Good to know:
- The Woodbridge School Prep curriculum is designed to be exciting and challenging to all of its pupils.
- Progress and attainment in Mathematics is recognised and shared regularly in fortnightly Celebration Assemblies.
- Most recently, we have had author Nick Butterworth (‘Percy the Park Keeper’ and more!) spend the day with the School, speaking to both pupils and parents about the importance of reading.
We recognise that children thrive academically when work in the classroom is balanced by a broad range of challenges outside it. At its core, pupils study English, Mathematics, Science and ICT, but Art, Music, Sport, Drama and our wide range of clubs and activities play an important part in the children’s all-round education.
The work is closely linked to the National Curriculum, although we do have the flexibility to ensure that the pupils also develop a love of learning and a genuine enthusiasm for a wide variety of subjects.
Mathematics
The curriculum is designed so that pupils become fluent in the fundamentals of Mathematics, are able to reason mathematically, and are able to solve increasingly sophisticated real-life problems.
Formal teaching is interspersed with practical and cross-curricular activities, as well as with fortnightly investigative sessions. Prep is used to support the children’s learning in class and all children have access to Mathletics and MyiMaths to further extend their subject knowledge. This dynamic approach enables the children to appreciate and enjoy Mathematics and to fully prepare them for their lifelong Mathematical journey ahead.
Events throughout the year – such as Maths Day, Pi Day and UKMT Maths Challenges – give the children a chance to apply their learning outside of the classroom.
English
The English curriculum is designed to equip pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. Pupils at Woodbridge School Prep are introduced to a wide range of literature, composition styles and technical knowledge within the context of an exciting and engaging English Curriculum. During English lessons, children are encouraged to think creatively and in a highly inquisitive manner.
Throughout their time at Woodbridge School Prep, pupils learn to read for pleasure and information, and also as a means to appreciate our rich literary heritage. They acquire a wide vocabulary and a good understanding of grammar and punctuation, which is used to write accurately and clearly in a wide range of contexts and for different purposes and audiences.
Our aim is to make the teaching of English truly inter-curricular, with writing activities linked to all subjects.
Science
The Science curriculum aims to develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding of elements of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Pupils learn about nature, processes and methods of science through different types of scientific enquiries, which help them understand the world around them. They learn about how Science affects their lives today and what discoveries will mean for their future.
The subject is very much practical based and pupils learn to work collaboratively to solve problems by designing experiments and carrying them out. Science is taught in our modern, spacious, well-equipped Science Room, out-door investigations also take place in Woodbridge School Prep’s grounds. Learning about English does not end in the classroom; we organise trips, visiting speakers, performers and much more.
History
At Woodbridge School Prep, History is taught chronologically, from the Stone Age to the Second World War, so that pupils develop knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history.
As East Anglia and Essex have numerous sites of historical significance, the children’s learning is enhanced further by educational trips to important local sites, such as Sutton Hoo, Colchester Castle, Hedingham Castle and Audley End.
Geography
At Woodbridge School Prep, Geography aims to inspire a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people. Pupils will extend their knowledge and understanding beyond their local area to include the United Kingdom, Europe, South America and the world.
In addition to locational and place knowledge, they will gain an appreciation of life in other cultures through studies of human geography. They will learn about key aspects of rivers, mountains and seas and they will also look at types of settlements and land use. Pupils will consider environmental challenges and challenges to traditional values in settlements.
Prep pupils will come to understand what it means to be a global citizen and respect other cultures and environments.
Spanish
The Woodbridge Prep School Language programme introduces Spanish from Reception. In their weekly lesson, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils discover interesting facts about many Spanish-speaking countries and take their first steps into language-learning through games and songs. In Years 3 to 6, pupils develop their Spanish language skills further with two lessons a week.
The ability to communicate confidently in real-life situations is crucial and pupils love role-play activities, such as the Spanish café. There is a dedicated Spanish classroom at the Prep, where the magical journey towards linguistic confidence and success begins.
Computing
Computing lessons take place in the Computer Room and tablets are available for use in Computing lessons and for independent research in all other curriculum areas.
Pupils are taught to design, write and ‘debug’ programmes to accomplish specific goals. They use logic to explain how simple algorithms work. They are taught how computer networks, such as the internet, work and how to use search technologies effectively. Pupils are taught to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.
Art
At Woodbridge School Prep, we provide the children with a fun, yet challenging, Art curriculum, which is taught in the well-equipped Art Room. Lessons are held in very small groups, which enables us to be ambitious with the tools and equipment that we give the children to use.
From enormous sculptures in the style of Oldenburg, to intricately-carved printing blocks, the children enjoy a variety of media and learn a diverse range of techniques, as well as gain an understanding and appreciation of the History of Art.
