In Years 1 and 2 we build on the enjoyment and enthusiasm for learning fostered in the early years. We have a variety of inspiration learning journey topics which immerse the children in a range of cross-curricular activities. For example, in Year 2 the children explore the topic of ‘Fire, Fire’ and take part in a Fire of London workshop, visit the fire station and make their own fire engines using moving parts.
High-quality core texts are used as a stimulus for our English sessions which can include role-play, storytelling and text mapping. We aim to link our texts to our stunning natural environment so when Year 1 take a stroll to the pond to find Bog Babies, this leads to creative writing and storytelling as well as promoting an understanding of habitats.
As in Reception, each class benefits from a variety of outings and visitors as well as specialist teachers for French, music, gymnastics, ball skills, swimming and athletics lessons to ensure that high standards are achieved across all curriculum areas.
Marlborough House Vinehall Pre-Prep is a very happy place in which to work and learn; a team of dedicated and highly motivated staff includes a Learning Support Specialist who helps individuals who have been identified as requiring additional support. As a school, we are committed to professional development which ensures we maintain high standards and provide the best education for the children in our care.
Pupils are encouraged to become active learners through an exciting and creative curriculum. Our children develop a broad range of knowledge, understanding and skills and a love of learning. They develop the capacity to work independently and collaboratively with others. Pupils are encouraged to explore, solve problems, and are encouraged to think creatively. Very importantly they also learn ‘how’ to learn and apply this use of metacognition.
The Pre-Prep curriculum aims to provide every child with a broad, balanced and exciting learning experience. Children enjoy a rich learning experience which is stimulating and full of exciting activities such as outings, interacting with visitors and weekly Forest School. These experiences foster a love of learning, build confidence, and encourage meaningful connections with the world around them.
In mathematics children develop skills of critical thinking and problem-solving together with a deep understanding of the number system. Investigative approaches are used to develop logical thinking and reasoning skills, thereby developing pupils’ confidence to use mathematics to solve both real-life and theoretical problems. The mastery approach is used with an emphasis placed on problems being solved in a concrete, pictorial and then an abstract way.
We use the “Read Write Inc” programme to teach phonics and to ensure the children gain a rapid accumulation of letters and sounds. Children quickly become fluent readers. A wider love of reading and literature is encouraged by the use of key texts and stories, which are used to ignite the children’s imagination and provide inspiration for writing. The Write Stuff is used to structure writing in Key Stage One while The Drawing Club is an approach which we adopt to engage our Reception aged children in the literary world. Stories, rhymes and songs are used to develop these skills in Early Years.
Throughout Pre-Prep all year groups use Learning Journeys based around a topic or focus to immerse the children in their learning. The Learning Journey encompasses science and the humanities and is supported by the use of Eduschool. Our size means that the teachers know all our children well, and that every pupil is treated as an individual, supported and challenged as appropriate during their time at Marlborough House Vinehall.
Assessment and Reporting
A rigorous system of academic tracking operates with external standardised tests in Reasoning, Maths and English. Spelling is tested weekly from Key Stage 1, and phonics assessments are completed every 6 weeks. Ongoing teacher assessment is at the forefront of giving a clear picture of each child’s progress. Parents are kept well-informed through Effort Grades and Parent Teacher 'Progress’ Meetings in October and arch and every child will receive a written reports a year July.
Enhanced Curriculum
Music
Children are taught music from Nursery and Kindergarten and throughout Pre-Prep with a music specialist. In Year 2 the children learn an instrument as a whole class; this may be the Celtic harp or the recorder. Our summer concerts provide an opportunity for all children to perform, including those who are studying an individual instrument.
Individual instrumental lessons are taught by visiting music teachers, and many children choose to start with the piano. Other choices are the violin, cello or drums. Instrumental tuition is offered from Reception. If you would like your child to have individual lessons, please have an initial discussion with the Head of Pre-Prep. Once the children progress into Prep, a wider range of instruments are available including the clarinet, flute, saxophone and guitar.
French
Children are taught French from Kindergarten with an experienced language specialist. The children partake in weekly lessons and enjoy singing a range of classic French rhymes and songs.
Art
Children have weekly specialist art lessons from Year 2 up in the Prep School Art Room. In earlier years art is incorporated into the Learning Journey lessons.
Sport
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 have weekly ball skills lessons. All Pre-Prep children have a weekly gym lesson, which moves onto athletics in the summer term.
Swimming
Kindergarten start swimming in the Summer Term. Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children have weekly swimming lessons in the heated school pool. Children are proud of their achievements, and we invite parents to celebrate with them by attending a gala lesson at the end of the year during Activities Week.
