EXCERPTS FROM PARENT INTERVIEWS - 2010

'I notice a real appetite for learning from the children here, and an appetite for coming to school.'

'I believe that the teachers really do understand each child individually, that they KNOW your children.'

'I really like the no nonsense way the children are treated.'

'Children [at Ficino] are encouraged to be competitive but with humility and respect.'

'Both my children are athletes really - both are involved in sport, netball and hockey, and are loving it.  It is huge for them, they love the sport. Even though it is a small school with small grounds they can still do really well at sport.'

'My children were naturally quite shy - the building blocks of this school have allowed them to turn into confident young children.  I particularly see that through the drama which is very strong here.'

 'I have to say Cameron's artwork is phenomenal.  He was not an artist before Ficino - what he has brought home in recent years is absolutely amazing.'

'People are allowed to be their best but to use ideas of stillness and understanding of the human condition.'

'Children are taught to pause and that instills in them quite a calmness, they will even use it at home.'

'There is respect for adults, respect for each other, something you see less often these days.'