At the Prep Department we believe that the development of the children in our care is the single most important thing in the world. As they come to us open and eager to learn, we nurture and cherish them as they explore their own completely individual abilities and talents in relation both to themselves and the world around them.

Bellan House combines a warm and caring family environment with a convenient central location. Staff and parents work closely together to ensure the children are happy so they can enjoy success in all areas of their lives.

With its long co-educational tradition, Bellan House offers specialist teaching in all areas, ensuring very high standards. Our close links with the Senior School extend the amenities available to the children and enables them to make a seamless transition when the time comes for them to move on.

High standards of work and behaviour are expected from the children. Children wear the school uniform, which is simple and practical, and discipline is consistent and gentle, yet firm. We believe strongly in positive reinforcement and children are rewarded for good work, behaviour and manners. Staff at Bellan House believe that children should learn ‘not for school but for life’, the Oswestry School motto. They seek to help children in their social, moral, spiritual and cultural development as well as in their academic attainment.

Every Friday we have a ‘Gold Leaf’ assembly, where we celebrate the varied successes and achievements of the children. Through these we commend academic success and progress, as well as small things such as good manners, kindness or even something as simple as eating all their crusts at teatime! Children are presented with a Gold Leaf, a piece of leaf-shaped gold paper with their achievement written on it, for them to keep. Another is placed on the School’s Gold Leaf Tree for all to see. The children are incredibly proud of their achievements. The weekly Housepoint totals are announced in these assemblies and the House ribbon is changed on the House Cup depending on the week’s winner.

The School is divided into two ‘Houses’, Swallows and Amazons, and children are encouraged to gain Housepoints, which are added up and announced once a week in assembly. Housepoints can be awarded for a wide range of things, including excellent work, good effort, good manners and helpfulness.

Children in Years 4 to 6 have the opportunity to become Form Captains and Games Captains. Being a Form Captain is a huge compliment and children take on many additional duties and responsibilities.

Bellan has strong links with local and national charities and there are regular focus days and fundraising events. Our pupils also take part in local community activities such as carol singing in Festival Square and the Heritage Centre.

Our day begins with registration, followed by assembly. The general theme of assemblies is moralistic encouraging the children to learn how to live and work together, how to treat each other and how to distinguish between right and wrong.

Before morning break the children enjoy a healthy mid-morning snack of fruit and a drink of milk or water before a 20 minute playtime. A wide range of hot food, salads and fruit is available at lunchtime; our children have healthy meals, prepared on the premises by our school catering staff, current holders of the Shropshire Platinum Award for Healthy Eating. Children with special diets are catered for e.g. individually prepared meals for acute allergy sufferers. Children have a choice of main meals and puddings, but are encouraged to choose a varied diet, with fresh fruit and vegetables served daily. The Key Stage 1 also have a mid-afternoon break before listening to a story before home time. The cost of lunch and snacks is included in the school fees.

All pupils swim in the school pool each week and children from Years 3 and 4 enjoy games on the Maes-y-llan, Oswestry School’s large playing fields, once a week.

After school clubs are available to all pupils and start after lessons at the end of the day. The sports clubs take place on the Senior School site. There are a huge variety of clubs available including an excellent range of Performing Arts activities.

There is also a ‘waiting room’ at Bellan House, where children may complete their homework. The Year 5 & 6 children may attend ‘Prep’ sessions at the Senior School.

OSWESTRY SCHOOL BUS SERVICE

Our school bus fleet covers a wide area ranging from Shrewsbury, Newtown Wrexham and beyond. Our transport manager will always try and accommodate requests and the friendly bus drivers are on hand to make sure both you and your child feel confident and happy in using this service. For current routes and tariffs,  further information or to book a place please click here

Please click on the Prep Department Handbook for more information about the School Day, uniform list and other useful points.