At Preston School, our prime aim is to ensure that every pupil maximises their potential and to ensure this, we provide a challenging, but very caring environment.  Great emphasis is placed on the quality of teaching in the classroom, because we believe that Preston is, first and foremost, a centre for learning.  We have a highly qualified, professional and dedicated staff and excellent facilities to enhance teaching and learning.

Preston School is committed to traditional standards and values.  School uniform is worn by all pupils, who are actively encouraged to exhibit high standards of behaviour and personal appearance at all times.  We believe that the "Preston Approach"

• promotes excellence
• encourages pride in all aspects of life
• emphasises respect for the individual and co-operative spirit.

offers the very best preparation of young people for adult life.

Preston School is justifiably proud of the reputation we have achieved for our excellent standards of care, commitment and results in external examinations.  In 1996, Her Majesty's Inspectorate (OFSTED) confirmed this in the report, which was published following their inspection of the School.  The report stated that Preston is "an excellent school" which "provides quality education".   Pupils "are committed to learning in an ethos in which they enjoy the challenges and where relationships are invariably excellent".   The school also provides "exceptional value for money".

The School Purpose

Preston School's primary purpose is to enhance children's quality of learning through the efficient and successful planning of every aspect of their education.  This is achieved by:

• providing an education which is as wide, enjoyable and interesting as possible, appropriate to the age, ability and needs of every pupil;
• encouraging pupils to aim for excellence in all aspects of life;
• fostering the ideals of hard work, mutual respect, honesty, co-operation, independence and consideration for other people and their beliefs.
• creating opportunities for every individual in the school and community to develop his or her maximum potential:
• adopting a philosophy of continuous improvement throughout the school's work and life.

Caring and Sharing at Preston School

• Preston School relies on its close partnership with parents and pupils to maintain its high standards and happy atmosphere.
• The school welcomes offers of help in a variety of ways and is always eager to hear from parents who have time or expertise to share.
• Parents who have concerns are encouraged to contact the school at the earliest opportunity to ensure immediate action.
• Staff are always happy to see a parent by appointment.   Telephone calls will be returned as soon as the appropriate person is able to do so.

Community Links

As a community School Preston enjoys substantial and valued links with the community it serves.

 

• An ever growing programme of links with local businesses, industry and community groups enhances and enriches the school curriculum.  This programme sees pupils participating in visits to local businesses and industry by all Year 9 pupils; work experience for all Year 10 pupils, talks to Year 7 pupils by local business people; mock interviews and application form writing sponsored by local business, commerce and Rotary, for Year 11 and mini enterprise projects supported by business advisers in Year 8.  Together with support for extra curricular activities, including Young and mini enterprise, education/industry days and visits.
• Mentoring by Business Personnel of Years 10 and 11 pupils has become a fundamental part of our programme and pupils are benefiting from enhanced opportunities to meet, work with and visit local businesses.  The school prides itself on the quality of this work and the benefits it brings to the education for the pupils.

Physical Education (PE)

The Physical Education Department of Preston School aims to develop:

• Physical Competence
• Social, moral and intellectual skills
• Health and fitness
• Enjoyment through participation
• Links with and use of outside agencies
• A range of extra-curricular provision for all
• Choice and decision making
• Appreciation of safety
• A lifelong interest in physical activity.