PREP SCHOOL
Welcome to Brighton Girls
English
Pre-Prep
At Brighton Girls we understand the importance of developing the English language right from early development and that having a systematic synthetic phonics approach to early reading is a highly effective and structured method to help children build strong foundational literacy skills We teach the relationship between letters and sounds in a logical and sequential order, building confidence to decode words and open their world to the English language
Pupils in Pre-Prep receive daily phonics lessons to support the development of their early reading journey. We incorporate phonics skills into our English lessons where we focus on the development of early writing, looking at building words to create adventurous and imaginative sentences.
Prep
Our English curriculum follows the ‘Power of Reading’ scheme allowing pupils to engage in high-quality, ambitious texts that play a crucial role in nurturing a love for both reading and writing. We use texts that challenge pupils to think critically, delve deeper into meaning, and make connections between diverse concepts, ultimately strengthening their analytical abilities. At Brighton Girls, pupils engage in activities that support their understanding and analysis of the text allowing students to gain deep insights into
characters, settings, and plot development This level of comprehension allows them to write in role, adopting the voice and perspective of different characters with confidence and authenticity. By examining the structure, tone, and language choices in these texts, pupils are encouraged to experiment with ambitious vocabulary and develop a sophisticated writing style. At the heart of this approach is the belief that every student can find their unique writing voice, developing not only technical competence but
also the passion and confidence to write with flair and originality
Across the school, pupils have weekly spelling lessons helping students build a solid foundation in spelling. Through engaging, interactive activities, pupils are encouraged to explore and recognise common spelling patterns, rules, and exceptions in a fun and memorable way
Oracy is supported at Brighton Girls through a variety of strategies that foster speaking and listening skills In lessons, teachers develop sentence stems to guide students in structuring their responses, promoting clear and confident
communication. Extracurricular clubs, such as debating and performance poetry, offer pupils opportunities to engage in structured discussions and express themselves creatively. Additionally, on-stage performances in Key Stage 1, Lower Key Stage 2, and Upper Key Stage 2 encourage students to perform in front of an audience, building confidence and fluency in speaking These experiences collectively enhance pupils’ ability to articulate their ideas effectively in different contexts
Pre-Prep
At Brighton Girls we embrace maths mastery, a teaching and learning approach that aims for pupils to develop a deep understanding of maths, rather than being able to memorise key procedures or resort to rote learning. Pupils will be learning about maths in a practical hands-on way,using everyday objects to solve problems and do simple calculations
They will be working individually, as a whole class and in groups, and will be learning to think about the methods they use for solving problems.
Prep
Maths teaching at Brighton Girls follows a low threshold, high ceiling approach to the teaching of mathematics This ensures every learner is able to access a task but children who feel confident can drive their own learning forward without any constraint. We follow the White Rose scheme of maths which is a well-established scheme of work founded out of evidencebased education research Mixed ability teaching has been shown to support all learners when delivered through a mastery approach
There are opportunities to support and challenge all learners. The end goal and expectation is for all pupils to have acquired the fundamental facts and concepts of maths for their year or key stage. Maths mastery is centred around depth of learning at a year group level rather than moving quickly onto the next year group levels This means that children can grasp a concept and work through both fluency and reasoning style questions with rigour rather than speed
At Brighton Girls, the teaching of science is designed to engage students at all ability levels by combining hands-on practical investigation, digital learning, and opportunities for independent research. Practical Investigations in science lessons are centered around high levels of practical activities, encouraging pupils to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. These experiments foster curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, making science both accessible and exciting for all learners
To keep the curriculum current and relevant, pupils regularly access upto-date online resources
This integration of digital tools ensures that learning is continuously expanded and enriched with the latest scientific developments. Our pupils are encouraged to extend their learning beyond the classroom through independent research. This approach nurtures self-directed learning, creativity, and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. Our inclusive teaching strategies ensure that every pupil, regardless of ability, is provided with the tools and opportunities to succeed in science and help towards our primary aim of developing a lifelong love of this subject.
At both KS1 and KS2, our science curriculum emphasises learning through practical investigation, fostering curiosity and engagement. Practical investigations form the foundation of understanding across a wide range of scientific areas Hands-on activities allow young learners to explore and make sense of the world around them, with a strong focus on observation and basic experimentation as the primary route to understanding.
