Pre-Prep

The Pre-prep is situated in new, purpose built accommodation and houses Primary 1 to 3 in addition to the nursery class. It consists of spacious classrooms all with outside access, an ICT suite, library and general purpose hall. There is a large playground area with both grassed and tarmaced areas. From Primary 1 there are two classes in each year group with a maximum of 16. Small classes mean children are able to get more individual attention and maximise their learning potential.

What we want for your children

We want them to be happy and confident individuals with the confidence to have a go and the motivation to strive towards achieving their full potential.

How do we help them do this?

We provide a curriculum based on the 5-14 guidelines which promotes the development of knowledge and understanding, practical skills, attitudes and values. Hand-in-hand with this is an extensive extra curricular programme designed to provide children with the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves, try new activities and work together to develop new skills.

The Curriculum

The curriculum is made up of English Language, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, ICT, Religious and Moral Education, Health Education, Personal and Social Development, Modern Languages, Physical Education, Art, Drama and Music. The majority of the curriculum is taught by the class teacher with input from specialist staff.

English Language

Central to the development of a child’s emotional and social development is language and this is an integral part of the whole curriculum. It is taught through the four strands of listening, talking, reading and writing.

Mathematics

In Mathematics we teach our pupils skills in number, money, measurement, shape and data handling. A strong emphasis is placed on developing mental calculation skills, problem solving and enquiry skills.

Environmental studies

Environmental studies brings together science, the social subjects and technology. We aim to develop children’s understanding and knowledge of the world around them and through a range of carefully chosen topics encourage a desire to investigate the world around them. A wide range of outside visits enhances the work done in the classroom.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

The Pre-prep has a fully networked ICT suite and computers in the classrooms. Children have ICT input from both their class teacher and a specialist teacher. They develop a wide range of skills which are used across the curriculum.

Religious and Moral Education, Health Education and Personal and Social Development

These three areas are all very closely linked and through a range of topics the children explore a wide variety of issues about life, develop an awareness of how they grow and change, healthy living and their role and responsibilities in society. From Primary 1 children attend assemblies or chapel on a regular basis.

Modern Languages

All pupils learn French and this is taught by a specialist teacher. The children are encouraged to gain confidence in the spoken language and the emphasis is on conversation, songs, stories and games.

Physical Education

Physical education is taught by specialist staff and consists of a balanced and diverse programme of activities in which pupils can learn a range of physical skills and develop a positive attitude to fitness and an active healthy life-style.

Playtime for the Pre-PrepPlaytime for the Pre-Prep

Music

Music is taught by specialist staff throughout the Pre-prep. Children are encouraged to develop their skills in listening, singing and the playing of instruments. Individual tuition is available and there is the opportunity to be in a choir and perform in the concerts which take place through the year. In Primary 3 everyone learns the violin.

Drama

Drama activities take place as part of cross curricular topics and the children all have the opportunity to perform in front of an audience on a regular basis.

Art

Art plays an important part and is often integrated into a topic. Children extend their skills in drawing, painting, modelling and construction using a wide range of media and techniques. These skills are built upon when pupils start having specialist input in Primary 3.

The Extra Curricular Programme

Each afternoon between 3pm and 4pm a range of clubs are on offer to all children. These are run either by our own staff or by outside specialists. Clubs are chosen to ensure there is something on offer for everyone. These include Judo, dance, drama, cooking, art, chess, reading, construction, football, science and technology and enterprise. Pupils in Primary 3 also have the opportunity at this time to take part in the Upper School games programme and can try rugby, netball, hockey, cricket, football and lacrosse. This gives them a little taste of what lies ahead for them. As part of the transition programme clubs are also on offer to Primary 3 between 4.30pm and 6pm. During this time they can do for example, sculpture, film, chess and music and drama.

The Daily Routine

The Early Bird Club

This is open to early arrivals from 8am. Children are looked after until the official start of the day.

After School Club

This runs each day from 3pm to 6pm and provides a flexible care service for parents. A wide range of activities are on offer and the children can play and relax and enjoy a healthy snack.

Home - School Links

This link is very important and especially so in the early years. Parents are kept fully informed with their child’s progress through regular parent/teacher meetings and written reports. Homework is sent home from Primary 1 and consists of reading, spelling and mental maths. The aim of this is to provide extra practice and to allow parents to be involved in their child’s learning.

Eating

Healthy snacks are provided at morning break, before clubs and in the After School Club. Water is available throughout the day. Lunch is eaten altogether in the dining room and consists of a full cooked meal, fruit is always on offer and children are encouraged to try new foods. Special diets are catered for.