At Sutton Valence Preparatory School, children achieve at a high academic level within a happy, family atmosphere. We encourage our pupils to develop their talents to the full through a wide range of activities including sport, music and drama as well as through our lively after-school programme.
In their time with us, children develop self-confidence, and leave us as considerate and articulate individuals with well developed personalities and abilities.
At SVPS we have a well qualified, dedicated and experienced teaching staff. Class sizes are small and there is an excellent staff pupil ratio (10:1).
From Kindergarten to Year 2, throughout the early years, the children are predominantly taught by their Form Teacher, with some specialist teaching in Music, PE, Games, French and Dance.
Once they reach the age of 7 (Year 3), specialist teaching becomes a more integral part of their curriculum, when the children are taught Science, Art, D&T, ICT, Music, French, PE and Games by subject specialists.
From Year 5 onwards all the children’s teaching is by subject specialists. This is excellent preparation for any Senior School establishment.
Maths sets start in Year 4 and English in Year 5. There are 3 sets, one fast track and two parallel in each year group. Those in the parallel sets cover the same work but at a pace appropriate to their abilities and needs.
Further small group teaching may be offered if the children require it.
Kindergarten and Reception - the Foundation Stage
Children enter the non selective Kindergarten at the age of 3. Early Years teaching is based in a high quality, purpose built facility which opened in 2001. Emphasis is placed throughout on achieving high standards of literacy and numeracy, with appropriate activities and challenges. There is high staff pupil ratio, with each class having a qualified classroom assistant.
These standards are achieved in a happy, relaxed and energetic atmosphere where the need for young children to learn through play and the exploration of their surroundings, is recognised as paramount. Class teaching is the basis of our learning with Music, PE and Dance being taught by specialists.
By the time they are five, children are well grounded, articulate and confident and ready to tackle the wider challenges provided in Year 1, and beyond.
Children flourish in a happy, purposeful atmosphere: the aim is to enable children to develop through play and exploration of their surroundings in addition to the challenge of a wider and more demanding curriculum.
We place great emphasis on high standards of literacy and numeracy. Our pupil:staff ratio of 10:1 gives all children the chance to receive strong individual support from both the classroom teacher and a fully qualified teaching assistant.
Teaching in Key Stage One takes place in Underhill House, a purpose built Pre-Prep opened in 2001.
Throughout the Prep School the children continue to be taught in small class sizes. The form teachers take the lead but their work is augmented by a greater degree of specialist teaching - in Science, Art, Design Technology, ICT, French and Sport. The inspiration that the children gain from such specialist teaching encourages them to aspire to the highest standards.
Our aim is to build academic self-confidence in each child and to stretch their ambitions.
Our comprehensive extra-curricular programme gives children the opportunity to participate in activities and trips that supplement what is learnt in the classroom. Pupils can choose from over 25 different activities and clubs, the majority of which are held after school.
In addition through trips out of school and charity work throughout the year, the children are encouraged to look beyond their immediate experiences.
So, whatever their interest, whatever their level of ability, we aim for a healthy balance between participation, success, competitiveness and enjoyment, so that every child can flourish. |