Teaching and Curriculum at Hampton Court House
Hampton Court House Prep is about providing an educational experience centred around the child with bespoke approaches for every individual. Whether in classroom settings, extra-curricular activities or charity work, we teach the children to be well-rounded and caring and to contribute to all aspects of school life. Our day-to-day curriculum is one of the foundations of this approach. Lessons are designed to be interesting, engaging, supportive and challenging so that all children feel able to do their best. Teachers will always enable children to contribute fully to lessons, learn and demonstrate new knowledge, skills and ideas, and to shape their voice as part of a dynamic, but homely, community.
Intent
At Hampton Court House, our Years 1 – 6 curriculum is designed with the holistic development of each child in mind. We aim to cultivate a love for learning, curiosity, and confidence in our students. Central to our intent is the bilingual program for Years 1 – 4, where approximately 50% of the curriculum is delivered in French. This unique approach not only enhances language skills but also broadens cultural understanding and cognitive flexibility. Our goal is to support every child’s intellectual, social, and emotional growth through a rich and balanced curriculum where mistakes are accepted, and questions welcomed.
Implementation
OOur curriculum is implemented with a focus on creating an inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environment with a sense of fun. For Years 1 – 4, the bilingual program integrates French into everyday learning, covering subjects such as humanities, science, sport and the arts in both English and French. This immersive approach helps students develop proficiency in both languages naturally and enjoyably, with in class support used to ensure all children are able to understand and access the curriculum. Lessons are structured to build on previous knowledge, ensuring a smooth progression. Within years 5 and 6 more specialist teachers are used to deliver the curriculum which allows for the development of skills necessary to start their secondary education in year 7. We employ a variety of teaching methods, including individual tasks, group work, and hands-on activities, to cater to different learning styles. Continuous assessment practices allow us to monitor each child's progress closely and provide personalised support as needed.
Impact
The impact of our carefully crafted curriculum is seen in the enthusiasm and active participation of our students. They develop strong foundation skills in literacy, numeracy, and science, along with the ability to think critically and solve problems. The bilingual program enhances their language skills and cultural awareness, giving them a broader perspective and improved cognitive abilities. Our students also grow in confidence, independence, and social skills. Regular assessments demonstrate enhanced academic progress and personal development, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the next stage of their education with a lifelong love of learning and a unique bilingual advantage.
Key contacts
Susie Byers Head of Prep sby@hchnet.co.uk
Eldon Fayers Assistant
Principal
| Teaching & Learning efa@hchnet.co.uk
Imogen Stone
Prep Head of Teaching & Learning ist@hchnet.co.uk
Nick
Edwards Assistant Principal | Data & Assessment
ned@hchnet.co.uk
Paul Pearce
Deputy Head | Operations & Academic pgp@hchnet.co.uk
Students will be learning about the underwater world and its rich diversity this term The children will be encouraged to think about ocean conservation by studying the pioneering work of Jacques Cousteau, who documented the importance of preserving life in the oceans. Students will revisit drawing techniques and make studies of diving equipment and underwater sea life. They will be taught to develop their control and use of sculpture materials, creating their chosen sea creature in three dimensions with creativity and experimentation
Term
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Spring 2
Summer 1
Summer 2
What are we studying?
Cave art: studies about prehistoric art forms, observation and drawing skills, learning about the origins of paint pigments and the ancient palette Learning the story of the discoveries at Lascaux caves to inspire pupils in creating a cave wall on which to paint
Quentin Blake / Roald Dahl: Pupils will learn to make art using a reed pen and ink, inspired by children’s book illustrator Quentin Blake and artist Ellsworth Kelly
Ancient Egyptians: Pupils will learn about paper making and make studies of hieroglyphs to design their own Cartouche Looking at Ancient Egyptian headdresses worn by royalty, pupils will learn how to use a lightbox to create their own crown on a self-portrait
Ancient Egyptians: Clay canopic jars Revisiting previous skills, pupils will use clay to create canopic jars, complete with lids in the form of Egyptian Gods
Underwater sea creatures: Learning about Jacques Cousteau, making studies of his underwater base and submersibles, looking at the rich diversity of underwater life to make a series of drawings and paintings in various media
Underwater sea creatures: Inspired by their previous studies, pupils will create a three-dimensional sea creature of their choice, learning about papier-mâché and its properties
Découverte du Monde (Discovering the World)
This term Year 3 will discover Ancient Egypt and the mysteries behind it as well as how children are living around the world and capitals.
