insideKENT Magazine Issue 42 - September 2015 | Page 142

EDUCATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH One School, Many Journeys No two children are exactly alike; they all have their individual talents, likes and dislikes. Sutton Valence School recognises this and, from Nursery to Upper Sixth (Yr 13), offers an almost bespoke journey for each child, both academically and beyond the classroom. In this way, those things that spark each child’s imagination are found. Whatever the school arena, Sutton Valence strives to add value to its pupils. From Nursery in the Preparatory School, a comprehensive monitoring and reporting programme keeps parents constantly in touch with their child’s progress, both academically and personally. As each little hurdle is met, the bar is gently raised to ensure that, whatever their ability, children are being stretched. When they reach the senior school, Sutton Valence, their academic ability is benchmarked by Durham University against their 30-year history of data, who are then able to predict what grades each child should get at GCSE. The School uses this knowledge behind the scenes to constantly adjust targets for each individual child. So successful is this approach that by A-level each child is almost guaranteed to get one half to a full gra