Preparatory School

parents and the school. The staff in the Prep are passionate about their subjects and they are selfreflective professionals who enjoy unparalleled development opportunities.

The school’s curriculum ensures your child is able to identify and build on their own individual strengths. We celebrate success wherever we see it, so that pupils can learn the habits of excellence and transfer them across the curriculum. We aim for your child to fulfil their potential, both academically and socially.

The school believes in instilling curiosity, academic resilience and above all, a love of learning in its pupils, and we believe that modelling it as teachers is essential.

Art

The Prep Art department aims to develop creativity and imagination through a multitude of diverse activities. It sets out to build on pre-existing skills acquired in the Pre-Prep, where pupils developed artistry using a variety of materials, tools and techniques. Teaching broadly follows the National Curriculum, addressing key elements such as ‘investigating’ and ‘making’, emphasising evaluation to gauge knowledge and understanding.

The department believes in looking at art, craft and design in a variety of genres, styles and traditions. Artwork is inspired by a combination of both primary and secondary sources. Visits to museums, galleries, Haberdashers’ grounds and (LOC) using iPads for research are all crucial elements in enhancing the investigative stage. Pupils explore a range of creative and experimental starting points, for example using themselves, their experience, images, stories, drama, natural and made objects and environments. Pupils are always encouraged to be expressive, using a combination of their imagination, memory and first hand, observational stimulus. Pupils can work on their own or collaboratively on projects that are two and three dimensional and in different scales. They experience a range of materials and processes (drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, printmaking, digital media, textiles and sculpture), including ICT using a brush app to create digital work. Projects are planned carefully, adding cross curriculum links with other key subjects.

Computing & ICT

In an era of ever emerging technologies, ICT literacy is an essential skill to ensure pupils achieve their future aspirations, whatever they might be. ICT lessons are taught creatively, both in and out of the classroom where problem-solving and thinking logically are key approaches that are embedded in the learning experience. ICT is never used purely for its own sake at Haberdashers’, rather it is embedded in many different aspects of the curriculum.

Every year group learns the core Microsoft-based skills and pupils will become proficient users of Microsoft packages as they progress through the schools. E-Safety is an integral component of the ICT and PSHCEE curriculum in every year group. Pupils are taught the importance of being safe when using a range of devices, both at home and at school, and learn how to use the internet safely whilst questioning the validity of online resources. Using software such as Scratch, Logo and even

Minecraft, computer programming is taught in every year group, offering pupils an opportunity to transfer their understanding of algorithms into block-based language. As pupils progress, they transfer their understanding of block coding to software such as ‘Microbits’, Lego and Sphero’s which, when coded, will fulfil a variety of small robot-based tasks. Here they can move on to learning script coding such as Python and Java Script.

Design & Technology

Technology is making an increasing contribution to all aspects of life and as such is proving naturally fascinating to children, making a valuable contribution to their understanding of the world around them. The subject requires pupils to combine designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding in order to improve their ability to design and assemble products. Furthermore, they should be able to recognise and explore people’s needs and wants to be able to develop ideas then produce products to meet those needs.

The aim of our technology teaching is to develop design and making skills, which includes planning and evaluation, to improve knowledge and understanding through a range of activities that ensure a development of ability. As the two main sections of the National Curriculum order are closely related, it is important that pupils are confident which making techniques to apply to a particular material through an understanding of its working characteristics.

Based on the National Curriculum Requirements for Key Stages 1 and 2, the attainment targets help to ensure planned progression and the monitoring of individual pupils. Assignments are chosen in which pupils design and make products using a range of materials and components. They would cover several sub sections on knowledge and understanding within the National Curriculum. To focus on practical tasks, emphasising particular skills and knowledge encouragement is given to investigate, disassemble and evaluate simple products. Through topic planning we can ensure that technology contains cross curricular links and is not an isolated activity. Careful consideration of topic coverage within the school as a whole allows for schemes of work within year groups and guarantees continuity of learning experiences. Teaching methods encourage first-hand experiences, discussion and application of the learning, enabling children to make sense of these situations.

