Year 3 – Year 8

English at The Prep develops reading, writing, speaking and listening across a rich curriculum with many extra-curricular opportunities.

Reading underpins all learning, with pupils encouraged to read widely at school and at home. Our Acheson Library offers thousands of fiction and non-fiction titles, supported by a full-time librarian, author visits and trips to the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

Writing is taught across a range of styles and purposes, with a focus on spelling, punctuation, grammar and the Talk 4 Writing approach in Years 2–6, preparing pupils to communicate confidently in exams and beyond.

Speaking and listening skills are developed daily through class discussions, Drama-based activities, guest visitors and theatre trips to the Everyman Theatre or Cheltenham Playhouse.

From Library lessons to author visits, live performances to World Book Day, the English curriculum offers continual opportunities to inspire and engage pupils.

Maths at The Prep develops reasoning, problem-solving and real-world thinking, helping pupils make sense of the world around them. Lessons focus on understanding, enjoyment and challenge, revisiting key concepts year on year to build connections across the subject.

Pupils work in small classes of up to 18 with specialist teachers, and additional support is provided through one-to-one clinics and extension sessions. This ensures all children can reach their potential in Common Entrance or academic scholarships.

Real-world applications and cross-curricular links, for example in Science and Computing, make Maths relevant and engaging, equipping pupils with transferrable skills for life.

Curiosity and discovery are central to Science teaching, encouraging pupils to explore the world and think critically. Specialist teachers develop scientific thinking and literacy through lessons that balance theory with practical investigation.

Learning takes place in modern laboratories and across the wider school environment, with pupils carrying out experiments, analysing data and engaging with external speakers and visits to make Science relevant and engaging.

Biology, Chemistry and Physics are explored through hands-on experiences, from outdoor fieldwork to building circuits and investigating forces, helping pupils connect scientific ideas to real-world phenomena.

Pupils develop key skills such as forming hypotheses, testing ideas and evaluating evidence, providing a strong foundation for Common Entrance, academic scholarships and GCSE Science.

Music is taught by specialist teachers from Nursery through to Year 8, with pupils developing skills in listening, performing and composing. Lessons combine practical music-making with topic-based learning, from historical themes to Film Music and soundtracks.

Pupils benefit from a wide range of traditional and modern resources, including music technology and recording facilities, and many choose to take individual instrumental tuition. A rich co-curricular programme of choirs, orchestras and ensembles, alongside regular performance opportunities, allows pupils to develop confidence and a lasting enjoyment of music.

Through History, Geography and Theology, Philosophy and Ethics (TPE), pupils develop a broad and thoughtful understanding of the world, past and present. Learning is shaped by investigation, discussion and reflection, helping pupils make sense of cultures, places and ideas beyond their immediate experience.

In Pre-Prep and Lower School, Humanities is taught through integrated topic themes, before becoming discrete subjects from Year 5. These themes continue to link learning across subjects, helping pupils form strong connections and deepen understanding.

History encourages pupils to question the past through source analysis, debate and enquiry, while Geography develops an understanding of the physical and human world through real-world case studies and practical challenges. TPE supports pupils in exploring beliefs, values and ethical questions, fostering respect, open-mindedness and confident articulation of ideas.

Across all three subjects, specialist teaching, hands-on activities, visits and external speakers ensure Humanities learning is engaging, relevant and provides a strong foundation for future study.

All pupils are taught French from Nursery School as we believe that languages are an essential life skill. The MFL department is staffed by a combination of native speakers and highly dedicated and enthused Teachers, focusing on the four key elements of language learning: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Our Teachers are highly experienced at developing the building blocks for all pupils to become confident, competent linguists in all of the core skills. Underpinned by a French phonetic approach to language learning, based around a systematic pedagogy to empower the pupils, as well as having time devoted to enjoying the culture of the country, pupils leave The Prep equipped with exactly the right tools and knowledge for their progression to GCSE languages after having completed our own scheme of work and exams in Years 7 and 8.

All pupils in Years 6 to 8 study Classics, exploring the lives, languages and cultures of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. The subject develops key skills such as investigation, creativity and teamwork, and is accessible to all, from complete beginners to scholars.

Pupils explore a wide range of topics, from Latin vocabulary and daily life in Ancient Rome to ideas of heroism, mythology and the lasting influence of classical civilisation on the modern world. Learning is engaging and varied, combining language, history and cultural enquiry.

With flexible pathways and opportunities for extension, including Academic Scholarship and the study of Ancient Greek in Year 8, Classics offers pupils a stimulating and enriching foundation for future study.

In Computing, we aim to foster skill, creativity and engagement with the key technologies which underpin 21^st Century life. Pupils learn how to use the Office 365 suite of programs effectively and how to best present their work. These skills are embedded through use of technology across the whole school curriculum. Pupils are taught how to boost their searching skills for online research, to use the internet safely with lessons on safety and cybersecurity, and how their computers work by exploring binary numbers, ASCII codes, RAM, CPUs and networking. Creativity with Computing is a key theme of lessons.

Pupils begin learning to code in Lower School with CrumbleBots and Scratch, building on their Computing skills from Pre-Prep. In Upper School, pupils progress to Python and Web Coding. These are applied to physical computing with Raspberry Pi – pupils even send their code into space! Ever evolving, the AI landscape is carefully monitored with the children educated on the possibilities and pitfalls to ensure they are curious, independent creators. Pupils’ use of technology is to support and further their learning not replace it.

Drama develops pupils’ confidence, creativity and communication, using the body and voice as tools for performance and self-expression. Through practical lessons, pupils explore a wide range of techniques including physical theatre, voice work, improvisation, character creation and stagecraft.

In Upper School, pupils extend their learning through co-curricular opportunities such as LAMDA and an annual production. Across all year groups, Drama encourages self-belief and collaboration, equipping pupils with skills that support both performance and wider learning.

Design & Technology is a practical and creative subject taught in state-of-the-art facilities, where pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. Pupils consider the needs of users while developing skills in creativity, problem-solving and technical understanding.

DT draws on knowledge from Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Computing and Art, allowing pupils to apply learning in meaningful contexts, such as 3D printing or food and nutrition projects. Through designing, making and evaluating, pupils become confident, resourceful and innovative thinkers, well prepared for the challenges of the modern world.

Art develops pupils’ creativity, confidence and independence, encouraging them to take risks and take ownership of their work. Teaching focuses on helping pupils make thoughtful decisions and gain satisfaction from completing work to a high standard.

Pupils build skills progressively through drawing, painting, printing and sculpture, with observational drawing underpinning all projects. A wide range of materials and techniques, from watercolours and printmaking to clay and 3D work, are explored within cross-curricular projects that respond to the wider world. A varied co-curricular programme, including Advanced Art and specialist clubs, further supports pupils’ creative development.