Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
257 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
11 |
| Most common nationality |
Kenyan |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
8:1 |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
No |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French, Latin |
| Max. number of students per class |
25 |
| Average number of students per class |
23 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes, only in pre-prep unit. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Most lessons, except for ICT, are taught traditionally. Teachers have access to televisions, projectors and eBeam technology if required. Audio material, online resources and specialized online learning applications are used for language instruction. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
Yes. Christian (protestant) |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
Cavina welcomes children of all faiths and backgrounds. Parents should understand, however, that all children are required to attend morning chapel services regardless of their religious background. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
The Common Entrance (set by the Independent Schools Examinations Board) |
| Results in these examinations |
95% A*-C; 100% of candidates have passed their Common Entrance over the past 20 years |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Years 5 to 8: 1 hour a night Mon-Fri; Years 2 to 4: 30 minutes a night Mon-Fri |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
We are a preparatory school. Children leave at the age of 13. All pupils then continue with their secondary education elsewhere. |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
On a limited basis. |
| Learning support offered |
Specialized staff can be arranged to shadow pupils with significant learning disabilities in the pre-prep unit only. |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
The Common Entrance allows brighter pupils to sit higher level academic levels and our teachers employ differentiation in the classroom and, if required, free one-on-one extra teaching in certain subjects. Pupils are encouraged to pursue their talents, whether in music, sport or drama and instruction in all these is available. Last year 55% of graduating pupils won a scholarship to their chosen secondary school. Scholarships were given for academics, sport and music. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes -- if necessary and following consultations between teachers, parents and the school's headmaster. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
A brief oral and written assessment is required for pupils entering the school from the age of five and above. This mainly involves Mathematics and English. |
| Waiting list |
Yes |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
February 28th |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Only in exceptional circumstances. |
| School start time |
7.30am - 8.15am (depending on year) |
| School finish time |
1230pm - 4pm (depending on year) |
| Supervised care before/after school |
If enrolled in an activity such as swimming or music. |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
A vegetarian option is available on a daily basis. |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
adventure, badminton, ballet, ceramics, debating, discussion and current affairs groups, drama, fencing, general knowledge, horse-riding, jewelry art, karate, nature and hiking, roller-skating, tae-kwon-do. Music -- tuition in all major instruments; ABRSM exams, senior choir, junior choir, senior orchestra, junior orchestra. Our pupils participate in orchestral and choir events across Kenya. School plays are preformed by the drama department. There are regular field trips and excursions to national parks, mountains and cities across the country as well as regular trips abroad (For example, in the last two years there has been a history trip to the UK, a French trip to France and a music and skiing trip to Austria) |
| Sports activities included |
PE, swimming, cricket, hockey, football, netball, rounders |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes -- We field teams for both boys and girls at Under-9, Under-11 and Under-13 level. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
A swimming pool on site. Children are taken by bus up to three times a week for sport at two local clubs where the school has hired pitches. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Founded in 1950, Cavina is the second oldest international-curriculum school in Kenya. We pride ourselves on a traditional, Christian education in an intimate, family environment. Pupils are encouraged to express themselves and to pursue their dreams but always within a disciplined atmosphere where respect for rules and for other people is vigorously fostered. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Cavina upholds the best values a traditional British prep school |
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