Pre-Preparatory Department

Children join the Pre-Preparatory Department at around the age of five years. Normal hours of attendance are 8.45am to 3.50pm, however extended day facilities are available until 6.00pm (Monday to Thursday.) On Friday the ‘Fun Club’ runs until 5.00pm. There are no additional costs to parents who wish to take advantage of these extended facilities.

In the Pre-Preparatory Department there are no rigidly fixed teaching methods; our over-riding concern at this stage is to provide as full and happy an introduction to school life as possible. Lessons are planned to stimulate interest and thought; staff present work in a way that is appropriate to the abilities and aptitudes of pupils. Children work in small groups, given individual help and encouragement where necessary. As well as a high standard of academic work, we place much emphasis on manners and general social behaviour. Children are encouraged to take pride in, and responsibility for, their own work and behaviour.

In English we use a variety of reading schemes and strategies, integrated with workbooks, flashcards and other resource materials. Experience shows that different children respond to different approaches so we strive to find that which is most appropriate to each child. Spelling comprehension and composition are introduced as reading abilities progress. Both traditional and modern approaches are applied in Mathematics in order to create a varied and stimulating curriculum. Nature, Religious Knowledge, ICT, History and Geography are explored in class through project work. Science and Languages are also introduced. Music, Art, Craft, Drama and swimming are some of the other activities children undertake.

Homework is set each day. In the beginning this will amount to a little reading or writing practice, generally building as they get older. Reports on the progress of each pupil are prepared at the end of each term, however, appointments can be made at any time for parents to discuss their child’s progress.

At the Bramdean Pre-Preparatory School, children are fortunate to have large play areas at their disposal. These, we believe, are essential in helping to build self-confidence and physical well-being. Children also benefit from many of the facilities of the Preparatory and Senior School, such as the use of the school playing field for games, under the instruction of specially qualified games teachers.