Drama

The scheme of Drama follows an eclectic mix of skills: mime, movement, debating, improvisation and characterisation. Teaching Drama is rewarding when we see the emerging acting talent and the increase in the pupils’ confidence as they progress through the Pre-Prep and Prep.

The annual productions for Years 3 to 5 and Year 6 offer pupils the opportunity to come together as a team, working towards the same goal of staging a production. It is rewarding for pupils, who have not had the opportunities to excel in sports to be given some artistic recognition and we enjoy observing how the production contributes hugely to pupils’ self-confidence and belief, as well as to the overall community experience of the school. The amount of work and effort that goes into putting on a school production means that when older students reflect on their time at the Prep, they invariably point to their acting roles as a particular highlight.

English

Teachers of English have the opportunity to guide young minds through the complexities of correct grammar and its application in a wide range of creative writing exercises, as well as exploring the worlds of poetry and children’s literature. It is our intention to encourage pupils to appreciate that grammar and punctuation should not be viewed as English subjects on their own, but that the acquisition of grammar knowledge enhances all creative work and should be considered within all written exercises across the curriculum.

At the heart of English lies the text and it is our intention as teachers of English to instil a love of reading and of literature from a young age. Through a progressive Power of Reading programme, which places the text at the heart of the curriculum, each pupil will study a wide range of books and poems during their time at the

Prep School and develop a deeper understanding of literature. This will pave the way for the crucial skills of analysis and essay writing which are built on when they join the Senior School.

All children need to communicate orally in a way that is appropriate to the audience and the purpose. They need to develop skills to listen to and respond to literature, to debate, to reason and to give advice and receive instructions. Good communication skills are essential throughout life and we aim to encourage children to be articulate and confident young people. The poetry and public speaking competitions are now a fixture within the yearly Prep calendar which emphasise to pupils the importance we attach to the skills of oracy and presentation.

Geography

Studying Geography is an essential part of being a global citizen and ensures pupils understand their place in the world. Geography teaching in the Prep is concerned with stimulating natural curiosity, including an interest in their immediate surroundings and the wider world. Geographical investigations are led by enquiry type questions, enabling the pupils to become more aware of their environment and foster their sense of wonder at the beauty of the world around them. By becoming engaged in geographical and environmental activities, they develop an informed concern about the quality of the environment and the future of the human habitat, enhancing their sense of responsibility for the care of the Earth and its people.

A wide range of topics is covered such as climate, settlements, earthquakes and volcanoes, and through these topics pupils develop their geographical skills, knowledge and understanding relating to people, places and the environment. The pupils are supported to develop and apply high order thinking. As well as covering locational knowledge, human and physical geography and geographical skills, the pupils also develop literacy skills through reading and writing as well as spoken language through debate and justification of ideas. Links with Maths, Science and IT are also woven into the curriculum.

History

The overall and most important aim of History teachers in the Prep is to foster a love of History and an interest in the subject which will inspire the children to want to know more, in terms of both breadth and depth of subjects being studied. At the top of the school we aim to send pupils on to the Senior School full of curiosity and enthusiasm to know more about the past and its significance for today and tomorrow.

History is given a high profile in the Prep, linking as closely as it does with cultural and academic development.

It is important that pupils find History to be an interesting subject, and that they see its relevance to their own lives. Pupils are encouraged explore and investigate the subject to understand how evidence is used to make historical claims and analyse how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed. Our aim is to make History fun and memorable, whilst laying the foundations for a thorough background knowledge upon which to build in other subjects and in further studies as pupils progress through the school.

Modern Languages

Pupils in Year 5 do a term each of Latin, Russian and French. In Year 6, they do a term each of Latin and Arabic and half a term each of French and Linguistics; therefore, covering a classical, romantic, Semitic and Slavic language by the time they leave the Prep School.

