Welcome to the Prep School
It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to our Prep School which incorporates Years 4, 5 and 6. We aim to develop in our children the key foundational knowledge they need to think and question and take on the challenges of life. This stems from our philosophy that a great education is founded on knowledge but achieved through generating confidence and curiosity, and taking joy in the process of learning itself. As your child progresses through the school, the level of independence and responsibility increases at a rate best suited to your child.
Our specially designed WONDER curriculum for these years is underpinned by the philosophy that learning which
blends excitement and challenge is integral to developing intrinsically motivated, confident and engaged children who have a growing curiosity and understanding of the world around them. Our intention is to equip our pupils to be resilient, effective communicators who ask questions about their learning, who are collaborative and reflective and who think critically for themselves and solve problems. Our curriculum provides opportunities for ownership, creativity and leadership with the purpose of building essential, transferable core skills through challenging and immersive learning.
Years 4 and 5 have form teachers, but have more specialist teaching including for Maths, English, Science and Languages. Year 6 all subjects are taught by secondary trained specialists so that pupils gain the full benefits of each teacher’s individual expertise. Our differentiated and supported approach enables each individual to progress at the appropriate level.
The pastoral system is based around the celebration of pupils’ successes, and the support and guidance they receive is second to none. Your child will also be responsible for wearing, looking after and being proud of their Holmwood House blazer – something that many pupils see as a rite of passage into the middle section of the school.
I look forward to working closely with you to ensure the best possible all-round learning experience over these important years in your child’s development.
Mr E C Cook
Head of Juniors
