Curriculum

The Prep School inspires children with a future ready, rigorous, and lively curriculum.

Our commitment to excellence is evident in the way we prioritise the core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science. But that’s not all – because we’re dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals, prepared for the world beyond school, we go beyond the basics and offer a holistic curriculum encompassing Food and Nutrition, French, Humanities, ICT, Latin, PE, and Personal Development. Alongside these subjects, a captivating Performing Arts Programme (Music & Drama) and weekly swimming lessons for all pupils are woven into the curriculum.

St. Francis’ isn’t just about academics; it’s a lively hub of extra-curricular opportunities! From lunchtime to after-school, our clubs and activities cover everything from craft and drama to games, music, and sports.

The Prep PE Department ensures that there is a busy fixtures calendar where the children can compete against pupils from other schools in a variety of sports including cricket, football, gymnastics, netball, tag, rounders, rugby and swimming. We are very much all-inclusive when it comes to sport and it’s our aim for every Key Stage 2 pupil to proudly represent at least one St. Francis’ Prep Sports team over the course of the year. However, it’s not just about winning; we encourage the pupils to show respect, and to demonstrate good sportsmanship in every situation.

Join us on this exciting journey, where education is not just about learning but also about growing, thriving, and growing in confidence every step of the way!

We welcome both boys and girls in the Early Years in The Prep School.

We are aware that from the moment pupils join us that we are educating and nurturing the whole child.

The Key Stage 1 curriculum blends the traditional academic subjects, with many opportunities for developing creativity through play and activities. Specialist teaching in Drama, Computer Science, Music, PE, Outdoor Learning, French, Ballet, and Tap Dance lessons all contribute to the rich and varied experiences on offer.

We’re not just about books and lessons; the development of positive values and a growth mindset are just as important and part of our daily routine. Threaded throughout the curriculum, as well as in specialist Personal Development lessons, we instil the core values of Determination, Resilience, Empowerment, Appreciation and Motivation, all in an environment where students feel Secure enough to have a go, make mistakes and learn from them.

We value and develop the natural curiosity of these amazing young minds and feel privileged to be guiding them on their educational journey.

We are passionate and rigorous in our teaching of systematic synthetic phonics at St. Francis’ College to ensure that all of our pupils make accelerated progress. Our teachers apply their knowledge and expertise in helping your child to read and write. Phonics enables learners to acquire the skills needed to develop their literacy and to help them become fluent readers. This guide is designed to give an overview of how we teach phonics at The College and how parents and guardians can support at home.

The Key Stage 2 curriculum builds seamlessly on the foundations set in Key Stage 1. It blends a wide range of traditional academic subjects with opportunities to explore our creative curriculum. We are particularly proud of the breadth of our provision and the many exceptional opportunities that enable every individual child to flourish.

Outstanding specialist teaching complements our impressive facilities with sport, art, music, languages and drama featuring prominently. Our engaging learning environment facilitates a holistic approach that provides children with a wide range of opportunities both in and out of the classroom.

Children are given opportunities to be active members of the school community. From representing their class on the School Council to being Prefects, Eco Warriors, Play Leaders and House Captains, they are encouraged to develop early leadership skills which will be nurtured further as they progress through the College.

Threaded throughout the curriculum, as well as in specialist Personal Development lessons, we instil the core DREAMS values of determination, resilience, empowerment, appreciation, motivation and security, all in an environment where students are encouraged to have a go, make mistakes and learn from them.

We do all we can to ensure every child’s transition to Senior School happens as seamlessly as possible, and because we know our pupils so well, we can prepare them for the move.

During Year 6 there are plenty of opportunities for pupils to spend time in the Senior School which means that their eventual transition to Year 7 occurs organically with gradual increased exposure to the Senior School facilities and staff. This ensures their move to Year 7 is successful.

Children who complete Years 5 and 6 in the Prep school are not required to sit the entrance exams for the Senior School (unless they are seeking an Academic Scholarship). Without the added pressure of entrance exams, our pupils can really make the most of all Year 6 has to offer.

Homework begins from Reception with reading books and spellings to take home and builds up over Key Stage Two. In Key Stage Two, there will also be pick and mix project homework which links across the topic being taught. This will provide a range and choice of activities for the children to complete and will be displayed in a parent exhibition at the end of each term.

At St. Francis’ College, the Performing Arts are an important and integral part of the curriculum because not only do they enable children to develop creative passions, they also allow children to be themselves, to learn language and communication skills, and to develop key life skills such as confidence and discipline.

Our pupils have many opportunities for learning and performing in Music, Drama and Dance, benefiting from having access to our College facilities of a 320-seat professional Theatre, Dance Studio, Drama Studio and specialist Music classrooms and practice rooms.

All classes from Reception upwards have Music and Drama lessons taught by specialist teachers; in addition, optional extra lessons are available in most musical instruments, as well as Ballet, Tap and Modern Jazz Dance.

Pupils participate in a variety of sports, including cross country, cricket, netball, football, tennis, swimming, and athletics. Every pupil from Year 1 to Year 6 has been invited to represent the College in a sporting event this year, which demonstrates our inclusive nature within sport.

Our KS2 Inter-house Swimming Gala is always a highlight of the year, and the pupils thoroughly enjoyed working together with other year groups towards a common goal, such as participating in a range of inter-house sporting events throughout the year. The Year 6 House Captains help organise and run the annual Sports Day for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, before representing their own Houses in their KS2 events. It is always a fun, friendly and competitive day giving all the pupils the opportunity to celebrate school sport.

Sport plays a large part in each pupil’s life in Prep, and we continue to strive for an inclusive and encouraging approach whilst still celebrating our many successes.