Dallington School - General Information

An Introduction to Dallington School

Dallington School is an independent primary school based in Clerkenwell, Islington. Teaching and learning is the purpose of our school and we offer a curriculum which is broad and balanced. Our school has a non-selective and co-educational intake. We aim to provide for each child, a happy, secure and stimulating environment, that promotes discovery and observation and values a love of learning.

We encourage our children to become confident and enthusiastic learners. Our children work and play together in a co-operative, supportive way and great emphasis is placed on nurturing the development of the powers of reasoning, reflective and critical thinking. We provide an environment where children can openly relate to others and expect to be listened to and respected for their points of view.

The school is widely creative and the children are encouraged to assume responsibility in a self-regulated, purposeful way. Art, design and technology and music are strong elements of the curriculum which run throughout the school. Children are also introduced to a variety of activities taught by specialist teachers including Drama, French and Swimming from the age of four and recorder from the age of six.

Dallington is a family run school, founded in 1978 by Mogg Hercules. Click on this link to find out more about Mogg's story and how Dallington began.

NURSERY
Children usually start in the term after which they have turned three. Until they turn five, they can attend on a part-time, mutually-agreed basis. By this, we mean a child may be collected before lunch, after the playground at 1.30 pm, or even have a day at home!

During the Foundation Stage (which includes reception), children are introduced to the bases of all future learning in a creative, exploratory and non-judgmental manner. It is at this stage, of course, where the early acquisition of independent literacy, numeracy and research skills are introduced in a naturally progressive manner.

The school paricipates in the OFSTED Eligibility Grant Scheme which means that children aged three and four years, are entitled to a reduction in fees each Term.

TRANSITION
Having spent two years in the Nursery part of the school, children transfer to Transition (Year One and Year Two) where the holistic approach is continued. In addition to the requirements of Literacy and Numeracy skills, Topic themes, which may be Geography, History or Science based, are explored in greater depth. There is a strong emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy skills during these two years, as we believe that it is only when these skills are in place that children are able to continue with independent research. It is also at this stage that any child experiencing difficulties can be identified and appropriate support planned and followed through. Sometimes this includes off-site support, e.g. physiotherapists, speech therapists. Close contact between staff, specialists and parents is expected. It is rewarding to note that staff commitment to early intervention pays such dividends in the child's all-round development.

Of course, at this stage, some children choose to take exams for Independent London Day Schools. We have children at City of London School for Girls, Westminster, Highgate, UCS, South Hampstead, North London Collegiate, Channing, Blackheath High and Forest School.

MIDDLE SCHOOL
Middle School comprises Years 3 to 6. By this stage, most children should have sufficiently established reading and comprehension skills to undertake independent research. Maths skills are developed and extended in both recorded and practical forms. The topic-based themes remain. Some boys take exams at 8, however, most children continue until they are 11. Bearing in mind that this is a non-selective school, consultation with parents is maintained so that appropriate applications can be made for places at secondary schools. We are very direct and open about a child's abilities and potential, but we are also sensitive to the aspirations of parents.

Dallington children are prepared for exams by working in a non-competitive, stress-free environment where they are expected to reflect on their own attainments and realistically understand the requirements of external exams, as well as their own high standards of self-regulated work.

Children have successfully moved to City of London School for Girls, City of London School for Boys, Westminster, UCS, Dame Alice Owen, Francis Holland, Queens, Channing, Highgate, Bedales, and St Christopher, Letchworth.

It is very curious that the family environment of the school continues throughout our children's adult lives as life-long friendships are maintained. It is so wonderful when past pupils call back to register their own children or simply to hear all the news. We are so pleased to have been part of these confident, well-rounded, successful young adults' lives.

top