Brighton College Prep SchoolWalpole Lodge, Walpole Road, Brighton, BN2 0EU, East Sussex01273 704343 |
prepadmissions@brightoncollege.netwww.brightoncollege.org.uk |
The Nursery at Brighton College sees its young learners start their educational journey at just three years old, taught by qualified teachers. They attend five mornings a week and many enjoy staying for a flexible afternoon offering themed learning time in French, yoga, beach school, art and movement, which can be followed by the in-house after-school care group which runs until 5.45pm. The Nursery day is a highly flexible offering which suits the school's many types of parent. The curriculum has been developed to place an emphasis upon play-based learning and on supporting the individual interests and abilities of the children. Its innovative approach incorporates a programme of fine motor skill development and an emphasis on role-play in teaching, alongside an embedded use of technology including classroom CTouch screens, remote controlled devices and simple coding software and tablets.
Each year the Nursery pupils move on to Reception classes, fully prepared for their first year of school. They take with them a strong foundation and which ensures that they are keen learners who are ready to flourish. Alongside French and Mandarin teaching, the curriculum in Reception includes specialist art, PE, games and music lessons. Pupils from Reception upwards also benefit from weekly lessons in computing, teaching vital IT literacy and e-safety, and library lessons aimed at inspiring all pupils to read and learn about a range of literacy genres from the earliest age. At six years, children are given the opportunity to take up individual instrumental lessons taught by music specialists and become confident performers in weekly assemblies and annual concerts. Swimming lessons start when the children are five, adding to their action packed week of learning.
As the children progress into Year 4, their world of learning expands to incorporate curriculum drama, home economics, design and technology and Latin, alongside the traditional maths, English, science and humanities subjects. The co-curricular provision is also extended, incorporating LAMDA courses, choirs, music ensembles and orchestras. Over 100 clubs are available to the children during lunchtimes and after school, ranging from sewing or chess to debating or hockey. A programme of residential trips also begins in Year 5 which assists pupils to gain vital team-building and independence skills learnt in experiences outside of the classroom.
As the main feeder school into Year 9 at Brighton College, pupils here look forward to moving across from Year 8. They are well prepared for the next chapter in their education, having enjoyed a full programme of transition during their final term, 'Chapter IX', which, in liaison with the College, ensures that they are fully prepared. Many are successful in taking with them scholarship awards in both academic and co-curricular subjects.