Dover Court Y6 Programme

Dover Court School prides itself on its atmosphere, behavioural standards and unique ethos. Special Teacher/Student Relationships are at the heart of school life and the smaller size of our Y6 classes facilitates the personalised approach to Education.

Smaller classes at this level make it possible to cater more to the needs of the individual and so provide an education that is best suited to each child. Being an integral part of the Junior Department, every student is well-known by each member of our qualified and experienced staff.
Students are involved in decision making in a way that would not be possible in a larger establishment at Year Six level. They are able to take on a greater degree of responsibility, such as becoming House Captains and being members of various committees at a much younger age than would be the case in a larger school.

A sense of responsibility is developed through the holding of such positions. We have observed the most shy and timid students grow in confidence and self-esteem as a result of experiencing these responsibilities. Our intensive Personal and Social Education programme aims at developing Study Skills, Thinking Skills and Problem Solving Abilities, and raises awareness of Global Concerns, Current Events and Comparative Religion.

The system of student-centred assemblies further develops confidence, Listening and Public Speaking skills, and ensures that tasks are seen through to their logical conclusion.
In short, we are able to provide a nurturing environment that addresses the needs of individual students, promotes confidence and self-esteem, and a sense of responsibility, makes students feel valued, encourages risk-taking and helps students to understand how much they are able to learn from their own mistakes.

Such attitudes are crucial to future academic success and it is imperative that students develop them in the final years of their Primary Education.
Research has repeatedly found small schools superior to large ones on most measures and equal to them on the rest. This holds true for both primary and secondary students for all ability levels and in all kinds of settings.

It has been found that students in small schools are more likely to participate in activities, attend regularly, view teachers positively, and are less likely to engage in poor behaviour.
Students are less likely to be overlooked or isolated in small schools, where everyone’s participation is needed for clubs, teams and other activities. Students in small schools come to know and care about one another to a much greater degree than is possible in large schools.

Heads from all over the world, giving feed-back on the excellent academic standards, work habits and attitudes to school of ex-DCPS pupils, frequently comment on their caring attitudes and excellent behaviour.

Researchers have found that in smaller schools, the caring and inclusive climate gives both students and staff a greater sense of personal efficacy. "Students take more responsibility for their own learning, learning activities are more frequently individualised, and scheduling is much more flexible" Cotton.
Smaller size makes schools more likely to use innovative and effective instructional strategies, such as team teaching, integrated curriculum, multi-age grouping, cooperative learning, and alternative assessments. Small schools also are more likely to make learning active and relevant to the world beyond the classroom.

Researchers suggest that large school size compounds the difficulties that confront children and youth, from poor attitudes about school, to substance abuse, to achievement levels.
In smaller schools shared purposes, personal loyalties and sentiments are more likely to exist and help in promoting a positive school culture and climate. Without these, no school can be successful, whatever magnificent facilities they may boast.

DCPS has a positive school culture and a happy stimulating and secure climate, where all students feel valued, regardless of their differing abilities. Self-esteem is fostered and a challenging, yet supportive, learner-centred curriculum is offered within a close-knit, caring and culturally diverse community.
The development of Academic Skills, Communication Skills, Learning Skills, Life Skills and Physical Challenges, are combined in an environment of fun, vitality, excitement and action. The curriculum delivered is a combination of elements developed from a philosophy that academic learning is important and enjoyable, but equally important are the qualities of kindness, understanding, honesty, courage and task commitment. Attitudes, not simply aptitudes, are important factors for success, as is the ability to encounter and overcome difficulties.

Community harmony is maintained by good behaviour, and together we celebrate many success and achievements.

By providing a multitude of opportunities and diverse events, we are able to bring out the best in all students and help them develop the capacity to meet the problems and challenges of life and the will to play the game against all odds.

These are just a few of the benefits, that your child will enjoy in our Y6 and Senior Department. No information sheet can tell the whole story. It can serve only to highlight a few of the many things that go towards making DCPS an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for all students.