COLLEGIAN WITHIN THE LITTLE
LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Methodist College Belfast Preparatory Department (Methody Prep) where you will discover a celebrated tapestry of diversity, opportunity and excellence that makes Methody Prep truly unique.
At Methody Prep, we are proud to be part of the Collegian family and we wear our crest with pride. From age 3 our pupils are little Collegians within our Methody family.
Our pupils are happy, kind and confident and enjoy discovering and developing their passions at Methody Prep.
Our staff are passionate, committed and provide high quality teaching ensuring academic excellence.
This is a place that is inspiring and unique, where friends are made for life, where leaders are made, where children can own the stage and the sporting fields and where life changing experiences take place.
THIS IS METHODY PREP.
Mrs J Lendrum Principal
WELCOME TO METHODY PREP
Situated on the edge of Belfast city centre, on the main school site of Methodist College, Methody Prep is an enriching community that offers a truly unique educational experience for all. Our prime location means that from day one your child will have access to unrivalled facilities which will allow them to be at the heart of the Methody family.
Our school provides an environment where each and every child is happy, valued, challenged and able to fulfil their individual potential in the widest possible range of activities both inside and outside of the classroom.
Non-denominational and co-educational, we welcome pupils from all faiths or none, into our safe and inclusive familya place where we respect differences and celebrate all that unites us as Collegians.
We are very proud of our family-centred ethos, our reputation for academic excellence, breadth of extracurricular sporting, musical and artistic provision and the quality of pastoral care.
We welcome parents/ carers to visit our school and see the pupils at work and at play, to see firsthand all the life changing opportunities that we offer.
VISION & VALUES
OUR VISION
To be the first-choice school in Northern Ireland, offering a truly unique educational experience for all.
OUR MISSION
Methody Prep offers unparalleled choice and opportunity. We foster excellence and ambition in a diverse and nurturing environment where every Collegian can flourish.
OUR VALUES
We wear our Methody crest with pride. Our values are the principles, beliefs and standards that help shape our decisions, guide our actions and manifest in our behaviours as Collegians.
DO ALL THE GOOD YOU CAN, BY ALL THE MEANS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE PLACES YOU CAN, AT ALL THE TIMES YOU CAN, TO ALL THE PEOPLE YOU CAN, AS LONG AS EVER YOU CAN.
JOHN WESLEY’S CHALLENGE
AT THE HEART OF ALL COLLEGIANS
Our school crest, the Maltese Cross has instilled pride in many Collegians down through the years. A true Collegian displays the following values not just during their time here at the College but in their lives beyond school. These values are the fabric of who we are.
C S T R E
COMMITMENT
We work hard and try to learn something new each day.
RESPONSIBILITY
We are kind. We make the right decisions, even if it is difficult. We care for our environment.
EXCELLENCE
We always try our best.
STEWARDSHIP
We are proud of our school.
TEAM
We help others and work as a team. We respect our differences.
BE A COLLEGIAN
I LOVE LEARNING NEW THINGS EVERY DAY AND HAVE DIFFERENT, FUN TEACHERS.
We believe that at Methody Prep we can provide a unique educational experience where your child will be appropriately challenged, inspired and encouraged to reach their full potential.
WHY CHOOSE METHODY PREP?
● A leading co-educational Prep school in the heart of South Belfast, for children aged 3-11.
● A non-denominational and inclusive educational setting that champions individuality, diversity and equality.
● Pupils are integrated within the wider Methody community and are little Collegians from their first day.
● Smaller class sizes, where each child is an individual and our staff can spend more time, giving your child the attention they need to flourish.
● Excellent reputation for the highest academic standards.
● Inspirational teaching from exceptional teaching staff.
● Celebration of success which helps each child to discover their own talents and passions.
● Specialist teaching in Performing Arts, Modern Languages, Music, PE, Games and Swimming.
● A dedicated learning support specialist who provides additional support to children in small groups and individually to consolidate learning.
● Pastoral Care is of the utmost importance, we believe that by supporting children’s wellbeing this is central to their success.
● A wide and varied extra-curricular programme.
