Dear Parents,

Welcome to the Falcons School for GirlsThe Falcons Schools for Girls is a non-selective, independent school for girls aged from three to

eleven. Our aim is to provide a 'gold standard' education in a happy, purposeful and mutually

supportive environment. Our girls are enthusiastic, inquisitive learners who take pride in playing

their role within the school community. They care for each other, value relationships with their

teachers, and make visitors feel welcome.

We aim to instill a love of learning in every girl, and our challenging and wide ranging curriculum

is tailored to each child’s individual needs. We set academically rigorous standards for our girls,

and support each girl to achieve to the best of her ability, by teaching in ways that accommodate

a range of different learning styles.

In order to ensure that our girls are educated for the challenges of the twenty-first century, we are

increasingly using web-based resources and applications alongside traditional teaching methods.

These provide our girls with opportunities to present their work to a wider audience, extending the

curriculum in innovative ways and allowing us to link with schools across the world on shared projects.

I hope that this prospectus will begin to give you a feel for what makes the Falcons School for Girls

such an exciting environment. Falcons Girls report a tremendous identification with the school

during their time as pupils, and remember it with considerable affection after they have left.

To appreciate the full range of what we can offer your daughter, I would encourage you to make

an appointment to visit the school. I will be delighted to show you what it means

to be part of the Falcons School for Girls.

Joan McGillewie

Head Teacher

The Falcons School for Girls020 8992 5189

www.falconschool.com/girls-school/

The FalconsSchool for GirlsIndependent School for Girls | aged 3 - 11 years

The Falcons School for Girls15 Gunnersbury AvenueEalingLondon W5 3XDT: 020 8992 5189F: 020 8752 1635E: admin@falconsgirls.co.uk

www.falconschool.com

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Open Door PolicyPastoral Care: Nurturing every childOur Ethos - Providing a ‘Gold Standard’ EducationFalcons Girls is committed to providing your daughter with a‘gold standard’education

• Leadership can be seen at every level of the

school, contributing to a culture of excellence

• The school and our resources are maintained

and updated to a high standard.

• Teachers adapt their delivery of the curriculum

to reflect every girl's individual learning needs

• Parents are genuine and valued partners in

the education process

• Girls are prepared for entry to the Senior Schools

which will best meet their learning needs and

future development.

The Falcons School for Girls provides a stimulating,

friendly and caring environment in which every

girl is valued as an individual and encouraged to

develop her talents. Each class has a teacher whose

primary responsibility is for the social, emotional

and academic welfare of each child. Our small classes

enable us to create an atmosphere where each girl

is valued and supported as an individual.

Our Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)

programme encourages each girl to become

an active citizen in the school and their local community.

Our girls mature into confident students, with a keen

interest in the welfare of their younger peers and the

world outside the school gates, able not only to respect

difference, but to celebrate cultural diversity.

We welcome children from all religions and faiths. The

school itself is non-denominational.

We believe that quality education is a collaborative

effort between school and family. Formal written

reports are sent to parents in mid-year and at the end

of the Summer term, and parent/teacher meetings are

held twice a year; however, we strongly encourage

parents to contact the school office at any time to

arrange an appointment with a teacher or the Head

if there are any questions, queries or concerns.

Foundation Stage(Nursery and Reception)Pupils aged 3-4 years

Lower School (Year One and Two)Pupils aged 5-7 years

Year Three and FourPupils aged 8-9 years

Year Five and Six Pupilsaged 10-11 years

the rear of the main school, it leads to a safe and vibrantoutdoor play area with easy access to the music room, ICTsuite, library and sports hall. We follow the Foundation StageEarly Learning Goals, but enrich our curriculum through theuse of specialist teachers in music, sport and French. Girls

build their confidence through structured play, learning tobecome independent learners. The girls are taught to readthrough phonics, and usually begin to read and write aheadof national expectations for this age group.

From their very first days at Falcons School for Girls, weprovide a supportive and stimulating environment, withlearning through fun, play and structured experiences.

The nursery is housed in a spacious, airy building that enjoyslots of natural light. Situated in the former stable block, to

engagement with the world around them. We recognise thatpupils may respond to different approaches to learning, andwe therefore adopt an integrated teaching approach which

incorporates the best of traditional and modern teachingmethods.

In Years One and Two we place a strong emphasis ondeveloping pupils’ creativity and curiosity in order to lay thefoundations for a life-long love of literacy, numeracy and

subject specialists in Science, IT, Games, Music and French.Girls are strongly encouraged to take on greater

accountability for this stage of their school career. The girlsare at the heart of our decision-making process.

