Committed to co-education, Hillcrest Grammar School seeks to be a caring, family school whose priority is to realise the full potential of each individual - in other words to stretch the able child whilst maximising the effort and achievement of those with more modest abilities. It is hoped that all Hillcestrians, as a result of being part of a happy, well integrated community, will grow in confidence and become caring and responsible young adults, able to meet the challenges ahead.

Ability range: in addition to educating able children, Hillcrest also caters for those of good average and more modest abilities. A small number have specific learning difficulties (eg Dyslexia,Dyspraxia) and a specialist teacher is available to provide strong support for such children, usually in pairs, for one or two hours per week on a withdrawal basis, as well as advising our mainstream staff.

Academic Achievement: the vast majority of pupils reach theirpotential at 11+ and 16+. At the top of our Preparatory School, most children who sit external examinations are successful in achieving their objectives for secondary education. However, the majority (approx. 60%) choose to remain at Hillcrest because our "small school ethos" is right for them.

At GCSE, because of our broad ability range, it is difficult for us to produce "league table" statistics to match those of large, highly selectiveschools. However, value added criteria demonstrate that most pupils achieve results of which they can be proud (see enclosures) with an average of approximately seven passes each.

Our small size is an advantage in most areas of School life: pupils have every opportunity to be more prominent in a wide range of activities than would be the case in a larger school.

Admissions Procedure

Pre-Preparatory & Preparatory School is by interview with the Headmaster, usually on the understanding that each pupil will remain at Hillcrest, under normal circumstances, to the age of 11. Admission to the Senior School is by 11+ entrance examination held in February each year, or by individual assessment in other age groups. Please telephone or e-mail for a prospectus or to book an appointment: 0161-480 0329 e-mail: headmaster@hillcrest.stockport.sch.uk

The Pre-Prep School (Infants: 2½-7)

The Pre-Preparatory School consists of four classes: Pre-Kindergarten (2½ - 4yrs) Kindergarten (4 - 5yrs) Transition (5 - 6yrs) Lower Preparatory (6 - 7yrs) Pre-Kindergarten is situated in the Wheble Block, a purpose-built area with its own toilet, eating and play facilities. Children are normally admitted to this class in the September prior to their fourth birthday. From the age of 2½, children may attend on a flexible part-time basis. The September following their fourth birthday, pupils proceed to Kindergarten, which is situated in the new Pre-Prep building. Kindergarten, Transition and Lower Prep. children have cloakroom, toilet and play areas specifically for their age group. Lunch, supervised by the teaching staff, is eaten in the Dining Room. A member of staff is always on duty in the playground. Pupils bring a packed lunch and drink each day. A snack (a packet of crisps, piece of fruit etc.) may be eaten during the morning playtime. The curriculum for the Foundation Stage (3-5 year olds) is the basis for all future learning and supports, fosters and promotes children’s development in the following areas: Every Child Matters: Following the Footsteps The Early Learning Goals Personal, Social and Emotional development Communication, language and literacy Mathematical development Knowledge and Understanding of the World Physical development Creative development This stage prepares children for learning in Key Stage One and is consistent with the National Curriculum. During the School week, pupils will be engaged in a wide curriculum including Literacy and Numeracy activities, Science, R E, Geography, History, ICT, Music, Art & Craft and PE and Games. However, in these early years, the greatest emphasis is placed on acquiring the skills to master the 3Rs so that when the child enters the Prep. School, he/she is reading fluently and with sound understanding, is able to write expressively and coherently and has a sound understanding of the four rules of number (ie. addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), shape, measure and data handling.

The Pre-Kindergarten (Nursery: 2½-4)

