Pre-Prep Curriculum (4 – 7 years)
Most areas of the curriculum are taught by class teachers which, coupled with our small class sizes, ensures the teaching staff are aware of the level at which each child is working.
Class teachers appreciate the need to deliver information in a variety of different ways to suit children’s varying learning styles and abilities and adapt their teaching to suit. Children are taught in fluid, differentiated groups, depending on the subject and the progress of individuals within the class. In addition, children receive specialist teaching in Ballet, Computing & IT, Forest School, French, Music, PE and Swimming. The school has dedicated teaching facilities for Art/DT, Computing & IT, Music, PE and Science.
The Pre-Prep curriculum is designed to enable pupils to reach their full academic potential. The Reception curriculum is based upon the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage; teaching in Prep 1 and Prep 2 follows the guiding principles of the Key Stage 1 framework.
Children are introduced to the concept of Thinking Skills using Challenge Boxes as a way to broaden and develop their learning skills. The Challenge Boxes are resources and activities which can be used to enhance reasoning ability, encourage intellectual curiosity and promote concentration, persistence and determination in children of all academic abilities, including the Gifted and Talented.
The Pre-Prep teaching staff believe the best way to reinforce learning is through the little and often approach which allows children to consolidate their understanding without losing their enthusiasm. Hence, emphasis is placed upon regular use of the popular Mathletics programme, the weekly spellings tests and regular reading opportunities, in addition to small amounts of other prep for older children.
Throughout the academic year a number of educational trips and visiting speakers enrich the curriculum and extend learning.
Prep Curriculum (7 – 11 years)
The Prep curriculum is designed to ignite, enthuse and empower our pupils to bring the very best out in themselves.
Most areas of the curriculum are taught by class teachers which, coupled with our small class sizes, ensures the teaching staff are aware of the level at which each child is working. Class teachers appreciate the need to deliver information in a variety of different ways to suit children’s varying learning styles and abilities and adapt their teaching to suit. Children receive specialist teaching in Computing & IT, Drama, French, Music, PE and Swimming. The school has dedicated teaching facilities for Art/DT, Computing & IT, Music, PE and Science. Teaching follows the guiding principles of the Key Stage 2 framework, although curriculum lessons may be supported or enriched and extended to meet the needs of the pupils.
The children continue with the Thinking Skills concept introduced in Pre-Prep using Challenge Boxes as a way to broaden and develop their learning skills. In Prep 5 and 6, the children are invited to participate in an enrichment programme which complements this greater depth of learning and is designed to appeal to those demonstrating a natural talent or special interest in a particular discipline.
Throughout the academic year, a number of educational trips and visiting speakers enrich the curriculum and extend learning. Outdoor Learning is a regular, popular feature of Prep School life, as are residential trips to the Isle of Wight and Dorset in Prep 5 and Prep 6.
