It is well known that the benefits of an independent education are cumulative and that they make most difference to outcomes for children the earlier the investment in them is made. The small class sizes in our Prep School mean that each and every child is well known by their teachers. We regularly see the children outperform their peers in other schools, including other independent schools, having started at the same baseline.
AdmissionsAt Prep School your child will receive specialist attention appropriate for their age. From the age of seven this means an increasing amount of subject specialism; a maths lesson taught by an enthusiastic mathematician, a language lesson taught by a fully qualified linguist. This also includes science lessons in the High School labs for older pupils. This balance of specialist and class based teaching coupled with small class sizes and close attention to each pupils’ individual learning style encourages both academic and personal development. Please note that PE and Music Lessons for all Prep School and Early Years pupils are taught by highly qualified specialist teachers.
High School teaching of the Lower 3 science curriculum is well established and, through this, pupils enjoy the excellent facilities of the Schofield Laboratories, High School specialist teaching and the start of their transition to High School. Problem solving and Investigating lessons have been added to the timetable to widen mathematical skills and many pupils take part in the annual Primary Maths Challenge. Pupils leave the Prep School at the age of 11 well prepared for the challenges of High School.
The curriculum for Prep School is in line with, but not restricted by, the National Curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to become independent learners, confident in their own skills and the appropriate use of all resources. The curriculum draws on the strengths and interests of the wider teaching staff to provide specialist teaching in many areas.
An Enrichment programme allows pupils to explore wider opportunities such as sports, crafts, bushcraft and languages.
The subjects taught in Prep are: English, Maths, Science, Art, Design and Technology, Drama, French (introduced in Year 1), Geography, History, Religious Education, Computing, Music, PE and PSHE. Latin is introduced in Year 6.
Homework provides valuable consolidation of work covered during the day. Teaching staff ensure a balance of subjects and workload throughout the week.
Assessment is a continuous process through which teachers ascertain each individual child’s capabilities and achievements. English and Maths assessments take place each term. Assessments in science are carried out at an appropriate time at the end of each unit. Regular testing ensures that parents and staff have an immediate and accurate picture of each child’s performance and effort.
Reading and spelling are assessed at the end of the Spring Term. Other subjects are assessed by teachers using a range of strategies to ensure that each child’s progress is monitored and recorded on a regular basis.
From Lower 2 cognitive ability tests are administered each September. These assess verbal, non-verbal and quantitative reason skills. As children move through the Prep school the tests are undertaken in “exam” conditions.
There is regular liaison between Prep and High School staff on academic work and pastoral care to ensure that the transition from Prep to High School is smooth and productive. Pupils in Lower 3 are eligible to attend the Entrance and Scholarship Assessment Day which is usually held at the end of January. A limited number of scholarships are awarded for outstanding performance.
Pastoral care is a thread that runs throughout all aspects of life at Gateways and is directed towards the happiness, success, safety and welfare of each individual pupil and the integrity of the whole school community. The wellbeing of pupils is paramount at Gateways and any difficulties are dealt with promptly in the appropriate manner.
At Gateways our PSHE programme aims to ensure that each pupil is able to:
The School Council ensures that all students have a voice – each form elects a representative to the Council which meets once every half term to discuss any suggestions.
There are weekly assemblies which celebrate individual and group achievements.
A fully-qualified registered nurse is available during school hours in the event of illness or injury. The nurse cares for children with minor ailments, manages medication and contacts parents if necessary. The nurse is also involved in the health education of the children. There are also a number of qualified first aiders covering all areas of the school. A confidential listener is available for consultation and to offer confidential advice on a range of subjects.
We believe that each pupil should be allowed to develop and to achieve their goals at a pace suited to the individual. Learning support is a valuable resource in meeting this provision.
Read more about our learning support provision
Gateways Educational Trust Limited is a registered Charity No. 529206.
Gateways Educational Trust Limited is registered in England No. 702484.
