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“Pennthorpe life is very busy but I love it! I don’t think anyone is into just one thing. We have all these little somethings that make us human and the energy of that is so contagious” Year 7 pupil, all rounder and future entrepreneur

The value of a broad curriculum

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Skilled

In addition to knowledge, our children learn how to actually be able to do things!

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Open Minded

We encourage our children to see the world through many lenses; they develop an ability to understand and share the feelings of others

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Interesting

Having many experiences, helps our children develop charisma; they are interested and interesting, they know and like themselves and are confident to take their place in the world

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Trips & Residentials

Our pupils undertake a wide range of educational visits, which are not only exciting but enrich their learning, encourage independence and help them to access the wider world around them. Day trips range from theatre trips to railway walks, nature reserves and museum visits, and are linked to topics being studied in the curriculum at the time.

In the Prep school, our pupils are encouraged to attend a residential trip each year. As well as being great fun, these trips are designed to foster independence, team work, initiative and leadership skills. Trips on offer range from visiting the battle fields of the Somme to the volcanoes of Iceland, outdoor pursuits in Snowdonia to skiing in the Alps.

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Hobbies

Pennthorpe prides itself on the wide range of hobbies provided for the children. There is something for everyone; in fact, some pupils take part in an activity every day of the week. Whatever your child’s interests may be, every child has the opportunity to thrive as an individual, as well as within the framework of a team at Pennthorpe.

Our hobbies provide the children with an opportunity to try new experiences, learn new skills, identify hidden talents that often come to light, and gain a real sense of achievement. It is also great fun – a real emphasis is placed upon developing the whole child to enhance friendships, team work and leadership skills.

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“The breadth of opportunity is what builds personality. Our children will grow to be must-invite dinner guests; full of charismatic anecdotes with which to entertain, as well as the humility to question and listen, to make everyone feel valued” Jon Marler, Deputy Head
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Outdoor learning

We are exceptionally fortunate to be situated in more than 16 acres of our own woodland, much of which is accessible on a daily basis for the children. We believe that access to the outdoors is vital for children’s development. Outdoor learning is recognised as an inspirational process that offers all learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands on learning experiences in a woodland.

Within the woods, Pennthorpe also has its own pond dipping centre where the children can hunt for minibeasts and tickle the tadpoles, under careful guidance, of course!

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“We are encouraged to take risks, try new things, be ambitious. I always know there is a safety net to catch me if I fall.” Year 6 pupil and future adventurer

Outdoor learning and Forest School

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Respect

through exploration of the natural world our children develop respect for wildlife and each other

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Explore

the natural environment stimulates children to explore our world through hands on learning

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Confidence

our woodland gives children opportunities to develop confidence and self-esteem through learning to assess and take risks

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Fun

Through creative activities and adventurous games, our children develop knowledge and skills whilst they play and learn in the beautiful outdoors.

Preparing a VE Day feast
Don't mind if I ski-do!
Hanging about in the trees!
Hunting for minibugs
Visiting Iceland's Gullfoss waterfall
Roasting marshmallows
Dipping for pond life
WWII evacuees
Learning survival skills
Volleyball in Brighton!
Sleeping out under canvas
A log flume adventure!
Skiing the Alps
Jockey training!
Country rambling
Making friends!
A trip to the toy museum
Learning ancient skills at Butser
Exploring wild architecture!
The joy of abseiling!
Archery
A trip to Brighton Pier!
Taking to the water
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"I love the amazing woodland where I can play and have fun with my friends at break." Year 2 pupil, environmentalist and wildlife expert
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different hobbies available in the last year

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trips and outings each year, for children from Honey Pot to Year 8

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visits from inspirational guests last year, to enrich our children’s learning

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afternoon in the woodland each week (at least!) for our Pre-Prep children

Hobbies on Offer

A typical term’s Hobby Schedule might include:

  • Code Club
  • Table Tennis
  • Chess
  • Warhammer
  • Bake Off
  • Mountain Bike Skills
  • Tennis
  • Jolf
  • Young Adventurers
  • Judo
  • Street, Acro & Theatre
  • Contemporary Dance
  • Fencing
  • Musical Theatre
  • Orienteering
  • Goblin Greenpower (building and racing a fully functioning electric racing car)
  • Multi-sports
  • Girls Football
  • Yoga
  • Rugby skills
  • Ballet

Find out more information about timetables and prices from our bursary team, extendedday@pennthorpe.com), or read more here.