During the Lower Prep years, we strive to instil in our pupils the foundations they need to build a life-long love of study. To develop a natural sense of curiosity and to encourage each of them to apply and stretch themselves on their own personal learning journey.
We follow the National Curriculum in the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Art and Design, RE, Music, French, PE, PSHE and Computing. We recognise the appropriate level of stretch and challenge needed for each individual and pitch lessons accordingly, always providing the necessary level of support and encouragement that each child needs, and ensuring they gain a deep sense of fulfilment from their learning.
Teaching is progressive and throughout Lower Prep it becomes more specialised. In Year 3, pupils have specialist teachers for Music, Drama, Computing and Art, and by Year 6, though still having a Form Tutor for continuity and pastoral care, all their lessons are taught by specialist-trained teachers, readying them for the Upper Prep years and beyond.
We also provide variety in our lessons by embracing outside learning in our beautiful, leafy 23 acre grounds. We can take the classroom outside for Maths, Science, PE and more, and at break times the children can build dens, have fun on the Low Ropes course or enjoy the freedom to play in the meadow area and the cut trails. Our incredible grounds provide the backdrop to teach our pupils about sustainability and the environment from this very young age. From organised litter-picks to growing their own vegetable patches, pupils start to appreciate and feel responsible for the natural world they live in.
As a Microsoft Showcase School, we recognise the value in equipping our pupils with the skills to thrive in a modern world of technology. From Year 3, children have twice-weekly lessons in the ICT suite and by Year 6, the use of iPads is integral to their learning, from research and prep-work to creating presentations and movies.
