Kaptagat Preparatory School

 

 

The 1969 Brochure

 

 

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I believe this came to us from Richard Bax

Editor's note: I have had to reset the text and pictures, and the version I worked from had been created with an OCR from a scan or photograph, so this is at least three steps from the original, and some text might have mistakes of characters misread by the OCR, and / or incorrectly recreated by me. The pagination and general layout, fonts and font sizes, paragraph spacing, indentation, etc., are likely to be different from the original, which I have no sight of now (can't remember if I ever did actually see it). I do know that the original did take advantage of facing pages, so, e.g. a caption to a photograph on the left page was actually printed on the right. To create a document that is readable in a browser, even a small phone screen, I have had to treat it as single pages, and to ensure that captions are on the same page as the photo they go with. AR


J. A. L. CHITTY M.A. Headmaster
of Kaptagat Preparatory School
since 1956

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KAPTAGAT,
KENYA.

A Message from the Headmaster

I am very pleased to send you this copy of our Prospectus. I hope that it will give you a clear idea of our aims and our achievements at Kaptagat.

No Prospectus can be as valuable or as informative as a visit to the School. If you wish to meet me and to look around the School I shall be delighted to welcome you.

The best time to visit the School is during term time when the children are here and when the School is 'in action'. Weekdays or weekends are equally suitable but I should be grateful if you would let me know when to expect you: a telephone call (Kaptagat 1 Y 5) a week or so ahead is perhaps the most convenient way of arranging an appointment. It is very seldom I am away from the School in term time.

After meeting you I shall take you on a tour of the buildings and the grounds. If there is any special aspect which interests you please do not hesitate to mention it. Should you wish to meet any particular member of the staff I shall be pleased to introduce you.

Depending on your children's ages it may be a little early to discuss their school after they finish at Kaptagat. Nevertheless it is advisable to register their names at their next school as early as possible and should you be undecided I shall be pleased to help you in a choice of school. Girls normally leave here during the year in which they are twelve and boys when they are thirteen.

I should like to finish on a personal note. I have been in Kenya since 1956, I have been accepted as a Kenya Citizen and my wife and I have every intention of living out the rest of our lives in this country. I have every confidence that Kaptagat will have as many years in the future as it has had in the past.

I shall look forward to meeting you.

Foreword


Before detailed information is given later in the Prospectus, the following are some of the questions often foremost in parents minds.

What sort of School is Kaptagat?

Kaptagat was founded in 1936 by the late Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Foster. In 1958 the School was formed into a Limited Company with the present Headmaster as Managing Director. It is recognized as efficient by the Kenya Department of Education and is periodically inspected at the School’s request. Apart from a small number of bursaries the School has no endowments, and its only source of revenue is from the fees.

What sort of children come to Kaptagat?

The School is an independent boarding preparatory school for boys and girls which is open to children of parents from all walks of life and of all nationalities. During the last ten years the numbers have risen from about 80 to 150. The School now accommodates 95 boys and 55 girls all of whom are boarders. There is no intention to increase the numbers in the school. Kaptagat is small enough for everyone to have some significance in the community and big enough to offer a wide range of opportunity, educational, athletic and artistic, to the varied interests of growing children. The Headmaster is enabled to know the children individually and intimately, as they move up the school.

Where is Kaptagat?

Kaptagat is situated two hundred miles North West of Nairobi at an elevation of 7,800 feet on the Plateau of the Uasin Gishu. Kampala is two hundred and forty miles away in a Westerly direction. The nearest town is Eldoret sixteen miles distant. A tarmac road joins Nairobi to Kampala via Eldoret.

The School is in a non-malarial area and the climate at all seasons is much the same as a late English Spring.

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Mrs. Zoe Foster, the Founder of the School, with her daughter and two sons

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How do children travel to and from Kaptagat?

The majority of parents bring their children by car the first time. Thereafter children may come either by car, train or aeroplane.

Term always opens and closes at the weekends so that those who have to travel by car will not be too inconvenienced.

At the beginning and end of each term the School arranges escorts on the train travelling between Kampala and Kaptagat and also Mombasa and Kaptagat. The official travelling day at the end of term is a Sunday when the Mombasa and Kampala trains leave Kaptagat Railway Station which is four miles from the School. Children who travel by road or air may leave on the Saturday if their parents wish.

A new airstrip has recently been completed at Kaptagat about half a mile from the School. The following information may be useful:
    Dimension: 1100 yd x 50 yd. Elevation: 8000 feet. Runway Orientation: 70° Magnetic.
    Surface: Compact earth rapidly grassing over.
Landings will be into the wind, but owing to the gradient of the runway, take-offs must be down wind. There is plenty of open space ahead of the runway for take-off.

Where do children go when they leave Kaptagat?

No children may remain in the School after the end of the term in which they have reached the age of fourteen. The majority of children on leaving Kaptagat go to a Public School in the United Kingdom, some may go to Grammar Schools or Independent Schools and some remain in East Africa to continue their schooling in East African Secondary Schools. It is advisable to register children’s names as early as possible for Public Schools in the United Kingdom. The Headmaster will be only too pleased to help parents on their choice of school.

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Parents who wish to seek financial aid for the secondary education of their children in the United Kingdom would be well advised to read the report published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office entitled "Assistance with the Cost of Boarding Education" (1960).

