Gad's Hill School

Gad's Hill School in Kent, England was formerly Gad's Hill Place, the country home of Charles Dickens. It became an independent, private day school in 1924.

School Details

The school currently when has about 370 pupils enrolled. Classes range from nursery/preschool level to Year 11 (ages 3-16). There are two classes in each year from Year six upwards. The maximum number of pupils in each class is 20. David Craggs is the current Headmaster.

Until 2004, the senior school was only comprised of girls; since then boys have been incorporated into the school.

A Head Girl has been elected at the annual prize giving. In 2000, the tradition was changed and the Headmaster and Vice Headmaster of school are now also awarded. Each year there is a new nominee awarded this honour. The plaques in the school's halls show the names of every Headmaster since the school opened in 1924. There is no visible award for the Vice Headmaster.

At the prize giving, canes are given to the Headmaster and Vice Headmaster with his/her name inscribed in the silver plate. The canes are kept in school and are displayed at social and formal events.

Traditions

Gad’s Hill School has many traditions. 11th year pupils sign the lead on the roof which has many names from years past. This tradition began when there were plays and dances in the grounds and the pupils would come and write their names to commemorate the occasion.

The evening before the Christmas holidays, the pupils and their families visit the Rochester Cathedral to attend the annual Carol Concert. During this concert chosen pupils read the lesson of the Bible, the choir sings traditional carols and a chosen pupil is honoured to sing the first stanza of ‘Once in royal David’s city.’

On the last day of the winter term the whole school has an annual cross country run. The younger students run around the rugby fields a few times. Juniors run a 2.5 km and the seniors run a 3.5km.

In June 2008, the school was shown in the Channel 4 TV docudrama [http://www.gadshill.org/docs/news/newsdetails.php?recordID=114 Dickens' Secret Lover] , presented by actor Charles Dance, on Dickens' possible affair with the actress Nelly Ternan during the last 13 years of his life. Cedric Charles Dickens, the author's great-grandson, was a governor of the school until his death in 2006.

Subjects

*Art (Enfants)
*Design Technology (Junior- Senior)
*Information Technology - ORC Nationals (Senior)
*Science
*English
*Mathematics
*French
*Geography
*History
*Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

There are also many daily extracurricular activities, some of which are of no cost, along with others at a cost due to outside expenses.

External links

* [http://www.gadshill.org Gad's Hill School]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/06/school_tables/secondary_schools/html/886_6007.stm BBC Ratings]
* [http://www.isc.co.uk/school_62131.htm Independent Schools Council]