Curriculum 5+

In the Nursery & Pre-Prep School pupils progress through and beyond the National Curriculum, beginning with the Early Learning Goals and moving through to the attainment targets of Key Stage One and Two.

Class teachers take their own classes for most subjects.  We believe children should learn from, and be inspired by, the best; from their earliest years, our pupils benefit from the expertise of visiting specialist teachers in a wide range of subjects, from Mandarin and French to PE, Art and Music.

Special visitors, trips to museums, exhibitions and events during the year vary and enrich their education.

Years 1, 2 and 3.

In Year 1 there are two parallel classes, each with approximately 21 pupils.  The school expands to three parallel classes at Year 2 (age 6-7). 

The curriculum at Brighton College Nursery & Pre-Prep School encompasses all of the elements of the National Curriculum.  It is organised into Key Stages:

Key Stage 1 - 5 to 7 years of age - Years 1 & 2

Key Stage 2 - 7 to 11 years of age - Year 3

Children will build on and consolidate their learning through practical work, practice and the opportunity to use their learning.  Teachers provide opportunities where children can apply and develop their learning.  Our cross-curricular approach, links to out-of-school experiences and to other daily activities, helps children to appreciate the role that these aspects of learning play in their everyday lives.

Year 1 (5/6 year olds)

In Year 1, children move into a new key stage.  The end of Foundation Stage assessment (the Foundation Stage Profile) provides a clear benchmark of children's attainment.  The assessment profile, together with ongoing teacher assessment, informs planning and teaching across the broader curriculum.  The profile enables teachers to identify children's performance and progress and helps them plan how to address any gaps in learning. Helping children to recognise their progress maintains their enthusiasm and motivation.

Year 2 (6/7 year olds)

Year 2 takes children through to the end of Key Stage 1 and is the time when most children secure many of their early key skills as learners.  Assessments made throughout Year 1, inform planning and teaching across the broader curriculum.  This assessment profile enables teachers to identify any gaps in understanding that need to be addressed in order to secure progression in learning.  Helping children to recognise their progress maintains their enthusiasm and motivation, supported by strong home-school links with clear lines of communication.

Year 3 (7/8 year olds)

Year 3 is the beginning of a new Key Stage.  Key Stage 2 traverses the Pre-Prep and the Prep Schools and Year 3 is seen as a transition year, where the children are developing their learning and independence towards the next stage of their education.  Assessments made during Year 2 and continual assessment throughout Year 3, continue to inform planning and teaching across the broader curriculum.  Children are increasingly encouraged to recognise their progress and begin to develop more independent ways of working.  Motivation and enthusiasm are therefore maintained, as are the strong home-school links and clear lines of communication.