Preparatory School

Preparatory Subjects

Mathematics and Numeracy within the Preparatory School

Pupils are taught mathematical language and concepts through innovative and active learning and with the use of ICT.

Pupils learn to:~

• To count and understand number
• To add, subtract, divide and multiply
• To know all the number facts and to use and apply them to calculate using a calculator.
• To understand shape and measure.
• To understand how to handle data.

Pupils in the Preparatory School follow the National Curriculum QCA Scheme of Work for Key Stages 1 and 2 Mathematics.

Expected Attainment Levels

Key Stage One

• Year One – Level 2
• Year Two - Level 3

Key Stage Two

• Year Three – Level 3
• Year Four – Level 3/4
• Year Five – Level 4
• Year Six – Level 5

English and Literacy within the Preparatory School

Our pupils learn to develop their English and Literacy in the following areas:~

• Speaking, Listening and responding.
• Discussion , Interaction and Drama.
• Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling.
• Sentence Structure.
• Interpretation of Stories and Poetry.
• Engaging and responding.
• Independent and Creative reading and writing

All of this is done, to ensure that as writing and reading develops, each of our pupils learn to structure, organise and present their written work to a high standard. At the end of Year Six, our pupils are competent readers and writers.

Expected Attainment Levels

Key Stage One

• Year One – Level 2
• Year Two - Level 3

Key Stage Two

• Year Three – Level 3
• Year Four – Level 3/4
• Year Five – Level 4
• Year Six – Level 5

Science within the Preparatory School

Pupils develop scientific ideas and knowledge to relate these to everyday experiences. They learn to be imaginative explore values and attitudes through Science. They explore the world with their senses. They are taught to think critically about scientific claims and ideas. They use mathematical skills in science using scientific terminology. They are encouraged to be active and creative in Science. Pupils learn to draw diagrams and charts to communicate scientific ideas and findings. Pupils learn to carry out basic scientific experiments in a controlled and safe environment.

Expected Attainment Levels

Key Stage One

• Year One – Level 2
• Year Two - Level 3

Key Stage Two

• Year Three – Level 3
• Year Four – Level 3/4
• Year Five – Level 4
• Year Six – Level 5

Citizenship/Personal, Social, Health and Emotional Education (PSHE) within the Preparatory School

Within the Preparatory school, both Citizenship and PSHE are central to all that we do, as pupils contribute to decision making and organisation. Their contribution is important as they are taught skills they will need to become confident, healthy, independent, informed and active individuals within both our school and the wider community. Some of the key topics covered by our Preparatory pupils:~

• Right and Wrong.
• Roles and Responsibilities.
• Rules, Laws, Power and Authority.
• Equality and Diversity.
• Communities and Identities.
• Democracy.
• Conflict, power and Co-operation.

Pupils are encouraged to think and talk about all these issues and how they effect peoples lives.

Information Communication Technology within the Preparatory School

Information Communication Technology (ICT) is used across the Curriculum in all subjects.

Pupils also receive specific ICT lessons, where they learn to explore and adventure into programmes, as well as learning about computer hardware and software (appropriate to their National Curriculum Levels).

Expected Attainment Levels

Key Stage One

• Year One – Level 2
• Year Two - Level 2/3

Key Stage Two

• Year Three – Level 3
• Year Four – Level 3/4
• Year Five – Level 4
• Year Six – Level 5

Pupils learn :~

• The use of Word-banks to create text.
• How to question data presented them in Pictograms.
• To use ICT to write stories and attach pictures.
• To use ICT in a variety of different subject areas – English, Design Technology and Science for instance.
• About the use ICT to design posters and to create pictures and diagrams.
• To use computers to answer questions and recognise the need to have the correct software and limitations of not having up to date or correct software.
• How to store their work and retrieve it at a later date.
• How to use ICT programmes to create sounds.
• To use database programmes to create bar charts and graphs.
• To explore computer simulations.
• To send and retrieve e-mail.
• To extract forms to write narratives.
• To use clip art and digital cameras to create images using ICT.
• To create questionnaires and collect and present information.
• To analyse and present data in graphs.
• To use appropriate tools to check their work and amend it.
• To create Spread sheets.
• To understand how computers control environmental conditions such as Weather Forecasting and Central Heating.
• How to create a multimedia presentation.
• Basic computer control and programming.
• How to research using the internet and extract data to present appropriately in text documents.

History within the Preparatory School

Pupils learn about the past through stories, songs and the use of interactive materials such as ICT , DVDs and Videos to develop their understanding of past and present and how this effects our current and future history.

Pupils learn:

• About the development of Britain, Europe and the World.
• To use historical language to describe events, artefacts and sources.
• Familiar and famous people in history.

To use ICT and different sources to question authenticity of artefacts and scenarios both critically and objectively.

Topics with in the National Curriculum Framework for History begins with Toys, Homes and Holidays from the past, Florence Nightingale, Mary Secom and The Great Fire of London in Years 1 and 2 through to The Romans, Anglo Saxons, the Vikings, Henry VIII, Tudor Homes, Rich and Poor, Ancient Egypt and Victorian Britain with Years 3 to 4. Years 5 and 6 develop on some of the topics and go on to cover areas such as British History 1900’s, Ancient Greece, Indus Valley Civilisations, The Second World War and Britain’s place in the world today.

Geography within the Preparatory School

Pupils develop the knowledge and skills required to gain an understanding of their own environment and that of the people who live within it. By doing this, pupils gain further insight into the wider world around them. Pupils look at people and places within the UK and Overseas and consider how each relates to one another.

