benefit from time with their class teacher and subject specialists
	begin weekly swimming lessons
	be able to attend extra-mural clubs and activities
	learn to read music and play the recorder
	be involved in music and drama productions

As the children move into the pre-preparatory department, they benefit from a maximum class sizes of 16 with their own qualified class teacher, supported by teaching assistants and specialist teachers for some subjects. Small classes enable the class teacher to provide a one-to-one education tailored to the needs of each child so that individual potential can be nurtured and realised.

Reception children are taught through half-termly topics that incorporate the Early Years Guidelines. Similar to the nursery, this programme encompasses personal and social development, communication, language and literacy, mathematics, knowledge and understanding of the world and creative and physical development but at an increasingly challenging level. In addition to free play and guided activities the children begin to have daily literacy and numeracy lessons.

Children in Years 1 and 2 are generally taught through separate subjects by class teachers and specialist teachers. Individual subjects contained within the curriculum are: - English; mathematics; science; history; geography; art; design and technology; music; information and communication technology; physical education; religious studies; personal, social and health education; and French. Whilst broadly following the National Curriculum, as an independent school, Springmead School is not constrained by it. The curriculum is structured to encompass the intellectual, emotional, physical, social and moral development of the pupils. Whatever the subject, the aim is to make each lesson a rewarding and inspiring experience for the children. The school embraces proven initiatives, such as the National Numeracy Strategy and the National Literacy Strategy, and is always be ready to adopt new ideas should it be felt that they will improve teaching and learning.

The school curriculum is enriched through a variety of curriculum linked trips and visits throughout the year; museums, animal parks, toy shops, pet shops, the theatre and the seaside.

Children in the pre-prep enjoy performing in a number of productions throughout the year including the Harvest Festival Service, a Christmas Nativity play and class assemblies. They also get the opportunity to take part in the Mid-Somerset Festival and school poetry competitions.

Homework is gradually introduced to the children starting in the reception class and is intended to extend learning that takes place in the class and to help foster vital independent learning skills. Children will take home reading books each day from the school's reading scheme and the school library to read both independently and to parents.