In the Upper Prep School, our Form Teachers, all of whom are primary specialists, teach the majority of lessons in our well-resourced classrooms. Gradually, specialist teaching is introduced until, by Year 6, approximately half of all lessons are delivered by subject specialists, many of whom also teach in our Senior School. Setting in Mathematics begins in Year 4 but these groupings are fairly fluid and girls may move from one to another as their skills and confidence develops. Spanish is introduced in Year 5 and Latin in Year 6.
We follow the National Curriculum guidelines for English, Science, Computing and Mathematics, Humanities, Modern Foreign Languages, Music and Drama but, as an independent school, we are not constrained by them. Instead, we use this guidance as a tool to inform our own unique curriculum, to make the learning pertinent and enjoyable for our pupils, with lessons tailored to their needs and interests.
All year groups go on a residential visit, starting with two nights in Year 4 and developing to a week in Year 6. The girls enjoy numerous day trips, workshops, performance opportunities and theatre trips, including a French language interactive theatre show. There is a much anticipated Prep School Drama production that every girl takes part in. Choir is a popular extra-curricular club, as are the various sports clubs, and we have a high uptake of co-curricular Music and Drama lessons.
Across the Upper Prep School, we regularly address a specific core value through assemblies and PSHEE lessons and have a strong tradition of excellent pastoral care.
