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Learning and Development
Our job is to enable children to learn and to encourage them to
enjoy learning. We will help each child to acquire and develop
skills. We want each of them to leave us with a sense of wonder at
what there is still to discover about themselves and the world they
live in, to have the confidence to do this and to respect all people
and the world around them.
In Pre-Prep we make the most of the wonderful surroundings and
grounds we have. From the very earliest age children are developing
skills, knowledge and understanding by learning outside, in the
woodland areas, in and around the tree house and in wide open
spaces. We value the importance of learning and developing within
different environments and outdoor learning experiences continue
throughout the Pre-Prep and beyond.
We deliver a broad and balanced curriculum which adheres to but is
not restricted by the requirements of the National Curriculum and
the Early Learning Goals for children under 5 years.
By working closely with each child and with our knowledge of how
young children best learn we ensure that varied needs are met.
The staff are skilled in setting realistic targets and
providing the motivation to enable your child to progress to the
best of their abilities.
Kindergarten and Reception
During these two years the children move through the progressive
steps towards the Early Learning Goals.
The topics which the teachers choose to assess the learning
and development are planned using children’s interests and
experiences, as key planning factors.
The staff use ‘what the children know and enjoy’ and ‘what
they can do’ as starting points for learning.
Careful planning and observation of the children as they play
and undertake new activities, with support, allow us to help each
child develop new skills, knowledge and understanding in a
meaningful and fun way.
Pre-reading, writing and number activities are given time and are
valued within the classroom.
They are taught with the topic context in practical and
meaningful ways which the children can then assess in their play.
For children in Reception, more focused writing and reading
may commence when the children are ready physically, mentally and
emotionally.
Year One and Two
During these years the children will concentrate on developing their
basic English and Maths skills each morning in varied and
exciting ways. Our aim is
to set the foundations for reading, writing, spelling, number,
calculating, measure and shape very firmly.
This is done by profiling the children in their competencies
rather than follow any one scheme.
By carefully planning for groups of children the Teachers can
continue to work at a level appropriate to the development of the
children in their class.
Topic and project work is enjoyed each afternoon. It is chosen carefully in order to engage the children and to ensure that a balance of all curriculum subjects is included.
In Year Two children also enjoy aspects of their curriculum being taught by teachers from ‘Big Malsis’. This enables them to make an easy transition into Year 3.
Children from Reception upwards have a French lesson once a week
with Madame Blanshard.
By the end of Year Two an excellent educational foundation has been
laid and children leaving Pre-Prep will be prepared to progress with
confidence into Year 3.
An introduction to I.C.T
All classrooms are equipped with a computer and age appropriate
software to enable the children to become familiar with and use
modern technology.
There is a smart board in the Year Two classroom which enables the
children to use topic related web sites and games, practice
handwriting on a large scale and much more. Both Years One and Two
enjoy the use of the ‘Big Malsis’ I.T Suite to develop their
confidence in logging onto a school network and to use the
computers in a fun and developmental way.
Support for Pupils
Every child will be taught at a level which gives them confidence
in their own abilities but also sets them challenges and goals.
By working closely with the Director of Enhancing Learning
all children are enabled to work in a natural way which does not
force skills and learning before a child is ready. When areas of
concern are identified we work closely with parents to discuss steps
forward.
Homework
This is kept to a minimum. Children need time at home to relax with their parents.
In Kindergarten and Reception parents will be actively encouraged to
read to their children.
This is the best model and support for children learning
to read. Much later on
Reception books will be shared between school and home if it is
appropriate for the individual child.
We provide guidance and support to parents at the appropriate
time to ensure they have an understanding of how best to support
this.
In Years One and Two reading books will be provided as part of the
‘reading together’ homework which we promote.
This should always be enjoyable for the child.
We wish to instil a love of reading and books in the
children. Spelling work
will begin when the children are ready in Year One. In Year Two
Maths homework enables parents to see what is currently being
undertaken at school and to support Maths concepts at home.
