Junior Prep

Each year, parents receive two comprehensive written reports and brief mid-term reports and are invited to attend regular conferences.

By helping you match your child's individual interests, strengths and needs to the  senior schools' different strengths, entry requirements and provision, we help your child continue to be the best they can - to achieve their full potential.

 Exploring 

Dorset or Paris, theatre or Roman villa, in minibus or coach, we explore the world outside our own habitat with relish.

A regular highlight is the Yr 6 week’s field trip to France in the Summer Term. It is always much enjoyed and provides an excellent opportunity for language learning and also for personal growth.

We readily use our South Dorset environment as an extended classroom for research, stimulation and discovery.

A highlight of Yr 7 is an exciting and challenging week at an adventure centre in Dorset.

THE  PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT:

challenges for ages 7 to 13

Curriculum

Pupils study, to high standards, the National Curriculum and Common Entrance Syllabus subjects combined with curricular arts and sport: English, mathematics, science (biology and physics, chemistry), French, geography, history, religious studies, ICT, study skills, PE, music, drama, art and design. For pupils from age 9 up, most subjects are taught by specialist teachers. Form teachers throughout the school are responsible for the pastoral care and co-ordination of learning for the children in their charge. 

Reporting to parents

Parents are given two comprehensive end-of-term reports and brief mid-term reports. Formal conferences with staff are held twice a year but informal contact is encouraged and easily arranged.

Assessments

Pupils are comprehensively assessed according to the National Curriculum and sit curricular knowledge and skills based examinations twice a year and nationally recognised standardised tests annually. Careful profiles of each child’s progress are kept by the school and provide a basis for planning future learning.

Pupils in Yrs 6, 7 and 8 are carefully prepared for every different style of entrance examinations for selective Senior School placement.