PREPARATORY SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Children aged 7+ join Year 3 at the beginning of the Prep School in our dedicated building, Stable Court, into parallel classes of up to twenty pupils. The curriculum is designed to ensure pupils gain learning experiences that develop the full range of academic, creative, social, physical and spiritual talents. These are taught through the subjects of English, mathematics, science, history, geography, ICT, art, technology, music, drama, French, Spanish, PSHEE, RS, PE and games, as well as our extensive programme of co-curricular opportunities.

Each class has an assigned lead and deputy form tutors who are responsible for the pastoral care and well-being of their pupils. Form tutors in Years 3 and 4 teach both mathematics and English, whilst in Years 5 and 6 form tutors specialise in one of these subjects. Specialist staff teach music, drama, technology, French, Spanish, PE and games. In order to help children to learn at the speed appropriate for them, they are placed in sets for mathematics and some aspects of English. Ongoing internal assessments form the basis of our reporting process and play a significant role in the transfer process to the Senior School. Parents receive an academic grade card each term, an annual written report as well as the opportunity to formally discuss their child’s progress at two parents’ evenings. Each pupil is encouraged to develop strong selfmotivation, to take increasing responsibility for his or her own learning and to be actively engaged in the learning process.

In addition to a broad and ambitious academic curriculum, children benefit from the all-encompassing Prep School portfolio (PSP). We believe that a child’s learning extends beyond the classroom. The PSP ‘wheel’ enshrines all that the children do at the Prep School. Underpinned by the character qualities programme, each and every facet of Prep School life is allocated to one of six, equally valued, learning strands. Evidence of children’s participation and progress within each of these sectors is collated via a variety of methods. These are then retained in a portfolio, culminating in a fully quantifiable record of how effectively each child has embraced the rich tapestry of Prep School life. At the end of Year 6, these achievements are celebrated in a formal graduation ceremony, where awards are typically at bronze, silver, gold or platinum levels.

The use of technology is an important aspect of life at the Prep. Pupils are provided with a school device in Year 3, which stays in school. From Year 4, parents are required to purchase a pupil device sourced via the school for use in Years 4-6, this is also used for homework. The laptop is a tool which supports the pupil’s learning in the widest possible way whilst he or she consolidates the skills which are already developing.

The broad curriculum is further supported by the provision of enrichment days, including visits from a wide variety of specialists and off-timetable experiences. Typical activities might include a visit from a Roman soldier, theatre trips and the opportunity to attend a science exhibition in London amongst many others.

Residential trips take place in each year from Year 4, with an emphasis on team-building, reinforcing the curriculum and developing leadership skills in accordance with our character qualities programme. An optional ski trip is available to pupils in Year 5 and above.

Music and drama are an integral part of life. The school provides opportunities for all children to experience learning a musical instrument within the curriculum, as well as individual music lessons for those who wish to extend their learning. Pupils can expect to perform in special events, such as assemblies, concerts and high quality drama productions. All pupils develop their communication and presentation skills, through poetry and prose reading competitions and studying for English speaking board examinations.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Children are encouraged to participate in the many cocurricular clubs and activities that are offered at lunchtime and after school by visiting specialists and staff. Additional sports practices take place at lunchtime and before and after school to support the busy fixtures programme. It is a fundamental part of our ethos to provide opportunities for each and every child to flourish and achieve more than he or she thinks is possible. As well as the traditional sports, our programme includes fencing, dance, rock pop, an ever popular bushcraft club, art, drama and coding, to name but a few.

Senior School Curriculum

The Senior School maintains the ethos, established in our PrePrep and Prep Schools, of enabling all pupils to achieve their full potential. An important element in our teaching philosophy is to understand the link between academic rigour and the value of good character.

The academic curriculum has been purposely designed to develop the skills of the learner, to provide breadth of choice, extended learning opportunities, character development and academic rigour. Our learner attributes ensure that students leave the school as well-rounded individuals capable of independent study and ready for life beyond Claremont:

Claremont has developed a clear roadmap which helps students transition through the school. This roadmap in conjunction with the academic programme ensures that all pupils attain the highest qualifications of which they are capable for entry into university or college:

Years 7, 8 and 9

The core curriculum for Years 7, 8 and 9 is innovative and defined by incredible breadth and range of opportunities. Extending from classics and social science to photography and food and nutrition. The curriculum schedule has been set out for all pupils and most subjects are studied until the end of Year 9 as displayed on the table (see below).

Years 10 and 11

Year 10 and 11 pupils study towards their GCSE examinations. Typically, they study six compulsory subjects (English language and literature, mathematics, science and religious studies) and four optional subjects. The curriculum can be extended or reduced to suit the educational needs of the pupil. The GCSE curriculum booklet is sent out to all families before the GCSE evening held during Year 9 and contains a full description of all courses, awarding bodies and assessment details. We offer a wide range of subjects that allow students to study the subjects they are passionate about whilst retaining a strong academic foundation. The GCSE curriculum is built around students’ choices because students can take four GCSE’s of their choosing.

Sixth Form

Lower and upper sixth students (Years 12 and 13) study three or four A level or Level 3 applied diploma courses from the wide selection available. Our A level curriculum booklet contains full details of all courses and is sent to Year 11 pupils and parents before the sixth form open evening held in September. The range of subjects is large and pupils are encouraged to plan carefully for their higher education future when deciding upon their A level course of study.

All sixth form students benefit from a regular one on one careers guidance session with our higher education coordinator. Pupils go on to study at a range of universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Group, and read a variety of courses, which include medicine, engineering, fashion and textile design, maths and economics. In addition to their A level studies, all sixth form students will study the innovative Joyce Grenfell Programme which includes EPQ study options and a range of other qualifications designed to enrich and enhance students’ university applications and prospects. There are a wide range of academic enrichment opportunities available from trips, essay competitions, externally assessed challenges, lectures and seminars to clubs and societies.