History
Children will start making a timeline of Ancient Egypt and find out the main periods. They will describe when and where (on a map) the ancient Egyptians lived. Learn about the way they dressed and lived. They will also discover their culture, hieroglyphics, looking at artefacts and discovering how it may have been used. Year 3 will learn about mummies, especially Tutankhamun. Finally, they will think about the link of the river Nile to the Mesopotamian culture with the rivers (papyrus).
Geography
In Geography, they will read and discover how children are living around the world through the book “children just like me”, “des enfants comme moi”. Then the children will talk about them and make a ten-minute individual presentation.
Finally, the children will also have to learn and remember capitals for the Geography Contest competition.
Découverte du Monde, continued
Term
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Spring 2
Summer 1
Summer 2
What are we studying?
To learn the meaning of prehistoric period names. Introduction to Stone Age (Palaeolithic and Neolithic civilisations) to Iron Age Britain. Identify continents and oceans throughout the prehistoric time period.
To understand the sources of evidence for prehistoric daily life. Locate the world’s countries. Focus on Central and South America, concentrating on their environmental regions, key physical and human characteristics, countries, and major cities.
To explore the beginnings of Ancient Egyptian culture. Irrigation and agricultural systems. Ways of travel, what different types of transport. Learning how to use maps.
Locational and directional language.
Develop a knowledge of chronology.
To start making a timeline of Ancient Egypt and find out the main periods. To discover their gods. Learn about the river Nile and links to the culture of Mesopotamia.
To discover the civilisation of Ancient Egypt, mummies and Tutankhamun.
To discover how Egypt became a Roman province. Individual Geographical presentation about previous learning. Geography contest about capitals and countries.
Using the graphic texts ‘The Adventures of Asterix and Obelix’ by Goscinny and Uderzo to talk about: Cleopatra, features of a Celtic village and the links between the Romans and Egyptians. Discovering how our concept of a village has changed through time.
English
Year 3 Curriculum Overview Summer Term 2025
The spring term in year 3 starts with a lovely unit based around Michael Morpurgo’s sea stories including ‘Dolphin Boy’ and ‘The Sandman and The Turtles’. The children will explore his use of characterisation, plot, dialogue and the use of the past and present tense. Year 3 then move onto investigate the power of advertising. Children will study a range of adverts and will play with language, create adverts and promote healthy habits. Grammar will include the use of conjunctions to add extra information and the use of expanded noun phrases
Just before half term the children will spend time reading some fun poems including calligrams and shape poetry. They will practise anaysing and comparing and contrasting poems and will create their own imaginative shape poems.
After half term Year 3 will then enjoy a unit of work inspired by ‘The Hodgeheg’ by Dick King Smith. A funny story about a family of hedgehogs and one very brave one! The children will explore plot, dialogue and character within the story as well as use of adverbs for time, place and manner. The aim is for all children to write a new animal adventure story.
In the next unit of work the children will read, research and write information texts about amazing world records, both real (Guinness) and funny (Quentin Blake). Grammar includes conjunctions and present perfect form. Year 3 will be inspired to create their own and create blogs to record them.
The final unit of work will look at animal poetry to stimulate discussion and analysis. The children will explore a range of poems and will write their own about endangered animals.
How it will be assessed
Assessment will be through daily marking and feedback Through discussion and questioning At the end of each unit the children will be writing in the style of the author or poet they have been reading There will also be informal assessment of writing, reading and SPaG at the end of each term
Term
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Spring 2
Summer 1
Summer 2
What are we studying?
Read I'll Take You to Mrs Cole and other stories by Michael Foreman and write a new version. Study dialogue, verbs, and conjunctions for time, place, cause. Using game shows and quizzes children identify the differences between instructions and explanations. Add information about time, place and cause to write clear instructions.
Poems about animals and weather
Read traditional Indian tales in Madhur Jaffrey’s Seasons of Splendour. Analyse, compare and write own versions.
Grammar covers conjunctions, prepositions and adverbs. park curiosities with DK Children’s Book of Sport.
Explore, read and write about a huge range of sports. Revise word classes and extend sentences with conjunctions.
