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Academic & Wellbeing Overview

Early Years – Nursery & Shell (Reception)

Our Approach

At RGS Prep, we provide a positive, inclusive and safe environment in which every pupil feels valued and encouraged to thrive. Our Early Years education is designed to balance academic learning with creative exploration and physical development. We place equal importance on teacher-led instruction and pupil-led discovery, ensuring children benefit from a rich variety of experiences.

“The school blends academic and pastoral care incredibly well.”

- RGS Prep Parent

Curriculum Overview

We follow the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework provided by the Department for Education, supporting learning and development from birth to five years old.

Within this framework, we focus on the Prime and Specific Areas of Learning:

Prime Areas:

• Communication and language

• Personal, social and emotional development

• Physical development Specific Areas:

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the world

• Expressive arts and design

These areas are taught through engaging activities linked to the children’s interests and our two-year rolling topic plan which ensures breadth and continuity across the Early Years. Topics include Going Green, Superpowers, Stones and Bones, to name just a few.

“A range of well-planned activities that develop their language and number skills effectively.” - ISI Inspection, 2025

Tailored Learning & Specialist Teaching

We recognise that pupils at RGS Prep are naturally curious and enthusiastic learners, eager to engage with the world around them. Our Early Years provision is tailored to reflect the way each pupil learns best - through a variety of movement, exploration, purposeful play and classroom activities.

Learning takes place in a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Our dedicated Outdoor Learning area plays a vital role, providing pupils with space to explore and engage with the natural environment.

In Nursery and Shell, pupils benefit from weekly music and games sessions led by specialist teachers. In Shell (Reception), pupils are introduced to Spanish in a fun and accessible way.

Enrichment Opportunities

Learning is further enhanced by:

• External visitors

• Educational visits and trips

• Workshops

• Visiting theatres

• Hands on experiences

• A wide variety of extra-curricular activities

These experiences add depth and richness to the pupils’ early education.

Year 1 and 2

Curriculum Overview

We are committed to delivering a creative and engaging curriculum in Years 1 and 2, designed to stimulate interest and foster a love of learning in every pupil.

We follow the National Curriculum for Key Stage One as our core framework, while enhancing it with imaginative themes, project-based work and topic-linked activities that bring learning to life. Some examples include the Arctic, Transport, Heathy Living and Insects.

The curriculum is broad, balanced and carefully structured to build on the foundations laid in the Early Years, ensuring continuity and progression across subjects.

Teaching and Learning

Topics are introduced through a cross-curricular approach, enabling pupils to make meaningful connections between different areas of learning. Lessons are planned to include a combination of:

• Whole-class teaching

• Small group tasks

• Opportunities for independent work

“A balanced, big-hearted school where enjoyment of learning is evident.”

- Muddy Stilettos

High levels of individual attention allow staff to tailor learning to the needs of each child, ensuring that all pupils are appropriately challenged and supported.

“Children are engaged in their learning, make good progress and build secure relationships.”

- ISI Inspection, 2025

Specialist Teaching and Support

In Key Stage One, every class benefits from:

• A dedicated form teacher

• A full-time teaching assistant

This ensures strong academic and pastoral support throughout the year.

In addition to their core curriculum, pupils enjoy weekly lessons with subject specialists in:

• Spanish

• Music

• PE

• Games

• Swimming

“They

grow intellectually and emotionally while developing their creative, social and physical skills.”

- ISI Inspection, 2025

Personal Development

Throughout Years 1 and 2, pupils develop growing independence, concentration and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. Our Learning Habitspersisting, listening, risk-taking, independence and accurracy - are woven into every day teaching and learning. These key skills help the pupils to become reflective, resilient learners, well-prepared for their transition into Key Stage Two.

“Encourage the growth of intellectual curiosity, creativity and habits of learning.”

- ISI Inspection, 2025

Learning Environments

Learning happens across a vibrant mix of indoor and outdoor spaces. Children enjoy calming classroom environments, a nursery play area, climbing frame and an exciting playground featuring a ship, fondly known as The Galleon. Our Outdoor Learning Area offers the perfect setting for exploration and meaningful engagement with the natural world.

Enrichment Opportunities

Our pupils extend their learning in a variety of exciting and purposeful ways.