Neither Preparatory Schools nor Public Schools look favourably upon parents who withdraw their children as soon as they have sat their Common Entrance examination. Children should be using the remainder of their last term in putting back into the school something of what they have gained from it and, in so doing, learn a few lessons in leadership and self reliance. Even though these are not examination subjects they do form a very important and integral part of the Headmaster's final report which children take with them.

What examinations are children prepared for?

If children show outstanding ability they can be entered for Public School Scholarships. During the last eight years children from Kaptagat have been awarded twelve scholarships to English and Scottish Public Schools.

Children are also prepared for the Public Schools Common Entrance Examination and work to this syllabus during their time at Kaptagat. The earliest a boy can take this examination is the term in which he turns thirteen but this depends on his standard and maturity. Girls may take their Common Entrance Examination at either eleven, twelve or thirteen years of age. We consider eleven a little too early and girls at thirteen a little too old and prefer girls to take the examination during the year in which they are twelve.

Kenya Secondary Schools prefer to accept children in either May or September on their performance in the Common Entrance Examination.

During the last ten years out of 259 candidates for both the Boys and the Girls Common Entrance Examinations, 254 have been successful and accepted in the school of their first choice.

Arrangements can be made for children to sit the 11+ examination so that on returning to the United Kingdom they can enter Comprehensive or Grammar Schools.

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Why is Kaptagat co-educational?

For time immemorial the strong tradition in both Preparatory and Public Schools has been boys only or girls only. All these schools are now giving serious thought to the possibility of taking steps towards co-education. Kaptagat has always been co-educational and always will be. The Headmaster has had nearly twenty-five years experience of co-educational education in preparatory schools and still has heard of no valid argument to separate children at this age and to place them in an artificial single-sex environment. The reason is sometimes put forward that boys and girls should be educated separately because they are different.

It seems that this is the very reason why they should be educated together, so that they become aware of their differences in a normal community and grow up together learning to cope with each other's differences. No boy has worked worse as a result of having girls in the classroom, some have worked definitely better.

What is the School's attitude to religion?

The School is a Christian foundation and worship plays an important and central part in its life. On weekdays there is a short service before school begins. On Sundays there is either a Morning or an Evening Service.

Instruction classes are held, at least once a week during term time for those who wish to attend, by the local Anglican Padre and also the Roman Catholic Priest.

In recent years we have welcomed children of many and varied religions who may make their own choice as to whether they attend the School's central form of Worship. Whatever their choice the School aims to foster amongst its numbers respect and consideration for other people's beliefs and ways of thought.

The view is strongly held that religion is a way of life and every effort is made to ensure that its influence permeates the life and attitudes of the School.

The School is a Founder Member of the Christian Churches Education Association of East Africa.

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What is the procedure for entry?

Application for a place on the School's lists should be made to the Headmaster. It is advisable to enter a child's name as soon as possible.

The normal age of entry is between six and nine years, though children are accepted at other ages in special circumstances.

It is contrary to the policy of the school to administer an entrance examination as children at this age are considered too young to have their future decided by this method. Nevertheless it is expected that all children be able to read, write and do simple Arithmetic before admission.

The Headmaster likes to meet prospective children and their parents but realizes that on occasions this may be impossible.

What are the arrangements for meals?

The menus and diet are under the direct supervision of the Headmaster's wife. There is a Catering Committee which includes a representative from each House.

All meals are taken in the main Dining Hall. Members of the School staff take breakfast and lunch with the children.

What are the arrangements for medical care?

The physical development and health of the children are a first consideration. All children take part in regular School games, Physical Education and Swimming, unless excused by the School Doctor.

There is a School Sanatorium which is in the care of a fully trained and qualified State Registered Nurse.

The School Doctor visits the School every Wednesday throughout the term and at other times when called upon to do so. At the beginning of each term all new pupils are medically examined.

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No charge is made for residence or for nursing in the sanatorium during term time. In cases of emergency or accident involving special visits by the Doctor or removal to Hospital the expenses incurred are met by the parents.

If a child is in the sanatorium for more than one night the parents are notified by letter.

What are the arrangements for letter writing?

Every Monday all children write a letter home under the supervision of their form master or mistress. Apart from the help required by the younger ones the letters are not read or censored in any way. It is very strongly held that a letter is a personal and private matter between the child and the parent.

In addition to their weekly letter children may of course write as many letters as they wish.

What are the Exeat arrangements?

In each term there is a long half term when the children may sleep out for three nights. Arrangements can be made for children, whose parents cannot take them out, to stay at school but normally such children are asked out by their friends on these occasions.

There are also two full day Sunday Exeats a term, one before half term and one after half term, when children may be taken out immediately after breakfast until 6 p.m.

In addition to the foregoing any child may be taken out on a Saturday from 12.30 to 6 p.m. (subject to detention work being finished) and on Sundays from when the Service finishes at 10.30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

It is preferred that children are not taken out on the first or last weekends of term.

Perhaps one of the distinguishing features of Kaptagat is the close liaison which exists between the School and parents. Parents are welcome to visit the school whenever they have the opportunity and the Headmaster and his staff are always available to talk over their children's work. An appointment is preferable but not essential. Should a visit take place on a week day there is no reason at all why parents should not see their children, visit their classroom or watch them playing games.

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How would one sum up, in a few words, the aims of the School?

We try to provide at Kaptagat an essentially happy community which by virtue of the range of its facilities and its strong corporate sense, can cater for, and benefit the widest possible range of character.

The School aims to develop those qualities of leadership and independence of thought which are more in demand now than ever before; based on a healthy, happy and cultured school life with sensible ideas about religion, work, discipline and games.

