Twitter | 2 August 2024
Our Year 6 leavers share some parting advice to their peers. #StainesPrep #Year6Leavers https://t.co/eriZZm0dW1
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In the Upper Prep, we build on the strong foundations provided by the Lower Prep and continue to foster a passion for learning.
As pupils move on through the years, they are encouraged to develop more independent learning skills and are offered challenges and opportunities to help unlock their potential.
In Years 4 to 6, pupils follow a subject-based lesson timetable and independently move around the school being taught by a range of subject-skilled teachers. Our Science Lab, Art Design Technology Suite and Forest School areas are incorporated into the curriculum which provides exciting learning opportunities for pupils. Pupils develop good levels of resilience, independence and confidence which helps prepare them for their transition into secondary education.
Pastoral care is paramount in maintaining wellbeing. All teachers take great interest in the pupils’ development. Pupils have a designated form teacher who oversees their care, along with additional support from year co-ordinators and the Head of Upper Prep. They experience a broad and exciting curriculum to enhance their academic performance, whilst learning that continuous effort and engagement brings great personal rewards.
Importantly, we are a vibrant school that encourages our pupils to engage in a host of extracurricular activities, giving them confidence and raising self-esteem. Lunchtime and after-school activities are numerous and varied and there is appropriate emphasis on trips and external visitors to extend education beyond the classroom. Pupils are challenged to develop new skills and supported by peers and staff to face new experiences through the SPS Challenge Award Scheme and other themed activity weeks.
Annually, we host Challenge Day which is linked into citizenship, along with residential visits to an activity centre for Years 3 to 5. Year 6 spend five days exploring Bath with activities which foster Geographical, Historical and Scientific understanding, along with more physical-based challenges.
Our pupils learn to embrace new opportunities – a valuable approach to life in an ever changing world. With increased independence comes increased responsibility, and by the time our pupils reach Year 6 they are well prepared for tackling entrance exams and taking on roles of responsibility throughout the school.