Year Group Overview
Our Prep School is vibrant and stimulating. It brings a wealth of exciting new opportunities, experiences, and responsibilities which deepen and expand upon the firm foundations established in Pre-Prep.
Years 3 and 4
Years 3 and 4 mark an exciting phase in our pupils’ educational journey, blending stability and support from teaching and contact time with form teachers with an introduction to more specialised subject teaching.
Form teachers teach English, Maths (taught in sets from the Spring Term of Year 3), Science, History, Geography, Religious Studies, and PSHE. Music, Art, Drama, French, PE, Games, Swimming, Computing and Design Technology are taught by subject teachers. Teaching Assistants and Learning Enrichment support are integral parts of the classroom, ensuring that each child’s individual needs are met.
Children in Year 3 benefit from a purpose-built classroom wing solely for their use, complete with a cloakroom, toilets, and a library. This dedicated space, overlooking the Prep playground, allows children to settle quickly and confidently into their new surroundings. They will also experience their first residential trip, fostering independence and team-building skills.
In Year 4, pupils move into the heart of the main school. The Summer term brings their first set of school examinations, providing valuable experience in academic assessment. Additionally, in Year 4 we begin discussions about the senior school transition process, helping pupils and parents start to consider senior school options at 11+ or 13+.
Year 5
In Year 5 pupils continue to expand their academic horizons and embrace greater independence.
From Year 5 onward, pupils move between classrooms for an even wider variety of specialist subjects including English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Religious Studies, and Reasoning. Despite this transition, the role of form teachers remains vital in supporting children’s independence and providing continuity of care through form time and PSHE.
In Maths and English, pupils are taught in sets, allowing for tailored teaching to meet individual needs and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning are introduced in timetabled lessons, preparing students for entrance examinations to senior schools at 11+ or 13+. While the second half of the year has a focus on exam technique, ensuring our pupils are well-prepared for future assessments, we are not a ‘hot house’ and place great importance on retaining a broad and engaging curriculum.
Sports lessons are extended in Year 5, with increased interschool fixtures and tournaments. Additionally, team-building events at Horseshoe Lake and residential trips to Juniper Hall further enrich the educational experience, fostering camaraderie and personal growth.
Year 6
Year 6 at Newland House is a year of significant growth and accomplishment. Pupils continue to develop their independence, resilience, and self-awareness. They will sit 11+ or 13+ exams for senior school entry and make their choices of where they will move onto at the end of Year 6, or the end of Year 8.
The first term focuses heavily on preparation for senior school entrance exams, which take place from November onwards. This preparation includes interview practice to help students develop confidence and poise in more pressurised situations.
Despite the emphasis on exam preparation, we do not compromise the breadth of our curriculum. Students continue to receive a well-rounded education with specialist lessons taught in English, Maths, Science, French, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Reasoning, Computing, Music, Art, Design Technology, Drama, PE, and Games. Latin is introduced into the curriculum, providing students with a foundation in classical languages and enhancing their understanding of English and other modern languages.
Excellent pastoral care from form teachers remains at the core of our approach. Alongside PSHE, we also run a wellbeing programme which explores different tools for managing emotions, change and challenge. Not only does this help keep children on track over the entrance exam period, but it empowers them with knowledge and skills to help them navigate life into the future.
The Year 6 programme, which comes in the final term of the year, is enriched with a variety of experiences designed to broaden students’ horizons and foster personal growth. There is a five day activity residential trip to Cumulus Tented Village in Swanage, a cookery workshop, a visit to the BFI and visits to unique sites such as Eltham Palace and Greenwich.
The end-of-year musical allows students to showcase their talents and celebrate their achievements with the school community.
