Main School
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Every child is special. Our philosophy is
to endeavour to develop the full potential of each child by teaching a carefully
prepared curriculum. This is achieved by incorporating traditional values
alongside a progressive, modern approach. Our aim is for a high academic
performance, which is carefully structured to help the less able achieve
success. Every child deserves the best possible education.
Distinctive Features Include
- The full curriculum range, including Design and Technology, Photography, French, Latin, German, Spanish , Theatre Studies, Computing & GNVQ’s.
- Individual attention synonymous with careful monitoring and evaluation, under the guidance of experienced and dedicated staff.
- Firm discipline and a happy, caring atmosphere which is conducive to learning.
- A range of extra curricular
opportunities to assist character building and leadership potential.
Internal School Certificates
There is a full and exciting range of School
Certificates available. These are organised for Verse Speaking, Public Speaking,
Singing, Dancing, Drama, Gymnastics/PE/sport and other subjects.
To encourage pupils to apply themselves academically and to excel in their
endeavours and personal areas of strength , a range of Commendations are awarded
on a half-termly basis. These are also used for good conduct, diligence, best
efforts, good progress etc.
There is also a 'Service to School' certificate
As far as possible the focus is kept positive and encouraging, with a bias
towards
high expectation. It is important children develop high self-esteem and a rich
sense of worth.
P.E. and Games 
We have an outstanding full sized Sports Hall, outdoor all
weather sports area/hard courts and a small playing field. The pupils, whatever
their ability, are encouraged to develop skills in several sports, as much for
enjoyment as physical fitness. Tennis, badminton, volleyball, athletics,
cricket, basketball, tag rugby, football, netball and gymnastics are all
popular. The school enjoys the advantages of many fine sporting facilities in
Exeter such as the Arena & the School Minibus is invaluable for such trips. We
have also developed close links with Exeter University, St. Luke's School of
Education, (which is just a few hundred yards along the road). We use their
swimming pool. This is a great advantage and offers the school some excellent
sporting facilities. Outward bound opportunities include wall climbing,
canoeing, sailing, cross country orienteering etc. All senior pupils have the
opportunity to undertake the C.C.P.R Sports Leader's Awards and the Amateur
Athletic 5 Star Awards are promoted along with the Netball Association
certificates, BAGA Awards and other external certification. There is a range of
gymnastic apparatus to encourage personal development, confidence and
co-ordination. All children take part in P.E .lessons inter-house matches and
the Annual Sports Day. We also encourage pupils to attend the weekly swimming
classes and swimming galas.
Mathematics
This is another area of strength in the school. Children are encouraged to work at their best possible pace. Homework can be extended to accommodate high fliers (or adapted for strugglers). Early GCSE's in maths are promoted, and pupils can enter for the Great British Maths Challenge. there are several mathematics specialists among the staff and children take Maths Textbooks home to encourage daily homework and give parents the opportunity to become involved in their children’s work and to give the children the personal freedom to progress through the core series as fast as they wish !
Dyslexia Department
There is a powerful Dyslexia/Remedial Dept. The director of the department, Mrs Denise Condie BA. PGCE. Dyslexia Dip. is highly experienced and holds qualifications in identifying Special Needs, working with EBC children and in Pastoral Care and Counselling. Tests are carried out, in conjunction with an Educational Psychologist, where appropriate, to create a programme of study for each individual child. This is followed up with daily support and individual tutoring can also be arranged on a daily, weekly or occasional basis.
Outward Bound Study
Programme
The school has a comprehensive programme designed to build, extend and challenge the pupils’ broad range of experiences. It starts with short, local and familiar activities with the younger pupils and as their confidence, teamwork and expertise develops so the courses they attend, grow in length, challenge and location. The residential trips such as skiing & adventure centres are always hugely popular with pupils and parents alike, and being a small school, the opportunity to partake in them all is frequently the norm.
Homework
Prep is an integral part of the school day. This varies according to age and can be extended to cope with very bright or gifted children, or conversely, to help children who are facing academic difficulties. Prep is developed in close liaison with parents to avoid stress, and school diaries are used to help parents monitor their children's prep.
Art
This is an important aspect of the curriculum and helps to
develop a child's creative flair. Live sketching, clay, charcoal, wax rubbing
and prints are all encouraged, as is exploration with various textures of paint
& visits to a local pottery where children can ‘throw’ their own mug etc. There
is no lower limit on the age to open a portfolio of work for GCSE. Artistic
children are invited to discuss their areas of study with the Art specialist.
Field Studies Centre
The children enjoy a Field Studies day each term . This can take the form of a visit to the Willows and Wetlands Centre, or a day on Dartmoor where they can undertake environmental studies, earth sciences etc. They gain practical experience in field work and can use our own 50 acre field base in the Teign Valley for longer -term studies, camping expeditions, barbecues, canoeing, exploratory river work other things which are planned.. The Field Studies work is led by Mr. Jenner and Mr. Bushrod.
Hobbies
All children are encouraged to use their leisure time wisely and extend their interests. In addition to the Field Studies Centre some of the following are expected to be available at various times of the year :-Tennis Coaching, Swimming*, Riding*, Art, Badminton, Volleyball, Netball, Dance, Drama, Choir, Gym club, BAGA Awards, Computers, Chess, Cycling proficiency tests, Nursery School Classroom Assistant’s Certificate, CCPR Sports Leader’s Award, Drama Workshop Assistant, St.John's First Aid courses, the Royal Marines Commando Course and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. (*Optional extras).
ICT
Magdalen Court School has an outstanding computing department. The school has a computer/ratio of 1:2 All children work towards structured Computing examinations in CLAIT & the University of Cambridge Modular Computing Examinations. Some pupils are highly computer literate, for example a 10 yr old who has passed his first CLAIT Examination & a 12yr old who is working on his final module.
Graphic
Design 
This is a popular subject and helps children work to scale, focus on problem solving, and develop mathematical thinking.
D&T
Most children enjoy working with the electronics, mechanisms, plastic, wood & metal developing their skills, co-ordination & appreciation of these materials & processes.
Fees
School fees can be found in the full prospectus, downloaded at the top of this page
Last Updated: Monday, 08-Mar-2010