From entrance papers to GCSEs, A-Levels and beyond, exams are a fact of life for students up and down the country. But how do schools prepare young people for the trials and tribulations of testing and how important are good grades to future success? We spoke to Dan Thornburn, headmaster at Surrey’s Edgeborough School, to find out…
How did your most recent crop of exam age students fare?
In the Summer of 2017 our Year 8 pupils achieved 100 per cent success to their Senior Schools of 1st Choice including Eton, Wellington College, Cranleigh, Canford, St Catherine’s and Prior’s Field. Pupils gained eleven Awards with success in Academic, Music, Dance, Drama and Art at Scholarship level.
What do these results mean to the school and its teaching staff?
Edgeborough is a Prep School that aims to provide a high quality all-round education for all. Our pupils enjoy a broad experience in all areas and teachers ensure a balance between challenging pupils intellectual development while supporting their artistic, sporting, spiritual and social growth.
Beyond grades, how do you measure “success” in the classroom?
At Edgeborough children are happy and excited about learning and they enjoy new and challenging experiences. Their all-round educational experience is underpinned with intrinsic values and life skills that encourage a caring, tolerant and cooperative ethos.
How do you put students at ease during the exam season?
All pupils are well prepared, confident and have the skills to apply their knowledge.