Pre-Prep
The pre-prep department provides a happy and stimulating introduction to school for children aged 4 -7 years.
Pupils join in the reception class, continue through Years 1 and 2.
As well as enjoying a rich curriculum, in this department children will have the opportunity to:
- 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 17 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.
The reception children are taught through a combination of child led and adult led activities. Children learn through exciting and stimulating topics that incorporate the six areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. This programme encompasses personal, social and emotional development; communication, language and literacy; problem solving, reasoning and numeracy; knowledge and understanding of the world; creative; and physical development. The key principles which undepin the curriculum are the belief that each child is unique; positive relationships are crucial; the provision is enabling; and that each area of learning and development are equally important. Music, drama and French are introduced as fun activities by specialist teachers. The indoor space is separated into activity areas, whilst the attached, garden area provides an ideal space for exploration outside, this is in addition to use of our large playground, playing field and wildlife area!
Children in Years 1 and 2 are generally taught through themes and seperate 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, emotional 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 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 many 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.