The overall aim of language teachers in the Prep School is to make language learning fun so that pupils approach the Senior School language lessons with greater enthusiasm and confidence.

Pupils are very receptive to learning a new language. They also gain a great sense of accomplishment from learning to say something in a foreign language. This nurtures their self-esteem, selfconfidence and develops strong interpersonal skills.

We strongly believe that learning a foreign language can help one understand one’s own language. International studies have shown that those who learn a foreign language do better on both verbal and maths tests. Grammatical concepts in English also become clearer. It also broadens one’s horizons. Learning about festivals and traditions from countries where the language is spoken helps pupils appreciate other cultures.

It is important that our pupils realise that, as the world becomes more global, businesses and public organisations will need more people who can communicate in other languages.

Mathematics

Mathematics lessons throughout the Prep School teach pupils how to reason, question, identify problems, hypothesise, estimate and extend.

Pupils learn how to use a wide range of Mathematics to discuss ideas and then to undertake investigations. They discover how to communicate information, discuss difficulties and ask appropriate questions.

Classes are taught with a variety of styles, according to the topic, the teacher’s preference and the needs of the children. Whole class teaching is commonly used, though pupils are placed in pairs or larger groups for practical work. Ideas and methods are discussed within these groups or with the whole class in order to focus upon the Mathematics covered in the task. Whenever possible, the Mathematics is placed in the context of the real world with links to topics taught in Science, Geography and History.

The Prep Mathematics curriculum is delivered by class teachers from Years 1 to 4 but in Years 5 and 6 pupils are taught in smaller groups by specialist teachers.

All pupils in Years 5 and 6 sit the Primary Maths Challenge and those in Year 6 go on to participate in the Junior Maths Challenge, intended for Years 7 and 8.

The Mathematics department prepare and deliver engaging lessons and are committed to making lessons exciting, believing pupils learn through enjoyment and stimulation.

Music

Music plays a significant part in the lives of Habs’ Prep pupils. As well as two class music sessions a week, there are numerous co-curricular opportunities – three choirs, orchestra, Premier Strings, wind band, two recorder ensembles and several chamber ensembles. The Taylor Music School is a cutting edge faculty with a state of the art, purpose built concert hall. All pupils have a weekly hymn practice in this imposing space. There are plenty of performance opportunities – the Christmas and summer concerts, various key assemblies and the annual musical. Every few years, the school puts on a concert in the world famous Barbican Hall. Prep pupils are very much a part of this memorable occasion.

In class, pupils take part in diverse performance, listening and composition opportunities. They are given the space to develop their own understanding and appreciation of music, in whatever form this may take. On average, 80% of pupils learn an instrument, and that figure increases to 100% in Year 5 when all pupils learn an orchestral instrument in the place of one of their weekly class lessons. Many choose to refine these skills beyond the scheme; this in part explains the hugely popular co-curricular scene in the Senior School.

Physical Education & Games

Our values: Ambition, Curiosity, Courage, Community.

Haberdashers’ has marvellous sports facilities. The PE and Games department is well resourced offering a variety of equipment appropriate to the age of the pupil to assist the early stages of skill development. The Prep School is situated on the same site as the Senior School and benefits from the use of the extensive playing fields and indoor facilities including a state-of-the-art indoor swimming pool. There are numerous rugby and football pitches along with cricket wickets catering for all Prep ages, an allweather athletics area for sprinting and hurdling, jumping and throwing and the varied terrain within the grounds enables the boys to run cross country without leaving the school premises. There are two Astroturf areas, one floodlit, providing for hockey and wet weather training areas in the winter and for tennis in the summer.

The Physical Education programme is delivered by qualified specialist teachers throughout the school and the extensive Games programme is supported by coaches and teachers who have recognised coaching awards and a wealth of experience and expertise in coaching to various ages and ability levels.