As pupils progress, the breadth and depth of their knowledge and understanding increase significantly. Practical investigations remain central but are complemented by more complex concepts and detailed exploration Pupils build on their foundational knowledge, developing critical thinking and the ability to apply scientific principles in greater detail. This progression ensures a continuous development of skills and understanding, helping to prepare our pupils for future scientific learning.
History
The Brighton Girls history curriculum aims to engage young learners with the rich and diverse tapestry of human history This curriculum celebrates the stories, cultures, and contributions of people from all over the world, ensuring every student sees themselves reflected in the past. We discuss global perspectives by exploring the histories of different continents, including Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe Each region’s unique heritage and historical milestones are highlighted to provide a comprehensive
understanding of our shared global history We cover significant figures and meet a wide array of historical figures, from well-known leaders and innovators to unsung heroes and everyday individuals who made a difference Lessons include men and women from various ethnicities, backgrounds, and walks of life. Historical themes, such as migration, trade, conflict, and cooperation. These themes are explored through different lenses to show how they have impacted societies around the world. We believe it is important to foster a
sense of empathy and respect for all cultures and peoples. Pupils will learn about the struggles and triumphs of various communities, promoting a more inclusive and understanding worldview Our local history unit features across all year groups, offering an exciting journey for children, as they discover how this vibrant seaside city evolved from a small fishing village into a bustling resort town Through engaging stories, interactive activities, and local field trips, students explore Brighton’s rich past, its cultural diversity, and its contributions to arts and entertainment By delving into
Brighton’s history, children gain a deeper appreciation for their local heritage and the dynamic changes that have shaped their community
Geography
The Brighton Girls Geography curriculum is a dynamic program designed to foster a deep understanding of our planet and inspire responsible global citizenship This curriculum emphasises the importance of sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community involvement; preparing students to become proactive and conscientious individuals. We explore planet Earth, allowing pupils to embark on a journey to explore the diverse landscapes, climates, and ecosystems of our planet including mountains, rivers, forests, and oceans.
Pupils will study the impact of human activities on the environment, developing environmental awareness. Topics include pollution, deforestation, climate change, and conservation Linking with this we learn about sustainable living and emphasise the importance of renewable energy, recycling, water conservation, and other eco-friendly practices.
At Brighton Girls, we recognise the importance of teaching the pupils about their role in our community and pupils explore the concept of global citizenship, understanding their role in the global community. They learn about different cultures, traditions, and ways of life, fostering empathy and respect for diversity. Pupils are encouraged to think critically about environmental and geographical issues. They engage in problem-solving activities that require them to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
We recognise that learning extends beyond the classroom and offer multiple opportunities for field trips and outdoor activities. Visits to nature reserves, the coast, parks, and other significant geographical sites provides students with practical experiences and a deeper connection to our local wildlife and landscapes.
During a pupil's time at Brighton Girls they have the opportunity to learn Spanish and French Two languages that we believe offer a range of cognitive, cultural, academic, and personal benefits It not only improves children’s language abilities, but also enhances their worldview, fosters global citizenship, and provides them with important skills that will serve them throughout their lives
Languages start from Early Years and weekly lessons are timetabled all the way to Year 6 We have Spanish and French speaking teachers from our Senior school for Year 5 and 6 pupils, to support the transition into the senior school.
Physical Education
Pupils in Early Years to Year 6 receive a PE and a Games lesson each week, which are taught by our specialist PE teacher The curriculum is divided into PE and Games. In PE lessons we develop skills around fine/gross motor, invasion games, ball skills and team building through gymnastics, dance, trampolining, athletics and swimming. We use our state-of the art on site facilities including a dance studio, fitness suite, sports hall and astro pitches. We have a well established games programme including netball, football, hockey and cricket.
All pupils in Years 3 -6 have a weekly fixture afternoon allowing all pupils the opportunity to put their new learned skills into competitive game practice. The curriculum is designed to develop a deep understanding of the importance of physical activity and nurture highly-skilled athletes for competitive sport.
Computing & Coding
In Reception, computing and coding is introduced through play. Children are encouraged to develop an interest in and positive attitudes towards computing by using technology and programmable toys to support their learning. These activities are integrated into their classroom experiences, and learning environment. Through play opportunities, children can explore a range of resources that enhance their ICT knowledge and understanding
Additionally, unplugged activities focus on teaching algorithms through clear sets of instructions, fostering independence and confidence in using and navigating technology In Years 1 and 2, pupils build on these skills and learn to understand what algorithms are. Additionally, they create and debug simple computer programs, building essential computational skills Pupils in Years 1 and 2 will explore digital art and engage with various applications.
