Private School in Devon, South West England

Stover School, South Devon:
Stover is one of south-west England's leading independent day and boarding schools for girls & boys aged 3 - 18 years. Boarding programmes are available for students ages 7 and up. We are situated between Plymouth and Exeter in South Devon in the south-west of England. Set in 60 acres of beautiful grounds in Stover, Newton Abbot, Stover enjoys the benefit of a rural location but has the advantage of an excellent transportation network by road, rail and air. Our aim is to provide a happy and nurturing environment enabling pupils to acquire excellent qualifications.

Nursery:
We cover six areas of learning in a practical, age and stage appropriate manner in line with Government guidelines. Staff constantly monitor, assess and plan for whole group and individuals to ensure a positive experience for all. The Staff encourage the children to take an active part in helping to create a profile of their lives at home and in school.

We offer a wide range of activities and facilities, designed to promote each child's overall development and welfare. We encourage children to develop the skills needed to become more independent and confident, with a positive self-image. Above all, we want our children to foster a real thirst for learning and to have a great deal of fun in the process.

The Nursery is in session from 8:30am until 4:00pm Monday to Friday. Breakfast Club is available daily from 8:00am and after school care is available daily from 4:00pm to 5:00pm.

Preparatory School:
Stover Preparatory School offers a broad, balanced and forward looking curriculum for our pupils and provides a firm foundation for entry to the Senior School. Set in the Clock House, the Preparatory School has a warm and open atmosphere where pupils can enjoy learning in a supportive and busy environment. Our classrooms are well equipped and our staff are dedicated to helping our pupils ‘plant the seeds for success' in their education.

At Stover Preparatory School our aim is to build a quiet self confidence in our pupils. By nurturing each individual's academic, social and emotional development we prepare them for the next phase of their education and beyond.

Senior School:
The curriculum at Stover comprises a broad, well balanced spectrum with the core subjects of Mathematics, English and Science being supported by ICT, Geography, History, Music, Drama, French, German, Spanish, Art, Home Economics, Physical Education, RE and PSE.

In Years 6,7,8 and 9, the timetable includes a wide range of subjects so that during Year 9 pupils are able to make sensible and informed decisions regarding their GCSE courses. At GCSE pupils may chose from over twenty subjects. Stover is unusual in that the choices available are designed to meet the pupils requirements as far as possible. Staff liase closely with both parents and pupils to ensure that the most suitable combinations of subjects are considered. Normally pupils study nine subjects but many take the opportunity to follow more. Academic progress is monitored by a series of grades, reports and regular meetins with Form Teachers and Academic Heads of Departments.

Boys and Girls in Years 10 and 11 recieve extensive careers advice and are encouraged to plan ahead. Cross-curricular skills such as Information and Communication Technology are particularly well developed and resourced throughout the school.

GCSE Options:
Pupils at Stover generally study for nine GCSEs but the number can vary slightly according to the talents of the pupil and the exact choices made, as some subjects require more lessons than others. The selection of a sensible range of optional subjects is a matter which will take pupils, parents and teachers some weeks. Every effort is made to accommodate each pupil's choices and at the outset of this procedure we have no set combinations in mind.

Core subjects, studied by all
-  English GCSE or Access to the Curriculum in English (ACE), leading to PET and FCE
- Mathematics GCSE
- Science GCSE
- ICT Short Course GCSE
- PE (Games), non-examination
- Life Skills, incorporating Citizenship, Relationships, Health Education, Study Skills,
- RE and Careers, non-examination

Sixth Form:
Stover Sixth Form is a strong, tightly-knit community with a culture of hard working independent study. Students are treated as young adults. The "Student Voice" is influential both within school and in the wider community.

The Sixth Form Centre is a purpose built building, separate from the rest of the school but remaining within the beautiful grounds. It is very well resourced for work, with private study areas, up-to-date PCs and a well stocked Higher Education Library. Our students can enjoy table tennis, pool, table football and television before and after school and during school breaks. There is also a fully-fitted kitchen and outdoor patio/barbeque area.

This is an exciting and challenging phase of your child's education; positions of responsibility are awarded and taken very seriously. Students will have to balance the increased demands of their A levels with an increased freedom and social life. With the help and guidance of tutors, the Head of Sixth Form and the Senior Tutor, students will find it possible to develop all aspects of their education.

A Level:
Most of our pupils study four AS Level Subjects during year 12, with the option of concentrating on three in their final year.

You may be considering another subject that is currently not on offer in our option block this year. If this is the case, please talk to the Head of Sixth Form, as Stover is flexible and will always try to adapt to your requests. From time to time AS and A Level courses are subject to syllabus changes.

Sport:As part of the ongoing health and welfare of all our pupils, physical education is a core component. There are ample opportunities to try something new, ensuring that pupils are fit and able to meet the daily demands of life.

All pupils take part in a full range of sports throughout the academic year. These include team sports such as hockey, rugby, football, netball, cricket and rounders . Individual sports include athletics, gymnastics, swimming, golf, tennis, badminton and cross country. In all sports, expert coaching is provided by well-qualified and experienced staff. Pupils have every opportunity to learn new skills and to develop their talents.

Music:
Music is a prominent feature of education at Stover. Music is taught as part of the Performing Arts programme with an option to study Music at GCSE and A Level. Candidates are also prepared for music theory and practical examinations. We continually encourage and support our pupils to develop their musical abilities inspiring them all to become confident performers.

Art:
Artistic development and originality are a central part of the curriculum. The Art studios are equipped to enable pupils to produce drawings, paintings (both watercolour and oil), and participate in print-making and sculpture as well as Photography and digital production. Each year work of the highest quality is produced for examinations, portfolios and display.

Drama:
Drama features in the curriculum from Reception to Year 9 and as an option at GCSE and A Level. In addition, dramatic productions are staged regularly through the year at Stover. Variety and individuality are key features of our drama teaching.

All pupils are encouraged to take part in whatever capacity they can - from script-writing, to set design, as well as acting. Pupils often perform their own work, as well as more established pieces, in the Chamber Hall, or Jubilee Hall, which is fully equipped with stage lighting.