Prep (Years 4-6)
Children will find our Prep Department at St John’s an exciting and important stage in their education. The transition from the Pre Prep Department is made smoothly with opportunities to visit the Prep Department and to meet the teachers. New pupils to the school integrate well, finding a supportive, disciplined and caring environment in which to learn and flourish.
The curriculum is broad and balanced with pupils from the age of eight benefiting from specialist subject teaching, including the core subjects of English and mathematics. Alongside a good classroom base with a form teacher who oversees pastoral care as well as teaching in the Prep department, pupils enjoy the experience of lessons in different departments of the school such as the Science and ICT laboratories, the Art and Design room, continuation of French and another language, German is also introduced at this stage. History and Geography are also taught by specialists. A regular pattern of homework recorded in a diary style planner is established with pupils to help them in being well prepared for progression to the Senior School and future success at GCSE.
Small classes allow for close individual attention. School examinations are held twice a year and parents receive progress reports every half term. Parents are encouraged to become involved in their child’s education through regular parents’ meetings and invitations to school events.
Our pupils gain experience of a variety of sporting activities and enjoy representing the school at regular fixtures. All children enjoy the challenges of various competitions, both sporting and cultural, within the traditional House system. Musical talent is nurtured with opportunities for participation in instrumental lessons, the school choir, ensemble, bands and musical/drama productions. Pupils are encouraged to achieve the best academic standards and fulfil their potential in every way.
The curriculum is supported by a wealth of extra activities such as visits to museums, theatres and Techniquest as well as history and geography field trips. Live theatre groups and storytellers as well as other interesting speakers are invited to the school to enrich the educational experience we offer pupils. A broad range of after-school activities is also available as well as supervised homework sessions
