Riverston pupils enjoy a supportive school life with strong bonds between staff and families. They receive much personal attention. Many who cannot settle in larger schools cherish our warm and caring atmosphere.
Nursery School
Ages 1–3
Learning through play
A set of personal stepping stones carefully guide pupils of all abilities – and parents are kept well informed. Each pupil is assigned an attentive key worker at 3 years, and activities reflect individual needs. Learning is encouraged through play and each pupil has a portfolio to celebrate progress and achievement. Children are prepared for the Lower School’s Foundation Stage curriculum that focuses on areas such as personal, physical and creative development, communication skills, maths and knowledge and understanding of the world.
Lower School
Ages 3-10
A full and varied timetable
Small class sizes help provide a safe, caring, happy, environment. With close observation and continual assessment, staff carefully craft programmes to match individual needs. Pupils improve lifelong social skills – such as communication and sharing – and parents are encouraged to be part of the team that helps maximise their child’s potential. A full and varied timetable along with some specialist teaching helps to ensure that pupils of all abilities feel at home.
Middle School
Ages 10-13
Broad-based learning and care
Pupils work in small, close-knit groups. This supportive arrangement boosts their feelings of togetherness and inclusiveness. Pastoral care and individual attention remain very important, whilst homework, timetables and diaries help them to organise their time. Performance and progress are carefully evaluated, with parents regularly briefed. There is encouragement for pupils to enjoy, at their own pace, extracurricular activities such as art, drama, music, public speaking and sport.
Senior School
Ages 13-16
Individual choice and support
The school continues to meet the needs of each individual. Every student has a bespoke timetable supported by careful monitoring. Each is in a small tutor group – and teaching groups are even smaller, normally ranging from just 10 to 15 pupils. Mentoring and welfare are high on the agenda. Study choices are many and varied as each student works towards maximising his or her potential. Courses include traditional and vocational options.