.
Please read our parents’ guide here: PSB Information Booklet
Swanbourne House is an independent day and boarding prep school in the Buckinghamshire countryside, to find out more about our progressive approach to academics and arrange a visit click here.