The Pre-Prep Curriculum

At Longacre, our pupils are immersed in French language and culture as early as Reception as this is the best time to start learning a new language. They are taught by a specialist teacher who is also a native speaker. Our Reception pupils enjoy 30 minutes of French a week, increasing to an hour a week in Forms I and II. They cover a wide range of topics such as numbers, colours, zoo animals, food and healthy eating to mention a few. The children also have lots of fun listening to stories and joining in with songs. They discover French traditions and learn about everyday life in France. Alongside their linguistic skills, our pupils develop lifelong, transferable skills and are encouraged to rely on the 7Cs which are at the core of our teaching and learning here at Longacre.

Computing lessons take place weekly in the ICT Suite. Children are provided with the digital skills that they need to excel in today’s changing world and they have the opportunity to access a range of ICT equipment including PCs, iPads and programmable robots. 

Problem-solving and thinking logically are key approaches to learning and children learn to code from an early age via software such as Espresso Coding. Children are encouraged to be creative and produce digital art and text with Purple Mash. In Form II, the children continue to progress their word processing and presentation skills through the use of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. Children are well educated in the safe use of the internet through the computing curriculum and workshops by guest speakers. 

Computing is also linked with other areas of the curriculum and technology is used by the children to enhance their learning experience.  

In the Early Years, music is based on learning through play and exploration. Children in these year groups experience energetic music lessons, tuning them into rhythm, movement and developing their gross motor skills as they explore the movement of their body, and fine motor skills by handling instruments. Group rhythmic and vocal activities help the children to hear the rhythm of language and their ability to hear the patterns of sounds, to create strong phonological awareness. Building listening skills, curiosity, imagination, self-expression, group-expression, communication and confidence through their creativity are key outcomes in music for these young learners.  

As a Sports Department, we believe we have the perfect opportunity to influence the future lifestyles of our children. Whilst ensuring the national curriculum is followed, we aim to go above and beyond by supplying our students with a vast array of opportunities to develop not only their fundamental movement skills but also key characteristics such as sportsmanship, teamwork, communication and tactical understanding. 

Topics covered include: 

• Fundamental movement mastery (developing ABCs)
• Gymnastics
• Invasion Principles
• Dance
• Net/Wall
• Striking and Fielding
• Athletics 
• as well as team games such as football, end ball, netball, rugby, cricket and hockey

Forest School is a great subject as it provides many opportunities for cross-curricular links.  It’s a fantastic subject to have on the school timetable as it allows the children to really use their imagination and creativity whilst also learning transferable skills and knowledge of British wildlife and how we can help sustain it.

Topics that are covered in Pre-Prep Forest School lessons include:

• Woodland art
• Fire lighting
• Tool work (green woodwork)
• Mini-beasts
• Habitats
• Adaptation
• Wildlife and how we can help
• Trails
• Fairies and elves
• Seasons and the weather