Finally, the opportunities. Wickham Court understands that a curriculum must extend beyond four walls if it is to educate the whole child. Accordingly, the curriculum includes field trips to museums and theatres and historical sites, as well as a whole
range of discovery activities and a wide array of after-school programs.
As Tony Pearson, Wickham Court Principal, explains it, "Our children will have the opportunity to experience and explore, and to develop their full potential. Most significantly, we want them to be receptive to new ideas even as they recognise and revere their own traditions. For us, England becomes one of our classrooms. It is full of
opportunities, and our children stand to
profit from all that it can offer."
Mr Pearson, who has had a distinguished teaching and administrative career spanning some 25 years in American, British, and international schools, knows full-well that no matter how pretty a school or how wonderful its location, the foundation
must be the faculty. He has therefore put together a group of outstanding teachers, each of whom has significant international experience. Mr. Pearson is quick to point out that "they have been selected for their supportive and nurturing approach to the
needs of the individual student, and for their dedication to the ethos of a school that values learning above all human endeavours".
Any discussion with Tony Pearson is likely to include his insistence that teachers must be
accessible; they must, he emphasises, be available to talk with parents at any time during the school year. "Education", he asserts, " is a partnership between the teacher, the student, and the parents.
Strong links between home and school are
essential, and communication is vital." The Wickham Court program therefore includes
regularly scheduled teacher-parent conferences,
an orientation day prior to the beginning of school, a back-to-school night and an open house.
Tony Pearson and his staff are now ready to
welcome visitors and to discuss the opportunities for children at Wickham Court. Eager students.
A dedicated and experienced faculty. Add to these the culturally and historically rich - and safe -
setting of the school and you have a superb
environment for learning.
We think Mr. Pearson will be very busy over the
next few months!