Prefects are expected to be helpful and considerate to the young, and carry out their responsibilities without reward or privileges.

Consequently there is no multitude of vexatious rules. The School's life is grounded on the known principles of right living and appeal is made to live up to these principles. A candid atmosphere is the inevitable result.

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Annual Prize Giving and Speech Days

We have welcomed the following as our Guests of Honour:-

Mrs. Zoe Foster (Founder of the School)
Bishop Keith Russell (Bishop of Northern Uganda)
Sir Frederick Crawford K.C.M.G., O.B.E. (Governor of Uganda)
Lt. Col. R. B. Barcroft (Journalist and Broadcaster)
Sir Eric Griffith Jones C.M.G., Q.C. (Acting Governor of Kenya)
S. H. Fazan C.M.G., C.B.E. (Provincial Commissioner)
P. E. Wright M.C. (Eastern Produce Tea Company)
The Rt. Hon. Malcolm MacDonald (Governor-General of Kenya)
Sir Edward Mutesa II (Kabaka and The President of Uganda)
Joc Lynam (Headmaster of the Dragon School, Oxford)
Dr. The Rev. Donald Lord Soper (President of the Methodist Conference)
The Hon. Dr. J. G. Kiano E.G.H. M.P. (Minister of Education for Kenya)

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Extracts from Speeches delivered on Prize Giving Days at Kaptagat

His Excellency Sir Frederick Crawford, K.C.M.G. O.B.E., Governor of Uganda

"It may seem strange to some of you that the Governor of Uganda has presented the Prizes here today at a school in Kenya. There are all sorts of special reasons why I should come here today to present the Prizes. The first of these began long ago with the Fosters; for in 1936 the late Mr. Hugh Foster and Mrs. Foster embarked on a noble piece of pioneering in opening this school; as noble a precedent as that of the four Foster brothers who embarked on the pioneering of cotton in Buganda in Uganda.

The second reason is that a half of the children at Kaptagat have parents who live in Uganda. The problems of Uganda differ greatly from those of Kenya, nevertheless they have one thing in common and that is the demand for qualities of unselfish leadership and consideration of other people's feelings and thoughts ... "

Mr. Joc Lynam, Headmaster of the Dragon School, Oxford

"Just having come from England I can perhaps tell you one or two truths which you may not know. First of all I want you to realize that the wonderful standard of this school is very well known amongst educationalists in England, and that your Headmaster is one of the few Headmasters of overseas Preparatory Schools who has been admitted to membership of the Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools, of which I was Chairman and also served on the Council for a number of years. This Association includes all the Headmasters of the Preparatory Schools in the British Isles whose schools are recognized by the Ministry of Education.

Secondly you were the first Preparatory School in Kenya to welcome to your school boys and girls of all nationalities.

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Kenya itself has a very high standing in England where your President, Mzee Kenyatta is regarded with the greatest possible admiration and respect. Your Headmaster has already mentioned the Dragon School, where he was a Housemaster on my Staff. It is rather an unlikely establishment where there is a great deal of freedom as you have here. Why do we consider this freedom so important? It is because you are here to use your freedom properly and not to abuse it, so that you can learn to realize that freedom carries with it considerable responsibilities ... "

His Excellency the President of Uganda, Sir Edward Mutesa, Kabaka of Buganda

"It gives me great pleasure to be here today to present prizes to the pupils of this school. I have taken a keen personal interest in the advancement of this school not only as President of Uganda but also as a parent of a boy here. It is a well known fact that Kaptagat was the first private preparatory school to accept children of all races. Kaptagat is also well known for the continuity of its staff, both teaching and administrative.

To the children I should like to say this. Your first loyalty is to your parents, to honour and obey them because your interests and well being are their main concern. Your second loyalty is to your school so that you may learn from it and grow up to become good citizens and a credit to whatever country you may choose in later years ... "

His Excellency Sir Eric Griffith Jones, C.M.G., Q.C., Acting Governor of Kenya

"Both the Headmaster and Mr. Brian Robson have spoken of the many friends of this school, two of whom have recently passed away. I had the privilege of knowing one of them, Mr. John Harris who was a personal friend of mine. I have learnt of the great help he was to your Headmaster in his early days at Kaptagat; they both had a previous connection with the Dragon School and it was Mr. Harris who first met your Headmaster on his arrival in East Africa. Mr. Harris' death came as a great shock to all of us and I should ask you to be grateful to his memory.

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I believe that this School has been founded, and has carried on now for a quarter of a century, on such solid, firm and true Christian principles that the success which it has enjoyed for the last twenty-five years will continue into the future.

When I arrived here this morning I was immediately impressed by the atmosphere of happiness and confidence. An atmosphere which appeared to have found its way amongst staff and children alike and in all aspects of school life. I do most warmly commend to all of you this confident and happy outlook for the future ..."

His Excellency the Rt. Hon. Malcolm MacDonald, Governor-General of Kenya

"In his speech the Headmaster remarked on the fact that boys and girls are pupils together here, and he answered the foolish charge of some critics that that mixture is a bad arrangement because it makes the boys girlish and the girls boyish. Well, I hope that I myself am a bit of a retort to that charge because I went to school at one of the pioneer co-educational schools in England where boys and girls remained together as scholars until they were eighteen. I do think that co-education makes for a more natural relationship between the sexes.

