education
NEW CURRICULUM AT ST MARGARET'S PREP
It's been a busy first half of the year at ST MARGARET'S PREP in Calne...
T
he new academic year kicked off with the launch of a newly revised curriculum at St Margaret’s Prep. In Pre-Prep, the Autumn term began with the launch of the new 2+ Bluebird Nursery and the grand opening of their newly renovated Early Years Courtyard. Nursery and Reception children have been embracing this new outdoor learning space and have been enjoying the many outdoor learning opportunities it provides. In Year 1, the Autumn Term saw the launch of two new topics – ‘Marvellous Me’ and ‘Park Life’. The children enjoyed engaging Hook Days complemented by trips and visits to immerse them in their learning and their new thematic approach. Year 2 children enjoyed learning all about the Great Fire of London through their ‘London’s Burning’ topic which culminated in a real-life re-enactment of the great fire itself. Following this, they then launched their newly revised Science topic, ‘Amazing Animals’, which even included a visit from various creepy crawlies to bring their learning to life! In the Prep department, curriculum changes mean that the children are now taught wider curriculum subject areas (History, Geography and Science), in blocked units in order to really investigate subject areas in depth and to support knowledge retention. Year 3 enjoyed fascinating units studying the Stone Age, Rocks and Soils and Earthquakes, which included a fun-filled Stone Age Day,
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creating pneumatic models in DT and a trip to Avebury. Year 4 children threw themselves into their studies surrounding the Anglo Saxons and the Digestive System. This linked nicely with the DT curriculum which saw the children expand their cookery skills culminating in the design and production of delicious soup recipes. Up in Year 5, pupils explored the topics of Climate Change, Keeping Healthy and The Tudors. A fabulous Tudor day saw some incredible costumes and even a re-enactment of the battle of Bosworth! Despite working hard towards their Senior School entrance exams and interviews, Year 6 pupils
managed to still demonstrate their commitment to their studies by exploring the themes of Fair Trade, Electricity and World War 2 in their wider curriculum. The easing of Covid restrictions meant that they were able to throw themselves in to their Science work by visiting the St Mary’s Calne Science Labs whilst World War 2 Day saw another amazing array of costumes and activities planned to bring their learning to life! If you'd like to see more about the school, St Margaret's is hosting an Open Morning on 17 March. Head to the website for details. • stmargaretsprep.org.uk
"Year 2 children enjoyed learning all about the Great Fire of London through their ‘London’s Burning’ topic which culminated in a real-life re-enactment of the great fire itself."
With the support of their grounds team, Year 2 pupils recreate the Great Fire of London
