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Ever wondered what makes Cadogan House, the Prep School at RMS, tick? The latest instalment of our Stirred By The Sun mini-podcast series spills the beans, with Mrs. Horn (Head of Cadogan), Mrs. Forrest-Ratcliffe (Deputy Head of Cadogan), and two brilliant Year 6 pupils, Kira and Laila, giving us the inside scoop.
It was a fun and insightful conversation that really brought to life what Cadogan’s all about: community, personal touches, and the exciting adventure of learning. This snippet offers a brief look into life in our Prep School. Read the overview below, and be sure to check out the full episode on Spotify.
A Happy, Homely Vibe
Mrs. Horn absolutely loves leading Cadogan, and it’s easy to see why! She raved about the diverse community and how vital it is for everyone’s voice to be heard. She even mentioned swinging on the swings with the pupils – talk about getting stuck in! This hands-on approach perfectly captures the warm, welcoming feeling Mrs. Forrest-Ratcliffe also described: Cadogan just “feels warm and happy and comfortable.” It’s all about making sure everyone feels like they belong, and that each child is known inside and out. Mrs. Horn shared a sweet anecdote about Mrs. Faulder, who greets the pupils each morning and knows every single one by name, even noticing if someone’s missing. That’s true care right there!
The Cadogan Superpower: Big School Perks in a Primary Setting
So, what makes Cadogan stand out from other primary schools? Mrs. Horn puts it simply: “it’s being part of the bigger RMS family”. She hilariously called Cadogan the “head of an octopus,” with its “tentacles” reaching out across the whole school site. This means Cadogan pupils get to enjoy amazing facilities like the swimming pool, planetarium, textiles, art, DT, sports grounds, and even the golf course – every single week! You just don’t get those kinds of opportunities at smaller primary schools.
The chat also eased some worries about moving up to Senior School. While it’s totally normal to feel a bit nervous, the Cadogan team works hard to make it easier. They regularly chat about things like “Gammas” (the Senior School’s reward system) to take away any mystery. Plus, the Senior School staff pop over to Cadogan for regular visits, and the Prep School teachers team up with them to ensure a smooth transition. As Mrs. Forrest-Ratcliffe pointed out, parents often comment on how quickly their children feel “absorbed and nurtured and loved” in Cadogan.
From the Pupils’ Mouths: Fun, Adventure, and Support
Kira and Laila, our Year 6 Head Pupils, gave us the lowdown on their Cadogan experience. Kira loves the responsibilities that come with being in Year 6, like walking younger pupils back from lunch – it makes her feel like a “real role model”. Laila admitted to some pre-adventure jitters about an upcoming residential trip (think abseiling and bodyboarding!), but her willingness to give it a go was seriously inspiring, and is a trait nurtured by the wonderful Cadogan House staff.
When asked to sum up Cadogan in just three words, Kira went with “fun, creative, adventurous,” while Laila chose “supportive, kind, and exciting.” We reckon those words hit the nail on the head!
Listen to this SBTS Mini Episode below.