In Years Three and Four girls take on added responsibilitiesin a supportive environment. Skills are expanded upon andcritical thinking skills are emphasized. Girls are taught by

through the process of selecting, and winning entry to, themost appropriate Senior school to meet each girls' learningneeds. Popular choices at eleven include London DaySchools including St. Paul's Girls, Latymer Upper, Latymer,

Lady Eleanor Hollis, Notting Hill and Ealing and St. James',and a range of country boarding schools.

Year 6 girls act as prefects, assisting class teachers across theschool and providing role models for their younger peers.

Year 5 and 6 sees the girls thrive as they prepare for thechallenge of Senior School. We aim to make the transitionprocedure as smooth as possible, and our well qualified andexperienced staff are able to support both girls and parents

Academic Success - Promotinga Culture of ExcellenceThe traditional values associated with the best

independent school education continue to be at the

heart of our philosophy, but are enhanced by the very

best practices in modern education. At Falcons Girls,

dynamic, creative teachers will ensure that your

daughter makes the most of her abilities, enthusiasm

and interests, drawing on our expertise with learning

styles and the use of Web 2.0 technologies.

EnglishEnglish at Falcons Girls begins from the premise that

we are all writers. Every girl is taught to see herself as

a novelist, poet, essayist and critic. Our girls pass their

11+ examinations with flying colours – but they also

leave us with the ability to think and argue passionately:

our classrooms are alive with the sound of debate and

discussion. We recognise that good writing starts

from a thorough grounding in the tools of grammar,

punctuation and spelling – but we also believe in

fostering a genuine love of books and reading. Our

English teachers find material that inspires pupils and

give them the tools to express their thoughts; lessons

are enriched through our visits to educational sites

such as Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, and visiting

authors and speakers reinforce our message that

reading and writing are for life.

MathematicsAt FSG, maths is fun. Our girls receive a thorough

grounding in all of the key mathematical concepts of

the National Curriculum, and we develop the problem-

solving skills that allow them to explore fully the world

of numbers. Our girls have a longstanding record of

success in impressing the examiners with their ability

to manipulate numbers and apply mathematical

concepts to unfamiliar challenges. We encourage our

girls to embrace the subject with enthusiasm and

confidence. Our students are registered with Mathletics

an online learning resource that ensures enjoyment

and improvement in Mathletics at school and at home.

We compete annually in a world Maths Day against

students from all over the world.

ScienceAt the Falcons School, girls learn to apply scientific

methods, making predictions, testing and evaluating

their results. Throughout their time with us, girls

explore the world around them through play and

simple experiments. A dedicated Science specialist

introduces the girls to the subject, working individually

and in groups to explore a variety of topics. The emphasis

of the teaching is on capturing our girls’ imaginations

and provoking curiosity through practical investigation

and a wealth of scientific resources.

Information TechnologyThe application of web technologies is at the heart

of our curriculum. Girls learn from an early age the

importance of digital literacy, and share their creativity

with the world using student blogs and wikis, podcasts

and digital videos. Increasingly, homework tasks are

published online, allowing girls to access additional

material and extension tasks.

The school’s purpose-built computer suite is home

to IT classes, where girls learn to become proficient

with a wide range of programs, acquiring skills in word

processing, data management and Powerpoint

presentations.

FSG is committed to a rolling programme of hardware

and software updates, ensuring that the education we

provide is informed by the cutting edge of technology.

MusicFalcons girls participate in Music and perform at every

school level, beginning with classroom instruction and

singing in Lower School, and there is a wide range of

opportunities for children to perform, from assemblies

to our annual Carol Concert. Girls enjoy two music lessons

every week, covering all aspects of the appreciation and

performance of music. Girls are inspired to explore their

own musical talents and ambitions, with some girls

learning two or even three instruments. Our Junior and

Senior Choirs are open to all girls. Each year the girls

get the opportunity to sing as part of a massed choir of

over five hundred children. The girls join up with other

schools in the Alpha Plus group to rehearse and then

perform a musical extravaganza along with a live band

in the fantastic setting of the Westminster Central Hall.

DramaThe School has a fine tradition of excellent productions.

We aim to give every girl the chance to participate in

productions, both on stage and behind the scenes. We

recognise how important acting can be for developing

confidence and personality, and our girls have weekly

timetabled Drama lessons throughout their time at the

school, taught by a drama specialist.

The centrepiece of our work is the end-of-year

production which is staged at The Questers Theatre

in Ealing. Recent productions include Shakespeare’s

Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night, and Peter Pan.

ArtWe believe that art activities help girls gain the tools

necessary to develop creative problem-solving,

communicate their thoughts and ideas, and adapt

to and respect other cultures. Art stretches and

encourages the girls to look at and analyse what they

see, and to ask questions about their observations:

these skills enhance the work they do across the rest

of the curriculum.

