King's School Rochester - Mini Prospectus - Nursery & Pre-Preparatory School

There’s one motto we live by at King’s, and that’s simply ‘Work hard, play hard and look after each other’ no matter what age you are...

Welcome to KING’S SCHOOL ROCHESTER

At King’s Nursery and Pre-Preparatory School, our children are at the heart of all that we do.

We pride ourselves not only on the excellence of our teaching, but also on the level of individual care and attention we give to make sure that every child has a happy and positive start to school life. For them, school should be an exciting time - something they look forward to! This is where they take their first steps towards independence, learning and being a valued member of a wider community.

Our School is a vibrant, exciting place to be, and has been rated ‘Excellent’ in all areas by our latest ISI inspection report. Children come through the door in the morning beaming and leave with the same smile at the end of the day. Our dedicated staff provide a rich and stimulating environment where curiosity and enthusiasm to learn are fostered. King’s offers a fun, varied and rich experience, where the solid foundations of ‘learning for life’ are built.

We are a school with a strong sense of family, where our Christian foundations support our whole community and instil care, kindness and thought for one another. This is true from Nursery all the way through to the Sixth Form and beyond - King’s is very much a ‘School for Life.’

I hope that this booklet gives you an insight into our School, however nothing beats coming to see us in action! Please feel free to get in touch to arrange a tour or taster day - we’d love to show you around.

Kellie Crozer Head of King’s Nursery & Pre-Preparatory School

PASTORAL CARE

Children flourish in this safe and secure environment, where they feel happy and confident.

Strong relationships between pupils and teachers are a fundamental characteristic of the King’s ethos. We know that excellent pastoral care underpins all aspects of personal development and academic performance, and it’s vital that every single pupil feels they belong and are valued. We want everyone in our School to be happy and healthy - both physically and mentally.

From Nursery to Year 3, a high pupil-staff ratio creates plenty of opportunities for interaction, support and encouragement. Pupil wellbeing is a priority and each classroom has a dedicated relaxed learning area. From an early age, pupils are taught the values of kindness to others and working as part of a team. In the Pre-Preparatory School all children join a ‘House’ and the regular House competitions provide a chance for everyone to have a go at something new and different. House competitions are keenly contested and the sheer number of events is impressive, including the hilarious House pancake race, House winter race, House tie tying, House tiddlywinks, House bake off and House poetry. The House system importantly enables children to build relationships up and down the School for that added sense of community and belonging.

Our children are recognised and rewarded for kindness, good manners and politeness by the giving of House tokens. These are much coveted, and whichever House collects the most has the accolade of seeing their colour ribbons worn by the House bear. Truly one of the highlights of the school year!

When our pupils leave the Pre-Preparatory School they are already developing into responsible and confident young people, ready to tackle the next challenge!

More information on our safeguarding policies can be found on our website.

Children are at the heart of everything that we do.

NURSERY

Nursery at King’s is a warm, nurturing and lively place for children to begin their school adventure.

In Nursery, our pupils’ learning is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, but we have the freedom to expand upon this to ensure we maximise each child’s potential.

Our children enjoy a stimulating educational journey. Lively nurture groups promote the development of social skills through exploration and discovery, and we are proud of our fun movement-based BEAM programme developed by qualified Physiotherapists. Children experience the world beyond the Nursery through regular local trips, and the historic and beautiful Cathedral and Castle visits are especially popular.

Each child’s development is supported with excellent classroom resources and secure access to outdoor spaces, where they have lots of fun

discovering activities and time for play. Specialist teachers also teach our Nursery children French twice a week, along with Music, using the acclaimed Colourstrings approach.

Independence is promoted from an early age, with children encouraged to put coats, socks and shoes on themselves, find equipment in the classroom, and even pour their own drinks. All our children sit with a teacher at lunch time, and this encourages good table manners and social interaction with adults and children.

To keep track of their children’s progress, photos are shared on a daily basis with parents through the SEESAW platform. We also have regular parents evenings, and of course parents can always speak to our teachers at drop off and pick up time if they have any concerns or worries.

RECEPTION

This friendly family environment builds children’s confidence and is the perfect setting for young, developing minds.

Reception classes follow the EYFS programme, enabling teachers to plan inspiring yet focused daily schedules. Each day is rich with variety, blending play-based ‘Learning and Exploring’ sessions with teacher-led activities.

Children are encouraged to explore and move freely between our well-equipped inside and outside spaces. Whether it’s splashing around in wellies, changing for PE or sharpening pencils, children develop quickly and begin to understand the world around them.

A much-loved area for real adventures is our beautiful woodland known affectionately as ‘The Alps’ where we promote outdoor learning. Here children can construct little hedgehog houses, enjoy scavenger hunts and even build their own dens.

At this stage speaking and listening skills progress rapidly and children learn to communicate confidently with adults and other children.