Funny poems by Michael Rosen
Through Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox, children explore plot, character and tension. They learn about direct speech and tense and write their own exciting stories. Through The Diary of a Killer Cat and The Day I Swapped my Dad for Two Goldfish and explore and write recounts. Study adverbs for time and place and direct speech.
Performance Poetry
Explore, read and write myths with The Orchard Book of Greek Myths (Geraldine McCaughrean) and Greek Myths (Marcia Williams). Practise dialogue punctuation and use conjunctions.
Read reports about Harry Potter studio tours. Understand features of reports; study conjunctions, prepositions and adverbs. Look at Hogwarts students’ school reports. Classic poems by Robert Louis Stevenson. This wonderful collection loses nothing of its power to excite, enthuse and inspire. Immerse your class in these classic, timeless poems. Study verbs/tense and extend sentences.
Read Michael Morpurgo’s sea stories Dolphin Boy and The Sandman and the Turtles to explore his use of characterisation, dilemmas, dialogue, word classes and the perfect tense.
Explore the power of persuasion in advertising. Children play with language, create adverts and promote healthy habits. Grammar includes conjunctions and expanded noun phrases. Explore calligrams, poetic portraits and shape poems. Analyse features of poetry. Explore tenses, conjunctions and prepositions. Write, improve and present your own shape poems.
Enjoy Dick King-Smith’s The Hodgeheg. Explore plot, character and dialogue. Study speech punctuation and adverbs for time, place and manner. Write a new animal adventure.
Read, research and write information texts about amazing world records, both real (Guinness) and funny (Quentin Blake).
Grammar includes conjunctions and present perfect form. Be inspired to create your own records and blog about them.
We will begin ch 5 of Passe Passe 2. We will be studying about town and directions, including names of shops and other buildings. We will think about shopping in France, especially for food. We will also explore how to visit the cinema, station and other municipal buildings. We will study ch 6 – the final chapter of Passe Passe. We will study the seasons and the weather. We will also think about life in the countryside and what activities take place there. We will also study life on the farm and farm animals etc.
Term
Autumn 1
Autumn 2
Spring 1
Spring 2
Summer 1
Summer 2
What are we studying?
In the first half term, we will go back to basics and revise greetings, saying our name and age and how we are. We will learn numbers to 20, and colours. We will also learn how to describe our family and pets.
In the second half of term, we will learn how to describe ourselves, including hair and eye colour. We will explore nationalities and the languages we speak. We will then learn how to describe jobs and professions that we would like to do in the future. We will learn the o’clock times and describe some of our daily activities, including how we travel to and from school.
In the first half term, we will continue studying Passe-Passe 2 by completing Chapter 2. We will study classroom objects, subjects and instructions. We will reinforce our numbers, by learning how to do some maths in French. We will continue our time telling by adding in half pasts and ¼ past and to the hour. We will begin our look at festivals with Valentine’s Day and Pancake Day.
In the second half term, we will continue to explore festivals, including Easter. We will learn how to discuss events that will happen in the future. We will learn how to describe our homes and bedrooms. This will include an exploration of possessive pronouns.
We will begin ch 5 of Passe Passe 2. We will be studying about town and directions, including names of shops and other buildings. We will think about shopping in France, especially for food. We will also explore how to visit the cinema, station and other municipal buildings.
We will study ch 6 – the final chapter of Passe Passe. We will study the seasons and the weather. We will also think about life in the countryside and what activities take place there. We will also study life on the farm and farm animals etc.
FLAM
As part of the reading project on school, pupils will explore various texts related to this theme while strengthening their knowledge of masculine and feminine nouns and adjectives, as well as singular and plural forms. The study of verbs in the present tense will include “faire”, “aller”, and “voir” while learning the future tense of -er verbs will help expand their conjugation skills. Additionally, working on antonyms and accents on the letter “e” will refine their spelling For recitation, they will practise “Hep! Taxi!” and “Impression fausse” by Paul Verlaine. Finally, a reading project on documentary texts about animals will spark their curiosity and deepen their understanding of the living world.
