A warm welcome from the Prep School!

Here in the Prep School we pride ourselves on taking the time to get to know each and every one of our pupils – finding out their interests, discovering their unique talents, how they learn best and what motivates them.

Our aim is for pupils to develop a love of learning as soon as they step foot into our Rye Bear Nursery and for this to continue throughout their journey across the Prep School and beyond. We also recognise the importance of giving children a strong foundation in Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing and Maths, and as such have robust programmes in place to ensure this.

This year we are launching a new and exciting ‘Book-Based’ and enquiry-led curriculum across the Prep School, where engaging and purposeful cross-curricular topics are taught through a carefully selected range of story books and where pupils use their problem solving, critical thinking and research skills to answer overarching enquiry questions. Pupils will have the opportunity to gain a real depth of knowledge in a diverse range of topics, covering ethical, moral, philosophical and environmental issues, as well as exploring traditional subject topics. For example, Year 1 will be exploring ‘What makes us Special?’ and Year 6 ‘Do all People Share the same Freedoms?’

We want learning to be fun, practical and hands-on, making effective use of our 12 acres of woodlands and gardens, and providing environments which stimulate the imagination, develop children’s natural curiosity and encourage exploration and problem solving. For our Pre-Prep pupils, this includes regular visits to our onsite Forest School. In addition to this, enrichment activities, performances, special curriculum and whole school events, visitors and trips are all planned for across the year.

Through this child-led enquiry based approach, we believe children become confident and independent individuals, with the ability to think critically and creatively.

Pupils are also taught about the importance of caring for others, for themselves and the world they live in. They are encouraged to ‘be themselves’ and be ambitious in becoming whoever they want to be.

Our caring and knowledgeable staff are passionate about what they do, and our small class sizes, ensure a safe and nurturing environment where children’s happiness is our priority.

I look forward to welcoming you to the Prep School!

Mrs Alexandra Prockter

Head of Prep