Pre Prep
Parkside Pre Prep is for boys aged 4 -7. In this nurturing, child-centred environment, our aim is for all boys to reach their full potential across the curriculum so that they are ready to move into the Prep School as independent, resilient, happy and confident learners.
With small classes of 14 and a high level of focused teaching involvement, supported by a teaching assistant, boys benefit from this emphasis and supportive attention, ensuring their progress.
Boys are taught creatively with hands-on practical experiences to ignite their passion for learning, develop curiosity and experience the joy of risk-taking. ‘Real-life’ learning is thoroughly enjoyable, engaging and promotes discursive learning.
The boys begin their Pre Prep journey in Reception, the final year of EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage), and then move on to Years 1 and 2. The curriculum is broad and balanced with an emphasis on English and maths every morning. The boys receive daily phonics, reading and mental arithmetic; thus ensuring they attain a high level of Numeracy and Literacy skills as they move into the Prep School. In all year groups, boys benefit from specialist teaching in French, forest school, music, swimming, sport, gym, computing, drama and art; all with the advantage of using the many school facilities and grounds at Parkside.
Example timetables All Pre Prep boys have the opportunity to develop their talents in the creative arts, performing in the Christmas production, church services and a music concert every year. They develop the confidence to speak in front of an audience during the Carol Service and Mother’s Day Service at St Mary’s Church as well as weekly ‘Star of the Week’ assemblies.
In games lessons, all boys experience a wide range of team and individual sports and have a weekly swimming lesson, all taught by our specialist teachers and sports coaches.
The transition to the Prep School is seamless as preparations start in the summer term of Year 2. Boys are allocated a buddy from Year 7 who will guide them in Year 3 and build a supportive relationship built on trust and confidence. A highly successful part of this transition process is dedicated time spent in the Prep School in their new classroom environment ready for September when they join Year 3. This allows the boys to become familiar with routines, staff and the Prep School environment before the summer holidays, so that they return without those niggling fears and worries that can often set some boys back.
The School Day
The Parkside School day is full and engaging. It allows flexibility for families who have commitments outside school hours.
Pre Prep and Prep
7.30am | Breakfast Club (Servery) |
8.00am | Early Drop Off (Salon) |
8.20am | School Day Starts: Form / Class Time |
10.35am | BREAK |
12.00pm | LUNCH (Pre Prep) |
1.05pm | LUNCH (Prep - 2 sittings) |
3.15pm | Pre Prep day ends |
3.15pm | Pre Prep After School Clubs |
4.00pm | Prep school day ends |
4.00pm | Prep school After School Clubs |
4.00pm | Pre Prep After-School Care |
4.10pm | Minibuses depart |
5.00pm | Prep After School Care |
6.00pm | School closes |