Norwich High Prep School and Nursery’s girls-first approach helps build confidence and resilience for its pupils.
Empowering young women to achieve their potential depends on laying strong foundations from which they can launch their academic and professional futures.
Founded in 1875, Norwich High School for Girls is a member of the Girl’s Day School Trust (GDST) – a family of 25 girls’ schools, including 23 independent schools and two academies, with a mission to help “girls learn without limits”.
In 2022, GDST surveyed 5,000 girls studying at state schools, independent schools and academies across the UK to understand the world through the eyes of the girls themselves. It looked at what girls want to achieve in their lives and what they perceive as obstacles to reaching their goals.
GDST girls are more confident speaking out and expressing their views; are more passionate about pursuing leadership positions; and are less likely to feel that being female holds them back from participating in subjects at school, the Girls’ Futures Report found.
Susan Roberts, head of Norwich High Prep School and Nursery, said: “GDST pupils are more likely to feel school prepares them to communicate well with others and understand what’s happening in the world, so that they feel they have the potential to make a difference.”
Norwich High Prep School and Nursery has developed an educational journey and vibrant community that is uniquely tailored to help girls aged 3-11 grow academically.
“It feels very much like a family,” Susan said. “We want the school, the children and the parents to all work together as a community to bring out the best in our girls.”
The private prep school has established a nurturing environment that is conducive to learning.
“One of the biggest differences is that it’s a very calm and purposeful environment compared with most co-educational schools,” Susan said. “It’s easy for girls to learn. They are heard in the classroom.
“Teachers can be creative about the way they teach – and they can really focus on the needs of each girl.”
Susan said creating a classroom culture where girls feel comfortable is vital.
“Girls can get nervous about making a mistake or giving a wrong answer,” she said. “But giving girls confidence early on helps them to become more resilient. It helps them take risks and be willing to make mistakes to learn from – rather than becoming anxious about not being perfect.”
The school also supports mental health with regular assemblies and activities.
“We teach the girls mental health tools because we want them to be able to understand their emotions,” Susan said. “We use a tool called 'reframing' to see mistakes in a more positive way.
“We help them to understand that, while they might not be able to do something right now, they will be able to do it in the future. They just can't do it yet.”
READ MORE: How the ‘power of yet’ inspires a growth mindset for student success
The curriculum incorporates STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects, problem-solving skills and food technology.
There are also a variety of clubs available including cooking, cheerleading, chess and swimming, as well as polytunnel club, where the girls can grow their own fruits and vegetables. There are even guinea pigs onsite for the girls to pamper!
In February, Norwich High Prep School and Nursery hosts its Winter Arts Festival, which features activities in visual art, music, drama, dance, languages and more. This year, the event will include skateboarding, street dance and beatboxing.
“We take the girls out of their comfort zone, give them something new to do which might even spark an interest for them to carry on outside school,” Susan said.
All pupils benefit from automatic entry into the Senior School.
“We don’t do SATs,” Susan explained. “Our own assessments make sure that the girls are on track which means in Year 6 they can focus on stretching their learning, leadership and working with the younger girls in the school.”
Norwich High Prep School and Nursery helps to instil a mindset of personal growth that will serve pupils well during their primary education, throughout Senior School and into their career.
“Our girls are encouraged to be their best,” said Susan. “They’re given time to engage with their learning as an individual, which helps them feel safe and comfortable in school.
“When girls have high self-esteem and their confidence is being nurtured, they feel happy – this has the biggest positive impact on their learning.”
Norwich High School for Girls will host the Tours and Tasters Open Event for girls in Year 1-6 from 4-6pm on Tuesday, 27 February, 2024. Students and their families are invited to visit the school to tour the facilities on Newmarket Road and to meet staff and students alike. Book your place here.
For more information, visit norwichhigh.gdst.net
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