The Pre-Preparatory Department is for children aged between four and seven.  These early school years are vital. The grounding that children receive in core subjects at this stage of their education lays the foundation for the rest of their schooling.  It is our aim that children should be taught within a happy environment to foster good learning habits and attitudes and be encouraged to learn self-reliance and self-discipline.  At the age of seven, children move to Year 3 in the main school.

Typical daily timetable

9:00                 School begins

9:15                 Assembly followed by lessons

10:30               Break (fruit and drink available) followed by lessons

12:10               Lunch at the main school

12:50               A quiet rest period and silent reading, then break

1:30                 Lessons

2:30                 Games

3:15                 Storytime

3:30                 End of the school day

3.30 – 5.10      After-School Clubs

Our Philosophy

The Pre-Preparatory staff believe that education must not only be purposeful but also enjoyable and the school day is one of well-directed activity.  Academic skills are taught by a combination of class teaching and group work, laying particular emphasis on the individual needs of each child.  Each classroom has a wide selection of reading and information books.  French, music, drama and IT play an important part in the curriculum.  Outings and educational trips are arranged in conjunction with the termly topic work.  During the daily morning Assembly, Christian principles are taught.  Parents are often invited to attend.

How we work

Creative activities are an important part of the curriculum, and each classroom is equipped with a wide range of materials which the children use to develop their artistic and creative skills.  There are computer, interactive whiteboard, TV and video resources available and the department also has use of the multimedia facilities of the main school. 

Learning Support

The recognition of learning difficulties is emphasised throughout the school.  Children in the Pre-Prep who appear to have difficulties with the acquisition of literacy skills are identified and given the appropriate support.  This is backed up by the school’s Learning Support Department.

Play and Sport

 Outside the classroom time is taken to benefit from fresh air and exercise in the splendid Packwood grounds, using special outdoor play and sports equipment.  Some of the games sessions each week are taken by staff from the main school.  The Sports Hall and Astroturf Pitch enable us to introduce a wide range of sports and swimming is enjoyed in the school pool.

After School Clubs

 On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday ‘After-School Clubs’ are offered, as an ‘Extra’, for the Acorns children. These enable the children to experience new activities, and are particularly helpful to busy parents and to those who may have older children in the main school. Clubs on offer have included Soccer Skills, Drama, Creative Club, Judo, Cookery and Craft.