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I am writing to establish some points about what Aitchison stands for, how it educates, and what we would appreciate from you as parents in our partnership. The first and most obvious point is that Aitchison is a boys’ school. This simply means providing opportunities for boys to develop, among other boys, a full range of competencies and interests, in a dynamic and friendly environment, where rules are clear and devised for boys. This is important because boys generally learn differently from girls and our focus is entirely on boys. The social pressures are also less stressful and boys become more comfortable, far more quickly, with non-traditional subjects and activities., but Heads of School normally start distribution of books from the first week of August. Summer Uniform will continue as normal and parents may submit their sons’ measurements as per their convenience, anytime during the summer break.Success at school usually depends on the level of enthusiasm and the willingness of parents to support school programs. As an example, from K4 and upwards riding is a compulsory part of our morning program in Junior School, so support it when it begins. Riding from K1 to K3 is voluntary for day boys. Otherwise, sport is compulsory in some form throughout the College. Your son will also be offered a good mixture of sports to build his strength and aerobic capacity, sharpen reflexes and coordination, and acquire a knowledge and appreciation of games as he grows. By playing games, he will learn the principles of fair play and the value of good teamwork. He will also engage in clubs or activities (depending on age) to stimulate his mind and encourage positive socialization and share interests. Naturally, we want boys to have fun and to make friends in the process. Accordingly, we place considerable emphasis on collaborative learning. While all this takes place, your son is keeping on top of his work. Aitchison boys are busy boys, but this excellent, well-rounded educational formula can unravel very easily. For example, we regard ‘positive socialisation’ and not grades as the most essential early skill for young boys. Boys joining us will bring different backgrounds and capabilities, both boarder and day boy alike. It will take time for them to meld as a cohort (which is very important), whereas the individual boy must learn to be comfortable within himself and his surrounds before he can ‘fly.’ The dynamics of this are central to healthy childhood development; something too often overlooked when grades become an obsession. . For example, new boys usually bring with them a rote form of learning, sometimes a fear of failure, heavily tutored at home or outside the home or ranked in class. Ranking classes statistically is brutal and pointless. Previous results achieved at preparatory or other schools are of no concern to us. Our system is well-staged and we know where boys need to be in their studies to progress smoothly. We instill the fundamentals of core subjects, but always find ways in which boys have opportunities to explore, imagine and apply knowledge in collaborative, enjoyable surroundings, incorporating project and assignment tasks too. Your reports in most junior stages will be heavily criteria-based, progress reports. However, we want our youngest boys to enjoy learning without being ‘measured to the point of distraction’ –and they will do so by being engaged broadly throughout their time with us in non-assessable but important activities.Boys go through phases along the way to graduating at the end of H2. They might also ‘stumble’ occasionally along the way or fail to satisfy their own or the College’s expectations. This is why we have ‘attitude and effort grades.’ I encourage parents to look to these indicators before considering results. Achievement can suddenly ‘bounce’ with maturity, or from unexpected sources or interests in and outside school. It certainly will not ‘bounce’ from a lack of encouragement or added stress. Young boys do not need this distraction or pressure. Not only does it confuse them with different learning styles, it inhibits the crucial relationship between student and teacher at Aitchison. None of this is beneficial or required. Relate directly with your school based on your son’s development. Our primary focus is to develop happy, active, confident, and well-mannered boys. Naturally, boys bring a range of emotions and reactions. Our teachers know and practise the best principles of childhood education. We will do a lot to help your son feel welcome and safe when he arrives and edge his way toward some form of independence. While we encourage boys to speak up, if something troubles you, please contact the Head of School’s office. We are here to listen and help. Do not send messages through other people or anonymous emails. We expect boys to run, jump and play (and fall over), and to express themselves as young boys need to: sometimes without thinking too much at all. Be content that Junior School and Prep School are very happy, safe and productive places. It is a condition of enrolment that parents accept the decisions of management. We are not preparing your son for Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard or Stanford in Junior School or Prep School. We introduce homework or prep gradually. There are no formal examinations or heavy homework in the Lower Junior School (K1 to K3). Very young boys need home time and not constant schooling. We encourage reading for enjoyment. We encourage parental assistance and oversight with work sent home. Communication is vital. Our curriculum is Cambridge based and our teachers are specialists in this. Please do not bring other expectations to Aitchison. Setting personal goals, making the utmost effort, celebrating involvement, never giving up, being a valued member of a team, all these qualities bring their own equivalent and intrinsic rewards. When your son reaches Senior School, (it is not so far away) he should be ready to tackle the most demanding period of his school life. Last year 80% of our H2 boys were awarded an A* to B grades. 40% were awarded A* in various subjects, while boarders equaled the achievements of day boys. These results are not achieved by removing or privatizing boys to flatter results, as some schools do. As long as a boy gains O/IGCSE Level equivalence in passing the minimum subjects, and his efforts are clearly good, we will support a boy through his A Levels and schooling. Our boys regularly gain admission to Ivy League and other prestigious USA universities and colleges, Oxbridge and Russell Group universities, top European universities, and at home. For example, we have secured seven admissions to each of Harvard and Stanford in the past five years. Most of our boys secure first-choice placements. Our teaching is dedicated and the journey works. We have our own SAT Centre and outstanding University Guidance Counseling. This allows teachers to focus on their work without pressures or distractions. Every parent is treated equally. All queries and concerns should be directed to the relevant Head of School. We conduct parent-teacher meetings to discuss learning and assessment, and to help your son.This is an exciting time for boys. We look forward to welcoming you. Enjoy your new school!