Early Years
Our Early Years team set up a wide variety of activities, both inside and outside the classroom, and these provide opportunities for the children to engage in whole class, small group and individual activities which are tailored to their learning needs. We adapt our teaching to respond to the children’s interests and abilities. Each child’s learning journey is tracked through observations, assessments and notes and planning is reviewed on a daily basis to ensure the best opportunities are offered for every child’s development.
The curriculum is planned around topic themes, but is flexible so that it can reflect the interests of the children and their families. We incorporate cultural and religious festivals that are of significance to our families, and staff are always keen to celebrate significant events in a child’s life such as the birth of a sibling, a holiday or moving house.
The children in EYFS (Nursery and Reception) have an exceptional start at Newton Prep because of the advantage of being part of a large community. This means that the children enjoy using the School garden, playground, All Weather Pitch, sports halls and dance studios to develop their skills and children are taught music, French, physical education and ballet by specialist staff.
Key Stage One (Year 1 and Year 2)
There are four classes each in Year 1 (five to six year olds) and Year 2 (six to seven year olds). Each class has about 20 children taught by a qualified teacher and supported by a full-time teaching assistant. The children study a broad and balanced curriculum that encompasses all areas of learning with exciting and challenging experiences. Most subjects are taught by the class teacher through a variety of whole class, small group and individual tasks. French, music, physical education, computing and library skills are taught by specialist teachers.
Children in Key Stage One are encouraged to select and use resources independently and to develop good learning habits and attitudes. For instance, when a child is encouraged to persevere when faced with challenge, they can celebrate their success and this builds their tenacity and resilience, which in turn increases their self-esteem and confidence. The children receive weekly written homework and a list of spellings to learn for the following week. It is expected that children read individually to an adult each evening at home.
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Key Stage Two (Year 3 to Year 6)
There are four classes per year group from Year 3 to Year 6, with approximately 20 pupils in each class. Children in Key Stage Two are challenged and motivated to achieve results beyond their natural expectations. Every lesson is carefully planned and structured; feedback from teachers helps children to see the 'next steps' in their learning.
From Year 5 onwards, humanities subjects are taught by specialist teachers.
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Key Stage Three - Newton Prep Diploma
Whilst many pupils (particularly girls) move to senior school at 11+, the number of children staying on in Years 7 and 8 has steadily increased. The Newton Prep Diploma is a cross-curricular programme that combines the humanities subjects (Geography, History and Religious Studies) with Art and Drama so that they are taught in a thematic way.
