With 2021 marking the 150th Anniversary of our capitalâs Royal Albert Hall, there is no better time to celebrate the profound benefits that performance has on Londonâs young people.
From public speaking to poetry recitals; debating competitions to drama productions, the immense benefits of performing (either solo or within a group) span self-expression, courage, collaboration, resilience, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, leadership, negotiation and more. Perhaps above all are the sought-after life skills of confidence and communication.
Eaton Square Schools lead the way in nurturing these transferable skills. With Nurseries, Prep and Senior School (plus a Sixth Form set to open in September 2022) located across Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Mayfair, Eaton Square pupils from ages 2-16 truly benefit from its vibrant, nurturing extra-curricular programme.
THREE PILLARS OF PERFORMANCE
With its very own Tedx-licenced public speaking programme, weekly debating activities and year-round commitment to the performing arts, read on to discover why Eaton Square is the Prep school of choice for confident, communicative young people.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Synonymous with âworld-class speechâ are the renowned TED Talks: a programme of influential talks performed by expert speakers from across the globe. Amazingly for a UK Prep. school, Eaton Square Prep School has its very own Tedx licence â enabling pupils to write, practice, perform and film their very own Tedx Talks, which are then broadcast from Tedxâs global YouTube channel. Last yearâs Eaton Square Tedx Talks gained over 4.8 million views – a testament to the pupilsâ professionalism, self-expression and communication skills.
This yearâs Eaton Square Tedx event will take place on 24th June.
  âAnyone who has watched a TEDx talk will have been highly impressed by the speakerâs ability to hold an audience, articulating their points with clarity and confidence. One tends to associate these traits with highly accomplished adults, but Eaton Squareâs Tedx speakers prove that this is not the case.â says Principal, Sebastian Hepher. âI am both proud of our pupilsâ consistently unique, memorable and engaging speaking styles and of our staff for so admirably preparing pupils for this global platform.âÂ
DEBATING
Eaton Square Prep School run a popular debating programme – further strengthening the Schoolâs commitment to developing pupilsâ spoken communication and critical thinking skills, as well as fostering confidence and empathy as part of their ongoing character development.
The Debating Club, led by two elected Debating Captains from Year 6, runs weekly meetings and participates in annual inter-school competitions such as The Sir Winston Churchill Public Speaking Competition at Blenheim Palace. Other annual venues include Brighton Girlsâ, Epsom College and Haileybury. At the end of each academic year, the Debating Club also visits UK Parliament for a guided tour and workshop.
Eaton Square also hosts the Dukes Debating Festival, an annual get-together of ten Prep schools in the Dukes Education family.
DRAMA
Creative expression â of which the performing arts is a vital part – is highly valued at Eaton Square Prep School. With a brand new professional Performance Studio (rigged out with staging, lighting, green screen and surround sound), LAMDA tuition and regular opportunities to perform (be it in musical concerts, choirs, assemblies or theatre productions), it is unsurprising that pupils thrive in this aspect of School life â later winning places at the Arts Educational School, Tring School for the Performing Arts, Elmhurst Ballet School and the Sylvia Young Theatre School.
Headmistress Trish Watt says,
âWe have a focus on performance and the performing arts as they enable children to explore their individuality and build their self-confidence. The value of these traits is immeasurable. Not only do they strengthen memory, communication skills and the confidence to present in front of others, they also foster collaboration across a range of age groups and abilities. All these outcomes stand our pupils in good stead for life at their future Senior schools and work place.”
Of particular note is the Schoolâs involvement in âPoetry Togetherâ: a nationwide celebration of the joys and benefits of learning and reciting poetry. Launched by Dukes Education and Gyles Brandreth, Eaton Square plays a key role in the annual campaign, even hosting a recital and tea party for pupils, partner care homes and its royal supporter, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall.
To find out more about life at Eaton Square Schools, sign up for their upcoming Virtual Open Morning!
BOOK HERE
- Virtual Tour
- Welcome from Principal, Sebastian Hepher and Headmistress, Trish Watt
- Introduction from current Year 6 pupils
- Q&A Session
HOW: Book your place HERE
For further details and/or private tours, please contact Registrar Ann-Kathrin Potesta (registrar@eatonsquareschool.com) or visit www.eatonsquareschool.comÂ
