Situated in Jesmond, Newcastle Preparatory School is the only independent preparatory school in Tyneside which specialises in the education of children from 3-11 years of age. At the beginning of a new school year, Michael Grahamslaw caught up with Headteacher Margaret Coates to learn more about what an NPS education entails.
Did you always envisage a career within education? Yes very much so. I was very fortunate to enjoy school and from an early age wanted to be a Headteacher and make a significant difference by helping to shape children. What will this new school year bring? Lots of excitement and opportunity. We were proud to recently open our new library “The Trove” which is a reading facility literally full of treasure. Pupils will also benefit from a new outdoor learning experience in our ‘forest school’ and we will be developing a multi sensory garden, a faith garden and an allotment. Our new catering manager and team are also looking forward to hosting a parents supper. What have been your major acheivements whilst at the school?
We have refurbished the entire school and created a warm environment where children are happy within a wonderful community of staff and parents. How does an education at NPS prepare students for upper school enrolment? We offer a very robust learning environment where pupils are given opportunities to do everything including music, art, drama, sports and outdoor activities which ensure a full all round education and great preparation for the senior school challenges ahead. What can prospective parents expect?
A very exciting, very friendly environment with fantastic individual care for each pupil. For an institution steeped in history, NPS is very much a forward thinking school. Can you tell us more? One of the keys to our success is the ability to continually evolve and prepare our pupils for the challenges of an ever changing world. We utilise up to date resources to help with this. How have developments in ICT affected learning? It undoubtedly has helped both the teaching and learning process enormously. We have over 100 ipads in school and pupils learn to program, scan and tap into anything. How much of an emphasis is there on extra-curricular activities? A huge amount. Pupils get involved in a wide variety of sports, we have a passionate group of chess players, art clubs and a prolific music department. And much much more!
Learning has became so accessible. I believe in a creative way of approaching things and teaching individuals instead of a "one size fits all" approach.
Margaret Coates, Headteacher, Newcastle Preparatory SchoolWhat changes have you seen in education, and what changes would you like to see going forward? Learning has became so accessible. I believe in a creative way of approaching things and teaching individuals instead of a “one size fits all” approach.Summarise an NPS education in one sentence? Forward looking, challenging and nurturing.How can I arrange a visit? Visitors are always welcome and visits can be arranged via telephone, email or our website. We have a tremendous team and would love to show you how we can inspire your child to love learning.
For further information visit the website www.newcastleprepschool.org.uk