Students will be asked to write and present two book reviews this term: 12th May and 23rd June
Autumn 1
Spring 1
Projet de lecture : Les animaux
Les consonnes et les voyelles -
Ordre alphabétique
Passé - Présent - Futur
Récitation : Jeux de lettres
Autumn 2
Summer 1
Projet de lecture : les portraits
Les verbes en –er au présent -
L’adjectif
Inventer une description
Récitation : Le Clown
Projet de lecture : L’école
Le féminin et le masculin
‘Faire’, ‘aller’ et ‘voir’ au présent
Récitation : Hep! Taxi!
Spring 2
Projet de lecture : Les ogres et les contes
Récitations : L’Ogre et Un arbre
Verbes à l’infinitif - Le sujet et le déterminant - Les familles de mots
Nom propre / Nom communLa ponctuation
Projet de lecture : les contes détournés
Le groupe nominal - Préfixes et suffixes
Conjuguer “être” et “avoir” au présent - Ecrire un résumé
Récitation : L’Aurore en chaperon rose
Projet lecture : textes documentaires sur les animaux
Singulier, pluriel des noms et adjectifs
Summer 2
Le futur des verbes en –er
Les antonymes - Les accents sur la lettre –e
Récitation : Impression fausse de Paul Verlaine
Francophone Culture
In the Summer term, Year 3 will explore the influence of music and dance, from the lively podorythmie (foot-tapping rhythms) in traditional Québécois folk music to the energetic gigue, a dance similar to Irish step dancing. These traditions will be linked to La Fête de la Musique, highlighting how music brings communities together in both France and French-speaking Canada.
Year 3 will also discover La Chasse-Galerie, a famous Québécois legend about a flying canoe, introducing students to the rich oral storytelling traditions of French Canada. Like Jean de La Fontaine’s fables in France, these tales have been passed down for generations, blending folklore, adventure, and moral lessons. By comparing these traditions, students will gain a deeper appreciation of how storytelling connects French and Canadian cultures, showcasing their shared heritage and influences.
As we focus on Quebec, we will take a closer look at La Fête Nationale du Québec, also known as la Saint-Jean-Baptiste, which is celebrated on June 24th. This holiday is a key moment of cultural pride for the province, featuring traditional music, dance, and performances that reflect the province’s French roots. Students will explore the symbols of Quebec, such as the fleur-de-lis and the blue and white flag, and learn about how this celebration reinforces the French-Canadian identity. The term will conclude with a look at le 14 juillet and how French heritage is celebrated in Canada, particularly in Acadian and Québécois communities. We will explore how these regions mark their own cultural pride with festivities, music, and traditional cuisine, reflecting on their unique identity within the Francophone world.
Maths
In the first half term the pupils will learn about:
Place value in 4 digit numbers
3 digit compact and expanded division
Counting in equal steps, sequences
Partition to multiply and divide
Line Symmetry
Identifying describing, and sorting 3D shapes
How it will be assessed
In the second half term the pupils will learn about:
Mentally add and subtract multiples of 10
Divide numbers just beyond the timetables
Right angles as turns
Angles in 2-D shapes
Add and subtract fractions with common denominators
A written assessment covering the subjects that have been studied in that term. In addition, informal oral assessment takes place in lessons throughout the term to consolidate and assess depth of understanding.
Autumn 1
Spring 1
Summer 1
are we studying?
Place value
Money
Adding and subtracting Multiplication and division
Multiplying and dividing with powers of 10
Expanded addition of 2 and 3 digit numbers
Finding halves, quarters, and thirds of an amount
Telling the time
Roman numerals
Revise expanded and column addition
Sequences
Partitioning to halve, double, and multiply
Line symmetry
Identifying and sorting 2-D and 3-
D shapes
Autumn 2
Spring 2
Summer 2
are we studying?
Measurement
Drawing bar charts Mental calculations
Consolidate place value in money
Strategies for subtraction including for numbers greater than 100
Finding fractions of an amount
Calculating and comparing time intervals
Mentally add and subtract multiples of 10
Divide numbers just beyond the timetables
Right angles as turns
Angles in 2-D shapes
Add and subtract fractions with common denominators
In the Summer Term of 2025, Year 3 students will primarily engage in outdoor activities during their PE lessons, with a focus on introducing and enhancing their Athletics skills. The aim is to foster enjoyment, participation, and achievement in athletics, culminating in a Sports Day during the final half term. Students will learn the fundamental techniques of running, jumping, and throwing, along with the basic rules governing each competitive event. They will explore the distinctions between short-distance sprints and longerdistance running, gaining insights into the different skills required for each. Instruction will be provided at both the individual level and within a team context, such as in relay races.