Physical Education and Games in the Pre-Prep and Prep School aims to allow pupils to enjoy and enthuse about physical activity. The individual’s physical, creative and social development is nurtured. Each and every pupil is given the opportunity to acquire and develop their competence and understanding across a broad range of activities. Some of these are team based and some individual, but all are offered chances to display their talents in competitive situations.

Science

Almost all aspects of modern life have some sort of scientific input, from the natural world to man-made sources. Children have a natural curiosity and are fascinated by everything in the world around them. An appreciation and understanding of scientific principles play an important role in helping them make sense of their surroundings and environment, making a valuable contribution to their overall learning.

A strong focus is placed on enquiry-based learning allowing pupils to investigate scenarios linking their scientific knowledge and principles to explain observed phenomena and to solve problems. From the start of their time in the Prep, pupils develop their practical scientific skillset. Through experiments in the laboratory with specialised equipment to outdoor investigations, pupils are able to investigate with a hands-on approach.

Science club is an opportunity for pupils to further build on their natural curiosity, stimulating them to investigate and question.

Theology and Philosophy

The aim of Theology and Philosophy is to encourage every pupil to think about their own ‘Worldview’ and to consider how they might answer the fundamental questions of human existence and prepare pupils for the intellectual demands of the Senior School and beyond.

We dip into the same ultimate questions of life: where am I from? (Origin), who am I? (Significance), why is the world in a mess? (Evil), is there a future? (Purpose), how should I live? (Morality), is there a God? (Reality), how can I know? (Epistemology).

In pursuit of this aim, the world’s major religions are studied and during the P4C lessons pupils are challenged not only to learn but also to think. Particular focus is given on getting pupils to be caring, collaborative, critical and creative in their thinking and group work. Regular time for reflection and selfevaluation ensures that pupils are involved and leading the discussion and learning from each other.

PSHCEE

We believe that education in PSHCEE and citizenship enables children to become well rounded, increasingly independent and better prepared for the world ahead of them. It aims to provide a strong foundation and understanding of key values and moral concepts, which are developed and harnessed as pupils make the journey through the Pre-Prep, Prep and into the Senior School. The subject encourages pupils to take ownership and builds self-esteem within a safe environment that allows all pupils to share their thoughts and feelings openly.

The curriculum is facilitated through a spiral programme called Jigsaw, that gradually expands and enriches key concepts, increases knowledge, deepens understanding, and develops key skills through a thematic approach. Jigsaw very much acts as the spine in our curriculum, that subsequently allows us to adapt and introduce new lessons that ensure we keep abreast of the latest trends and themes in the modern world. Our PSHCEE programme explores a breadth of topic areas including: mindfulness, celebrating differences, healthy eating, exercise, smoking, drugs, first aid training, relationship and sex education and consent. SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural) elements are also taught, through a wide range of lessons and activities. Pupils learn to appreciate what it means to be a positive member of a diverse and multi-cultural society and are encouraged to play a positive role in contributing to the lives of others in the school and wider communities.

Throughout each academic year, all pupils have the opportunity to raise money for charities, take part in selfless service projects and, through our eco representatives, take pride in making their school and local surroundings more environmentally friendly.

Co-curriculum

There are many clubs and activities available to pupils in the Prep. These take place at lunchtime or after school and this term they might include:

• Art • Athletics • Bushcraft • Chess • Choir (Junior and Senior) • Climbing • Cricket • Cross Country • Dance • Debating • Design Technology • Fencing • Football • Forest School • Gymnastics • Hockey • ICT - coding • Judo • Multi-sport • Orchestra • Reading for Pleasure • Recorder Group • Rugby • School Council • Speech and Drama • Swimming • Table Tennis • Veggie Patch

The clubs offered to Year 3 are mostly organised during the lunch break. As they progress up the school, pupils may choose to attend a club which finishes between 4pm and 5pm.