Academic and Homework

Academic

Read School Prep School pupils are bright and inquisitive individuals with a real thirst for, and a love of learning.  Well motivated, they each have unique abilities, interests and aspirations. A well-orchestrated curriculum, delivered by dedicated staff, allows for the integrated development of academic, physical, creative and social skills as we strive to fulfil the full potential of each and every pupil.

Small class sizes enables pupils to receive the appropriate care, support and guidance, so pivotal to future success, at this stage of their independent educational journey.  They develop at a pace that reflects their individual needs and capabilities while each pupil is encouraged to achieve the highest standard of which they are capable.  Likewise, individual care and attention promotes self-esteem and expression and an enquiring mind.

All pupils are encouraged to reflect upon their own progress, being directly involved in, and responsible for their own learning.  Pupils are predominantly taught by a Form Tutor initially and then progress towards specialist teaching in areas such as French, ICT, design technology, games and drama.  There are many extra-curricular pursuits and educational trips for the pupils to enjoy.

The atmosphere of Read School Prep School is secure and friendly with pupils actively encouraged to develop a sense of achievement through learning, and good manners and behaviour are openly praised and rewarded.   Highly motivated and dedicated staff work to the precept that every child is an individual and deliver a programme of study which is both achievable yet challenging to each pupil in their care.

Homework

Homework is an essential part of school life and a vital tool used to reinforce work done during the school day.

  • Pupils in Years 3 and 4 are set literacy (English) and Numeracy (Mathematics) on alternate nights and it is expected to be completed for the following day
  • Pupils in Years 5 and 6 will receive literacy and numeracy homework each night and these too are expected to be completed by the next day
  • Other subject staff set homework once a week and the pupils have a week to complete the work
  • The regular practice of reading books, spellings and tables is also vital for pupils of this age group to attain the basics of literacy and numeracy. Please assist with these if necessary, but it is essential that you do not do the work for them
  • The Prep School encourages the children to read for pleasure. This should not be viewed as a chore or as a competition of marching through the different reading levels. All children start on the Ginn reading scheme as they enter the Prep School and progress through the levels at their own pace and to support their own particular skills and needs.

As the children progress they eventually become ‘Free readers’ and we have our own library containing a wide range of both fiction and non-fiction material. The form tutor will supervise their choices to ensure they have chosen sensibly in order to encourage interest and to maintain progress.

Each child has a reading record which should be signed every night – preferably with suitably encouraging comments! Form staff and supporting prefects who listen to readers, also contribute to this record book and this information is given up in transfer as the children move up each year.