The Pre-Prep

Pre-Prep refers to Reception, Prep 1 and Prep 2, or ages 4 to 7. At this stage we lay the vital foundations for each pupil’s future school career. Each class has their own experienced teacher to provide security and continuity in the early years. Pupils also spend time with our subject specialists in Art, Sport, Music, Languages, Forest School and Computing. A team of teaching assistants support our larger classes and parents come in on a voluntary basis to hear our pupils read.

We develop independence and a thirst for learning at this stage by setting a range of challenges for pupils to complete, alongside their main curriculum. We follow exciting cross-curricular topics to ensure that the children become totally immersed in their learning.

Pupils benefit enormously from our enhanced curriculum. From Reception children have lessons in French, Spanish, Art, Music, Religious Education, Performing Arts and Forest School. In addition to this, they enjoy two hours of PE and an hour of swimming each week, as part of their normal timetable.

From Prep 2, pupils have access to individual music lessons, and most children learn at least one instrument, which complements the early composition work they complete in their weekly curriculum lesson. ABRSM (Music) and LAMDA (Drama) examinations are available, along with lots of opportunities to perform, including our Pre-Prep Nativity, which takes place in the main school theatre each December.

Our beautiful grounds provide an extended outdoor classroom and we use every opportunity to learn outdoors not just in the dedicated Forest School sessions. Every Pre-Prep class goes on wellie walks each week and gardening and outdoor skills feature heavily in the after-school activity programme, as well as in lesson time.

In addition to this, we encourage good manners, respect and courtesy towards others as defined in our Golden Rules. We provide excellent pastoral care enabling our pupils to develop positive relationships with each other and the adults around them.

Every pupil in the Pre-Prep has an online learning journal in which their assessment data is collated, and photos and videos of their achievements and joys at school can be shared directly with you at home.