Academic

The aim of the Pre-Prep curriculum is not only to be exciting, motivating and challenging for each child, we also strive to ensure that the children become confident, independent and reflective learners. They will then be ready to make a seamless transition to the next stage in their learning and thrive on all the new challenges in the Prep School.

In order to maximize the potential of each child in all areas of the curriculum, the Pre-Prep staff provide varied and appropriately challenging work, supporting, monitoring and assessing each child’s progress throughout the year.

Each child is encouraged to be the best that they can be, whether it be English, Mathematics, Art and Design Technology, History, Geography, Science or Computing. Similarly so in PE, Games, Swimming, Dance, French, Music and Drama taught by specialist teachers. The Pre-Prep staff are keen to take learning outside in our beautiful grounds and especially into our Woodland Classroom, where all curriculum areas are taught, as well as specific forestry skills.

computing and foreign languages

The Computing curriculum lays firm foundations and develops the children’s fundamental skills. The children gain familiarity with the computer keyboard and, using different programmes, learn how to code, compose music and research information to create books or leaflets. The children are also taught about internet safety and their digital footprints.

From Year 1, children are encouraged to develop a love of foreign language, through games, rhymes and songs, beginning with French taught by a specialist teacher.

Themed Weeks

Themed weeks are a strong feature in the broad curriculum offered at St Andrew’s Prep. Each year Pre-Prep children enjoy a variety of fun-filled activities during our Science, Maths and Arts weeks. There is a strong spirit of co-operative involvement amongst the children and staff and the change of direction from the usual routine is a powerful and enjoyable educational tool.

Extra-curricular

Games and PE are an integral part of the curriculum. The children are encouraged to improve their gross motor skills, co-ordination and confidence that are necessary for playing hockey, netball, football, gymnastics and tennis. Swimming is included within the curriculum with timetabled lessons every week in our indoor, heated pool.

Music and Drama is also an important part of the school curriculum and Pre-Prep children have two music lessons a week. 

Trips

School trips form an important part of the St Andrew’s Pre-Prep curriculum. Through these, the children learn and encounter topics with a specific focus, related to work they are undertaking in class. Trips include visits to the Blue Reef Aquarium in Hastings, Lewes Castle, Sharnfold Farm and the Eastbourne War Memorial. The costs of these school trips are included in the fees.