Rupert House School
90-92 Bell Street
Henley-on-Thames
Oxfordshire
RG9 2BN

Tel: 01491 574263
Fax: 01491 635791
Email

Registered Charity:
309648
Introduction  |  Pre-prep  |  Prep  |  English  |  Maths  |  Science  |  ICT  |  Design / Tech  |  History  |  Geography  
Modern Languages  |  Religious studies  |  P.E.  |  Art  |  Music  |  Homework  |  Learning support   
 
Pre-prep


Within the caring environment of the Pre-Prep children are taught to work and play together, in a secure setting where the values of co-operation and self-discipline are encouraged. Children learn what behaviour is appropriate and to appreciate and respect the feelings of others.

Throughout the Pre-Prep emphasis is placed on the traditional elements of numeracy and literacy. In addition children are offered a full and varied curriculum in order that each child can experience a sense of achievement from an early age.

  
 

All classes study a different topic each term with the aim of helping children develop interest and enjoyment in finding out about the world around them. Children in Nursery and Reception may have topics such as Myself, People who Help Us, Colours, Dinosaurs whilst in Year 2 these might include Egyptians, Children in World War II , Space, Oceans.

As well as the classroom teacher and classroom assistant, each class benefits from specialist teachers for Physical Education (PE), Music, Art, French and ICT. Professional football coaching is provided for Years 1 and 2.

Foundation Stage

Nursery and Reception Classes follow the Foundation Stage curriculum with its emphasis on learning through play. Through play children learn about themselves and the world about them so, in addition to more formal teaching, our children are given daily opportunities to explore and investigate in free-play situations.

The Foundation Stage curriculum is organised into six areas of learning:

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Communication, Language and Literacy
  • Mathematical Development
  • Knowledge and Understanding of the World
  • Physical Development
  • Creative Development

Further Information about the Foundation Stage can be found in the ‘Welcome to Nursery/Reception Handbook’ in the Parents Information Section.

Years 1 and 2

Years 1 and 2 follow Key Stage 1 as specified by the National Curriculum. In addition the boys are prepared for assessment days for entry into the Prep. School of their choice.

We believe that competence in English and mathematics is fundamental and all classes have a daily numeracy and literacy lesson. In addition children are taught the core subjects of Science and ICT (Information and Communication Technology), together with History, Geography, French, Art, Design and Technology (DT), Music, PE and Religious Education (RE).

Literacy follows the broad outline of the National Literacy Strategy. Time is spent discussing stories and other texts and much emphasis is placed on comprehension. Each child reads to an adult in school and takes home a reading book from a variety of schemes and sources. Phonics are taught consistently as an aid to reading and spelling and children have weekly spelling tests. Continuous cursive handwriting is taught and care in presentation is encouraged.

Numeracy follows the National Numeracy Strategy. Using a core maths teaching scheme children are introduced to numeracy through practical, mental and written mathematical activities. They are encouraged to apply their maths in everyday situations, such as playing shops in Year 1. By Year 2 the children have weekly number bond tests to develop their ability to work mentally to solve problems.

Children in the Pre-Prep department are still relatively little children, many of whom are under 7. At Rupert House we believe that they should be able to enjoy the curriculum and be stimulated by it. Accordingly there is a balance between practical and theoretical learning and where possible we use a ‘hands on’ approach to engage the children.