What a ‘true’ 21st century education should encompass

Located in Belgravia, Eaton Square educates boys and girls from the ages of 2 to 11.

Whilst renowned for the solid academic foundation they provide, leading to strong 11+ results and places for students at some of the UK’s top senior schools, including Eaton Square’s own senior school, there’s much more to this vibrant prep than just academic success…

Mrs Watt marks the United Nations’ International Day of Education with her thoughts on the fundamentals that children’s education should cover and the values that Eaton Square Prep act to instil into their pupils every day.

Describe an Eaton Square education in 3 words?

“Springboard to success.”

“There are so many ways one can answer this question!

“If I had to choose just one I would say that, for the individual child, a true education is one that enables them to fulfil their own, unique potential (be it in academics, sport, music, art and/or another sphere) in a happy, healthy way and equips them with the skills, knowledge and self-awareness required to go out and make their mark in the world.

“Here at Eaton Square Prep School, aside from our outstanding academic curriculum, a key way in which we help children achieve this is through our vast range of extra-curricular clubs.

“From coding to cookery, gardening to debating, chess to ballet, all are fantastic ways for children to broaden their horizons, boost their social development and – ultimately – discover who they are, what they enjoy and what they’re good at.

“At Eaton Square, aside from our passionate charitable endeavours (scarcely a week goes by without  a fundraiser of some sort!), our popular ‘Eaton Cares’ series – a programme of talks given by members of our school community, each following an overarching message of ‘Inclusion  for All’ – particularly helps drive this sense of responsibility in our pupils.”

What aspects of education are particularly important in today’s world?

“Without doubt, mental health, environmental responsibility and digital skills are vital parts of a modern day education. All are high on our Eaton Square agenda.”

Mental Health

“The happiness of our pupils has always been a priority.”

“Our pastoral care is repeatedly rated ‘Excellent’ in all ISI reports and The Good Schools Guide even said of our pupils, “Children are happy here as they have the freedom to be themselves.

“We are very proud of our in-house programme for pupil wellbeing, ‘The Listening Space’. This spans solo and group sessions, confidence workshops, mindfulness, problem solving and even a ‘worry post box’ where pupils can post any concerns they may have in total confidence.”

Environmental Responsibility

“As last year’s COP26 summit highlighted, we must ensure today’s young people are aware of – and campaigning for – the environment. This is a key part of an Eaton Square education.

“Impressively for a central London prep School, we have achieved official ‘Eco-School’ status.

“Led by our very own pupil-driven Eco Committee (whose enthusiasm for protecting and preserving our planet is remarkable), school life here includes recycling competitions, building bug hotels and participating in nationwide campaigns such as Forest of Promises and Clean Up Your Act.

“It’s of no surprise that we were shortlisted for the 2021 Dukes Education Sustainability Award!”

Digital Skills

“It goes unsaid that in today’s modern world, an education that lacks digital learning is no education at all.

“While our Eaton Square academic curriculum maintains a natural emphasis on the core subjects of Maths, English and Science, we hold digital skills in particularly high regard. Pupils explore coding, computer programming and algorithms during timetabled lessons – they particularly enjoy learning with their Bee Bots (floor robots)!

“In addition, from Year Four, all pupils have their own individual Surface Go tablets, enabling familiarity, skills and confidence in the computing skills they will require for life.”

Mrs Trish Watt, Headmistress of Eaton Square Prep School