● Affordable wraparound care service from 8am until 5.30pm, meeting the needs of working parents.
● A family-centred atmosphere which affirms the tangible warm and friendly feel of Methody Prep.
● Our pupils are happy, bright and confident and enjoy learning and making friendships within such a positive, open and supportive environment.
CURRICULUM
Our curriculum at Methody Prep taps into children’s imaginations, creativity and eagerness to learn throughout our whole school environment. Pupils learn through inspirational teaching methods to become confident independent learners.
PRE-PREP
We provide high quality Pre-Prep care and education in a safe, happy and stimulating environment.
In our Pre-Prep the children learn through play. Our experienced staff support the holistic development of the children through an inspiring, engaging and playful curriculum with lots of fun throughout the day.
Our Pre-Prep children have access to all Methody Prep facilities both indoor and outdoor. From age 3 our pupils experience high quality specialist teaching in drama, music and PE ensuring they access amazing opportunities.
By attending our Pre-Prep, children have a seamless transition to Prep 1 with a great head start and positive attitude towards their future education.
PREP 1 - PREP 4
In Foundation and Key Stage 1, we use a ‘learning through play’ approach which provides our pupils with a happy, inspiring and encouraging environment.
Literacy and Numeracy development is encouraged in a way that the children find enjoyable and practical but that enables them to create solid foundations as they move through the school.
From Prep 1, all pupils benefit from our extensive specialist teaching which includes, modern languages, drama, music, PE and from Prep 3 pupils take part in swimming lessons in our very own 25m indoor swimming pool.
PREP 5 - PREP 7
Pupils in Key Stage 2 continue to learn within a rich and diverse curriculum that blends digital learning alongside more traditional methods.
We provide a high quality, vibrant learning environment where pupils are challenged and inspired to develop and enhance their skills.
Our senior pupils experience a deepened and enhanced curriculum which solidifies their education before transitioning to secondary school. Methody Prep is leading the way in academic excellence and we are very proud of our pupils’ success.
100%
PUPILS TRANSFER TO GRAMMAR SCHOOL 90% TRANSFER TO METHODY
227 AVERAGE SEAG SCORE
*2023/2024 statistics
THE LITTLE COLLEGIAN WITHIN
At Methody Prep, we prepare your child for the next stage of their education. Our pupils benefit from excellent standards of high quality teaching that sets us apart and the vast majority of our pupils, on average, more than 90%, move on to Methody to take advantage of the life changing opportunities on offer, with 100% of pupils normally transferring to a grammar school.
During their time in the Prep our pupils have access to all the state of the art facilities that Methody has to offer and the children are very familiar with the Methody campus. We are proud of our joint heritage with the Senior School and the pupils relish the opportunity to visit the main school campus.
From Prep 3 all children have access to our 25m swimming pool for weekly swimming
lessons. Games is held weekly at Pirrie Park where pupils have access to hockey and rugby pitches. All pupils also have daily access to our state of the art Multi-Use Games Area located beside Methody Prep.
Drama performances are held in the Chapel of Unity and the Whitla Hall which has included shows such as Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang and Bugsy Malone, as well as our spectacular musical recitals. Our senior pupils have the opportunity to join the Methodist College Chorister Programme with rehearsals taking place in the Heritage Centre.
Our youngest pupils use the Methody campus to explore the seasons and our senior pupils have access to classroom facilities and regular familiarisation visits before they transition to secondary school.
When they leave the Prep we are sorry to see our pupils go but we know they are ready for the next exciting chapter.
I LOVE SCHOOL, I HAVE MADE SO MANY FRIENDS FROM PRE-PREP TO PREP 7! IT IS A GREAT PLACE TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS.
A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY
At Methody Prep pupils have access to incredible opportunities and experiences. There is so much in which pupils can get involved.
Performing Arts is an integral part of the school curriculum at Methody Prep. Children receive two sessions of music and drama per week by our specialist teacher. Choir and Orchestra rehearse after school each week and perform at various events through the school term.