A great many of the difficulties and dangers that exist for us in the world today arise from the fact that we in the older generation have not recognized the truth that equality between the races, and so quarrels, bitter quarrels sometimes, between nations or different races, arise because they think they are rivals and some think they are superior and others think they are inferior. These quarrels are still threatening us with the danger of a thing called the atomic war. Well, if that war comes it will blow us all to bits equally, absolutely regardless of the colours of our skins and so I hope that in your time the young generation will achieve what we have so far failed to do, although we are beginning to succeed now. I hope that in your generation you will establish a brotherhood not only between school teachers and school pupils and all the other professional and working people but also between the different races on earth, and then we shall begin to have real peace and prosperity and progress everywhere in every country in the world..."

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Dr. The Reverend Donald Lord Soper, M.A., Ph.D.

"It has been said that in previous years the yearly rabbit only appeared on the actual day of prize distribution. My wife and I are rabbits who have been here for some time and this gives added point to what I wish to say. We have seen something of this school at work and play and its various avocations. May I invite all of you, after this ceremony is finished, to repair to the schoolrooms and classrooms. Particularly was I interested in the calligraphy — how excellent is the handwriting for children of this age. I heard the choir, and it has been delightful to hear the attack and verve of the singing. I encourage you to see the paintings, it is a most exciting and enjoyable experience.

I have been much impressed by the quality of freedom in this school, not by a freedom which is licence but by a freedom which is ordered restraint and out of which is born the spirit of naturalness. This is an excellent experience and I congratulate the school upon this quality.

I should also like to congratulate the school, if I may without impudence, upon its quality not of laziness but of leisureliness. I come from a place where there is much bustle and confusion and where one of the watchwords of our modern society is the word 'instant'. Instant coffee, instant tea, and indeed in some of the debates in the House which I frequent, instant strife. There is nothing here of this arrogant craze for speed, but I can testify from what I have seen that they get there just the same.

When I was at school I remember that there were those who said that the end of education was to draw out, from the Latin 'educere'. I was dubious about this until I heard it was not the Latin word 'educere' but 'educare' that lies at the base of education. And 'educare' means to nourish. I believe that education is a nourishment for life and if it restricts itself to a narrow inculcation of facts then it manifestly fails in its primary object. It is impressive at this school to see how relevant these educational processes are ... "

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The Hon. Dr. J. G. Kiano, E.G.H., Ph.D., M.P. — The Minister for Education for Kenya

"Recognition of the part Kaptagat Preparatory School plays in East Africa is clearly indicated by the succession of distinguished men who have honoured the school by attending your Speech Days.

The School is not new to me. Two years ago my children were schooling here and I came to know this school when visiting them. I have always followed with interest the success of this school, a success which has touched all aspects of school life. Kaptagat Preparatory School was not only the first independent preparatory school in Kenya to admit children of all races but in fact extended a positive invitation to African and Asian parents to send their children to this School.

It is the intention of the Government of Kenya to make it possible for all the people of this country to live and enjoy life together. It is very encouraging that a school like yours has the intention of making conscious effort to put into practice measures which will lead to a greater understanding amongst the people of this country. By doing this, this school is making a very important contribution to the achievement of the aims of His Excellency the President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta's Government — that all the peoples of Kenya should be members of one happy family.

I know there has been some concern about the future of non-Government schools in Kenya but to quote from the Report of the Kenya Education Commission, 'So long as the Public Authority is unable to meet the whole of the country's educational needs it is both legitimate and desirable for private schools to continue to meet the needs that remain unsatisfied.' My Ministry has, however, a duty to the country to see and to ensure that the education given in schools in Kenya is consistent with the country's aspirations..."

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The Headmaster

The Headmaster, Mr. J. A. L. Chitty M.A., Hons., (Cantab.) came to Kaptagat in September 1956. He was educated at King's College School, Wimbledon (where he was Senior Prefect) and at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he received an Honours degree in History.

He captained the Surrey Schools Rugger XV, played for the Wasps Rugby Club and was also a Trialist for English Schoolboys, Ceylon and Cambridge University.

After the Second World War, in which he served in the Royal Corps of Signals, he was Senior Master at the Hill School, Ceylon and a Housemaster at the Dragon School, Oxford.

Buildings

The School is built in brick and cement with roofing of asbestos or corrugated iron. It has the appearance of a cottage school, set out in the three sides of a square.

All the buildings are single storey with ample door and window space. Fire risk is negligible, nevertheless precautions are taken and fire extinguishers are at hand and regularly checked in all buildings.

Over £30,000.has been spent on extensive additions and alterations to the buildings during the last twelve years. These have included new Staff houses, a new Tennis pavilion, a new Art room and a new Science laboratory.

The school has its own electric light plant which consists of three units each capable of lighting the school on its own. The lights are kept on throughout the night.

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Terms

The School Year starts in September and is divided into three terms beginning about the second week in September, the middle of January and the last week of April.

An Open Day is held at the half term in June. The Gymkhana at the November half term and the Sports at the February half term.

The Open Day, which has superseded formal Speech Day and Prize Giving, gives parents an opportunity to see their children's work, games and other activities and also to meet members of the Staff.

An informal Prize Giving, at which parents are welcome, is held in July on the last Saturday of term.

An annual Play is performed in December on the last day of term.

The holidays consist of approximately five weeks at Christmas, four weeks at Easter and eight weeks in the long August holiday.

Work and Organization

The School is divided into ten forms. The Junior three have their own individual teachers for all subjects.

