Academic Overview
From the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Year 2, pupils embark on a carefully designed educational journey that lays strong academic foundations while nurturing curiosity, independence and a genuine love of learning.
Our Early Years pupils learn within a dedicated, self-contained classroom environment that includes its own outdoor learning space and facilities. Teaching follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, combining purposeful play, exploration and guided learning within a well-planned programme of continuous provision. The structure of the day provides reassuring rhythm and balance; mornings focus on early literacy and numeracy, establishing secure foundations in reading, writing and number, while afternoons are devoted to topic-based learning within our thoughtfully planned Exploration Curriculum. This thematic approach encourages children to ask questions, make connections and develop their natural sense of curiosity.
As pupils move into Years 1 and 2, they begin a more formal curriculum while continuing to benefit from the supportive structure of their classroom base. Teaching is led predominantly by the Form Tutor, allowing for consistency and a deep understanding of each child’s individual progress. Particular emphasis is placed on phonics, reading fluency and early mathematical understanding, ensuring pupils develop the essential skills that will underpin their future learning.
Small class sizes enable teachers to provide highly adaptive teaching, ensuring that every pupil is both supported and appropriately challenged. Alongside their core curriculum, pupils benefit from specialist teaching in French, Art, Design and Technology, Music and Sport, broadening their educational experience from the earliest years.
Learning is further enriched through regular outdoor learning opportunities and educational visits, both within the local community and further afield, allowing pupils to connect their classroom learning with the wider world.
Close partnership with parents is an important aspect of academic life within Pre-Prep. In EYFS, children’s development is documented through the Tapestry learning journal, offering parents a window into their child’s daily learning. Across the department, families receive regular communication and formal reports each half term, ensuring that progress is shared and celebrated together.