The majority of our pupils start in Reception and benefit from having a fully-qualified, experienced teacher and a full-time teaching assistant for a class size between 12 and 18 pupils. While we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, we are also able to enrich the children’s learning with specialised teaching and additions, such as Outdoor Learning in our Wilderness area. Throughout the year, parents are partners in their child’s learning, accessing and adding to their child’s learning journey through the digital Tapestry journal. Maths and Literacy are taught a little more formally, but the majority of learning is through topics and a balance of child-led and teacher-initiated activities. 

The Year 1 team works closely with the Reception team to ensure that every pupil has the very best transition to Key Stage 1. Throughout the year there is a move to more formal learning in the classroom, particularly in Maths and English. The curriculum is structured to capture every child’s interest and engage their imagination. Topic work includes Space, Dinosaurs, Magic & Mystery and Pirates, with visits and visitors always high on the agenda.  

When moving into Year 2, teachers encourage more independence and the timetable is planned so that subjects become more clearly defined. The firm foundations gained in the two previous years are essential. Maths and English are taught every day and remain the backbone of our curriculum, but the teaching maintains width and depth, encouraging every pupil to enjoy their learning, experience success and build confidence.

The pupils in Year 3 enjoy being the oldest in the Pre-Prep. Whilst they undoubtedly have to work hard academically, they enjoy the responsibilities and independence that come with being in the top year of the Pre-Prep. The timetable incorporates increased games teaching and pupils start to have matches with local schools. Year 3 pupils are instrumental in helping with younger pupils at lunchtime, playtimes and after school, and they hold many monitor roles encouraging the leadership and responsibility that will be valuable later in their school life. In the Trinity Term we prepare for the transition to the Prep School, when we proudly watch the children move on with confidence and excitement, knowing they have built the academic and social foundations on which they will thrive.