A New Era of Education at Hazelwood
Hazelwood School is a coeducational Nursery and Prep School for children aged 9 months to 13 years, set among 25 acres of woodlands on the Surrey-Kent border. Hazelwood is an outstanding school with an exciting curriculum, phenomenal indoor and outdoor facilities, and a visionary approach to teaching and learning. Their continual drive to provide children with an enriching, well-rounded education that prepares them for the fast-changing world is fundamental to all key decisions made by the Head, Lindie Louw, and the Governors. Hazelwood is committed to introducing bold initiatives that will equip pupils with the human fskills they need to succeed in tomorrow’s new world.
Recently, they introduced the concept of Flexible Classrooms. What initially started as an interesting trial has now been rolled out across the whole school. Pupils now have a choice of how they wish to sit in class: comfy seating with lap trays for individual iPad work, round tables perfect for collaborative brainstorming (complete with whiteboards to capture ideas visually), quiet zones with beanbags for those seeking sensory input, and designated areas for focused independent work or extra support from the teacher. This dynamic environment fosters deeper engagement among pupils. Interactive, hands-on lessons become the norm, motivating pupils to take ownership of their learning journey. The freedom to choose their learning environment sparks creativity and critical thinking. It is not uncommon to see children sitting in class on wobble chairs or on the floor using lap desks. Hazelwood knows that how one child learns best is not the same as the next child, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. This element of self-choice within a classroom setting has produced happier, more content children who are engaged in their learning. Teachers claim the energy in the room is greater, and the benefits are even seen in class assessment results, with one child achieving 22% higher in a maths test when he was able to use a standing desk to work.
Another exciting new venture is the opening of the Ruth Bourne Building in September for Upper School children in Years 5 – 8. This new space will be a clean and modern environment for children to collaborate and learn. Space-saving furniture allows for an uncluttered working environment, collaboration zones allow for brainstorming and team discussions, and the inclusion of wipeable walls allows for free-flowing ideas to be shared and problems openly discussed. More akin to a modern office space, this environment will allow older pupils the space to truly engage and enjoy learning in a comfortable and contemporary setting.
A further change for September 2024 is the relocation of Hazelwood’s youngest reception children to the Wolf’s Hill site. Previously located with the nursery at Bluehouse Lane, the three reception classes will join the rest of the school community and enjoy the outstanding facilities on offer at the 25-acre site from the very beginning of their school journey. Extra parent parking, a new all-weather awning for year-round outdoor play, a sandpit, and a new forest school development area will be enjoyed by 4 – 5‑year-olds in the new academic year.
Wellbeing at Hazelwood is another key focus of the school, as demonstrated by the opening of their Wellbeing Hub earlier this year. The hub provides a haven for children needing some time out to talk to a trained member of staff or for valuable one-to-one learning. It is also a zone where children with extra learning needs can receive additional lesson time and care.
Hazelwood is proving that education should not stand still. In a world where everything is changing, Hazelwood is finding new ways to adapt to the individual and changing needs of pupils while still achieving impressive academic success and enrichment excellence.
Open Morning, Friday 22nd November – book online or to arrange a visit or private a tour, contact, admissions@hazelwoodschool.com or visit
www.hazelwoodschool.co.uk