Pupils learn:

• How to use geographical concepts and terminology appropriately.
• How to observe and investigate how people have an impact on their local and wider environment.
• Through trips and the use of ICT to widen their geographical knowledge and understanding.
• To discuss about their local areas and their home environments in small groups.
• To use maps, plans, areal photography and globes when attempting to make specific geographical findings.
• Ask questions about local areas in relation to the wider community.
• To use number and letter co-ordinates.

Some of the topics covered by pupils with the Preparatory School are as follows:~ Weather, Rainfall, Temperature, Wind speed, Towns, Villages, Cities, World countries and their scales and Population.

Pupils use ICT to investigate maps, diagrams and pictures to investigate local and major rivers using appropriate geographical vocabulary such as Erosion, Source and Current etc. Pupils relate rivers to their National Boundaries, Mountain Ranges and locations using the Internet to explore and research.

Art and Design within the Preparatory School

Pupils imagination and creativity stimulated by providing visual, tactile and sensory experiences with use of a variety of substances and materials. Pupils explore their own Artistic and Designing abilities through:

• Drawing and Painting.
• Designing images and artefacts.
• Considering the work of varying artists, and learning to appreciate and make comments on their work.
• Use of ICT, pupils learn to develop their skills in Self-Portrait.
• The use of different materials and textiles.
• Sculpture.
• Building design and patterns.
• Objects and their meanings.
• Pupils develop greater appreciation of art through visits to art galleries and museums.

Design Technology within the Preparatory School

Pupils are given the opportunity to develop their designing and making skills to create high quality products using and selecting appropriate materials, tools and techniques. Pupils work safely with others and are taught to recognise hazards. Pupils work with electrical and mechanical and more complex structures. By doing this pupils learn to consider the design process and through appreciation, evaluate their design work in order to improve overall technique. Pupils learn to develop both 2D and 3D designs from a variety of design stimulus including moving pictures, playground designs, buildings, vehicles, puppets, packaging, photo frames, toys, story books to name a few.

Home Economics within the Preparatory School

This subject is linked to Design Technology as it develops pupils understanding of the design process. Pupils learn the importance of food preparation and cooking in line with healthy eating. Pupils investigate and taste different foods considering appearance, taste, smell and texture. Pupils design, explore and develop foods including salads, soups, Smoothies, pizzas, jelly, fruit yoghurt, bread biscuits, cakes and sandwiches. Pupils are taught to follow basic recipes, food hygiene regulations, measure ingredients correctly and devise basic healthy menu’s.

Physical Education and Games within the Preparatory School

Pupils learn to acquire and develop skills through Dance, Games, Gymnastics, Swimming, Striking and Field Games, outdoor and adventure activities, net and ball games.

Pupils enjoy participating in:

• Pupil are encouraged to develop a competitive spirit and to participate in our extra-curricular sports. These are offered in most of the sports listed seasonally throughout the year.
• Pupils are given the opportunity to represent their school in sports fixtures.

Performing Arts within the Preparatory School

Pupils confidence and self esteem is built with Dance, Drama and Singing. Pupils learn to use movement, music and role play to explore and communicate ideas. A range of dance styles, songs, plays and narratives are used from different eras. Pupils participate in a staged production every term. In the Autumn Term we have our Annual Fashion Show and Christmas show for each department from pre-preparatory through to High school. All pupils are given the opportunity to participate. A professional approach is taken by staff and pupils with staging, lighting, PA , costume and music to ensure that all performances are to a high standard and a great success on the night.

We have had many of our students who have moved onto successful careers in performing arts, singing and Musical theatre due to the sound training from Overstone Park.

Religious Education within the Preparatory School

Pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other major religions in Great Britain. They explore the differences in religion through learning about key issues such as Beliefs, Values, Customs and Duties. Pupils explore the concept of God and learn how to make moral decisions and the impact these decisions have on others around them. Our pupils do not have religious beliefs forced onto them and are encouraged to respect their own religion.

Religions studied are that of Christianity, Buddhism,. Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Judaism, in which pupils consider key belief systems, religious doctrine and customs and values. Pupils are taught to extract information from a variety of sources including reference books, text books, religious texts, CD Roms and the Internet.

Music within the Preparatory School

Pupils are taught to make and respond to a variety of differing musical instruments and genre. Pupils gain an appreciation of a wide range of musical genre from a variety of different historical periods and world backgrounds. Pupils learn to perform using a wide range of musical instruments and vocal techniques. Pupils learn to structure sound to create different moods and effects. Pupils learn a wide variety of musical terminology which they learn to use appropriately. Pupils learn to compose, improvise and perform using both musical annotation and by ear. Pupils are encouraged to join the school orchestra. Pupils are encouraged to join the school choir.

A wide range of instruments are available for hire from the school All pupils are encouraged to join the school band from Year 4 upwards. There are two band practice seminars per week. Pupils are also given the opportunity to take Music grade examinations in chosen instruments. A music assembly is held weekly, which gives pupils the opportunity to perform in front of their peers and the whole school. These pupils also perform at school events such as Prize Giving and Speech Day and our Annual Talent Contest. Within the school we endeavour to allow our pupils the opportunities to excel within all of their chosen instruments.

The school has a wide range of instruments that are available for pupils to hire on a termly basis.

French within the Preparatory School

Pupils within the Preparatory School learn our primary Modern Foreign Language of French from Year 1. Pupils cover all four areas of French- Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. Pupils begin with colours, numerical language, French songs and food items to establish their vocabulary. Pupils are encouraged to listen to a wide range of French speaking to enhance and encourage their ability to reproduce sounds and engage in simple conversation. Pupils move on to develop an understanding of the writing and structure of the language, learning rules and patterns in the written language. Their ability to write effectively assists with their reading and the ongoing development of their speaking and listening skills.