Themed ‘Wow’ days immerse pupils in their topics and spark curiosity. This is complemented by a rich programme of:

• Educational trips

• Guest speakers

• Workshops

• Hands-on experiences

Children enjoy a rich variety of experiences beyond the classroom, from visiting theatre performances and Zoolab animal-handling workshops to trips to The Look Out Discovery Centre and local museums. Activities Week includes workshops and exciting outings to places such as Brooklands Museum and Gilbert White’s House. This wide range of activities, alongside our excellent clubs provision, broadens opportunities for pupils across Key Stage One.

“Opportunity to establish important life skills through a wide range of extra-curricular activities.”

- ISI

Inspection, 2025

Years 3-6

Curriculum Overview

As in the earlier years, the National Curriculum forms just one part of a much broader and enriched curriculum.

In Years 3 to 6, pupils experience a wide-ranging academic, physical, creative and artistic education that aims to:

• Challenge their thinking

• Spark curiosity

• Encourage the development of individual talents and interests

The curriculum is designed not only to strengthen core academic skills in literacy, numeracy and ICT, but also to promote independent thought, creativity and personal growth.

In Year 5, Latin and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning are introduced further broadening the pupils’ academic experience and preparing them for their future educational journey.

“Pupils succeed academically and make the most of the extensive range of opportunities”.

- ISI Inspection, 2025

Pupils are mostly taught in mixed ability classes, allowing for inclusive, collaborative learning. From Year 4, Mathematics is taught in streamed groups to provide more targeted support and challenge, and in Year 6, English is also set by ability to best meet individual learning needs.

Developing Independent Learners

As pupils progress through Key Stage Two, they are encouraged to take increasing ownership of their learning.

Our Prep Learning Habits, perseverance, independence, risk-taking, reflection and engagement, are embedded in daily lessons, underpinning the development of effective learning strategies. These habits help boys become resilient, reflective learners, well-prepared for the next stage of their education.

“Exciting lessons which challenge pupils”.

- ISI Inspection, 2025

Academic and Pastoral Support

Each child is supported both academically and pastorally by a designated form teacher who monitors his progress and overall wellbeing.

Teaching in Key Stage Two is delivered by a combination of:

• Form teachers (providing strong pastoral continuity)

• Subject specialists (offering expert instruction across a wide range of subjects)

Our excellent facilities further support exciting teaching and learning. This includes two fully equipped science labs, a design and technology workshop, a dedicated computer suite, a performance studio, sports hall and an art studio with a kiln.

Enrichment Opportunities

To extend and enrich their curriculum, pupils across Key Stage Two enjoy a variety of additional experiences:

• Educational visits and trips

• Workshops

• Talks from external speakers

• Activities Week

These opportunities bring learning to life and provide valuable realworld context.

A wide-ranging extra-curricular programme offers further ways for pupis to:

• Pursue personal interests beyond the classroom

• Develop new skills

• Gain confidence through participation in sport, music, drama and a variety of clubs and activities

“An extensive range of co-curricular activities supports pupils in developing and pursuing their interests.”

- ISI Inspection, 2025

Subjects by Year Group

Year Group(s) Subjects

Nursery

Shell (Reception)

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3 and 4

Literacy, maths, Communication and Language, PSED, Understanding the World, Expressive Art and Design, music and PE

Literacy, maths, Communication and Language, PSED, Understanding the World, Expressive Art and Design, Spanish, music and PE

English, maths, science, geography, history, RE, PSHCE, art and design, Spanish, music and PE

English, maths, science, geography, history, RE, PSHCE, Spanish, music, art and design, PE and computing

English, maths, science, geography, history, RE, PSHCE, French, music, PE, art, design and technology, drama and computing

Year 5 and 6

English, maths, science, geography, history, RE, PSHCE, Latin, music, PE, art, design and technology, drama, Spanish (Year 5), French (Year 6), computing, VR and NVR

Supporting Learning

At RGS Prep, we embrace diversity and our pupils with SEN (Special Educational Needs) have access to the whole school curriculum. We provide tailored support through targeted group intervention or one-to-one sessions to offer personalised learning strategies that enhance learning outcomes. Through these approaches, our inclusive education promotes equity and empowers all students to reach their full potential, regardless of their differing needs.

