Our Philosophy

Pre-Prep Years 1 and 2

By the end of Year 2, our aim is that children will have grown in self-confidence and be happy to be a full member of the school community.  We offer an all-round education in Years 1 and 2 and the extensive curriculum encourages the children to become independent and responsible, preparing them for life in the Junior Prep department.

Children are given many opportunities to excel in all areas of school life - through their curriculum work, their behaviour, in termly dramatic and musical productions and in taking part in extra-curricular activities. Their achievements are celebrated in class, assembly and chapel.

The curriculum offered to the children in Years 1 and 2 provides opportunities for them to work at their own ability level.  We advocate the use of work in small groups as well as in classes and year groups in order to accelerate learning in English and Maths which are taught using the Read Write Inc. and Making Maths Make Sense schemes.  The most able children can reach standards in these core subjects which are up to 18 months in advance of their calendar age norms.

We teach French, Music and Sport using specialist teachers and ensure that the children are provided with many opportunities to discover the world outside the classroom.  We are proud of our Forest School, and our location gives us many opportunities for termly day trips to places of educational interest.

Sue Pulleyn, Head of Pre Prep

sue.pulleyn@barrowhills.org.uk