They’ll learn to express their creativity through digital media; experimenting with drawing software, image editing, and even basic animation This exposure to digital art fosters both artistic expression and digital literacy, preparing them for a technologyrich future.
From Year 3 through to Year 6 the girls have a dedicated coding lesson for one hour every week, taught by a specialist coding teacher The focus of these lessons is to develop the girls computational skills, logical thinking, problem solving and independent working, through a mixture of onscreen and physical coding.
The girls work on a variety of projects; year on year the curriculum is adapted to build on the progress they have made.
They create animations and games using Scratch,Crumble projects, code using MicroBits, and robotic Lego structures that they code and automate. In Year 6 they are also introduced to Python Turtle coding There are a variety of coding clubs on offer to the girls where they can specialise in areas of coding that interest them. Our girls become leaders in all subjects, and we are proud to build their skills and confidence through our coding curriculum
WRAP
Brighton Girls religious and non religious learning is taught as the subject ‘WRAP’; incorporating Worldviews, Religion and Philosophy We promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society, and prepare pupils at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life Starting right in the beginning in the Early Years we engage in WRAP through celebrating and learning about different religious events such as Eid, Diwali, Christmas, Easter and Passover, as well as celebrating other special cultural days such as St Georges Day, New Years Eve and Chinese New Year.
In Years 1 to 6 our WRAP curriculum encourages pupils to learn about different faiths and beliefs, and to
share their own ideas. WRAP is primarily taught by shared voice, meaning we listen courteously to each other and engage in debate with respect for others From Year 1 to Year 6, pupils will focus on a different religion or non religious belief each term These include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Humanism, Identity and Belonging Each unit will look more in depth at a particular area, building on pupils' prior learning We learn about different special days and celebrations that are important to our school community by creating opportunities for pupils to speak at prep school assemblies or to their class in form time. We also have a special display board where families can share their own special celebrations from home.
Music
Music is a huge part of our students lives here at Brighton Girls Prep Each class has a dedicated musicianship lesson each week with our Head of Music, these lessons are based around the Kodaly principle and are essentially music taught through singing and games This is a progressive curriculum which starts in the Early Years and is taught through to Year 6 Working alongside this are modules in instrument teaching, (Recorder and
Ukulele at present), music technology and lots and lots of singing! We are proud of our concert programme with a Carol Concert and Nativity at Christmas, a special Grandparents Day Concert in the Spring, a trip to the O2 to be a part of Young Voices and a Summer Concert as well as two musical productions a year in Key Stage 2 Music is also built into the school day with assemblies and class teaching, providing more opportunity for exploration
Outdoor Learning
Every week, the natural world becomes our playground and our classroom. Pupils have the opportunity to learn amidst the diverse ecosystems, witness marine life, cook on an open fire, build shelters and develop a deep appreciation for our local environment. Outdoor education provides hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that bring the curriculum to life. From conducting science experiments on the shore, to learning about flora
and fauna in the woodland, our students actively engage with their subjects, enhancing their understanding and retention of knowledge. Our Pre-Prep students engage in weekly outdoor learning sessions and Preschool and Reception spend all of Tuesday outside! Our older pupils enjoy regular sessions every half term at a private woodland in Newtimber or at the beach.
Assessment
All our subjects have a form of assessment whether it be teacher judgement or a more formal process. For English, maths and science we use more formal assessment termly to ensure we are meeting the academic needs of our pupils and monitoring their academic progress At Brighton Girls, we work together with form teachers, the SENDco and Deputy Head Academic to
understand each and every individual pupil's academic journey. We build stretch and challenge into our everyday teaching and adapt learning to meet all the needs of those we teach Our assessments are either computer based or on paper and we work with our pupils to ensure assessments are not scary or intimidating but a celebration of their knowledge.
School Socials
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Brighton Girls Pre-Prep and Prep Temple Gardens
Brighton, East Sussex
BN1 3AS
+44 (0)1273 280280 prepadmissions@brightongirls.gdst.net brightongirls.gdst.net
@brighton girls @BrightonGirls @BrightonGirlsSchool