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Kestrel Manor School was founded more than thirty years ago, and is one of the first multi-cultural schools of its kind in Kenya. Situated in the residential area of Westlands , it is surrounded by three acres of beautiful garden and mature trees.
Kestrel Manor School is a co-educational school for children of Kindergarten , Primary School and Secondary School age. In our integrated school students of average and above average ability are able to realize their full potential with the proper guidance of our dedicated teaching force. Others are provided with good foundation for learning and achieving academically by
our specially trained teachers from the Learning Support Unit. 
At Kestrel Manor School students are provided with a more stress-free environment than is possible in larger mainstream schools. Students are cared for by responsible staff who are able to give them the help and encouragement they need. Students are taught
by Learning Specialists who are aware of individual learning styles.
Kestrel Manor School provides a well rounded education based on solid foundation skills - to solve problems, make choices and decisions, apply skills and knowledge and to communicate effectively.
Kestrel Manor School provides a caring environment, which promotes personal involvement and enthusiasm for learning.
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:: Our Philosophy
 Our Philosophy is based on the uniqueness of each child. Each child is encouraged to bring forth his or her own qualities and feelings, which are respected. Teachers are open and prepared to listen and learn
with the children. Apart from the purely intellectual side, we recognize other values such as self expression, socialization and the encouragement of a positive self-image. Such a foundation equips children to cope with the most stressful situations,
which they may encounter on leaving Kestrel Manor.
Children's Needs
Throughout the school we relate the children's learning process to their level of emotional and intellectual maturity. All children need the basic skills of reading, writing and numeracy as tools for learning, but these skills are not an end in themselves.
Young children are generally curious, independent in thought, love life and feel good about themselves. We wish them to keep these qualities and find meaning and enjoyment in all they do.
Interaction
Interaction is fostered amongst children and teachers. We aim to help one another. We do not encourage competition as this can engender anxieties in any child and discourage pupils with disabilities. It can also inhibit a child's capacity to be responsible
for their own progress. To win at all costs can become more important than learning; failure can lead to anxiety, lack of effort and poor achievement. Frequently, exams stress children and quite often do not measure originality, imagination, values, judgment
or creativity. However, at Primary level we introduce continuous assessment tests leading to exams at the end of each term.
Learning
We offer activity-based learning to encourage the natural growth of a child through action and play. A child needs to be an active participant both mentally and physically; it is therefore our role at Kestrel Manor to realize every child's potential. We
believe children have their own individual strengths and we aim to bring out these qualities, while at the same time improving their weaknesses and teaching them to accept those in others. In an atmosphere where compassion and sensitivity are fostered, a child
feels secure and happy.
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:: Learning Facilities
Our gaily-painted classrooms are individually set in spacious gardens and play areas. There are library facilities and a full complement of specialist rooms for Music, Computer, Special Needs and Speech Therapy. Our well-equipped kitchen offers nutritious
meals for the children. Our classes are small enough for individualized teaching but large enough for social interaction.
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:: Children with Learning Difficulties
Elizabeth Kruger has been working
at KMS as speech therapist for over four years. |
Kestrel Manor prides itself in offering the services of highly trained specialists for
The school also caters for children with hearing problems who can cope with normal classroom situations. |
» More about our Learning Support Unit
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:: Staff
All staff are self-motivated and committed to the philosophy of the school. All individualized instruction is done by qualified special needs teachers, who also plan and supervise language and maths teaching. Our regular workshops ensure that our teachers
become conversant with modern teaching methods and philosophies.
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:: Curriculum
Every class has a standard programme which is then tailored to suit the needs of each individual child. Activity-based learning is enjoyable and fulfilling.
Our Kindergarten Section provides an enriching environment for learning through play. The teachers here are innovative and sensitive to the needs of these very young children.
The curriculum followed for ages 5 upwards, is the British National Curriculum of which Key stage 1 is for ages 5 to 7 and Key stage 2 is for 7 upwards. Included in the school curriculum are PE, swimming, art and computer classes.
