Curriculum

Our pupils continue to be taught in small classes and we enjoy the freedom to develop our own Prep Curriculum.

This allows us to give the necessary attention to the children’s unique skills and talents that are ready to be discovered. We are therefore able to tailor the curriculum to their individual needs and interests so that each child is stretched as well as challenged to achieve their full potential. We encourage all children to be intellectually curious, aspirational in their aims, creative, and to take risks in the knowledge that mistakes and errors made in the safe, learning environment of the classroom are an important part of a child’s learning journey. We also seek to develop good habits within school – essential in order to foster a lifelong love of learning, thinking and independence.

Reception – Early Years

The Reception year is a landmark moment in your child’s life, marking the start of their statutory schooling. Whether transitioning seamlessly from our own Riverbank Nursery or joining us from another early years provider, we warmly welcome boys and girls from the age of four to begin their unique learning journey.

From these first steps, we focus on building the strong, secure foundations that pave the way for a lifetime of success. As a child-centered, family-focused independent school, we prioritise your child’s happiness and individual learning needs above all else. We are proud to provide an outstanding environment where every child feels confident, happy, and safe; a place where their unique skills and talents are unlocked and celebrated.

Children follow a broad, balanced and inspiring curriculum designed to instill a lifelong passion for learning. They are guided by highly qualified and experienced educators who provide the highest level of care, ensuring the very best start. Our small class sizes allow for a level of personalised attention that is rarely found in busier settings. To foster a sense of awe and wonder, we extend learning beyond the four walls of the classroom. Children enjoy specialist-led lessons in music, PE, French, and Forest School, alongside a range of immersive off-site visits, from exploring plant life at RHS Harlow Carr and traveling by train to the Railway Museum in York, to enjoying live theatrical productions.

Years 1-6

Pupils in Years 1 to 6 are taught the foundation subjects (Science, Technology, Art, History, and Geography) via the highly regarded International Primary Curriculum. The IPC is a future-oriented teaching programme aimed at pupils growing up in the 21st century. With an enquiry-based, thematic approach to the curriculum, the IPC extends knowledge, skills, and understanding, develops personal attributes and encourages an international perspective. It provides fantastic opportunities for children to make meaningful connections and develop deep understanding. The IPC develops eight Personal Goals (enquiry, thoughtful thinker, respect, cooperation, communication, adaptability, resilience, and morality) which underpin the individual qualities and dispositions we believe children will find essential in the 21st century and develop the qualities necessary for the continually changing context of their lives. Opportunities to experience and practise these are built into the learning tasks within each unit of work. Find out more information about the International Primary Curriculum here. 

“Students enjoy the approach and spoke about how they are ‘learning about our own learning’, referring to concepts like ‘deep memory and active recall’. They have one lesson a week on developing the skills and techniques to become independent learners.”

Good Schools Guide

Children in Years 3 and 4 are taught primarily by their Form Teachers. This allows us to build strong links with each child in our care and establish a close partnership with parents in order to assist with their child’s development. Encouragement and support is provided for the children both academically and pastorally, as we have a lot of contact with them, helping us to understand their needs as well as capabilities and to nurture and encourage their development and independence. The children quickly adapt to new routines and expectations as they make the transition from the Pre-Prep into the Prep School.

As the children progress throughout the Prep School they benefit from being taught by an increasing number of specialist teachers for PE, Music, Languages and Computing to further ignite their natural curiosity.

The children participate a variety of sporting fixtures, competing against local independent and maintained schools. They are very enthusiastic about these competitive opportunities as well as benefitting from the time to improve their skills in sports such as netball, hockey, rounders, rugby, football, cricket and athletics.

Due to our small classes, new children are always made very welcome and quickly settle into school life, irrespective of what stage and age they join us.