On arrival children normally go into the form whose average age is nearest theirs. There is, however, accelerated promotion for the more able children.

Traditional maths has not been summarily discarded nevertheless the Mathematics syllabus is based mainly upon the Schools Mathematics Project. The Nuffield Scheme for the teaching of general science has been introduced for children of ten and over. There is a four year course in French which means that most children start the subject at the age of nine. The majority of Public Schools normally require Latin, and all children at Kaptagat do a three year course in Latin. Greek is done for one year in child's last year in the top form.

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The subjects taught include Divinity; English Language and Literature; Mathematics; Latin; Greek; French; History; Geography; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Drawing, Painting and Pottery; Class Singing; Theory of Music; Needlework.

All children in the Senior Forms learn Swahili.

Throughout the School not less than one-third of the child's time is spent on non-Common Entrance Examination subjects. This is found to have no deleterious effect whatsoever and in fact brings a refreshed mind to the examination curriculum.

The ratio of teachers to children is 1 to 12.5 The average size of the classes is 16.

A comprehensive report is made on each child at the end of every term. This report is sent by post.

Common Entrance Examination

The Boys Public Schools Common Entrance Examination has recently undergone some changes. The Examination is now divided into three sections.

Section (1) Necessary for qualification. Consists of two papers in English, two in Mathematics and one in French.

Section (2) Which is compulsory but does not count for qualification. Consists of one paper each in History, Geography and Scripture.

Section (3) Which is optional and does not count for qualification. Consists of four papers, one in Latin, one in more advanced Mathematics, one in Greek and one in Science.

The curriculum is modified periodically to meet the changing requirements of the Public Schools. The Science paper will soon move to Section (2).

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Macbeth

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"Listen to the Wind"

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The boys Common Entrance Examination is held three times a year; June for entry to the Public School in September, November for entry in January and February for entry in May. The normal month for sitting the examination is June.

The Preparatory School makes Application for the Boys' Common Entrance Examination papers.

The girls Common Entrance is held twice a year; February for entry the following September and November for entry in January.

A girl has a choice of three examinations depending on the age she will be on entry to her Public School. If when she enters her Public School she would be thirteen years of age she sits the 13+ examination, if twelve then the 12+ examination, if eleven the 11+ examination.

Application for the Girls' Common Entrance Examination Papers is made by the Public School for which the girl is entered.

By virtue of the Headmaster's election to Membership of the Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools authority is given for examinations to be sat in the school under the necessary conditions of invigilation.

It is not as vital as it used to be to enter a child for a Public School at birth, but by the age of ten or so registration should have been made at one or two choices of school.

It is the parents' obligation to book direct with the school that they have chosen. If a place is registered at more than one school it should be made clear to each which is the first choice and which is the second.

The Common Entrance Examination is not a Pass-or-Fail examination such as 'O' Levels are. The only "Common" elements in the examination are the questions and the syllabus.

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The examination is marked by the school for which the child is entered. Not only do marking standards vary from school to school but a good mark for one school may be rated as a poor one for another. Normally an average of 50% is expected — Mathematics, English and French being the major passing subjects — but some of the more difficult schools require 60% and it has been known for some schools to offer a place on a 30% pass.

The results of the examination normally arrive within two weeks. If children have not reached a sufficiently high standard they may be offered a second attempt the following term. If not, we can normally still find a good school with a chance vacancy, but the choice at the last moment cannot be expected to be very wide.

Parents have found the Preparatory Schools Consultant, Dr. V. Challinor Davies, M.Sc. Ph.D. a great help in placing children when there has been doubt or difficulty. His address is 5, Windsor Mansions, Luxborough Street, London W.I. He has an up to date knowledge of where vacancies exist and also what standards are required.

Intelligence Quotient

A brief note about I.Q. in view of the misconceptions there are about it.

For what it is worth, a person's I.Q. score is a figure meant to represent their intellectual potential (as opposed to their acquired knowledge) at a given time measured against the average for the whole country for children of the same age.
    I.Q. 125 + is "probable University standard"
    I.Q. 115 - 125 is "possible University standard"
    I.Q. 100 is "average for the country"
    I.Q. 75 is "feeble minded"
By and large serious academic work for those below 100 I.Q. presents very real problems and Common Entrance more or less excludes those who would score below this figure.

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It is not suggested that the tentative conclusions reached by means of Intelligence Tests should be anything more than guides, and that one should necessarily despair of a child whose I.Q. is in the region of 100. The I.Q. is in fact merely one piece of evidence, to be taken in conjunction with others.

The parent of an average preparatory school pupil (I.Q. about 115 doing reasonably well in class) who has extravagant ideas of a Public School Scholarship may be persuaded to set his sights on the Common Entrance Examination by reference to the following table:-
    Scholars and Exhibitioners in I.Q. Groups (excluding Music and Art Awards):-
        8% of successful candidates have an I.Q. 115 - 123
        24% of successful candidates have an I.Q. 124 - 131
        68% of successful candidates have an I.Q. 132 - 140

Similarly it is prudent to warn parents of children whose I.Q. is less than 115 that they should choose a second string should the children be entered for one of the more 'difficult' Public Schools.

At the lower end of the scale, children with an I.Q. of 105 may only have a chance to enter a Public School if helped by a good Headmaster's report on music, art, games or qualities of leadership.

At Kaptagat we do not tell children their I.Q. score nor do we use it to classify or type them.