Homework

The purpose of homework at RGS Prep is to consolidate foundations skills in Nursery to Year 4. In Years 5 and 6, our focus turns to preparation for 11+ entrance assessments and becoming ready for senior school. we know that homework best serves learning and pupil wellbeing if it is done in short, focused bursts. We have therefore adapted our Homework Policy to reduce pupil workload, promote a healthy work/play balance and continue to support learning in the classroom.

Our Homework Policy is as follows:

• Pupils in Shell to Year 4 have homework set four days per week (Monday to Thursday)

• Pupils in Year 5 and 6 have homework every school day

• There is the flexibility to have two nights to complete the homework

• No homework is currently set on the first and last weeks of term

• No homework is set during examination periods for Year 5 and 6

Year Group Time Subject

Shell (Reception)

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

15 min. including reading with an adult Phonics

15 min. plus reading with an adult Spellings

15 min. plus reading with an adult Spellings, times tables & a maths task

20 min. plus 15 min. reading for pleasure (preferably with an adult)

30 min. plus 15 min. reading for pleasure

Year 6

30 min. plus 15 min. reading for pleasure

Spellings, English, maths & mental maths

English, maths, VR & science

English, maths, VR & Atom Learning in preparation for 11 +

Humanities & Languages on rotation after 11+

Wellbeing

We know that happy children create successful learners. The happiness and welfare of our pupils is at the heart of every decision that we make and everything that we do.

Daily Support

Our Form teachers are our pupils’ first port of call and they will nurture your child and help them navigate the world around them as well as conducting daily emotional check-ins.

In Prep, help and support is available to pupils through our bespoke Wellbeing App which the pupils access through their devices. They get the chance to share their feelings with the Head of Wellbeing, so timely support, if required, can be provided.

PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education)

Our PSHCE curriculum helps our pupils to develop an understanding of issues in the real world and the skill of empathising with others and being kind.

Buddies

Younger pupils are paired with older pupils who act as role models to their younger buddies in activities throughout the year.

Additional Support

We operate an open-door policy with access to our Head of Wellbeing where more structured programmes are available to help children understand and manage different emotions. We deliver bespoke social skills programmes, LEGO therapy and have an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) available.

Wellbeing Spaces

We have a dedicated Wellbeing Hub for anyone wanting a quiet zone, someone to chat with or simply a time of reflection. Our quiet Wellbeing Garden provides an area for pupils to connect with nature and develop a sense of responsibility for the environment.

“Pastoral care and wellbeing is strong at RGS Prep, and layered throughout the school on many levels.”

- ISI Inspection, 2025

House System

At RGS Prep there are four houses: Lancaster, Tudor, Windsor and York which create a great sense of collaboration and provides additional pastoral support across the Year Groups. Our oldest pupils act as mentors for our youngest members.

Each pupil is allocated to a House on joining the school, preference being given in the case of silbings or children of former pupils.

Being part of a House is about more than just wearing a colour – it’s about being part of a team and a tradition that continues all the way through their journey at RGS Prep.

Inter-House Competitions

A healthy House spirit is encouraged and the House system particularly comes into its own when there are charity fundraising events and Inter-House competitions.

House Captains and House Meetings

Each House has a Housemaster (Teacher) and House Captains (Pupils from Year 2 for Pre-Prep and Year 6 for Prep), who help lead events, encourage participation and support their fellow House membersan excellent leadership opportunity.

Regular House meetings are a time to come together, share ideas, celebrate successes and get excited about upcoming events.

“Opportunities for competition are widespread across sport, poetry, music, chess, maths, writing, photography...”

- ISI Inspection, 2025

House Points System

Pupils can earn House points by demonstrating the school’s values and learning habits. These can be awarded in all aspects of school life, whether in lessons, on the playground or during co-curricular activities.

All House Points contribute to the overall House total. These are shared at end-of-term assemblies, where the House Shield is awarded.

Learn more...

If you wish to learn more about the academic provision and wellbeing at RGS Prep, please email rgsp-office@rgsg.co.uk.

For information about our other departments and the many extra-curricular opportunities on offer, please visit rgsg.co.uk.

Want to know more?

Take a look at our website where you’ll find lots of information about school life and our admissions process. If you have any other questions please contact our Admissions Manager: rgsp-admissions@rgsg.co.uk or call us on 01483 880 489.

@rgsprep RGS Prep School