Core Subjects
"A good education inspires not only a passion for learning, but a passion for life"
CORE SUBJECTS: English, Mathematics, Science
ENGLISH
The study of English supports the overall aims of Prior Park Preparatory School in preparing pupils to enter a fulfilling adult life, by providing them with the skills necessary to become fully literate. Through a variety of activities, the three components of the National Curriculum - Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening - are developed and taken through to Common Entrance and Scholarship levels.
The overall aims of the department are to instil in our children a love of the written and spoken word, to keep them motivated and keen to achieve their potential.
Children love to talk, as we know, but learning how to express an idea clearly and effectively and to listen to the thoughts of others is very important. Discussion is a regular feature of our English lessons and is often based around the reading of a particular book or a presentation by a child. We also want our pupils to take pleasure in their own reading and the creativity of writing. They are encouraged to discover the beauty of language and literature through a variety of writing and reading experiences, from non-fiction through to poetry and plays. In addition, with clear guidance and support, their understanding and use of the essential aspects of spelling, grammar, punctuation and presentation are developed.
Finally, the children’s interest is also helped throughout the year by a number of events outside the classroom. We celebrate World Book Week in a different way every year, ranging from author visits and drama workshops to creating our own class books in a day. Trips to the theatre and Book Fairs are regular features, competitions are entered and the annual school play is always an eagerly anticipated highlight.
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MATHEMATICS
Mathematics is the means of looking at the patterns that make up our world and the intricate and beautiful ways in which they are constructed and realised. Numeracy is the means of making that knowledge useful.
Mathematics contributes to the school curriculum by developing pupils’ abilities to calculate; to reason logically, algebraically, and geometrically; to solve problems and to handle data. Mathematics is important for pupils in many other areas of study, particularly Science and Technology. It is also important in everyday living, in many forms of employment, and in public decision-making - it is all around us. As a subject in its own right, Mathematics presents frequent opportunities for creativity, and can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder when a problem is solved for the first time, or a more elegant solution to a problem is discovered, or when hidden connections suddenly manifest.
The Mathematics department will enable pupils to build a secure framework of mathematical reasoning, which they can use and apply with confidence. Pupils will develop an ability with numbers so they can carry out calculations and understand the significance of the results. We equip them with a range of strategies for mental and written calculations and develop their Mathematical knowledge in all areas of the National Curriculum and Common Entrance Syllabi in oral, written and practical skills.
In short we provide a sound foundation for the future study of Mathematics and related disciplines. Our department will ensure that your child develops a high standard of understanding and presentation, and they will have the opportunity to develop at a level appropriate to their specific needs.
SCIENCE
The Science curriculum at Prior Park Prep school is separated into Junior Science and Senior Science. Science is taught in our newly refurbished, fully equipped laboratory from Year 3 onwards. Science not only helps pupils to develop scientific knowledge of everyday situations, but it also encourages pupils to develop an awareness and responsibility of the environment around them.
Junior Science
Junior Science aims to develop the pupil’s power of observation, exploration and interpretation of everyday situations from a scientific perspective. This helps to develop their enquiring and practical skills ready for their next stage of learning.
As well as working in our Science Labs, learning and teaching are supported by visiting workshops such as the Explorer Dome, field trips and Science challenges.
Senior Science
Senior Science starts at Year 6 and is delivered in line with the recent development of the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum. At the end of Year 8, pupils will have completed Key Stage 3 Science, ready to sit Scholarship (if required), Common Entrance and SATS (or new equivalent).
The aim of Senior Science is to provide experiences and develop the skills that have been highlighted in the new Framework Science for successful learning.
As well as working in our Science Labs, learning and teaching are supported by visiting workshops, The Wilderness Centre, field trips, Salters' Festival of Chemistry and Science Challenges.