The Pre-Prep School

The Pre-Prep School provides a happy and stimulating introduction to school for children aged 4 -7 years. The three classes in this department are Reception class, Year One and Year Two.

As the children move into the Pre-Prep School, they benefit from a maximum class sizes of 18 with their own qualified class teacher, supported by teaching assistants and specialist teachers for some subjects.

Small classes enable the class teacher to provide a one-to-one education tailored to the needs of each child so that individual potential can be nurtured and realised.

As well as enjoying a rich curriculum, delivered through a combination of child-led and adult-led activities, in this department children will have the opportunity to:

  • Taught in small classes with both their class teacher and subject specialists
  • Begin weekly swimming lessons
  • Be able to attend extra-mural clubs and activities at lunchtime and after school
  • Learn to read music and play the ocarina
  • Take part in in house poetry recitals and the Mid-Somerset festival
  • Sing and perform in our Pre-Prep choir
  • Be involved in music and drama productions

Reception Class

Children learn through exciting and stimulating themes that incorporate the seven areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.

This curriculum encompasses the prime areas of development: personal, social and emotional development; communication and language and physical development.  The specific areas of development grow out of the prime areas.   They include essential skills and knowledge for children to participate successfully in society; literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts and design.  The key principles which underpin the curriculum is the belief that each child is unique, positive relationships are crucial and that the provision is enabling.  Music, P.E and French are introduced as fun activities by specialist teachers. The indoor space is separated into activity areas which reflect the curriculum, whilst the attached garden area provides an ideal space for exploration outside, this is in addition to use of our large playground, playing field and wildlife area and beautiful village location!

Year One and Year Two

Children are taught through themes and separate subjects by class teachers and specialist teachers.

 Individual subjects contained within the curriculum are: English; mathematics; science; history; geography; art; design and technology; music; computing; physical education; religious studies; personal, social, emotional and health education; and French.

Whilst broadly following the National Curriculum, as an independent school, Springmead School is not constrained by it. The curriculum is structured to encompass the intellectual, emotional, physical, social and moral development of the pupils. Whatever the subject, the aim is to make each lesson a rewarding and inspiring experience for the children. Importantly at Springmead School we are teaching our children to become successful learners, so learning to learn skills are imbedded into our curriculum.

The school embraces proven initiatives and is always be ready to adopt new ideas should it be felt that they will improve teaching and learning.

The school curriculum is enriched through many curriculum linked trips and visits throughout the year; museums, animal parks, toy shops, pet shops, the theatre and the seaside.

Children in the Pre-Prep enjoy performing in a number of productions throughout the year including the Harvest Festival service, a Christmas Nativity play and class performances. They also get the opportunity to take part in the Mid-Somerset Festival and school poetry competitions.

Homework is gradually introduced to the children starting in the reception class and is intended to extend learning that takes place in the class and to help foster vital independent learning skills. Children will take home reading books each day from the school’s reading scheme and the school library to read both independently and to parents.