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Pre-Preparatory School

Aims

• To encourage bright pupils to become confident, independent, life-long learners • To channel pupils’ natural enthusiasm into a genuine love of learning • To support parents in preparing their children for a fulfilled life • To prepare pupils for a smooth transition into the

Preparatory School at 7+

Introduction

The Pre-Preparatory School (Pre-Prep) opened in September 2007 and provides pupils aged between 4 and 7 years with a safe and secure environment in which to thrive. Gaining a place at the age of 4+ is the beginning of your child’s journey through Haberdashers’ and you can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome into the Habs family.

Location and Facilities

The Pre-Prep is set in an idyllic location in the leafy Hertfordshire countryside near St Albans. It is an attractive and stimulating environment in which to appreciate nature and wildlife. The Pre-Prep has four well-resourced classrooms, a multi-purpose hall and a kitchen with its own catering team. The play areas include a playground for activities, an adventure climbing area, an outdoor classroom and a large glade, surrounded by well-established trees.

The Pre-Prep takes full advantage of all the facilities on offer at the Prep and Senior School campus on Butterfly Lane, Elstree and we are very fortunate to have Haberdashers’ Girls’ School just next door to the Prep and Senior School. There are many occasions during which the Pre-Prep students across Habs Boys and Habs Girls collaborate for joint events such as picnics, outdoor activity days and visits to watch Christmas and summer productions. The Pre-Prep regularly uses facilities at the Senior School campus for sports events and cross country. Games lessons take place at the Senior School, alternating between Year 1 and Year 2 each week and swimming lessons take place in the pool at the Medburn Centre. The Pre-Prep also uses the Seldon Hall for winter and summer productions and our Year 2 pupils have weekly sessions in the Prep School library. When the time comes for Pre-Prep pupils to take their next steps in the Prep School in Year 3, they continue their first-class education in surroundings that they are familiar with and feel comfortable in.

A well-balanced, cooked lunch is provided every day and a vegetarian option is always available. The cost of lunch is included in the school fees.

We offer an exceptional education for pupils aged 4 to 7. This provides a solid foundation on which all future learning is built. Our nurturing environment fosters curiosity and independence, equipping pupils with the confidence to navigate their own path and achieve their true potential. We cherish each child as an individual and ensure they develop ambition, resilience and character that will stay with them for life.

Transport for the Pre-Preparatory School

A shuttle bus is available to transport your child between the Senior School campus and the Pre-Prep School. Our aim is to continue this service, however, we are not able to provide any guarantees until July. A charge is applicable for this service.

If you would like further information regarding transport, please telephone the Transport Manager on 020 8266 1705.

The School Day

8am – 8.20am Early club 8.20am – 8.50am Playground supervision 8.50am – 9am Registration 9am – 10.15am Lesson time 10.15am – 10.30am Break 10.30am – 12pm Lesson time 12pm – 1pm Lunch 1pm – 2pm Lesson time 2pm – 2.15pm Break 2.15pm – 3.15pm Lesson time 3.15pm School ends 3.15 – 4pm After School Care facility

Curriculum

Your child’s academic journey begins in Reception or Year 1, where our aim is to nurture their potential and allow their enquiring mind to flourish.

In conjunction with the Prep School’s subject coordinators, our dedicated and highly skilled staff deliver a structured learning programme to enrich each pupil’s individuality, giving them the opportunity to develop independence through curiosity and imagination, self-esteem and confidence. We teach a broad and balanced curriculum which embraces the National Curriculum’s guidelines and beyond. It includes extension tasks and enhancements, which are essential for the able pupils we teach. The school aims to challenge and stretch young enquiring minds, combining traditional values and the best of modern teaching practices.

Small class sizes ensure that we get to know each and every child and identify their unique strengths, interests and passions. As well as the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science, pupils have weekly lessons in Geography, History, Art, Music, Theology and Philosophy, ICT, PSHCEE, Drama, Physical Education and Games, including regular swimming lessons in Year 1 and 2. The curriculum is further enriched and brought to life with exciting themed days in school and visits to sites of historic or scientific interest.