Curriculum
Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) pupils follow the latest Foundation Stage Curriculum, updated in 2021. The learning programme for our Key Stage 1 & 2 pupils is based on the 2014 National Curriculum.
Early Years
Our Pre-School Department is housed on the Garden Floor with direct access onto the lawns and gardens, providing a safe haven where children can learn and play. The unit has its own purpose-built classrooms and toilet facilities. Education is initially encouraged through play, leading to a more structured learning process once the classroom situation has become familiar.
Equipment and methods are specifically geared to this progressive phase where the nursery and play environment naturally evolve into a more formal classroom atmosphere. Careful assessment of each child takes place in the first few weeks and an appropriate individual programme of work is established with ongoing monitoring and review. Activities are channelled with an awareness of National Curriculum requirements. Gradual integration with the rest of the school allows a trouble-free transition through to Reception and beyond.
Main School
All pupils are provided with a broad, balanced curriculum, appropriately differentiated to suit their needs and potential. Priority is given to developing literacy and numeracy within the disciplines of English and Mathematics, with constant review of practice in light of changing national guidelines. Science is taught using a ‘hands-on’ approach, promoting a keen sense of enquiry about the world we live in.
Computer studies are well established as a separate discipline, and pupils have access across all subjects to multimedia networked P.Cs, laptops, and projectors. The National Curriculum forms the basis of the courses followed in most subjects, and pupils take the national tests at the end of Key Stage 1 (aged 7) and Key Stage 2 (aged 11). Test papers are moderated by St. Helens Local Authority at Key Stage I and externally marked at Key Stage II.
Other subjects taught are:
- Geography,
- History,
- Art,
- Music,
- Religious Education,
- P.S.H.E.,
- Design Technology
- Physical Education.
Introducing children to a foreign language at an early stage is most beneficial and children learn French from Pre-School up. Early in the Junior Department, the groundwork begins for a smooth transition to secondary education. Children are prepared for entry to local grammar and independent schools and their progress is closely monitored with regular contact being maintained with parents, particularly in Years 4, 5 and 6.
If there is a need to deliver lessons remotely, such as if pupils are isolating or shielding for health reasons, the child’s usual timetabled lessons will be sent to them through either Tapestry (EFYS) or Class Dojo (KS1&2). Teachers are available to provide feedback and answer questions if necessary. However, if children are ill, it is expected that they use their time off school to recuperate in order to return to health as soon as possible..
Examinations and Test Results
Prenton Preparatory School choose to participate in the Key Stage tests at the end of both Years 2 and 6, these are externally marked and results are reported to parents. We also administer the Optional Tests at Years 3,4 and 5.
In addition to the end of year tests there is regular testing from Years 1 – 6 providing us with standardised scores in many of the Key Skills. In the Key Stage 1 tests, Prenton children exceed expectation for their age. At Key Stage 2 the pupils have consistently achieved excellent attainment levels, well above those expected for their age.
11+ examainations
We prepare children for the 11+ examinations in Year 5 as well as for entrance examinations to the catholic schools and local independent Schools. Our pupils regularly perform superbly in these tests and Prenton is well known for its excellent pass rates.