Homework at King’s

We think that giving children homework is a great way to encourage independent learning, as well as helping to consolidate the learning pupils do in the classroom.

Starting in Reception, pupils come home with “tricky words” to practice and a reading book each day. In Year 1, we start to introduce weekly spelling tests, along with a weekly piece of Maths or English work. In Year 2 and Year 3, pupils are also given a topic to complete over the weekend. We invite parents to attend a ‘Curriculum Evening’ in September of every year, which includes an outline of the weekly homework schedule for that year.

YEAR 1

With our broad and stimulating curriculum, Year 1 is when King’s education brings learning to life.

Year 1 builds seamlessly upon the strong foundational skills developed in Nursery and Reception.

With daily lessons in English and Mathematics, and other subjects being taught on a weekly basis, children quickly adapt to a more structured academic programme. It’s not all hard graft though, and children love their ‘Golden Time’ on Friday afternoons – a fitting reward for their effort during the week.

At King’s we actively teach our children to be independent learners - an invaluable skill as they progress through the school. Children are encouraged and challenged in equal measure through a motivational and adaptive approach to teaching, and they get many opportunities to develop PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) skills both through formal teaching and via day-to-day school life. Digital technology is threaded throughout the curriculum, which helps to create an immersive and engaging learning experience for our pupils.

There is an exciting programme of specialist teaching in Music, French and Games and pupils enjoy swimming lessons with a specialist teacher in our own pool.

Classroom learning is supported with a diverse range of school trips which provide fantastic opportunities to broaden horizons, bringing learning to life.

YEAR 2

Children progress rapidly in Year 2 and become confident, independent young learners.

During the year, children increasingly engage with the world around them, and are introduced to incredibly varied and engaging topics, and this leads to an inquisitive and enquiring mindset.

Pupils in Year 2 enter the second and final year of study at Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum. Throughout this stage, we encourage pupils to learn key skills such as sharing, analysis, reading and investigation - helping them to think and learn independently. Appreciation of music and learning to play musical instruments are incredibly important, and music enriches every aspect of daily school life at King’s. One on one music tuition begins in Year 2, taught by peripatetic teachers and our Director of Music.

English lessons focus on building confidence in reading, writing, and spelling/ phonics. Pupils learn to voice their opinions and there is a strong emphasis on daily reading at school and at home. In Mathematics we teach our children core concepts, with a focus on key skills so they develop real knowledge and understanding. Pupils also have regular times tables sessions which are tested weekly.

We teach English and Mathematics on a daily basis, with Science, Computing, History, Geography, Religious Studies, PHSEE, Art and Design, P.E. and Swimming taught on a weekly basis. Children continue with regular French lessons taught by our specialist language staff. The school experience is enhanced with fun and engaging trips to a range of exciting destinations such as Reculver (Coastal Science trip) and the Short Brothers Tour (History) to name a few.

YEAR 3

Although this is the start of a key academic period, we never lose sight of our childrens’ happiness. Our amazing teachers make learning great fun and aim to bring out the very best in every child.

Pupils are taught English and Mathematics lessons five times a week, establishing a strong foundation in these core subjects. In addition, we offer a diverse curriculum that covers Science with a special emphasis on STEM, Religious Studies, History, Geography, Music, Computing, PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education), along with Art and Design. These subjects are explored through half-termly topics, allowing our pupils to delve deep into each subject area. Regular French language lessons, develop language proficiency and foster a global perspective.

Throughout the School, pupils have access to a suite of digital learning tools to aid learning across the curriculum. To support mental and physical health, specialist teaching in P.E takes place twice a week, along with a weekly swimming lesson.

In English, we introduce the Accelerated Reading Programme designed to develop independent choice and comprehension. Oral skills are also enhanced through plenty of opportunities for speaking in class, assemblies and Cathedral services.

Pupils learning Maths are grouped in order to allow them to work at their own pace and foster a greater sense of independence. There is an emphasis on developing confidence in problem solving and reasoning, along with an ability to

demonstrate an in-depth understanding of mathematical concepts. Similarly, Science lessons build confidence in understanding basic concepts and ensure the development of analytical skills, through practical investigations and problem solving. Pupils often work in pairs or larger groups, learning the benefits of collaboration and teamwork. There are also regular visits each term from a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) presenter, to encourage enjoyment and build knowledge of technology and engineering.

Children will be expected to complete homework throughout the week – this may include Spelling, English, Maths and other topic work. This is in addition to their regular reading practice. We mainly set homework through the SEESAW platform and usually expect children to complete this in their homework books.

Leadership opportunities abound across the School, and the House Captain, Vice-Captain and Prefect roles are important and highly prized. Those selected make a strong contribution to daily school life and become important role models for younger children.

Throughout Year 3 there is close collaboration between both the Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory Schools, with both Heads ensuring that academic continuity is maintained and individual progress carefully monitored. Many transition activities take place in Year 3 to prepare pupils for their exciting move to the Preparatory School - something they always look forward to!