Every child in Methody Prep will be given the opportunity to appear on the stage which is a highlight of the Prep calendar. We are extremely fortunate to have a Chorister Programme linked with the Methody Music Department. Choristers perform at various events throughout the school year with the highlight being our Easter Concert in The Waterfront Hall.
Our pupils also receive specialist teaching in modern languages (French and Spanish) and receive two sessions per week. Languages are taught in a safe and comfortable climate which enables
Prep pupils to be set on a path for future success, fostering a love of languages.
Methody Prep has an enviable reputation for our sport offering. Pupils have access to specialist teachers for PE, Games and extra-curricular activities. There are opportunities for all pupils to find a sport in which they can participate and enjoy.
OUTSTANDING SPORTING FACILITIES
● 25m swimming pool
● Spacious gym
● 4 0 acres of playing fields at Pirrie Park
● Multi-use games area
● Sports hall
● Rugby pitches
● Netball courts
● Hockey pitches
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
From Pre-Prep through to Prep 7 we provide an array of school trips as part of our academic enrichment which includes museums, forest schools, wildlife centres, residentials and much more...
In Prep 6, pupils go on their first residential trip to an outdoor activity centre where they embark on lots of fun activities exploring the great outdoors and embracing new challenges. Pupils foster skills in selfconfidence, resilience and teamwork.
In Prep 7, pupils go on a week-long ski trip abroad. This is a hugely exciting event for our senior pupils where they get to experience new cultures and experiences away from home. This is a real highlight of their final year at Methody Prep, creating lifelong exceptional memories.
I LIKE GOING ON SCHOOL TRIPS - WE ARE GOING TO W5, THE PLANETARIUM, AND THE ULSTER MUSEUM THIS YEAR AND I CAN’T WAIT TO GO ON THE SKI TRIP!
PASTORAL CARE
The Pastoral Care of our children is at the heart of everything at Methody Prep. We believe that for a child to be successful in and out of the classroom, they need to feel happy and secure in their environment.
Our pastoral care does just that; we nurture all aspects of our children’s needs by creating a safe, supportive and caring environment. This enables our children to thrive and realise their full potential.
Methody Prep operates an ‘open door’ policy with parents. We value their knowledge, experience and views and seek to establish a partnership with them in making appropriate provisions for all our pupils.
THE LEARNING SUPPORT DEPARTMENT
Our Learning Support Department aims to ensure that the education needs of all our pupils are met. Pupils with special educational needs will have access to a full, broad and balanced curriculum and will be offered equal opportunities to achieve.
As part of our specialised teaching offering our dedicated Learning Support Teacher provides additional support for individuals and small groups to underpin and consolidate learning.
I LIKE THE TEACHERS BECAUSE THEY ARE KIND, AND THEY HELP YOU WHEN YOU NEED IT.
WRAPAROUND CARE FEES
The Methody Prep school day runs from 8.30am - 2.30/3pm. We offer a range of wraparound care outside of these hours to allow parents to pick up their child at a time that works best for their schedule.
We offer Breakfast Club from 8am and Afterschool Club from 2.30pm - 5.30pm. To assist parents with younger children we also provide an Afterschool Club for our Pre-Prep from 1pm - 5.30pm.
For parents with children that finish at 2.30pm and 3pm, we offer a complimentary half hour session,
between 2.30pm - 3pm, so that parents can collect all children at the one pick up time.
We have a supportive team with an Afterschool Leader and several assistants in a dedicated room where children can participate in a variety of activities including art and craft, games and simple cooking. They have access to computers and a chill-out area. Pupils also make use of the gym and the playground. Our senior pupils also have the opportunity to complete their homework in a quiet classroom, supervised by one of the team.
I LOVE MAKING NEW FRIENDS FROM ALL YEAR GROUPS, I KNOW EVERYONE.
CHOOSING METHODY PREP HAS BEEN THE BEST DECISION FOR OUR CHILDREN. WE LOVE THE FAMILY FEEL TO THE SCHOOL, THE OPPORTUNITIES, AND THE INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT THEY CAN ACCESS. THEY HAVE MADE SO MANY FRIENDS AND ARE SO HAPPY!
METHODY PREP PARENT