St Columba's College Pre-Preparatory Department
“
Children develop a strong sense of
independence and become self-motivated and confident young learners.
The learning environment for communication, language and literacy is
outstanding. Staff place a high emphasis on how they value each child
as an individual.
”
(Quote from the Pre-Prep OFSTED Report April 2008)
Mrs Loveman, Headmistress
St Columba’s Pre-Preparatory Department is the start of
a boy’s learning journey at St Columba’s College. The well qualified
and supportive staff accompany the pupils on a voyage of educational
and social discovery during their first three years of schooling. Our
boys are welcomed into the caring, happy and stimulating environment
that allows the qualities and talents of each individual the
opportunity to develop and shine. The Pre-Prep boys are consistently
encouraged to empathise with others as they build strong relationships
with their peers, staff members in the Department and the school
community as a whole.
Teaching
Form Teachers are supported in the well resourced,
purpose-built classrooms by full-time Teaching Assistants. There is
specialist teaching for French, Music, P.E. and Swimming for all the
Pre-Prep classes. When the boys reach their final year of the Pre-Prep
they also receive specialist Art teaching. The curriculum in the
Pre-Prep Department draws upon the Key Stage One National Curriculum
and the Foundation Stage guidelines. However, we endeavour to offer a
broader curriculum that offers further opportunities for extension,
exploration and sustained enjoyment in all of the subject areas. Our
approach to learning involves investigating, practising, revisiting and
consolidating in a creative environment.
Curriculum
The curriculum is further enhanced by many additional
activities. At the end of the first term, the Pre-Prep boys work
together to produce a Christmas performance that is watched by their
parents and the boys in the Prep department. Also, every term each of
the classes enjoys an off-site visit to support and extend their
learning from the classroom. For example, the boys have visited The
Science Museum, The London Transport Museum, St Albans Museum and The
Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery. The Department also regularly welcomes
visitors to talk to the children about specific topics. This year we
have already enjoyed a visit from The Animal Man, an archivist from the
Alexander Fleming Museum and a children’s theatre group.
