| Our Pre-Prep Department (age 3 - 7) |
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At Bramley we believe that the key to girls’ success is confidence, self-esteem and happiness. To promote these aims we create a kind and caring atmosphere for each girl and address their individual needs. We have a strong Personal, Social and Emotional Development Programme linked with meaningful Pre-Prep assemblies, which foster care and consideration for others and a clear code of behaviour. The Pre-Prep Department consists of three classes: Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. Each of these classes is taught by a specialist Early Years Teacher, supported by Teaching Assistants and qualified Nursery Nurses. Pre-Prep classrooms are located on the ground floor and each is well equipped. The girls are encouraged to make the most of the outside climbing facilities, and play areas are supplied with beanbags, balls, balancing toys and skipping ropes to encourage energetic play. In these formative years, we place particular emphasis on reading. Reading is taught from Little Bramley using phonics so that single and combined sounds are built up gradually and comprehensively. Girls read on a daily basis to their teachers and progress is monitored through use of a reading diary, which passes between teachers and parents. Mathematics is taught with equal emphasis on written and mental calculations. Practical activities allow the girls to build on their understanding of numbers as well as helping them to develop the use of appropriate mathematical language. The broad-based curriculum followed in the Pre-Preparatory Department includes Science, History, Computing, Geography, Art and Craft, Music, French (from Year 1), Religious Education, PE and Games. Girls benefit from a full PE Programme, which includes Games, Gymnastics, Dance, Ballet and Tap. Qualified Physical Education teachers and specialist teachers teach these activities. Music and Drama are integral to the curriculum and girls perform to parents at least three times a year. Girls learn to read music and all learn to play the recorder and are encouraged to sing in the Junior Choir. Educational visits are arranged throughout the year to complement the topics covered within the classroom. Excellent relationships between parents, teachers and girls are fostered from the very beginning. Teachers operate an ‘open door’ policy whereby parents can arrange to speak to teachers whenever the need arises. Formal feedback of progress is through two yearly reports, regular parents’ evenings and weekly newsletters. There is no formal selection procedure for girls who wish to join the Pre-Prep Department although prospective pupils are invited to spend the day with the class, at which time an informal assessment of each prospective pupil’s needs is made. |