Subjects
 In the Primary Section we concentrate on the core subjects: Mathematics, English and Science. However other foundation
subjects are also taught; History, Geography, Information and Communication Technology, Modern Foreign Language (French), Art and Design, Physical Education (PE), Swimming, Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Comparative Religious Education (RE).
PSHE and RE provide opportunities to promote a pupil's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Art & Music have a special place in the school curriculum. Young children's spontaneous artwork is a form of free expression. As they learn to control and organize their early art forms the children improve their own fine motor control and visual
discrimination, which are necessary preparations for learning to read and write. Art is a natural way to begin and continue learning and the techniques learnt at this early stage can lead to life-long enjoyment.
Information Technology (IT) forms an integral part of vital studies.
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Music is also part of the curriculum. Annual musicals are held with all the children and teachers being fully involved. The school has a small choir and orchestra group.
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» Read more about our Curriculum
» Education Systems in Nairobi
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:: Extra Curricular Activities
The school has a varied programme of extra curricular activities designed to widen the children's knowledge, giving them an increased opportunity to interact with others. Additional activities offered are Creative Drama, Instrumental Music, LAMDA, Music and
Movement, Ballet, Taekwondo, Horse Riding and Camping. Piano, guitar lessons and voice training are also offered. More... |
Every year parents and children enjoy the Art Fun Day where activities range from making necklaces to painting murals on school walls. |
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:: School Organisation
ENTRY
The academic year begins in the September term. Entry to the school is preferable at that time but students may be accepted at any time in the year. Acceptance follows assessment and an interview. » Admission Form
SCHOOL TIMES
The school operates a five day week, Monday to Friday.
Playgroup classes offer half day (8:30 am - 12 noon) and full day programmes (8:30 am - 3:00 pm).
For Primary and Secondary sections the day starts formally at 8.15 a.m. and ends at 3.15 p.m. There are 9 half hour lessons per day. Students are asked to be on the school premises by 8.10 a.m.
LUNCH
A proper mid-day meal is cooked on the premises and available to all students, a selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes is always prepared. Students may also bring home packed lunches.
HOMEWORK
Throughout the primary section teachers are keenly aware that a balance must be struck between academic progress through homework and the child enjoying a home life free of undue labour imposed from school. Homework is essential and will
increase as the child grows older. Private study becomes a vital element in the education process and increases as the child gets older.
UNIFORM
KMS has a uniform for primary students. While not compulsory to wear it on a daily basis, it must be worn on visits to other schools and institutions.
For secondary students it is comulsary to wear the uniform.
FEES
KMS is a medium-cost school offering an international curriculum. Please refer to our fees schedule.
TRANSPORT
A number of privately managed school transporters service the school.
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:: Parental Involvement
We expect parents to be actively involved in their children's education. Although we have formal parent-teacher interviews, parents communicate with the teachers on a daily basis through the diaries. The Headmistress welcomes parents to see her whenever
they wish. We are proud of our open-door policy, which makes our children confident, happy, and enjoy their schooling here.
Parents/Teachers Association (PTA)
As parents you have the opportunity to be involved in the school. The constitution of the PTA gives the mandate to a committee to participate fully in developmental projects to enhance the learning environment of the children. Parental involvement is vital
for the growth and well being of a school. KMS gives parents the opportunity through the PTA to fully participate in the progress of their children.
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:: Health & Medical
The school requires medical certificates for each child to ensure the well being of our school community. While at the school your child can benefit from an ambulance emergency medical cover.
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:: The Future
 Since the addition of the primary section in 1999, the school has witnessed a real need to offer an integrated programme. Many private schools have little or no opportunities for children who have special
educational needs. Our teachers are sensitive to the varied needs of the children of today. 'Talk and chalk' is a traditional method of teaching which has no place at KMS.
Having set up a Primary Section to cater to the individual needs of our students, it was obvious that we would have to consider a Secondary Section, as well. Thus, our Secondary Section began with two classes in September 2002. Our students will be
preparing eventually for the IGCSE examinations.
Our children are able to continue their schooling at British as well as American curriculum-based schools. We are proud to have our children leave us confident, sociable, independent and well-adjusted young boys and girls.
» Parent Testimonials
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