Teaching Aids

Full use of modern educational aids is made wherever possible. The school has a 16mm sound projector and there are weekly films on subjects as widely varied as mathematics and history or geography and science.

Tape recorders are used to help the study of language, speech and music.

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Gold and Silver Medallists - Royal Drawing Society (with Mr. Jupp)

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Extensions have been made and apparatus bought to meet the new demands of the Nuffield Science and Mathematics teaching projects.

Music

Music appreciation is arranged every Friday evening for the Middle and Senior Forms. A high fidelity sound system recently installed in the School Hall has added greatly to the enjoyment of listening to music.

The School has a strong tradition in music and a number of children take piano, violin and recorder lessons. Those interested in singing may join the School Choir which participates every year in the Kenya Music Festival in Nairobi. During the last nine years the Choir has been awarded three First places, three Second places and three Third places at the Festival.

Children who have lessons are entered for the examination of the Associated Boards of the Royal Schools of Music.

Art

The School has an outstanding reputation for Art and the Art School comprises a variety of activities including drawing, painting, pottery, lino cutting and modelling.

Art is not regarded as an 'extra' which may possibly be of use to a small minority of children. It is considered, with Music, to be one of the keys to the understanding of the human spirit. It is therefore taught throughout the school. Practical work such as scenery painting, the designing and making of stage properties and the painting of posters is done by the children in their own time.

During recent years the School has won awards at the UNESCO Exhibition of Children's Art, the International Art Exhibition held in Italy and also at the Children's Royal Academy in the Guildhall, London. At the Academy more than twenty paintings from this school have been selected for Exhibition and on two occasions paintings have been chosen for presentation to the Patron of the Society, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

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The Royal Drawing Society's two top awards - the Gold Star and the Silver Star Certificates - have been awarded to children of this school.

Children are entered for the various Grades of the Royal Drawing Society Examinations.

Preparation

The Preparation class in the evening from 6.30 to 7.30 which is under the supervision of various members of the staff, takes a number of forms.

On Mondays the evenings are set aside for choir practice and the listening to records mainly of a classical nature.

On Tuesdays there is a quiz between various teams, either by Houses or Forms. Questions on Current Affairs and General Knowledge are included as well as those on ordinary school subjects.

On Wednesdays a more traditional written prep is held when children work on the Common Entrance Syllabus.

On Thursdays the members of the Vlth Forms make prepared speeches and the best are adjudged by the plaudits of the senior boys and girls.

On Fridays the children study Kiswahili and also the history of the peoples of East Africa.

Swimming

A large open-air swimming pool was the first project under a recent Appeal. The pool is 100 feet by 30 feet and 9 feet 6 inches at the deep end. There are 3 metre, 2 metre and 1 metre diving boards. The water is chlorinated and circulated daily through a filtration plant.

Children are entered for and have had success in the Junior Kenya Swimming and Diving Championships held in Nairobi.

A number of children at the School have been awarded their Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals for Proficiency in Personal Survival.

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Games

We believe that games are to be played essentially for enjoyment. This is not to say that this School does not cherish its outstandingly high reputation for games; but it is able to maintain this standard without excessive pressure being brought to bear on those children who are not going to benefit and whose life would become a perpetual misery.

All children take part in games, to their varying degrees of ability, and instruction is given from the very earliest age.

The major sports are Rugby Football, Cricket and Hockey for boys. Hockey and Netball for girls.

Other sports include Soccer, Athletics, Rounders, Squash, Tennis and Water Polo.

The School's reputation for Rugby is particularly high: there have been five unbeaten sides in the last twelve years and the majority of boys go on to win their Colours at their Public Schools.

Tennis is played by both boys and girls. Parents may wish to take advantage of extra tennis coaching during the weekly visits of an L.T.A. Coach.

Kaptagat was the pioneer Preparatory school in East Africa to encourage 'away' matches and school teams travel to all parts of Kenya in order to play other schools on their home grounds.

In recent years two Old Kaptagat Boys have been awarded their 'Blue'. One at Oxford and one at Cambridge.

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Cambridge Cricket Blue

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Riding

The School has a memorable history of Horsemanship having been invited on a number of occasions to present displays at the Agricultural Show in Nairobi. A Musical Ride was also presented before Her Majesty, the Queen Mother.

The Kenya Polo team has in recent years included a number of former Kaptagat Riding pupils.

The School now has its own Riding School of twenty ponies under the supervision and instruction of a most experienced instructor.

Schooling is carried out and the children ride in the paddock and also in the nearby country.

Stable management and study of the horse are included in the courses which are graded according to proficiency.

A Golden Horseshoe Ride is organized every December during which senior boys and girls in the school ride from Kaptagat to Equator, a distance of nearly forty miles.

Drama

For many years presentation of plays at Kaptagat has been notable. Recent productions have included

The Three Cavaliers

The Silver Curlew

Once upon a Time

Listen to the Wind

There is much interest in modern dance and movement. Ballroom dancing is also taught.

Library

The School has an extensive library and every effort is made to cultivate in the children a taste for literature.

Children are encouraged to read at least one library book a week.

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Children may bring to school as many books as they wish at the beginning of or during term.

Expeditions

It is not so easy to arrange expeditions here as it is in England nevertheless an effort is made.

The most recent was a school party of twelve (including some Old Boys and Girls) who succeeded in reaching the top of Mount Kilimanjaro (19,340 ft.)

Mount Longonot has been climbed and a descent made to the floor of the Kerio Valley.

