Bury Court - Prep School
During their time at Burys Court, the children will be taught English, Maths, Science, French, RE, PSHE, Music, Drama, Information Technology, Design Technology, PE, Art, History and Geography.
Maths and Science syllabi include much practical work so that children develop a real understanding of the subjects. To avoid children becoming bored with the usual classroom scene, the teachers often go back to nature and use the wonderful grounds as an additional classroom, particularly for Science and Art. Great importance is attached to the teaching of English and the Phono-Graphix system produces early and competent readers.
As well as all usual academic subjects, music, singing and musical appreciation are part of the syllabus for all the children throughout their school lives here. Every child learns an instrument, either the violin or clarinet, in a group lesson for two years after which they can continue with individual lessons if they choose to do so. Many children receive individual instrument lessons from visiting teachers and take the Royal Schools of Music exams. Regular practice takes place at school. From the age of 7, children learn and practise the recorder. Opportunities are given for them to perform in assemblies and in the Annual Instrumentalists' Concert.
Computers are an integral part of most children's lives, and we aim to broaden their computing horizon. The newly completed state of the art IT suite is regularly used to build new skills. We have recently introduced a touch-typing programme for all children from the age of 7. Older pupils are prepared for OCR Certificates in Using ICT and in Text Processing.
This wide-ranging curriculum is backed up with visits to places of interest, which bring the topics they are covering in class to life. It has been evident that this greatly reinforces what they have learned and inspires them in their studies.
The dedicated teaching staff make learning fun, with well resourced classrooms and small class sizes. These conditions help to ensure that children enjoy their lessons and look forward to learning new skills.