Additionally, the children will participate in cricket, where they will acquire essential skills in bowling, batting, and fielding
As always, students will be encouraged to take pleasure in sports and maintain an active lifestyle. Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of setting and striving to achieve personal targets related to their performance in terms of timings and distances. A spirit of competition and fair play will be actively promoted
Term
Autumn
Spring
Summer
What are we studying?
Football: passing, shooting, dribbling, conditioned games.
Netball: passing, shooting, attack vs defence, positions and conditioned games
Games: balance, coordination, agility, stuck in the mud, octopus tag, capture the flag.
Gymnastics: balances, body shapes, travel, jumps and rolls
Hockey: passing, shooting, dribbling, conditioned games.
Benchball: throwing, catching, positions and attack vs defence.
Cricket: throwing, catching, batting, bowling and fielding
Athletics: shuttle relay, 60m sprint, 200m sprint, hurdles, long jump, javelin throw and shot-put throw.
Performing Arts
This term students in year 1 – 4 will be preparing for their showcase on the 12th June around the theme of Fairy Tales.
Throughout the year, there will also be numerous recitals and concerts, providing students with platforms to display their musical abilities and talent.
At Hampton Court House, we believe that the performing arts are integral to our school community. Therefore, students will actively participate in various performances throughout the year. These performances form the backbone of our curriculum. We are committed to offering inclusive opportunities that allow every student to showcase their talents.
To prepare for these performances students will focus on developing spatial awareness, musicality, vocal, physical, and character skills to enhance their performance abilities. They will learn stage craft and understand how to engage an audience.
Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on collaborative and creative skills, which are essential for every child's growth. Our classes incorporate engaging games and activities designed to foster teamwork, improve peer interaction, and develop the ability to follow directions. Students are encouraged to contribute creative suggestions through music, movement, and dialogue, ensuring a well-rounded arts education at Hampton Court House.
PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education)
Summer 1:
Healthy Me:
Being fit and healthy
What do I know about drugs?
Being safe
My amazing body
Summer 2:
Dreams and Goals:
My dreams and ambitions
New challenges
Overcoming obstacles
Please note that you can request any lesson resources for PSHE at any time if you would like to look at how a particular topic is taught.
We aim to make all PSHE sessions as relevant to the students and their current needs and concerns, therefore out content is changeable, and suggestions and feedback are welcome at any time from students and parents
How it will be assessed
PSHE lessons are predominantly discussion based, with some written tasks for deeper comprehension and application At the end of each lesson, the students will complete self-reflection sheets for teachers to monitor understanding and adapt future teaching Teachers keep track of the students’ levels and understanding of the different elements of PSHE across the year
PSHE,
Term
Autumn 1
Spring 1
What are we studying?
Being Me in my World:
Getting to know each other
Our nightmare/dream school
Rewards and consequences
Our learning charter
Relationships:
Family roles and responsibilities
Friendship
Keeping myself safe online
Being a global citizen
Healthy Me:
Being fit and healthy
Summer 1
What do I know about drugs?
Being safe
My amazing body
Term What are we studying?
Autumn 2
Spring 2
Celebrating Difference: Families
Family conflict Feelings
Solutions
Words that hurt
Changing Me: Babies and how they grow Outside body changes
Inside body changes
Family stereotypes
Dreams and Goals: My dreams and ambitions
Summer 2
New challenges
Overcoming obstacles Summer Term
Science
We will study forces, focusing our learning on magnets. We will explore how magnets work and the effect they have on different materials. We will look at the magnetism of the Earth and relate this to how compasses work (cross curricular link to Spring term – maps and compass points) We will then go on to study light, learning how light travels in straight lines. We will think about how light is reflected and how mirrors work. We will then explore shadows and how they change during the day.
How it will be assessed
Pupils will be assessed on ½ termly tests to determine understanding and misconceptions. Then in the Summer Term the pupils will be assessed on the years’ work to evaluate knowledge and understanding.
Term
Autumn 1 Rocks
Autumn 2 Solids, Liquids and Gases:
Spring 1 Keeping Healthy
Spring 2 Plants
Summer 1 Forces
Summer 2 Light
What are we studying?