Curriculum

Personal and Social Development | Language and Literacy | Mathematics | Knowledge and Understanding | Physical Development | Creative Development | Extra Curricular Activities | Homework

The Pre-Prep School offers a broad, balanced, relevant curriculum which includes coverage of the six areas of Learning and Development in the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum Programmes of Study at Key Stage One. It is suited to all pupils across the full age and ability range and contributes effectively to children’s intellectual, physical and personal attainment and development, thereby preparing them well for the next stage of their education.

We acknowledge the importance of a sound and thorough grounding in literacy and numeracy and consequently these areas receive appropriate emphasis from the early days in Reception and we follow The Primary Framework for literacy and mathematics.

Curriculum progression is planned carefully and interesting cross-curricular learning is well organised. We operate a three year rolling programme for the long-term curriculum plans and detailed medium term plans and schemes of work ensure continuity and progression in learning.

Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) play a significant part in the personal development of pupils at the Pre-Prep School and teachers develop an open, caring relationship with their pupils. High expectations of behaviour towards one another are promoted and pupils have a real sense of belonging to a community.

Assemblies are broadly Christian in nature and develop a sense of ‘togetherness’ and they are a key area in promoting self esteem, morality and spirituality.

Every child matters in the Pre-Prep School. We strive to ensure they are happy and safe, that they understand right from wrong, are confident within themselves and with others, have pride in their achievements and those of others, trust in their peers and their teachers and know that their voice is heard.

The school has a balanced, relevant curriculum which includes coverage of the programmes of study of the National Curriculum at The Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1.

There are policies and detailed schemes of work for each curriculum area. We acknowledge the importance of a sound and thorough grounding in literacy and numeracy and consequently these areas receive appropriate emphasis from the early days in Reception.

Ashville College is a registered member of the North Yorkshire Early Years Partnership Plan for Independent Providers.

Areas of Learning and Development

We aim to give the children a sound foundation of knowledge, understanding and skills in six main areas of learning.

1. Personal and Social Development

We teach the children how to work, play, co-operate with others and function in a group beyond the family. We do this through:

• group work and circle time
• learning acceptable behaviour
• expressing feelings and respecting the feelings of others
• understanding and an acceptance of rules
• school assembly providing standards and examples
• indoor and outdoor play
• religious instruction
• developing self-esteem.

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2. Communication, Language and Literacy

We support and extend children’s learning and competence in communicating, speaking and listening, being read to and beginning to read and write by:

• encouraging children to speak clearly and confidently
• encouraging children to listen attentively
• understanding
• reading a variety of texts
• spelling
• writing for different purposes
• Information technology
• personal, social and health education lessons

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3. Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy

We build a sound foundation for numeracy through:

• practical activities
• using and understanding mathematical language
• developing an ability to think and reason
• predicting from experience gained
• solving practical problems

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4. Knowledge and Understanding of the World

We provide a foundation for historical, geographical, scientific and technological learning through:

• practical first hand experience wherever possible
• topics connected with the environment
• topics connected with the family
• topics connected with past and present events
• studying physical and natural science
• using technology to support their learning
• encouraging curiosity
• discussing and, where appropriate, recording their observations
• cookery

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5. Physical Development

We help children to develop physical control and mobility through:

• physical education lessons
• swimming
• dance
• gymnastics
• games
• outdoor play
• establishing positive attitudes towards a healthy and active way of life.

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6. Creative Development

We encourage the development of children’s imagination and their ability to communicate and express ideas through:

• art (collage, sculpture, paint, print, textiles and drawing)
• music
• dance
• stories
• imaginative play
• sewing
• performance

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Extra Curricular Activities

A wide range of extra-curricular activities enriches the taught curriculum. Some extend pupils’ academic experiences, whilst others contribute significantly to their cultural and social development.

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Homework

Pupils have a busy and challenging day in school and many have long journeys to make at the end of the day so we try to keep homework to a minimum. In general, you can expect your child to bring home their reading book, a weekly spelling list and from Year One a weekly maths activity.

The total time spent on homework each day should be approximately 10 minutes for Reception, 15 minutes for Year One and 20 minutes for Year Two.

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