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Hertfordshire, AL3 4AW
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Based on 9 ratings:
1 by Alumni
2 by Current Pupil
6 by Parent
(3 ratings without reviews are included in the scores)
2 reviews not shown (Why?)
Reviews
| By Current Pupil - reviewed on 20th Feb 2007 |
St Columba's College is one the best school I have been at and the comments posted by 'A current parent' on 19/01/07 make me angry becasue most of the stuff is untrue. I can only talk about the Senior department as I have no experience of the Prep school.
The school is very good at sport but this is not just the only thing it is good at. The school gives a good rounded edcation for all, even if some kids are trouble. The school cares about everyone that goes to it.
All the teachers I have encountered (nearly all of them) are very good and will go that 'extra mile' for all students. If you need help, you can ask the member of staff concerned and they will arrange a time. This could be at lunchtime, afterschool and even Saturdays.
There alot of extra cirricular activities on offer and after school. Recently, more activities have been established. The school does know to enable more students to do after school activities it must provide buses for those who need them and this will be addresses soon. To say the extra curricular activites are limited and not advertised is simply ridiculous. There are also plenty of oppertunities for students to actually run and get involved in projects throughout the school like recycling to friendship groups.
Discipline in the school is no worse than your average independent school. All discipline issues are dealt with effciently by staff and the procedures put in place to deal with such problems are good and if need be, there are senior staff there to deal with problems and these problems are dealt with effciently too. This is also the case for any complaints, bullying issues etc people have. These will be sorted out very effciently.
Many boys in th school benefit from the special needs service at the school. It does a very good job at helping students and is very effective.
Parents evening slots can be longer than the 5 minutes at the moment but the appointments do not really keep to time allowig for a longer talk if possible.
The school have just had its inspcetion report published and classes the school as 'successful and improving' and also comments on how good the pastoral side is. To see the report go to www.stcolumbascollege.org.
I really enjoy and like the school and will definately be carrying on to Sixth form here. The school is fantastic and have helped me to feel much better going into my GCSE's this year. I do not know why some of the comments are said when they are untrue. I hope I have shown what the school is really like and would recommend it to anyone. You could come and have a visit if you want to see if this is true.
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| By Parent - reviewed on 19th Jan 2007 |
Summary: Poor value for money unless Basketball or Rugby is your childs career path; Second rate independent seemingly run purely as a business and less as a vehicle for educating children.
Overview :
Facilities are poor; School is cramped;
Sport is elitist catering for the high achievers. In/out of school activites limited and not advertised nor are students actively encouraged. Teaching variable. Whilst there are some very good inspiring teachers present, they seem overworked and unable to give children individual attention. Also seem to be many average uninspiring teachers. Teacher feedback evenings are a joke with little time available to get feedback; Special needs capability is advertised but NOT effective. School does not seem interested in identifying these proactively but rather waits till related behaviour issues boil over then insist on Parents seeking independant advice.
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| By Parent - reviewed on 17th Jan 2007 |
My son attended the pre-prep and prep for this school. Although the pre-prep was very well run and the children progressed a great deal in the first 3 years the prep was very dissapointing. The quality of the teaching was so variable that the tuition for the same subject and year group could be a bit of a lottery. Academically, gifted or struggling children receive most attention and those who are average or just above average are left to cruise. Similarly, only gifted sportsmen get great attention and sports coaching. Everybody else just gets to cruise with uncommitted teachers. On the whole, not the school for an all rounder - they get little recognision and end up feeling ignored and demorilised.
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| By Parent - reviewed on 15th Jan 2007 |
My son entered the prep in year 5 after a very unsettled time in a state primary school. The prep basically turned him round and prepared him for life in the senior school through a broad and balanced curriculum, good range of extra-curricular activities, small class sizes and an excellent pastoral care system. He is preparing for GCSE's and would like to stay on for A level study. He has made great friends and has a great deal of respect for many of his teachers. Teaching can be variable but this is true of every school. He has been able to excel in drama, taking part in professional productions and has involved himself fully in the philosophy club and the Amnesty International group. Unlike another review I have read, my experience of the college has been very positive and I would be happy to recommend both the prep and senior school to anyone.
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| By Parent - reviewed on 15th Jan 2007 |
My son attended both the Prep and Senior departments of St Columba's College.He was well cared for throughout and felt valued by his teachers and his peers.He made excellent academic progress and gained a place at his first choice of university. Whilst at school he was offered many opportunities for personal development through sport and prefect duties. I would have no hesitation in recommending this school to my friends. It is outstanding.
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| By Parent - reviewed on 7th Jan 2007 |
Prep school - excellent and inspiriational.
Senior school - disappointing - there are other better schools in the area (private and state ones.)
Senior school:
Academic standards throughout depend on the teacher you get - some teaching is good, some very poor. Most isn't particularly inspiring - ie: spoon fed and hand outs rule rather than debate and children thinking for themselves.
Pastoral care - basically over-strict about small things (tucking your shirt in) which makes some pupils rebellious. Sadly lacking in individual care unless child is very clever or a challenge to the teachers, in which case they will become favourites for prizes. If your child is average to above average, they may be overlooked.
Few after-school activities (there are no late coaches) make this school not great value for money.
Although Catholic, not overly religious.
Overview:
Brilliant prep until aged 11. Otherwise, last resort if you don't manage to get your child in at your first choice school.
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