Visits are made to Tea Estates, Factories and Agricultural enterprises when the opportunities present themselves.

Activities

Each day is arranged so that children have some free time in which they may follow their own occupations and interests. There are Stamp, Chess, Film, Modelling and Nature Study Clubs under the supervision of members of the Staff.

During the weekends there is organized entertainment for those children who wish to take part. A Master or Mistress is on duty to arrange games, walks, swimming, dancing or whatever is required. It is emphasized that there is no persuasion whatsoever for children to take part in this entertainment, they can use their weekend leisure as they wish.

A School Sailing Club has recently been inaugurated. It is limited to twelve members who sail, under supervision, on the dam at Lessos.

Old Kaptagat Society

When children leave the School it is hoped that their parents will allow a small charge on the last term's account. This will entitle their children to become members of the Old Kaptagat Society, which by distribution of News Letters and an Annual Dinner keeps Old Boys and Girls informed about the School and in touch with one another.

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DAILY ROUTINE

Weekdays

6.45 Getting up bell
7.30 Breakfast
8.30 Prayers
8.40 - 9.15 1st Period
9.20 - 9.55 2nd Period
10.00 - 10.35 3rd Period
10.35 - 11.10 Break
11.15 - 11.50 4th Period
11.55 - 12.30 5th Period
12.35 - 1.10 6th Period
12.35 1st Lunch
1.15 2nd Lunch

Followed by a rest period of up to
90 minutes depending on age

2.30-3.05 7th Period
3.10-3.45 8th Period
3.45 Tea
4.00 - 4.45 Junior Games
4.00 - 5.00 Middle Games
4.00 - 5.15 Senior Games
5.15 1st Supper
5.45 2nd Supper
6.30 - 7.30 Preparation according to
age followed by cocoa and biscuits

7.00 - 8.00 Lights out according to age

Saturdays

The morning is the same as a weekday with lessons until
12.30 after which children are free to go out.

Afternoon: Detention from 3 until 5 p.m.

Evening: Cinema at 6.30 p.m.

In school by 6 p.m.

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Endowed Prizes

The pagination and ordering have gone very wrong here during numerous re-builds! The huge list looks to have been over 4 pages, but I have just them dumped them on one nominal page and I have not attempted to guess what order they might have been in in the original. AR

The Rawson-Shaw Prize for the Best Rider.
The Rawson-Shaw Prize for the Victor Ludorum.
The Victrix Ludorum Prize presented by Mrs. H. G. Foster.
The Prize for the Best Scholar, founded and presented by Miss E. M. G. Taylor.
The Girls Relay Prize donated by Mrs. Furze.
The Prize for House Conduct presented by John Harris.
The Parke Prize for Acting established by Mrs. G. Parke.
The Prize for the Boys Relay donated by John Horward.
The Willet Prize for Boys 440 yards presented on behalf of Anne and Sheila.
The Howard Bennet Cup for Batting donated by Mr. D. Bennet on behalf of his son Howard.
The Harris Prize for Netball, presented by John Harris on behalf of his daughter Sally
The Athletics House Cup for Girls, presented on behalf of Sally, Frances and Favel by their father.
The School Award for the Most Promising Musician presented by Miss Pauline Herniman.
The Prize for Greek established by Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Fazan for Jeffrey and Gillian.
The Nandi Prize for the Best Progress in Riding founded by the District Commissioner.
The Doggett Prize for Achievement founded by Mr. Hugh Doggett on behalf of his sons David and Richard.
The Edwardes Prize for Rugby Football, established by Mr. M. F. W. Edwardes on behalf of William and John.
The Individual Conduct Prize, founded and presented by Bishop Russell on behalf of Sheila and Andrew.
The Reader Tennis Cup presented by Mr. and Mrs. Reader for Marilyn and Norman.
The House Prize for Work established by Mr. Taylor on behalf of his son Hugh.
The Prize for the most proficient Golfer founded and presented by Mr. A. L. Fraser.
The Antony Start Prize for Nature, presented by John Start on behalf of his son Antony.
The Paseka Writing Prize established on behalf of their son Ian by Mr. and Mrs. Paseka.
The Dudley Owen-Thomas Cricket Cup, presented by Neville Owen-Thomas on behalf of his son Dudley.
The Adrian Hammond Cup for Bowling presented by Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Hammond.
The Jane Chitty Prize for Acting founded by Jane Chitty for the Most Promising Young Actor.
The Allen Prize for Cockhouse donated by Mr. Desmond Allen for his son Timothy.
The Girls Cup for Hockey donated by John Harris.
The Quiggin Prize for History established by Daphne Quiggin on behalf of her daughters Genista and Cerinthe.
The Glen Prize for Swimming donated by Mr. J. A. Glen on behalf of David
The Bonham Cup for House Rugger, presented by Mrs. Kathleen Bonham on behalf of her son Richard.
The Soccer Cup established by Mr. and Mrs. L. Bates on behalf of their son Simon.
The Lyn Evans Prize for the Most Courageous Rugby Player donated by Mr. Keri Evans on behalf of his son Lyn.
The Martienssen Cup for the best Boy Solo Voice presented on behalf of Anna and Nicholas by Mr. B. Martienssen.
The VIth Form Prize established and presented by Mr. and  Mrs. W. A. Barnes on behalf of their sons Colin and Ian.
The Butler Prize for the Greatest Progress in the VIth Form established and presented by Mr. R. J. Butler on behalf of his son William.
The Foster Memorial Cup for Swimming presented by Robert and Francis Foster in memory of their mother Mrs. H. G. Foster.
The Christopher Furley Prize for Junior Athletics donated by Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Furley.
The Lomax Swimming Prize established by Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Lomax on behalf of their sons Allan, Brian and Clive.
The Musical Appreciation Prize founded by Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Bentley on behalf of their son Michael.
The Layfield Cup for Boys Inter-House Hockey donated by Mr. Peter Layfield for his sons John and William.
The Kironde Cup for Entomology presented by Mr. and Mrs. Erisa Kironde for Antoni and Sanyu.
The Dunn Cup for Diving presented by Mr. and Mrs. Ford Dunn on behalf of their daughter Cherry.
The House Prize for Boys Athletics established by Mr. and Mrs. Jan Roelofsen on behalf of their son David.
The Sally Bates Cup for the best Girl Solo Voice presented by Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Bates.
The Kelly Art Prize established and presented by Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Kelly for their sons Nicholas and Aidan.
The Kimenye Cup for Poetry presented by East African Newspapers on behalf of Christopher and David Kimenye.
The Girls House Prize presented by Mr. John Williams for his daughter Tana.