An important and inspiring year when pupils begin the Key Stage 2 curriculum programme.

Tracking Progress at King’s

It’s really important to us that each child gets the best out of their education. To support this, in Nursery and Reception years we regularly keep track of each pupils’ literacy and maths skills, which helps us to identify whether additional support is needed.

From Year 1 onwards, we track our children’s progress against National Key Objectives in English, Maths and Science, in addition to end of year tests.

By understanding how each child is learning, we’re able to give them the best possible start to their educational journey.

Co-curricular CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

King’s has a fantastic breadth of co-curricular opportunities designed to appeal to everyone.

We are committed to educating the whole child, and provide a richly varied co-curricular programme to appeal to children of all abilities and interests.

The majority of co-curricular activities are free and our children enjoy clubs and activites like Running, Football, Multisports, Craft, Chess, Well-being, Lego, Science, Story, Construction, and Observational Drawing. There is a small fee for our clubs that are led by specialist staff, including LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art), Cheerleading, Martial Arts, Yoga and Ballet. Clubs take place during lunchtimes and after school.

Music making is an incredibly important aspect of daily school life at King’s, with pupils being able to experience the joy of learning a musical instrument from Year 2. Children can learn the Guitar, Cello, Violin, Flute, Piano, and Clarinet, to name just a few. Our ‘Music Pods’, nestled just outside the entrance to Chadlington House, provide a perfect setting for pupils to learn with our team of instrumental teachers.

Before and after SCHOOL CARE

Many parents appreciate the reassurance and support of our wraparound care provision.

We know that our parents have demanding and busy lives and our wraparound care provides a warm, homely and supportive environment for your child.

Breakfast Club and After School Club take place in our beautiful Rookwood House building and are delivered by a team of fully qualified staff. Meals, snacks and drinks are provided, and children have access to three playrooms and a self-contained playground.

Before school, our Breakfast Club starts from 7.30am to 8.25am, with last breakfast being served at 8.10am. After School Club runs from

3.30pm to 6.30pm (Nursery, Reception and Year 1) and 3.40pm to 6.30pm (Year 2 and Year 3). Wraparound care has a supplementary charge.

A ‘walking bus’ service is available for children in the Pre-Preparatory School, which meets every morning at 8:25am on Roebuck Road and is run by two members of staff. The walking bus provides a convenient location for parents to ‘stop and drop’ their children, whilst also providing a healthy start to their day. An on-site bike shed is available for children that ride a bike or scooter to school.

MOVING ON UP

The transition to the Preparatory School is a seamless and happy experience, thanks to our ‘One School’ ethos.

We make every effort to ensure that each child has a seamless and happy experience when moving up.

During Year 3, there are numerous opportunities to get to know the Preparatory School, and we organise activities to help children understand the next stage of their academic journey. Children soon recognise that some of their teachers and staff also work in the Preparatory School, and this familiarity is important and ensures continuity. Staff also work very closely across both schools

to ensure all teachers are aware of each child’s educational and pastoral needs when moving on.

Another important aspect is our Cathedral ‘buddy’ system which begins mid term, with older pupils escorting younger pupils to Cathedral services. This means that when a pupil starts in Year 4, they will already have a ‘buddy’ from Year 8 who can help them settle into life in the Preparatory School.

FURTHER INFORMATION

To find out more information or to schedule a visit to the School, please contact us on +44 (0) 1634 888590, or email admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk

Visit Us

The best way to get a real sense of the School is to visit us. We offer private tours and taster days during term time and hold two whole school Open Mornings each year.

School Fees

Fees are charged in advance and reviewed annually, with additional charges kept to a minimum. Further information about fees and charges are available on our website within the Admissions section.

Parking

Due to the central and historic location of our School, there is very limited parking during drop off and pick up. Instead, if you are arriving by car, there are numerous car parks nearby which can be found at en.parkopedia.co.uk.

Our School Day

Option of Breakfast Club (last breakfast served at 8.10am)

Gates open, children enter school and welcomed by class teacher

Gates close and Registration time

Assembly for Reception to Year 3

Learning begins for Nursery

Lessons begin Reception to Year 3

Break/Snack for Reception to Year 3

Lessons continue until lunchtime

& Playtime

school for Nursery, Reception & Year 1 pupils

Afternoon school for Year 2 and Year 3 pupils

End of the school day for Nursery, Reception and Year 1 pupils

End of the school day for Year 2 and Year 3 pupils

After-School Clubs

Option of After School Club for Nursery, Reception and Year 1

Option of After School Club for Year 2 and Year 3

For more information on admissions, fees, and term dates, scan the QR code

At King’s School Rochester, we work with families to ensure that the admissions process supports you and your child every step along the way.

Come and experience our School for yourself. Meet our pupils, talk with our staff, and feel the welcoming and inspiring atmosphere that makes King’s School Rochester so unique.