Prep

Organisation of the day

The school opens at 8 a.m. and children should be in their classrooms for registration at 8.30 a.m. 

Children who are dropped off before 8.15 a.m. go to the member of staff on duty in the playground.

At 8.20 a.m. they go to their own classrooms where they are supervised by their teachers until registration at 8.30 a.m. 

The majority of children should arrive for 8.30 a.m. 

At 9 a.m. the white door will be locked and any latecomers should use the front door.  The white door is alarmed.

Children are encouraged to be independent and come into school on their own.  This makes the corridors less congested and therefore less hazardous for the youngest children.

Curriculum

In the Prep School we aim to develop each child's natural talent to the full in an atmosphere of happy and understanding encouragement.  Every child is encouraged to undertake every task to the best of his or her ability.

The curriculum is based on not only preparing children for the Kent Test or Entrance Exams to Senior Independent schools at the age of 11, but also on equipping them with the skills and knowledge that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.

English

We aim to ensure that children understand, speak, write and appreciate the language in all its various uses - essay writing, comprehension, poetry, stories, analytical judgements etc.

It is important that they enjoy the 'feel' of language and to appreciate the relationship between language and culture.  The formal side of the production of work is considered most important, with emphasis on grammar, spelling, planning, checking and punctuation.  Within this framework we hope for creative, imaginative and thoughtful use of language.

Maths

We aim to make the children confident in the use of numbers and in applying skills learnt to the task of problem solving in real life examples.  Children learn to think logically, reason carefully and understand the process used in Mathematics.

Science

Science is a continuous process by which we gain knowledge and understanding of the world.  It is concerned with acquiring not only knowledge but our relationship between our environment and us.  Children will gain scientific ways of working - decision making, interpretation of evidence and the communication of ideas.

French

In our French lessons emphasis is placed firmly upon communication, each child is encouraged  to take a full and active part in language learning activities.  The children also have the opportunity to go on a residential trip to France and stay at La Chateau de la Baudonnière, a fantastic week where the children are 'immersed' in French.

History

The children look at historical texts and other evidence in order to make conclusions about events.  They will acquire a basic knowledge of the subject and will be taught to write essays based on learned historical fact.

Geography

Geography in its broadest definition is the study of the world and how systems in the world change and interact.  This will include studying areas such as map work, recycling, transport and agriculture.

Religious Studies

Our aim is to give children a basic understanding of the bible and the Christian religion.  We also encourage an understanding of other faiths and religions.  The children learn that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and learn to discuss and accept the views of others whatever their own may be.

ICT

We aim to make the children computer literate.  The children will use the skills they have learnt to enhance their work in all areas of the curriculum.

Music

Whilst Music is taught throughout the school many children learn instruments or have singing lessons on an individual basis.  There are weekly string instrument and choir rehearsals.  There are regular school concerts for both individuals and groups.

Speech and Drama

Drama lessons give the children the opportunity for self expression and for the growth of self confidence.  We enter children into the Thanet Festival and Kent Festival for Speech and Drama, the children also have the opportunity to take LAMDA exams.  At the end of the year we have a school entertainment which involves every child singing, dancing and acting.

P.S.E.

Every child receives Personal and Social Education each week in ' Family Time ', which helps the children look at themselves and their relationships with those around them.  We have a school council made up of two representatives from each class.  This allows all children to voice any concerns they have at school.