Other Prizes presented Annually

The Doggett Prize for Scripture founded by Mr. Hugh Doggett on behalf of his daughters Clare, Helen and Anne.
The Blackheath Football Club for the Annual presentation of their tie to the Best Rugger Player.
The Golden Horse Shoe Trophy awarded annually by Gailey & Roberts.
An Annual Presentation donated by Mrs. Angela Sutton on behalf of her daughters Karen and Miranda Bell.

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Presentations to the School

The Children's Encyclopedia presented to the School by Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Belknap on behalf of their sons, John, Timothy and Andrew.
Lt.-Col. and Mrs. P. G. Burrell for the gift of a School Bell.
The Encyclopaedia Brittanica presented to the School by Mr. P. G. Hanson of behalf of his son Timothy.
A collection of Art and History Reference Books presented to the School by Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Wareham on behalf of Julia and Patrick.
A donation for the extension of the Girls' Dormitories made by Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Caldwell for their daughter Olivia.

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Winners Western Kenya Rugger Trophy

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Honorary Members - Blackheath R.F.C.

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Pocket Money

All children are asked to bring with them 20/- in cash at the beginning of term. This money is banked by the Bursar and may be drawn on from time to time for purchases from the Tuck Shop.

Personal Property

Children may bring back to school books, toys, games, modelling kits and anything that can be used for reasonable recreation.

It is hoped that children will not bring expensive watches or fountain pens. Parents are nevertheless reminded that the School cannot accept liability for the loss of or damage to items brought to school, especially such things as tape recorders, transistor radios, gramophones and the like.

Each child has a locker which will hold a reasonable amount of possessions. There is no need to bring ink, this is provided by the school.

Comics

The less lurid types of comics are allowed but their reading is limited to the weekends.

Sweets

At the beginning of term children should be provided with sufficient sweets to last them throughout the term. These sweets are handed to the matron and a suitable amount issued daily after lunch.

Sweets from the Tuck Shop are on sale on Saturdays.

Tuck No 'tuck' is allowed except a birthday cake which children share with their friends.

The School will make all the arrangements for birthday parties so long as parents make their requests at the beginning of term.

Fruit Fruit may be brought to the school but it must be consumed within twenty-four hours, with the help of friends if necessary.

Jams Jam, honey, Marmite etc. (but not in tins) may be brought back to school. The owner's name must be clearly marked on the jar.

Instant Coffee and the like is not allowed.

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School Uniform

Every endeavour has been made to keep the uniform as simple as possible. The School will buy second-hand uniforms in good condition for re-sale. A clothing list will be provided on application to the school secretary.

The daily uniform consists of:-
Girls: Grey pleated skirt with dark blue aertex shirt, or blue and white check gingham dress, maroon pullover and royal blue nylon socks.
Boys: Dark blue aertex shirt, khaki shorts and maroon pullover and long or short socks.

All children must have a school blazer which is worn when going out.

It is particularly requested that all clothing, including hair brushes, suitcases etc. are clearly marked.

Registration and conditions of Entry

Registration Fee Application for a place is made by completion of the Application Form which is sent to the Headmaster together with a Registration Fee which is not returnable.

Entry Fee When a definite place has been offered and accepted, an Entry Fee is due. This fee is deducted from the last bill when the child leaves the School. Should the place not be taken up, this fee is not returnable unless at least three months' notice in writing is given that the vacancy is not required.

Retaining Fee When parents take their children on leave for the whole term and wish a place to be reserved in the school on their return a retaining fee for each child must be paid, otherwise re-admission cannot be guaranteed.

School Fees As the amount of the School fees may alter from time to time full information about fees is on the leaflet you will find in the back cover pocket of the prospectus. This leaflet also gives the current list of the names of the Staff.

Rules of entry and acceptance are set forth on the back of the Application Form which parents are asked to sign.

The Headmaster reserves himself the right without giving any reason whatsoever of refusing admission to any child or of requiring the immediate withdrawal of any child.

Bursaries

A number of School Bursaries are available to enable parents, who otherwise could not afford full fees, to send their children to Kaptagat.

The children of Clerks in Holy Orders are admitted to the School at half the normal fees.

A reduction in fees of 20 per cent is made for children of parents, one of whom was a former pupil at Kaptagat.

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