The Pre-Preparatory Department (PPD) is housed in an award winning, purpose built, self- contained block, called Broadhurst. There is a fully qualified staff of seven, plus a Classroom Assistant in each class, all under the direction of the Head of PPD, Mrs Margaret Pearson, who is a member of the Senior Management Team of the School. Currently there are 113 children in 4 Year groups, organised into classes not exceeding 20 in number.
The General Approach Each child is encouraged to observe reflectively, think effectively, discuss confidently, respond creatively, concentrate and persevere, work independently and harmoniously in a group. The Curriculum Importance is placed on the development of basic skills: reading, writing and number.
Reading - Our main reading scheme is Ginn 360 but we do use supplementary material from other schemes, as well as a large library of picture/story/information books. Phonics - Children are introduced to the sounds of the alphabet and later to the letter blends through the LETTERLAND programme. Writing - Children learn to write by tracing over letter shapes with their finger/pencil and gradually as more accurate letter formation develops they are able to copy underneath an adult's writing. The next step is reached when they learn to write independently, with the help of their own personal word dictionary. Number - New Heinemann Maths, which takes the children right through PPD and in to the Preparatory School, is our primary scheme. Homework - Some work at home is essential and extremely beneficial to the child. During the first year at School this is normally limited to reading and phonic work, while the two older classes have spellings to learn once a week in addition to their reading, and Home Activities for Numeracy.
The School Day Pupils attend each day from Monday to Friday. They are met at School House or at the Palace between 0840 and 0855, although provision can be made for earlier drop-offs at the Palace, under our Pre-School Care arrangements. Collection times vary between 1500 and 1520 depending on age. An After School Club runs between 1500 and 16:30. Arrangements can also be made for later supervision.
Progress Children's progress will be recorded regularly and discussed with parents on regular Parents' Consultation Evenings, Coffee Mornings and Open Forums. Written reports are produced twice during the year and samples of the best work created during the year are published in the school magazine.