Pre Prep Curriculum

Following the strong start provided in our Owlets Nursery, our Reception pupils engage with a curriculum that is thoughtfully crafted and designed to develop their phonics, reading, writing and mathematical skills. Our experienced teaching staff help children to develop a love for reading, writing and mathematics from the very start. Our classroom approach develops the children’s holistic development through their encouragement of own curiosity, and teacher-led, structured activities are combined with hands-on experiences to make learning both fun and meaningful.

In addition to English, Mathematics and Science, the Reception curriculum includes subjects which are delivered by passionate, expert, specialist teachers such as French, PE, Music and Drama. Across the curriculum, pupils are encouraged to express themselves and to develop confidence, communication skills and a sense of individuality.

Outdoor learning is an integral part of the Windlesham Pre-Prep experience. Our secure and stimulating outdoor spaces, specifically for reception, allow children to explore, play, and develop gross motor skills. Physical activity is woven into the daily routine, promoting a healthy lifestyle and a sense of well-being.

We build on the strong foundations laid in Nursery and Reception. We continue to expand our children’s understanding of phonics and literacy skills and we recognise that a love of reading is essential for lifelong learning. Storytime, library visits, and the use of diverse texts in English lessons are central to our approach.

In Mathematics, we place a strong emphasis on laying solid foundations in children’s understanding of number and place value. We believe that mathematics should be approached in a visual and practical manner at this stage to ensure that all children can access the learning and succeed. We use a range of activities and equipment all help the children to create visual representations and support children with retaining visual pictures.

At Windlesham, we believe in providing our children with immersive learning experiences designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and a deep understanding of the world around them. To achieve this, we take a cross-curricular approach to learning; each term children immerse themselves in a new topic that is explored across various curriculum subjects. These include the prehistoric times, periods and events from history such as The Great Fire of London and we extend our local investigations to looking at Sussex Castles.

To kickstart each new topic, we organise ‘Wow Days’, which serve as exciting and memorable launch events. Pupils engage with a range of topic-related learning experiences and activities designed to stimulate their curiosity and foster their imagination. This creative, holistic approach helps to set the stage for an exciting term of learning. These days incorporate a mix of activities such as workshops, demonstrations, games, and guest speakers, all which create a sense of wonder and discovery.

Our PE curriculum, led by our specialist PE team, is designed to be inclusive and enjoyable, catering to the individual needs and abilities of each child. The focus of the PE curriculum is one which promotes physical fitness, motor skills development, teamwork and overall wellbeing. This gives pupils the knowledge to lead healthy lifestyles throughout their school years and beyond.

At Windlesham, we prioritise the well-rounded development of our children and this includes fostering a love of swimming and building confidence in water. Weekly swimming lessons start in Reception and continue until the end of Year 6. Led by a specialist swimming coach, our children engage in weekly, structured swimming lessons in our indoor heated pool.

In Pre-Prep and beyond, children have weekly French lessons with a specialist teacher. The creative arts also feature prominently in our timetable and our music curriculum encourages children to explore the world of music through a variety of activities, including singing, playing instruments and music theory. Visiting peripatetic teachers provide offer expert instruction in a wide range of musical instruments. Through our drama curriculum, children explore the exciting world of storytelling, character development, and performance which encourages creativity, builds confidence and develops communication skills.