Pre-Prep - 5-7 years
5-7 years
"Throughout the school pupils achieve good and often high standards and make good and often rapid progress in relation to their abilities". "The attainment of pupils aged seven in national tests is high in relation to their abilities since the results in these tests over the last three years have been well above the national average for all maintained primary schools in reading and mathematics and above in writing".
(Independent Schools' Council Inspection Report - May 2005)
What is the Pre-Prep Department?
The Pre-Prep department at Bow, Durham School covers Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in National Curriculum terms. Pupils in the Reception class continue with the Foundation Stage Early Learning goals which were introduced in the Badger Nursery. Years 1 and 2 follow the National Curriculum to Key Stage One. Our pupils achieve well in the Key Stage 1 tests but they have the time to do a lot more besides, for example French, Science, History, Geography, Religious Education, IT, Music and Art.
Facilities
The pupils make use of facilities such as the Sports Hall, IT suite and library and are generally made to feel part of the Bow picture as a whole. Additionally, they swim every week all year round either at Durham City baths or at Spennymoor Leisure Centre.
Contact with Parents
Our friendly staff are well-qualified and enjoy the support of classroom assistants at every age group. Teaching staff are very keen to work in partnership with you as parents to ensure that your son or daughter flourishes at school.
Flexibility in the School Day
Our school day begins at 9.00am and finishes at 3.00 p.m. In the summer term pupils in Year 2 finish at 3.25 p.m. Pupils may arrive at school from 8.20 a.m. After school supervision is available until 5.15 p.m.
More than just an education
Pre-prep pupils are given opportunities to learn and enjoy far beyond the basic curriculum. They perform in concerts, take part in a nativity play and are involved in regular fund-raising for charity. Pupils from Year 1 upwards can attend after-school clubs such as fencing, judo, percussion and speech and drama. They realise from a very early age that school extends well beyond the classroom.
What about the next stage?
During Year 2 much time is spent preparing the pupils for the next stage, the Prep department. Year 2 pupils are included in the Houses for competition purposes; they attend Prep department assemblies once a week and begin to do some sport with the older pupils. During the Summer Term they stay until 3.25 p.m. in order to give them some experience of the longer day which awaits them in the Prep Department.
To make an appointment to visit please contact the Headmaster’s Secretary, Mrs Jane Green, 0191 3848233
next event
Senior School Speech Day and Friends' Summer Ball
Saturday, 05 July 2008
More forthcoming events.
recent news
Pre-Prep Summer Concert
Pupils don happy hats and sing their hearts out
Read more recent news.
photo gallery
See more photos of the prep school in the photo gallery.
Testimonials
"Since James has been at Durham School, we have noticed a dramatic change in his willingness to learn and listen. He has matured beyond our expectations. This transformation occurred within the first year at Durham School."
Mr Bryn Whyte