Why Choose Dean Close Airthrie?
Why Dean Close Airthrie?
Discover a unique educational setting nestled in the heart of Regency Cheltenham, where learning takes on a whole new dimension. Housed in two charming Victorian houses, Dean Close Airthrie provides an enchanting backdrop for your child's early academic journey.
At Airthrie, we believe in the power of personalised education. With small class sizes, our dedicated teachers provide individual attention, ensuring each student receives the support they need to flourish academically and personally. We understand that a child's wellbeing is just as important as their academic success so pastoral care is delivered by class teachers in our nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported and encouraged to be their authentic self.
Visitors regularly comment on the atmosphere, saying how warm and friendly they find it, with good relations between staff and pupils. We pride ourselves on the warmth of a true family feel at our school, where every child, from Reception to Year 6, knows one another. Building strong connections and lasting friendships is not just a part of our ethos; it's at the heart of everything we do. Join our close-knit community and discover the difference a supportive environment can make in your child's educational journey.
#DistinctlyAirthrie
Classrooms of Care
Our teachers are not just facilitators of knowledge but compassionate mentors who understand the importance of a supportive learning environment. At Dean Close Airthrie, pastoral care is seamlessly woven into the fabric of every lesson, creating a safe haven where students can flourish academically and emotionally.
#DCAirthrieWellbeing
Adventure in Every Corner
Imagine a school where learning extends beyond the classroom. Our adventure playground is a magical place where creativity knows no bounds. From a treehouse hideaway to a thrilling pirate ship, your child's imagination will soar as they embark on daily adventures with their friends.
From the moment they enter Reception, our pupils discover a journey of experiential learning that extends beyond the four walls of a classroom. From autumn scavenger hunts to the thrill of egg launchers in Year 6, every outdoor learning experience is an opportunity for growth. The practical skills acquired in these lessons are not only enriching but also fun and fulfilling, fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
#DCAirthrieAdventure
Dean Close DNA
Across all ages, the curriculum has weaved within it five key skills for the future, known as the 5Cs: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, compassion, communication. These will enable our pupils to have the flexibility, resilience and confidence to move onto their chosen senior school as confident individuals that will thrive.
These specific skills have been chosen to help our pupils flourish in the widest sense of the word; careers and future employability are vital, but we also want to enable them to live out our core values of courage and love, contributing to their communities, long after they have moved on from Dean Close Airthrie.
The range of experiences, opportunities and the ethos delivered at school through the values and skills, when fitted together, form a DNA profile which makes every pupil’s experience distinctly Dean Close Airthrie.
#DCAirthrieFlourishing
#DCAirthrieCourage
#DCAirthrieLove
#DCAirthrieContribution
Creating Confident Futures
Beyond academics, we focus on preparing your child for their next chapter – secondary school. Our track record speaks for itself, with our pupils transitioning to various secondary schools in the area, including grammar, independent and state schools. Armed with both skills and confidence, nurtured in our close-knit school community, they step into the future ready for success.
"Airthrie is really unique, and because it is a small school, it feels like a second home... I feel so prepared for secondary school because our teachers encouraged us to do new things and excel in our lessons. I was so sad to leave Airthrie this summer, but in a way that is a good thing as it shows how brilliant a school it was for me."~ Past Pupil
#DCAirthrieFlourishing
One Happy Family
At our school, we're not just a community; we're a family. Each of our families is known and cherished here, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere that visitors can't help but notice. Our welcoming and friendly environment is a hallmark of our school, leaving a lasting impression on all who walk through our doors. It's no surprise that many of our students' parents were once Airthrie pupils themselves, fondly remembering their early educational experiences and wishing the same for their own children.
All of our pupils know each other by name and eagerly lend a helping hand whenever needed. A heartwarming example of this is our Year 6 pupils dedicating time each week to read with our Year 2 pupils, fostering a culture of support that extends throughout our entire school community.
#DCAirthrieFamily
Sporting Facilities
We have a sport-for-all philosophy, actively participating in mixed-gender sports during both regular lessons and after-school clubs. We frequently engage in fixtures against local independent and state primary schools, fostering a sense of competition and camaraderie.
We're fortunate to have access to the outstanding sports facilities of Cheltenham Ladies College, boasting two astro turfs, two sports fields, netball and tennis courts, as well as a 25m swimming pool.
Our dedicated sports teachers are passionate about nurturing pupils' athletic abilities. They ensure that all children are encouraged to participate in a variety of sports, ranging from hockey and netball to football and cricket. Additionally, swimming lessons are conducted on a weekly basis throughout the year, emphasising the importance of water safety and proficiency.
#DCAirthrieSport
Everyone is Individual
At our school, we understand that each child is unique and learns in their own way. That's why our teaching approach is tailored to meet the specific needs of every student. Our lessons are diverse, and our teaching style is adjusted to accommodate individual learning preferences.
Our devoted team of teaching assistants work alongside our teachers, providing additional support in the classroom when needed. This allows us to offer one-to-one attention to students who require it, ensuring that no child is left behind.
Christine Barker, our SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), possesses a wealth of knowledge in addressing special educational needs. She regularly engages in one-to-one sessions with students who require dedicated learning time, providing personalised support to reinforce classroom learning.
#DCAirthrieAcademics
Airthrie Adventure Days
Each term, we host an exciting Adventure Day, each with its own unique theme. These off-timetable days offer students the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in exploring something new. Packed with hands-on activities and featuring special guest appearances, each Adventure Day is brimming with fresh learning experiences.
From dancing to cookery, our Adventure Days offer something for everyone to enjoy. Students are encouraged to come to school dressed according to the theme, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to the day's activities. It's a fantastic way for our pupils to broaden their horizons and discover new passions!
#DCAirthrieAdventureDay
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