Our youngest Dragons, at Pre-Prep level, are arguably the most creative and hopeful when it comes to tackling social and environmental impact challenges. Each academic year exposes them to fresh and inspiring activities to develop life-long skills that are essential as they journey through the Dragon, future schools and later life.
Investigative and exploratory work involves children in the gradual development of their ability to observe carefully, predict, plan, record and interpret results. We encourage children to reflect on their answers and ways of improving an investigation.
Religious Studies are taught as part of the creative curriculum topics where links can be made and as a discrete subject when this isn’t possible. Relevant issues are developed and discussed further in class assemblies, Pre-Prep assemblies and PSHEE/Circle Times.
The social and emotional development of the children sits firmly alongside their academic development and a key part of this is our PSHEE curriculum. All children have a PSHEE lesson each week with the Head of Pre-Prep.
The Games programme is based around learning the core skills of hand eye coordination, teamwork and ball skills. Children are introduced to a variety of sports as they progress through the Pre-Prep including football, rugby, hockey, netball, tennis, cricket and athletics.
Children are introduced to a wide range of tuned and untuned percussion instruments, work on their listening skills, composing and performance. Some children take music exams, however the focus is on generating an enjoyment of playing and good practice routines.
Children are introduced to Numeracy through practical, mental and written mathematical activities. We recognise it is essential for children to develop understanding of maths and have the skills to apply their knowledge.
From the moment children enter the Pre-Prep in Reception, their starting point and subsequent progress is monitored and particular strengths and weaknesses noted. Members of our specialist Learning Support Department have a link with each class which they visit weekly observing activities and discussing strategies to help children learn more effectively.
Children at the Pre-Prep begin familiarising themselves with a variety of equipment and media from the start of their time with us. From mastering research skills and extending their learning using interactive software to taking their first steps in understanding coding, children are taught to develop healthy and safe attitudes towards the tools at their disposal.
Dragon School is committed to raising awareness of global responsibility amongst our children from Pre-Prep through to Prep. Children explore aspects of human and physical geography that affect their surroundings locally, nationally and worldwide.
The essential elements taught at Pre-Prep are those of fun and confidence. The principle objective being that the children enjoy learning French as a language.
Reading and writing are taught through a range of methods, including phonics, and activities are linked to the theme for the term. The ability to question and communicate are key to both learning and life in general and are encouraged from the first day in Reception.
Drama and performance at the Pre-Prep builds confidence, develops skills and encourages teamwork. In all its guises, Drama plays a large part of life at the Dragon.
DT at Dragon School draws on the children’s knowledge from other subjects and enhances their work. Making skills are developed through focused practical tasks.
Art is an integral part of the whole curriculum, children’s work is celebrated and displayed colourfully throughout the school.