Pre-primary | The pre-primary department (2.5 to 6 years old)

	Our pre-primary department gives younger children their all-important introduction to the learning environment from the age of two years and a half. We provide a very effective introduction to those concepts which are central to successful learning, without subjecting the children to any feeling of pressure; learning is presented to these young children in an enjoyable, easily assimilated way.			We introduce our pre-primary children to science by exploring a variety of living things and materials in the environment, stimulating curiosity and an enquiring approach. Early pre-learning activities include access to sand, water and crafts, constructional toys, books, games, and puzzles. These activities stimulate the children’s ideas, increase their awareness of shape and space, develop their powers of communication and help them to learn how to work effectively together.
	As the children develop, we foster their skills in reading, language and number work to provide a secure basis for literacy and numeracy. By the time they join the primary department at the age of six, we would expect them to be competent readers, to have good verbal and writing skills and the ability to work with simple fractions, graphs and money.			All pupils from the age of 3 have access to up-to-date computers and use early learning software with confidence and enjoyment. The addition of social experience and plenty of play provide a fully rounded educational foundation during the vital early years. Parents are kept aware of their children’s progress by fortnightly reports and an end of term report. Regular contacts are encouraged with the teachers.