The Art Department has a large, well-appointed studio,

complete with kiln, and an enormous range of materials

and resources – allowing activities such as batik, pottery

and textiles. The work girls produce is much admired

by fellow girls, staff and visitors alike, and is entered for

numerous competitions.

Modern Foreign LanguagesWe encourage every girl to develop their curiosity about

the world around them. Learning a foreign language

offers an exciting insight into another culture and

another way of thinking. Girls start learning French

through games and songs in nursery, and build up

their ability to understand and communicate in the

language as they progress through the school. The

culmination of our work is the visit to France for the

Senior Girls. Girls also have taster lessons in Spanish.

Sport, Physical Educationand DanceFalcons Girls demonstrate outstanding skills,

competitiveness and courage on the sports field.

We celebrate everyone’s participation in sport. An

emphasis on sportsmanship is a fundamental principle

of the school: win or lose, our opponents frequently

pay tribute to our co-operative spirit and good manners.

We have access to a wide range of facilities including

an outdoor play area, gym, an excellent riding school,

a swimming pool and the Old Actonians sports ground.

From the Junior School onwards, they have the

opportunity to take part in interschool competitions.

There are opportunities for girls to represent their

school on the sports field, with successful teams in

netball, rounders and cross-country.

Visits, Excursions andResidential TripsTo ensure that learning extends beyond the classroom,

classes undertake a trip each term. Girls in Years 3-6

have the opportunity to join a residential trip towards

the end of the academic year, taking part in outward-

bound experiences and educational activities. Field

work is an important element of each of these trips,

and we examine various different aspects of the trip in

lessons across the curriculum. Girls are also able to take

advantage of our annual programme of visiting

musicians, theatre groups and lectures on topical

issues given by outside speakers.

Some of the trips and visits recently undertaken by

our girls include a residential centre near Paris, the

Lake District, Moorland Hall outdoor pursuits centre,

Kew Gardens and the Science Musuem.

Valuing CommunityWe believe that quality education is a collaborative

effort between school and family. The parents are

encouraged to become active participants in the life

of the school.

Our dedicated Parents’ Association is an invaluable

support to the work of the staff. In addition to regular

meetings and lunches with the Principal and senior

staff, the Parents’ Association organises a variety of

social and charitable events, and provides a fantastic

social and support network for new and existing

parents alike.

Alpha Plus & The FalconsPreparatory and Pre-Pre SchoolsThe Falcons Prep and Prep-Pre School for Boys are

our partner school, based in Chiswick and Richmond

respectively. Many families have children at both

schools. Both Falcons Schools have recently received

excellent Independent Schools’ Inspectorate (ISI)

reports, which praised the good quality teaching

and pastoral support.

The Falcons Schools are part of the Alpha Plus Group–

the Gold Standard in Education– one of Britain’s fastest-

growing and most successful educational organisations.

The schools and colleges cover the whole spectrum of

education from nursery schools to university entrance.

Alpha schools have a long-standing reputation for

delivering premium quality education.

The Alpha Plus Group are therefore able to provide

expertise and a strong network which supports the

Head and her team. Learn more about Alpha Plus

at their website: www.alphaplus.co.uk

RegistrationWe are excited that you are considering The Falcons

Girls’ for your daughter’s education, and look forward

to working with you throughout the admissions process.

Our main intake is at Nursery, aged three, with a few

places available in our Reception (aged four). Places

may become available for older girls.

The first step is to make an appointment to visit the

school by phoning the school office and completing

a Registration Form.

Parents wishing to register a girl should send their

completed Registration Form, together with the

Registration Fee, to the School Secretary. This fee is

non-refundable. Registration may be made on or at

any time after a child’s first birthday. Registration

does not guarantee a place; siblings have priority.

LocationThe school is situated on the North Circular Road A406

(also known as Gunnersbury Avenue) south of Ealing

Common.

Parents and visitors are permitted free short term

parking in the Ealing Riding Stables’ car park; restricted

parking is available in the side roads off the North

Circular with a school parking permit.

Nearest tube stations: Ealing Common, Ealing Broadway

and Acton Town

Buses: E3, 207, 427, 607 and 65

The Falcons Group of SchoolsThe Falcons School for Girls

15 Gunnersbury Avenue

Ealing

London W5 3XD

T: 020 8992 5189

The Falcons Pre-Preparatory School for Boys

2 Burnaby Gardens

Chiswick

London W4 3DT

T: 020 8747 8393

The Falcons Preparatory Schools for Boys

41 Kew Foot Road

Richmond

Surrey TW9 2SS

T: 0844 225 2211

Alpha Plus Group Ltd

The Gold Standard in Education

50 Queen Anne Street

London W1G 8HJ

T: 020 7487 6000

F: 020 7487 6001

E: enquires@alphaplusgroup.co.uk

www.alphaplusgroup.co.uk