The Pre-Kindergarten Class acts as a 'feeder' for the Pre-Preparatory School and the numbers will normally be restricted to a maximum of twenty. ADMISSION: Usually starting in September, children will join the group for the academic year (September-July) prior to the commencement of Kindergarten, ie. your child will have his/her 4th birthday during the Pre-Kindergarten year. Admission is by interview and individual assessment and normally a provisional place is offered. Following a successful ‘settling in’ period in Pre-Kindergarten and a further more detailed individual assessment, your child will then be offered a full school place subject to the understanding that your child will normally proceed through the Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory Schools and remain there, under normal circumstances, to the age of 11 years. Some pupils may enter the Pre-Preparatory School during the academic year, subject to the availability of places and normal admission procedures. Children may attend Pre-Kindergarten full-time or part-time Pre-Kindergarten Morning Sessions 8:30-12:00 Afternoon Sessions 12:00-3:30 Kindergarten (full time) 8:30-3:30 Flexibility in respect of Pre-Kindergarten hours may be possible by consultation with the Headmaster. AIMS: The Pre-Kindergarten class is designed to prepare your child more formally for school life and provides a learning environment within which a child can feel confident, successful and stimulated, thus giving the incentive to learn. Close communication between home and School is of paramount importance, and parents and carers are encouraged to liaise frequently. Every Child Matters: Following the Footsteps Pupils will be required to concentrate for longer periods of time. During these sessions they will work towards The Early Learning Goals: Personal Social & Emotional Development Communication, Language and Literacy Problem solving, Reasoning, Numeracy Knowledge and understanding of the world Physical development Creative development Parent/Teacher Assessment Parents will be required to complete a ‘Welcome Sheet’ questionnaire before the child attends School. Reporting: Full written Reports will be issued at the end of the Autumn, Spring and Summer Terms. Two formal Parents’ Evenings are arranged during the year, and parents are invited to School to participate in the Christmas activities, the Creative Arts afternoon, Sports Day and other events arranged during the year. However the staff are always available to discuss progress or to deal with any problem areas that may arise. Please do not hesitate to contact the Pre-Kindergarten staff or, if necessary, Mrs. Booth, Head of Foundation and Early Years. YOUNGER CHILDREN (aged 2½+): Children aged 2½ + may attend for some sessions, at the discretion of the Headmaster and subject to the availability of places, as an introduction to the Pre-Kindergarten unit. At this stage of Pre-Kindergarten, although the Early Learning Goals are important, our primary concern is the well-being of each individual child and the development of social skills within the group. Supervised educational play, within a stimulating, friendly environment will be offered. Activities available will include sand and water play, construction equipment, creative activities, make-believe play, jigsaw puzzles, table games, stories, rhymes and music. During the Summer term the children will be assessed and offered a provisional place in the Pre-Kindergarten class. PRE-KINDERGARTEN UNIFORM  * School blazer * School tie * School pullover/cardigan Short-sleeved shirt (for practical reasons) white or grey Grey trousers/shorts (boys) Grey, pleated skirt or pleated pinafore (girls) Grey socks (boys); grey or white socks/grey or black woollen tights (girls) Black School shoes (no laces) Outdoor coat - plain, dark (grey/black/navy) without large logos or motifs P.E. kit *plain, white polo shirt with School logo in Pump Bag Black shorts, white socks, black plimsolls Plain cap for summer, if possible with back neck cover (kepi type) School reading bag (optional) £3:75 For craft and painting sessions, children will be provided with an overall Lunch boxes (named) We do not permit the wearing of jewellery, other than plain studs if ears are pierced. If a watch is worn it should be inexpensive and plain. For long hair, plain black/red/white ribbons, clips, bands may be worn. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT ALL ITEMS OF CLOTHING ARE CLEARLY NAMED. *These items must be bought from Monkhouse's, Cheadle Hulme (the School’s official outfitters).

The Preparatory School

In September 2003 we opened a superb, state-of-the-art Pre-Preparatory School building for boys and girls aged between 4 and 7. Light, spacious and fully equipped it is an ideal environment for early learning. Experienced, skilled and caring teachers create an atmosphere ideal for exploration and discovery. As your child develops so school life becomes more structured and a strong platform of learning is laid with firm foundations in reading, writing and number work. From the age of seven, in our Preparatory School, the curriculum is extended with more specialist teaching. There is an increased emphasis on Science and a full range of subjects, including History, Geography, Art, Design Technology, ICT, Music, Religious Education, Drama, PSHE, Physical Education, Games and Swimming. From Year 5 French is introduced. We insist on a strong commitment to academic work and, as throughout the School, the highest standards of behaviour and manners are expected. This helps all our children to match their capabilities with strong results at 11+ as pupils are fully prepared for entrance to leading schools throughout South Manchester and also to our own Senior School. Our younger pupils greatly benefit from excellent specialist resources: in particular, a large ICT suite, Library, Art and Design Centre and an outstanding Sports Hall. The Nursery Pre-Kindergarten, for children aged 2½ to 4, is situated in the Wheble Block next to our new 2003 building. Experienced Nursery Nurses work in warm, light, secure and stimulating surroundings to nurture young emotions, develop social skills and build a foundation of early learning. We have a vast range of educational resources and provide constant care and attention, always aiming to promote sensible habits and mutual respect. Supervised Before and After School Care are available for all Prep and Pre-Prep pupils.   The Senior School High quality academic tuition and pastoral care characterise our Senior School. Detailed formal reports are issued three times a year and there are half-termly academic assessments focussing on effort as well as attainment. Internal examinations are set twice a year in November and June. In addition, certificates and merit awards act as incentives and every pupil builds a record of achievement. There are two parallel forms per year group with setting usually confined to Mathematics, Modern Languages and the Sciences. Curriculum Pupils from Years 7 to 9 study the broadest possible curriculum: Mathematics, English Language and Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, History, Geography, Art, Food Technology, ICT, Physical Education, Games, Drama and PSHE. Spanish is taken by all pupils from Year 8. From the end of Year 9, pupils normally specialise in nine subjects, though some may reduce this number in Year 11. We meet most National Curriculum criteria while retaining the best traditional approaches and values which may not follow the dictates of the DFES. Facilities We have two Information and Communication Technology Suites, each equipped with 20 networked multi-media PCs. Other units provide access to the information highway in individual classrooms. There is a spacious Art and Design Department, fully equipped Food Technology Department and a large, modern Sports Hall. Each classroom or laboratory is well equipped. Varied educational visits and fieldwork complement lessons. Sixteen Plus The majority of our pupils progress to appropriate courses at Sixth Form College or the Sixth Forms of large independent schools. Expert advice and assistance is given in the selection of that next option and we also enjoy a close partnership with Stockport Connexions Service.