The words of a year 2 parent say it all – ‘Children thrive without pressure and achieve without worry.’

Our holistic approach to learning in Years 1 and 2 means that children will continue with the hands-on learning and activities they have been used to in Reception alongside more focused teaching in reading, writing and mathematics. Children will acquire an excellent understanding of key concepts and build on current knowledge, in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment.

Outside, there are endless opportunities to learn, explore, build dens, climb trees, make friends, and bring imaginations to life. This time allows children to be curious and inquisitive about the world in which they live and independently build on their social skills with their peers.

Children also have the opportunity, daily, to take part in clubs and activities including dance and movement, sport, Forest School, cookery, and sewing to name a few. These provide an opportunity for children to explore new skills and begin to work out what they do and don’t like outside of the classroom.

Equally importantly, children learn about those less fortunate than themselves by taking part in charity events, our annual Prep School Charity day, and termly house charity days. To help pupils learn about the world around them, we host visits from the essential services such as Police and Fire, as well as artists, storytellers, medical professionals, authors, and local business people.

We welcome parents to visit Pre-Prep at a time to suit them – arrange your visit here

“People had spoken to us of Rye as a nurturing school but we don’t think that word sufficiently describes all that the Pre-Prep is. Our children have experienced Forest School adventures with hot chocolate, pirate treasure hunts, snowman building, nature walks, cooking clubs and endless plays, story times and concerts, but more than that they have been encouraged to be themselves. They have thrived without pressure and achieved without worry. They have learnt to love books, write stories, and understand numbers, to value friendship and to be kind.”

Year 1 Parent

Rye really is “a gem of a school” and our daughter has flourished in the very capable hands of the Pre-Prep team. Her class teachers have helped her settle and she has made an amazing transformation in both her reading skills and her numeracy. As parents, my husband and I have felt welcomed and supported by the whole team. My child is happy and so much more herself. Rye has a lovely nurturing family feel but also focuses well on each child and their learning potential. We are now really looking forward to seeing her grow into a happy, balanced and fulfilled human being.’

 

Year 2 Parent