High academic expectations in the Prep Department go hand in hand with pastoral care and a commitment to see all children make the most of the many opportunities available to them to achieve their full potential.
Our broad and balanced curriculum, which is based on the National Curriculum, is enriched with high quality teaching making full use of our specialist rooms and facilities. In all subjects children have the opportunity to learn in interesting and stimulating ways. Independence is encouraged and appropriate challenge and support is given from well-qualified support staff. Homework is introduced from Form 3 to support the children’s learning in school.
Thorough preparation in English, maths and verbal reasoning means that Form 6 children have the option to participate in the Consortium Selective Test (11+). Of those that choose this route the majority are successful in gaining entry to one of the local Grammar Schools. Likewise, many of the children who sit entrance tests for independent senior schools are successful in gaining entry or scholarship awards.
Regular monitoring of children’s attainment and progress means that we build up a thorough knowledge of each child’s ability and can ensure that the children’s learning needs are met and parents are well informed of their child’s progress. By the end of the Prep department Form 6 children achieve well above the national average in Key Stage 2 SATs tests in English and maths.
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Our recently introduced programme of Outdoor Education is already providing the children with experiences of team building and personal challenges beyond the classroom and further opportunities to acquire new skills whilst also enhancing self-esteem and respect for others and the environment.
We are very proud of our strong musical heritage and under the direction of our Head of Music the children achieve enviably high standards. Facilitated by our team of dedicated instrumental teachers more than 50% of pupils in the Prep department are involved in more than one musical activity each week as a member of one of the three choirs, two orchestras, a variety of instrumental ensembles or in individual instrumental lessons. There are many opportunities for children to perform in class, whole school events, assemblies and school concerts. The senior choir is regularly invited to join local choral societies to perform in public.
French language skills are encouraged not only in class but also in assembly presentations. Form 6 children have the opportunity to further improve their oral skills and knowledge of French life by going on a residential visit to France. There are also opportunities to learn Spanish and German in extra-curricular activities.
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All classes have specialist lessons in Speaking and Listening. The confidence that children develop through these classes is evident in their oral responses in class as well as in assemblies and concerts. Form 6 pupils show just how much they have benefited from these lessons in the major dramatic production they undertake during the summer term. Extra-curricular drama groups are extremely popular.
All pupils are able to participate in a wide range of sporting activities in their PE and games lessons. Extra-curricular sports and games clubs allow children to further develop their skills and to build the team dimension. Our sports teams compete against those from local primary schools and other independent schools in tournaments and friendly matches. All children compete in our annual Inter-House Sports Day in track and field events, both as individuals and as part of their House team.
A varied programme of educational visits, residential experiences and visitors to the school, helps to further enrich the curriculum and to foster new skills.
By the time the children reach the top of the school they face the next exciting stage of their educational journey with enthusiasm and surety having benefited from a thorough preparation for all that lies ahead.
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